Numerous research has shown that stuttering in children has a strong link to their self confidence. Various research over the years has also indicated that low self confidence is related to several psychological problems including depression, eating disorders, anti-social behavior, anxiety and phobias.
Many appear to believe that taking control of their lives alone is a promising indication of self confidence. Rather, self confidence is a relatively complex pattern of personality that includes having a positive attitude towards life, being active and having good social skills. Children who are high on self confidence appear to be less-shy; they tend to take initiative, make and keep friends, complain less and do not display fear unnecessarily. They also have a dynamic relationship with parents and siblings and stay happy.
Sadly, many youngsters are now becoming depressed at early ages – a pattern not very common several decades ago and the rates of stuttering in children are also increasing in the developed world. About 1% of the general population is suffering from long term severe stuttering whereas above 4% of school-aged children are also suffering from the problem. Most of these individuals’ problems reduce or alleviate completely in their early 20’s but the damage childhood stuttering may cause including social stigma and negative perception of self, can have long term effects. Thus, addressing stuttering in children as early as possible is essential.
It is a known fact that unengaged parents and over-demanding parents cause children’s self confidence to deteriorate. So, if you are one of those parents who believe that materialistic goods are more important to your child than spending time with you, or except him or her to get good grades every term, think about this. You could be the reason for your child’s articulation problem.
The increasing rate of divorces and children having to deal with moving from one parent to another and step-parents are also contributing factors to low self confidence and stuttering. A series of studies have indicated that children below the age of 10 with divorced parents are almost twice as more likely to develop stuttering.
Developing children self confidence and reducing their stuttering problems can be done in several methods. One of the most effective methods is to help children improve their communication skills. Allowing them to express themselves and admiring their efforts are crucial. Praise is the key factor of making a child confident. Dealing with embarrassing situations in a sensitive manner and giving children optimal opportunities to develop their talents and social skills also reduce language difficulties and stuttering in children to a great degree.
In addition, ensuring that the children are engaged in sports and extracurricular activities, allowed to explore and learn, have the ability to discuss problems with their parents and feel like their opinion counts are also important. The golden rule in helping your child to overcome his or her stutter and be more self confidence is to make sure to let them know that it is alright to make mistakes, even if the whole audience laughs when they get stuck with words.
About the author: Hannah Butler works as a content writer. Besides, she likes sharing her experience in the form of articles. In this case, she has her own section on https://writemypaper4me.co/. In the future she is going to start writing a blog in order to describe her working methods to others.