01/23/2025
Knowing how to help your child who stutters can be difficult. Here are ways you can help support your child through their stuttering, whether it’s a short phase or a long-term issue.
Slow Your Speaking Rate:
Good speaking habits start with you! Slow your own speech down to a relaxed, calm pace. As children learn language, their brains are working fast to make sense of the language they hear, think of a response, and form the words and sentences to make that response. This process takes a lot of brain power! When we speak quickly, we increase the language load for their little brains. Instead, decrease that language load by slowing your speaking rate. Making only one statement or asking only one question at a time leaves room for your child to process what you’ve said and form a response more easily.
Pause During Conversation:
Allow longer moments of silence to exist between statements and questions. Pauses help your child process what they’ve heard, even if they don’t respond. However, you may be surprised by their responses when you give them enough time to listen, think, and add their own funny or amazing comments or questions.
Show, Don’t Tell:
Speaking slowly and pausing is a “show, don’t tell” activity. Research shows that telling your stuttering child to slow down and take a breath can be frustrating, not supportive. Provide a calm, relaxed, no-stress environment, and your child will likely feel the freedom to slow down without being told.
Need help with a child who stutters? West Valley Speech Therapy can help!
623-230-3888.
