DR. WALLACE: My husband and I have two children, ages 5 and 3. Our 3-year-old is starting to stutter. No one in our entire family has this problem and, in fact, we don't know anyone who stutters.

My husband's grandmother has informed us that we need to get help for our 3-year-old because our 5-year-old might also start stuttering. Are there any things we can do as parents to get our 3-year-old to stop stuttering? Any help will be appreciated. — Mother, Peoria, Ill.

MOTHER: According to The Stuttering Foundation, you can't "catch" stuttering. No one knows the exact causes of stuttering, but recent research indicates that family history (genetics), neuromuscular development and the child's environment, including family dynamics, all play a role in the onset of stuttering.

In their booklet, "If you think your child is stuttering," these seven tips for talking with your child are provided:

1. Speak with your child in an unhurried way, pausing frequently. Wait a few seconds after your child finishes speaking before you begin to speak. Your own slow, relaxed speech will be far more effective than any criticism or advice such as "slow down" or "try it again slowly."

2. Reduce the number of questions you ask your child. Instead of asking questions, simply comment on what your child has said.

3. Use your facial expressions and other body language to convey to your child that you are listening to the content of her message and not to how she's talking.

4. Set aside a few minutes at a regular time each day when you can give your undivided attention to your child. This quiet, calm time can be a confidence builder for younger children.

5. Help all members of the family learn to take turns talking and listening. Children, especially those who stutter, find it much easier to talk when there are few interruptions.

6. Observe the way you interact with your child. Try to increase those times that give your child the message that you are listening to her and she has plenty of time to talk.

7. Above all, convey that you accept your child as he or she is. The most powerful force will be your support of the child, whether he or she stutters or not.

For additional information, please visit their website at stutteringhelp.org, or phone them at 1-800-992-9392. The Stuttering Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those who need help or information regarding stuttering. I support this wonderful foundation.

IT APPEARS THAT YOU ARE A SNOB

DR. WALLACE: I'd like to comment on attending high school reunions. I was popular in high school and hung around with popular kids. We had a lot in common. When I attend a high school reunion, I want to talk with my former friends, not the "do nothing" dorks and nerds who did nothing positive in school, but often caused disruptions. People don't change. These dorks and nerds are still losers — even today. — Jill, Beverly Hills, Calif.

JILL: And it appears that you are a snob — even today. At your next high school reunion, walk up to one of the so-called "dorks or nerds," introduce yourself and ask what this person has been doing since graduation. You might be pleasantly surprised!

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at rwallace@galesburg.net. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.