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From: Anita
Date: 10/20/02
Time: 8:34:10 AM
Remote Name: 195.67.213.170
My replies to your questions are following:
1. The reactions of the parents and youngster when they were offered a camp was two ways: a) They were worried what the camp would provide, they didn't know what to expect (speech training, psychologists etc), who to meet, to leave the safe environment of home and even how to "behave" during the camp. b) They were thrilled by the fact that these camps excist, that there in fact ARE others who stutter, and that even the leaders stutter.
2. To the worried parents I would tell them about my bad start in life and where I am today, with a husband, a child, a job, but also about my life today, my gain of confidence, my friends withing the stuttering world and that I now can help others who have a hard time. By watching me and the other leaders and by listening to their child telling them about the fun they had, by giving them our phone numbers, they know there is hope and that we're there to answer questions and to give them all the support they need. But of course, some of them leave with a sad face, some of them angry as they expected a cure, speech therapy or at least hope for fluency. The only thing we can do for them is to hug their kids and tell them they will always be in our hearts.
Anita