My toddler has started stuttering

[CoffeeAndCarrotCake]

My very PFB DD has started stuttering, and I'm so so upset about it. I'm sure it's my fault because I've been working such long hours and barely seeing her over the last couple of months (which is when it all started).

It doesn't seem to bother her at all, and we certainly don't draw her attention to it - we just wait for her to finish what she's trying to say and carry on as normal, and give her loads of encouragement for pretty much everything she says and does. I'm just really worried it'll take hold and be a permanent problem for her. I've made an appointment with a speech and language therapist to see what she suggests, but wondered if anyone else has a toddler (she's 2.5) who started stuttering? What did you do to help them? How long did it last?!

Thanks!

This is totally normal. I think both mine did it, I did just what you are doing, don't fuss, and don't finish what she's saying.

Mine did it for a few months, it tailed off rather than ending sharply. It is probably not due to you working lots, particularly if she's happy with your childcare.

It's a normal developmental stage. The SALT will be able to reassure you, I think.

Thank you NotQuite - I hope so!!!

Ds stuttered at around the same age. It coincided with his speech really coming on.

I decided to wait for a couple of months to see if it settled down by itself as I suspected after talking to other parents that it was just a case of his brain and mouth getting a bit confused as he learned this new skill. Sure enough, after a while it went away.

If it had lasted longer, I'd have gone to see the GP/HV and asked for a referral to SALT.

Oh, and no trauma, changes in routine or anything else when ds started stuttering so please give yourself a break about that

I think most go through this, maybe the brain is working so fast her mouth just can't keep up. My DS had this and it resolved itself. Sounds to me like you're doing it perfectly, letting her finish and not drawing attention, with Shona on this.

Thanks Shona.

I remember at antenatal, the NCT lady saying that, as soon as you have a baby, you start feeling guilty about everything you might be doing / not doing / doing too much of / not enough of in relation to your child. I really didn't understand what she was talking about, or what reason I'd have to feel guilty. Oh but I understand now...!!!

Sometimes it's not really a stutter, my dd had this about the same age but I was told that she just couldn't get the words out as quick as her brain was thinking them.

Please don't panic, it will probably right itself very quickly but if you are still worried speak to hv or get refered to speach therapists who will put your mind at rest.

My DS started doing this at Christmas aged 21mo when he suddenly experienced huge language spurt and I posted on here. I was told not to worry for now as he would probably grow out of it, but that if it persisted for 4-5 months then maybe I should talk to GP. After 2 months it has really calmed down - only stammers when saying "mummy" now. And he has suddenly started using verbs, prepositions, composing 4 word sentences etc. Basically I think his mouth couldn't quite keep up with his brain so he was tripping over his words.