hlo doc meri beti 3 yr ki hai, wo ghar main baat kariti hai, magar school mai ho ya bahar baat nahi karti hai, uski jada man karti hai to kuch puch to batati hai, aur nahi karti hai kitna v pucho batati nahi

Question

hlo doc meri beti 3 yr ki hai, wo ghar main baat kariti hai, magar school mai ho ya bahar baat nahi karti hai,  uski jada man karti hai to kuch puch to batati hai, aur nahi karti hai kitna v pucho batati nahi

Accepted Answer

It sounds like your three-year-old may be experiencing selective mutism, a condition where a child is unable to speak in certain social settings, like school, despite being able to speak comfortably in others, such as at home. Here are some steps you can take to address this:

### 1. **Understanding and Support**
- **Reassurance**: Ensure your child feels safe and supported. Anxiety can often be a cause of selective mutism.
- **No Pressure**: Avoid pressuring your child to speak in social settings. Instead, encourage non-verbal forms of communication.

### 2. **Collaboration with School**
- **Teacher Communication**: Discuss your child's behavior with their teacher. The teacher can help by providing a supportive environment.
- **Classroom Strategies**: Teachers can use techniques like giving your child a "buddy" to help them feel more comfortable or incorporating activities that do not require speaking.

### 3. **Professional Help**
- **Speech Therapist**: A speech-language pathologist can help your child develop communication skills and overcome anxiety related to speaking in certain settings.
- **Child Psychologist**: If anxiety is a significant factor, a child psychologist can work with your child to address the underlying causes of their selective mutism.

### 4. **Gradual Exposure**
- **Small Steps**: Gradually exposing your child to speaking in social settings can help. Start with small, low-pressure situations and slowly increase the complexity.
- **Role-Playing**: Practicing social interactions through role-playing at home can build confidence.

### 5. **Consistent Routines**
- **Familiarity**: Establishing consistent routines can provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety, which may help your child feel more comfortable speaking outside the home.

### 6. **Encouragement and Praise**
- **Positive Reinforcement**: Praise any attempt at communication, whether verbal or non-verbal, to build your child's confidence.
- **Celebrate Progress**: Celebrate small victories and progress in your child's communication efforts.

### 7. **Socialization Opportunities**
- **Playdates**: Organize playdates with a small group of familiar children to help your child practice social skills in a less intimidating setting.
- **Group Activities**: Encourage participation in group activities that don't focus solely on speaking, such as art or music classes, to build confidence.

### Monitoring and Follow-Up
Keep track of your child’s progress and stay in regular contact with professionals involved in your child's care to adjust strategies as needed.

Selective mutism can be challenging, but with the right support and interventions, most children can overcome it and develop the confidence to speak in all settings.