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From: Carla Bernier
Date: 01 Oct 2004
Time: 01:07:02 -0500
Remote Name: 216.221.53.17
Gina, I understand you have been through a lot, but am happy for you now that you have chosen to stand up for yourself. It is difficult to get children who stutter to admit that they have been bullied. Their parents will not even allow themselves to think that their child may be a victim, using all kinds of reasons. “Oh, my child has many friends”, or “I pay to have my child go to this private school, they better not be bullied”. What is a therapist to do when a parent is in denial along with a young child? Do you have any suggestions? The last three children I have seen for stuttering, all of them and their parents have denied bullying of any kind, although I have suspected that it occurs. I believe that bullies are bullying because they don’t understand the problem. I believe that teachers in schools must keep a keen eye out for the “bullying” type, and try to educate them. Further, it is the responsibility of all to educate the “class”. I believe that teacher, parent, speech pathologist and child who stutters should be on a campaign to “teach” others about the problem. When I try to get folks to do this, I get resistance. No one wants to talk about it. Not talking about it makes it worse. After reading your article, I will be more assertive about my beliefs, but cannot force them on anyone. I will use your article to help educate the parents of the children I see.