If your child stutters, you can support them to feel more confident when they talk, encourage smoother talking, and help other people understand them.
There are changes you can make to your own speech, behaviour, or environment that may help your child when they are stuttering or have bumpy speech.
When you talk to your child
Talk slowly
Children often stutter more when they are excited, scared, angry, upset, or rushed. Slowing your speech can slow the pace of a conversation, reduce pressure, and show your child that it’s OK to take their time.
Slower speech may be more calming, especially if your child is upset or having strong feelings.
To slow your speech:
- Slightly stretch the vowels in words.
Example: “Wee waant aa cookiee.”
- Pause between phrases, sentences, and ideas.
Example: “I went to the store…and I bought some milk...and some bread.”
Your child may or may not slow down their rate of speech when you talk more slowly. But you may notice your child stutters less.
Use more wait time
Wait to talk until your child is finished talking so you don’t interrupt
them. It lets your child see that it’s OK to take their time to put thoughts into words.
Waiting for your child to finish also helps slow down the pace of a conversation and makes it more relaxing.
To use more wait time:
- Wait a few seconds after your child stops talking before you start.
- Nod your head and smile or use sounds like “mm-hmm” to show you are listening and interested.
Look and listen
Look at your child when they are talking and listen with interest. Keep a positive expression on your face.
Turning screens off or turning down the volume of other sounds, like the TV, will help you pay attention to your child’s message.
Repeat or say another way
Repeat what your child is saying in a slower, more relaxed way. You can repeat it exactly or use different words.
This gives an example of talking slowly and lets your child know you are listening.
Encourage taking turns
Give everyone in the family a turn in conversations without being interrupted. It helps your child take their time and know they won’t miss their time to talk.
When you respond to your child
Accept your child’s stuttering
Children often know when others feel uncomfortable with them. When your child feels more comfortable and accepted by the people around them, they can communicate with more confidence.
Acknowledge your child’s feelings
If your child knows they stutter or is frustrated about their stuttering, tell them you understand.
Help your child say how they feel about the stuttering. Use words like “bumpy speech,” “stuttering,” or “getting stuck.”
You could start by saying, “That was hard for you to say,” or “You really tried hard on that word,” or “Sometimes I get stuck on my words too.”
Be patient
Be kind and patient with your child when they stutter.
Doing things like finishing their sentences, interrupting them, sighing, walking away, or shaking your head when your child stutters can cause them to stutter more.
Stuttering is not your child’s fault
Never blame, punish, or get angry at them for stuttering.
Avoid giving advice
Your child might get frustrated if you often tell them to slow down, take a breath, or try again when they are stuttering. These interruptions add more pressure when your child is trying to communicate.
Instead, look, listen, model slower speech, and use more wait time.
Build your child’s confidence
Focus on your child’s strengths and encourage their interests. Praise them for their efforts and be specific. For example, “I like the way you cleaned up all your toys. That’s helpful,” instead of “Good job.”
Follow your child’s lead
There may be times when your child feels pressured or uncomfortable to speak—like when they are asked to read aloud, answer questions, or speak or perform in front of others. During these uncomfortable times, think about what is realistic for your child and know they are trying their best.
Create a relaxed environment
Time pressures make it harder for your child to talk smoothly. Avoid rushing and try to slow down the pace of life. Keep a simple schedule without too many activities or appointments.
Children who stutter may stutter more when they are tired, sick, or stressed. Set regular routines for your child’s bedtime and mealtimes so they get enough rest and nutrition.
For more ideas
For more ideas and resources to support stuttering, visit:
Where to go get help
To learn how speech-language pathologists and audiologists can help with speech, language, and hearing concerns, contact your child’s healthcare provider or visit
Pediatric Rehabilitation.
