Supporting Your Child Who Stutters

1. Be Patient: Give your child lots of time to talk - listen calmly and patiently. We want them to know we are listening to what they have to say, without rushing them. 

Avoid instructions like "slow down", "start again", and "take a breath". 

2. Go Slow: While it is NOT helpful to TELL children to slow down, we CAN model slow and relaxed speech ourselves. By modeling a relaxed pace, children feel less rushed to speak. 

Talk at a slow to normal speed, as if someone were trying to write down everything you were saying.

3. Pause Before Talking: Model a short pause before answering your child's question, or between your own thoughts when speaking. 

Modeling pauses ... with your child ... during your own speech ... can help them feel less hurried ... and understand that it is OK ... to take their time to talk. 

4. Keep Your Talk Simple: Keep your language simple when speaking to your child. Share one idea at a time, and pause between ideas. Make sure your ideas and vocabulary are appropriate for your child's age. 

5. Make Talking Easy for Your Child: Talking is a complex task! Don't pressure your child to speak in situations where they are not yet comfortable. 

Avoid asking too many "testing" questions - try COMMENTING instead (e.g., instead of "What happened at school today?", try, "I bet you had fun at recess today!"). 

This way, children don't feel pressured to respond, but can share what they feel ready to share. 

Adapted from: The Speech and Stuttering Institute. (2023) . Pre-school Stuttering: Information for Parents

• For the written strategies: Fluency Enhancing Environment at home 

• 5 Myths About Stuttering