What to Do While the School Tells You to “Wait and Se

by Lori Melnitsky, MA CCC-SLP

If you’re a parent of a child who stutters, you may have heard this phrase from the school:

“Let’s just wait and see.”

Sometimes that recommendation feels reassuring.Other times, it feels confusing, frustrating, or even scary.

You may be wondering:

• What if I’m missing a critical window?

• What if waiting makes things worse?

• Am I supposed to just… do nothing?

The truth is, “wait and see” does not mean do nothing — and it does not mean your concerns aren’t valid.

As a speech-language pathologist who specializes in stuttering and as a person who stutters myself, I want to help you understand what you can do during this waiting period — calmly, safely, and without pressure.

Why Schools Sometimes Recommend “Wait and See”

Schools often recommend waiting when:

• A child is very young

• Stuttering is inconsistent

• The child is not showing distress

• There are many demands on school resources

This recommendation is not meant to dismiss you.It’s often based on developmental guidelines and educational criteria — not on whether support might be helpful.

Still, that doesn’t mean your role as a parent stops here.

What You Can Do While You’re Waiting

1. Focus on Your Child’s Comfort — Not Their Fluency

Right now, the most important question is not:

“Is my child fluent?”

It’s:

“Does my child feel comfortable communicating?”

Pay attention to:

• Whether your child avoids talking

• If they rush through words

• If they seem frustrated or embarrassed

• If they stop mid-sentence or change what they were going to say

Comfort matters more than smooth speech.

2. Slow Your Pace, Not Your Child’s

One of the most helpful things you can do is model a slightly slower, more relaxed speaking style.

This does not mean:

• Telling your child to slow down

• Correcting their speech

• Asking them to repeat themselves “nicely”

Instead:

• Pause before responding

• Reduce rapid-fire questions

• Allow silence without rushing in

This creates breathing room — emotionally and conversationally.

3. Protect Talking Time at Home

Try setting aside 5–10 minutes a day of relaxed, one-on-one time.

During this time:

• Follow your child’s lead

• Comment more than you question

• Let them finish their thoughts

• Show interest in what they say, not how

This small daily habit can be incredibly powerful.

4. Watch for Emotional Signals

Even young children communicate feelings through behavior.

Check in with yourself:

• Is your child becoming quieter?

• Do they avoid speaking situations?

• Are they saying things like “I can’t say it” or “Never mind”?

If emotions are changing, that’s important information — even if speech sounds stay the same.

5. You Are Allowed to Seek Private Guidance

“Wait and see” at school does not mean you must wait everywhere.

Many families choose to:

• Consult privately

• Get education and reassurance

• Learn how to support communication at home

• Feel confident they’re doing the right thing

Seeking guidance is not overreacting.It’s being proactive.

What You Don’t Need to Do Right Now

You do not need to:

• Drill speech

• Practice fluency techniques at home

• Correct or monitor your child’s speech

• Push your child to “get it out”

Support should feel safe and pressure-free.

A Final Word for Parents

If you’re feeling uneasy while waiting, trust that feeling.

You don’t need to panic — but you also don’t need to be passive.

There are gentle, supportive steps you can take while the school is observing, and you deserve clarity during this time.

You are not doing anything wrong.And you don’t have to navigate this alone.

However it is time to do something different. Please email Lori@allislandspeech.com

Remember the school's goals may not be yours or your childs.