“Love and Understanding Helped My Daughter Overcome Stuttering”
Once upon a time (year 2004-2005), there was a family with two daughters. The elder daughter, at the age of two, was a happy-go-lucky child until the arrival of her younger sibling, who brought with her the promise of endless cuddles. However, amidst the excitement, an unexpected challenge emerged – my elder daughter (Khadeeja Farrukh) began to stutter. It was a challenging time for our family. My eldest, who had always been articulate, smiling, and confident, suddenly found it difficult to express herself verbally. The arrival of the newborn baby sister had stirred feelings of jealousy and insecurity within her.
As a parent, witnessing my daughter’s struggle was very painful. She wished to feel loved, protected, secure, honored, and valued. Determined to help her overcome this barrier, I made a deliberate effort to shower her with love and attention. Every day, I would set aside special and exclusive time for my eldest. We would take walks to the park, where she could soar high on the swings and revel in the freedom of childhood. During these precious moments together, I made it a point to listen attentively to her thoughts and feelings, assuring her that she was cherished beyond measure. Slowly but surely, I began to see a glimmer of confidence return to her eyes.
In just four to five weeks, my daughter underwent a remarkable transformation. Through the power of love and understanding, she found the strength to overcome her stuttering and reclaim her voice. No longer burdened by feelings of jealousy and insecurity, she blossomed into a radiant and resilient young girl.
A Mother’s Lesson: Balancing Love Between Siblings
The mother also learned a valuable lesson from this experience – that it’s essential to give equal attention and love to all children in the family. Parents should never consider the elder child as “less important” or “grown-up” in the first few years after the arrival of a younger sibling. It’s crucial to take the elder child into confidence when the younger one is in the process of being born or growing up. The family lived happily ever after, and the elder daughter (now a university student in 2024) remains grateful to her parents for helping her overcome her challenges and feel valued and loved.
Take home message
The key takeaway from my daughter’s journey is the importance of providing our children with care, love, and value. As parents, it’s crucial to dedicate exclusive time to our children, fostering a sense of confidence and security that nurtures their emotional well-being. By prioritizing their needs and offering unwavering support, we empower our children to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace.
