What if my kid also stutters???

[Atro]

This is probably a very personal issue but I really dont know where to turn for some advice except these forums

Me and my girlfriend are thinking about getting married finally and have a baby. the thing worrying me, is the fact that if stuttering is genetic, my child will also stutter and he/she will see the root of the problem in me and begin to hate me.

No one in my family stutters, it's only me and I don't know why

has anyone here ever thought about this, or is there someone already having this problem. I want to know how you are dealing with it.

[nerrad]

Well stuttering is hereditary so most likely your child is going to stutter. He's just gonna have to fight through it like the other 66 million people which is a very hard task. But with the way technology is going, they'll probably have a cure. When and if I actually do become a genetic engineer, that's definatly one of my goals. But my mom stuttered and I can't really say I blame her because it's not her fault that she stuttered. Her's eventually faded away but she doesn't know when. Supposedly the time the stutter goes away is hereditary too so hopefully mine goes away soon. I still love my mother and I'm sure your child will love you too.

[Leys Geddes]

There is a hereditary element in stuttering - but, just because one of you stutters, it does NOT mean that any or all of your children will automatically stutter. But they will probably be slightly more likely to stutter than otherwise. About 1 in 100 adults stutter, so the chances are pretty good. See http://www.stammering.org/generalinfo.html

However, if any child of yours does show signs of stuttering, at about the time when he or she is first stringing words together, take him or her to a speech therapist immediately because, if stuttering is caught early, then, in nearly every case, the child will recover.

But I know how you feel because, although my parents did not stutter, I have cousin who does. So when each of my two children started to talk, I was anxious - but neither of them have ever shown any signs of stuttering.

So, have a good time and good luck!

[Bill Hargis]

I have six children and seventeen grandchildren. None of them stutter.

[nerrad]

I have six children and seventeen grandchildren. None of them stutter.

That is so awkward. My mom's mom and dad stuttered. My mom stuttered. And now so do I. But honestly and not racistly (if that's a word), I think African amercians are more proned to stutter.

[nikita]

I grew up with a friend who stuttered very mildly. We were in school together. She introduced me to her cousin, the father of my babies, who also stutters.
I dont think that it would be such a bad thing. Of course i'd rather they didnt but if they do, they do.
It could be worse. As a doctor I see how even seemingly normal babies at birth go on to grow up with the most awful conditions, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, diabetes, Bipolar ...

I guess with all children its touch and go. And then theres the totally normal kids who get into drugs, and crime, and they run away and become delinquents...

If they did, I'd take Dr. G's advice and tell them that they can still be the best they can be regardless. I dont really worry about that at all. :)