Replies to '07/23 Ask the Doctors'

It depends.  It is normal for children to stammer over words.  For example, if they are talking and they repeat um, um, um (like they can't think of what they want to say) or if they repeat whole words.  If they repeat part of a word or seem to get stuck on a certain sound in a word, or if they are exhibiting frustration, oral overexaggeration to get the word out and getting nervous, it would be time to see a speech pathologist.  What you definitely don't want to do is push the child into saying the word.  Ignore it to the child and don't correct them or make fun of them.  I would highly advise your daughter-in-law to see a speech pathogist if you do see any issues listed above as the sooner it is addressed, the better.  Good luck.