My Letter to Kids about Kids Who Stutter
Dear Friends,
My name is Irene. I don't stutter, but my grandmother and her twin sister did. And so did two of my friends in high school. Knowing and loving people that stutter has taught me a lot of good things. Here are just a few of them:
People that stutter are just like you and me. Stuttering is no big deal. It is just something people do sometimes. Some kids are clumsy and trip over their own feet. Some kids are forgetful or "spacey." We all have our little quirks, and they really don't matter.
Some kids are mean and tease and bully people that stutter. That is a really awful thing to do. Teasing makes people feel really bad inside. But people that stutter aren't bad or inferior people. They are just like you and me. They can be funny, kind hearted, talented, good athletes, loyal friends, and a million other nice things. If you know someone who stutters, don't just see their stuttering, which makes them seem different than you. Look for all the ways that they are like you. See what you have in common with them. If you are a kid that stutters, don't form your opinion about yourself based on the bad behavior of ignorant people who tease you. Remember all of your good qualities, and feel proud of yourself!
Stuttering can make life hard for a person. Having a simple converstaion can be difficult or frustrating or even embarrassing for a person that stutters. Life is also hard for people in wheelchairs, elderly people that walk with a cane, or for people that are blind. Did you ever stop and wonder what it would feel like if you had to struggle every day like some people do? If you stuttered, or were blind, or could barely walk, I bet you would want people to be patient with you, and even kind or helpful sometimes. You would know that you couldn't help having the problem that you struggle with, and that you are doing the best you can. So, the next time you hear someone stutter, remember: They are doing the best they can. They can't help that they are struggling to speak. Just be patient and listen!
People that stutter don't always speak well, but so what? Do you always hit a home run in baseball? Are your homework papers always perfect? We all have things that we do well, and things we aren't very good at. And we all have days when we don't do very well at things we usually are good at. Life can be sort of up and down sometimes! Perfection isn't possible, and it isn't even important. People just need to try their best. And you need to respect others for doing the best they can. Don't criticize others, cheer them on! They'll do the same for you too.
I dearly love and respect my family and friends who stutter. They are wonderful people who have made my life rich, happy and interesting!
Do you know someone who stutters? Be their friend. Do you struggle with stuttering? Be a friend to others. And don't worry. Things will be just fine!
Warmest wishes,
Irene Helen Zundel
