What advice would a nurse give to the parents of a preschooler who stutters?

The most suitable advice for parents of a preschooler who stutters is to ignore the stuttering and limit inducing situations. This approach helps reduce the pressure on the child and fosters a more relaxed environment for communication. When parents and caregivers respond without drawing excessive attention to the stuttering, it can help prevent the child from feeling self-conscious or anxious about their speech.

By avoiding excessive focus on fluent speech, parents can promote normal communication and alleviate any stress associated with speaking. Additionally, limiting situations that might induce stuttering, such as asking the child to speak in front of a large group or during high-pressure moments, is beneficial. This allows the child to express themselves freely without fear of judgment, supporting their natural speech development over time.

Encouraging the child to communicate without correction or interruption fosters confidence and reduces the likelihood of stuttering becoming more pronounced. This strategy aligns with best practices in speech therapy, emphasizing a supportive and understanding approach to addressing speech difficulties in young children.