Mariska Hargitay Opens Up About Her Son’s Stutter & Finding A Supportive ‘Community’

May 29, 2023

One satisfying feeling that moms get is seeing their children thrive among their peers as well as finding their niche. Hollywood star Mariska Hargitay proved that this was indeed a beautiful thing to behold when she revealed how pleasing it felt for her son to find a community he resonates with. The TV actress made this known on May 22, 2023, when she attended the Stuttering Association for the Young (SAY) Hall of Fame gala.   

The "Law & Order: SVU" star is a mom of three kids, and she shares parenthood with Peter Hermann, her spouse of 19 years. Hargitay and Hermann first met in 2002 when the latter guest-starred on "Law & Order." Once speaking with People, Hermann recalled how their connection and chemistry had been instantaneous. The “Younger” actor relayed to the publication that he thought he would never "have this much laughter in my life." He further described the love of his life as the "embodiment of laughter." 

Hargitay, who was also present during the People interview, made it known that she and Hermann "sort of knew'" they had found the "right one." The actress gushed about her husband, noting that she never thought their romance could feel as good as it did. Hargitay and Hermann became man and wife in 2004 as they tied the knot in Santa Barbara, California. 

The star couple became first-time parents two years after sealing their love in conjugal bliss. Their son, August, was born on June 28, 2006, via c-section. Her pregnancy had been a difficult one. 

The celebrity mom welcomed two other children, Andrew and Amaya, through adoption in 2011. With a thriving career and a family of three children, it is safe to say that Hargitay found fulfillment. However, the totality of motherhood does come with its fair share of challenges. In a 2018 interview with People, the star mom opened up on the ups and downs of raising her kids. She made it known that there were highs and lows. 

Speaking of the highs, the actress relayed that motherhood was the best blessing she ever received. She described her loved ones as perfect. The 59-year-old gushed over her beloved family as she revealed to the outlet that she learned a great deal from her children. Hargitay noted that this made her a better parent. As a working mom, Hargitay juggled parenting with her career, but she was not alone. 

According to the actress, her spouse proved to be the perfect partner on their parenting journey. She stated that they had different approaches to parenthood as a result of their diverse backgrounds, but this factor functioned as a plus. She noted, "Peter and I, we're so different that it's been amazing how we complement each other. He knows everything I don't." This worked perfectly as they continued raising their children. 

Despite how Hargitay and Hermann put up a united front in parenting, she still had some difficult moments. She told People that watching other people take her son to school made her jealous. However, this did not diminish her role as a mom.

Hargitay might not be able to experience all the precious moments with her kids, but there is no doubt that she wants the very best for them. The doting mom proved that as she joined her spouse at the SAY 2023 Gala, where she opened up on how her son benefited from the initiative. 

Speaking with People, she recalled meeting SAY's founder Taro Alexander and learning about the organization. Hargitay could relate due to the fact that she owned a foundation. She also discovered that SAY was a safe space for her oldest son. Aritay noted:

"Our son stutters, and it was so beautiful to have this lovely community to introduce him to and learn about it from the experts."   

Hermann chipped in that knowing how they could help tier teenage son felt empowering. Hargitay relayed that people who stuttered often felt a need to stay quiet, and it was heartbreaking. She stated that SAY has helped educate people about speech defects. 

Hermann said he learned about the power of patience and the need to listen to the voices "around you." According to the Stuttering Association for the Young website, over 70 million people stutter across the globe. Young people who stutter often face bullying, leading them to silence themselves out of fear. 

The nonprofit works to kick against such vices among children between the ages of 3 and 18. For those above 20, programs are put in place to address the impacts of stuttering. Such programs include summer camps, and speech therapy, among others. 

Do you believe that Mariska Hargitay's method is ideal? Do you know anyone who stutters? Let us know, and pass this on to others who could find this piece motivating.