Help for Child Starting to Stutter

My young child has started to stutter. Should we start him on speech therapy this summer? What else can we do to help him? Our friends suggest such things as taking a deep breath before talking and making our home environment less stressful. -- Stuttering Problem
Answer: According to The Stuttering Foundation, stuttering is an individualized problem, and some children may actually stutter more during the summer because their structure and routine have been taken away and this can cause the child more stress. They also suggest that the summer is a great time to start therapy.
During summer vacation and throughout the year, there are things parents can do to help a child who stutters. The Stuttering Foundation offers these tips:
1. Speak with your child in an unhurried way, pausing frequently. Wait a few seconds after your child finishes speaking before you begin to speak. Your own slow, relaxed speech will be far more effective than any criticism or advice such as "slow down" or "try it again slowly."
2. Reduce the number of questions you ask your child. Children speak more freely if they are expressing their own ideas rather than answering an adult's questions. Instead of asking questions, simply comment on what your child has said, thereby letting him know you heard him.
3. Use your facial expressions and other body language to convey to your child that you are listening to the content of his or her message and not to how he or she is talking.
The Foundation offers free streaming videos, books, downloadable brochures and a worldwide referral list on their website. Help is available on their website, stutteringhelp.org, and by calling 800-992-9392.