Stuttering: What It Is and How to Support Your Child

Hearing your child get "stuck" on words can feel worrying for any parent. Is it just a normal part of learning to talk — or something more? Let's dive into what stuttering really is, how it’s different from typical disfluencies, and how you can best support your child’s communication journey.

What Is Stuttering?

Stuttering is a speech disorder where a person has difficulty speaking smoothly. It often involves:

• Repeating sounds, syllables, or words (e.g., "I-I-I want that.")

• Stretching out sounds (e.g., "Ssssssometimes I play.")

• Getting "stuck" or blocked when trying to speak, where no sound comes out.

Stuttering can vary from day to day, or even within the same conversation. It's important to remember: stuttering has nothing to do with intelligence or emotions — but it can sometimes make kids feel frustrated or self-conscious about talking.

Typical Disfluencies vs. Stuttering: What's the Difference?

It’s completely normal for young children (especially between ages 2–5) to have some bumps in their speech. This is called typical disfluency and often happens when children’s brains are working faster than their mouths!

Here’s a quick guide:

Typical Disfluencies	Stuttering Behaviors
Repeating whole words once or twice ("I want... I want a cookie.")	Repeating part of a word or sound ("I w-w-want a cookie.")
Hesitating or pausing while thinking ("Um... I want a cookie.")	Stretching sounds ("Ssssssometimes I want a cookie.")
	Visible effort, tension in face or body when speaking

If you’re ever unsure whether your child's speech is typical or needs extra support, a speech-language pathologist can help guide you!

How to Support Your Child

If your child is showing signs of stuttering, here are some simple but powerful ways to help:

✨ Be a Good Listener:Give your child your full attention when they’re talking. Let them finish their thoughts without rushing, correcting, or finishing sentences for them.

✨ Create a Relaxed Talking Environment:Slow down your own speech and take natural pauses. Speaking calmly shows your child that there’s no rush.

✨ Focus on the Message, Not the Mistakes:Respond to what your child says, not how they say it. This builds their confidence and keeps communication positive.

✨ Model Easy Talking:Use a gentle, relaxed voice during conversations. This can encourage your child to feel more comfortable.

✨ Stay Patient and Supportive:Avoid comments like "Slow down" or "Take a deep breath" — while well-intentioned, they can sometimes make children more self-conscious.

✨ Seek Guidance Early:If you’re concerned about your child’s speech, reaching out to a speech-language pathologist can make a big difference. Early support helps children develop strong, confident communication skills!

Final Thoughts

Every child's journey with speech is unique. If your child is experiencing some bumps along the way, know that you're not alone — and with the right support, many children who stutter grow into strong, confident communicators.

You are your child's biggest cheerleader. With patience, understanding, and a little professional help when needed, you can help them find their voice — and use it proudly!