Let's consider some sensitive ways of acknowledging a problem and why it happens.
You would probably have to talk to a child about other problems that he or she is experiencing. If he or she is having trouble with learning a skill, or is accidentally wetting the bed, or is struggling with a puzzle, or any manner of daily issues, you would try to help. Yet there seems to be a persistent and strong belief that stammering is an event that people should treat differently and not talk about in case you make it worse.
We think there is another way of looking at it. A quiet acceptance and acknowledgement can make your child feel better. The message you want to convey to the child is that what they are doing is not unusual and that it's part of the learning process. You want to convey the feeling of "I do understand", "I am listening to you" and "I can help". You want them to know that it will be okay.
How much more confusing and upsetting for a child is it when no one seems to be helping them with a problem they are struggling with? Imagine what's going through their heads! "What's wrong with me?" "Why can't I talk properly?" "What am I doing wrong?" "Why aren't they saying or doing something?"
By talking about it calmly and naturally - in the same way that you would talk about any other problem - you will prevent it becoming a taboo subject and, by reassuring a child, you won't make it worse.
Also, to perhaps state the obvious, punishing a child for their stutter is of no help to anyone.
