“How can I help my child who stutters?”
Did you know that children are most likely to stutter between the ages of 3 and 5 years old? It is theorized that this is due to the boom in language development taking place during that time. The average 3-year-old has a vocabulary of about 1,000 words, and learns around 8 new words every day! (see American Academy of Pediatrics, (2018) https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2017-4276) It is no surprise, then, that the language centers of the brain might get a little overwhelmed during this time. The good news is that most children will grow out of stuttering around age 5, but many do not. And if persistent stuttering occurs, it is our job to help that child feel valued, confident and able to communicate, just like every other child.
Early-childhood stuttering often requires different approaches than therapy for older children, teens, or adults. Programs such as the Lidcombe Program or the Palin Parent‑Child Interaction Programme are designed for very young children and tend to focus on shaping speech patterns early, often involving parents as active participants in reinforcing fluent speech. In contrast, approaches used for older children and adults often emphasize acceptance, modification, and coping strategies rather than “curing” stuttering. Older children and teens should also be empowered with knowledge about stuttering, and self-advocacy tools to deal with stressful school situations.
An important figure in modern stuttering therapy is Barry Guitar, a renowned speech-language pathologist who has spent decades researching stuttering and training clinicians. Alongside him in earlier generations was Charles Van Riper — often called the “father of stuttering therapy” — who pioneered what became known as “stuttering modification therapy.” Van Riper’s methods include raising awareness of one’s own stuttering behaviors, desensitization (reducing fear or shame around stuttering), and techniques like voluntary or “pseudo-stuttering” (intentionally stuttering or exaggerating stutter-like behaviors) to reduce negative emotion and reclaim control over speech. Such strategies — often used in therapy — help many children and adults learn to speak more calmly, confidently, and without fear.
With that context in mind, here’s how parents can support a child who stutters — helping make stuttering easier and creating a supportive environment with kindness, patience, and understanding.
It’s okay to stutter
People who stutter can be found in every country of the world, and can speak any language. We are coming to learn more about the causes of stuttering, but for those who stutter, it can be very isolating and cause great anxiety.
One of the most important messages a parent can give a child is: stuttering does not define you. According to the National Stuttering Association (NSA), parental support and acceptance play a vital role in shaping a child’s confidence and willingness to communicate. NSA
Accept stuttering as part of who your child is. Avoid conveying disappointment or frustration — discipline and love should be the same whether your child stutters or not. The supportive tone and acceptance help the child feel secure. Stuttering Foundation
Tell them it’s okay. Let your child know with words and actions that you value what they say — not how they say it. Praise them for sharing their thoughts, not for speaking “perfectly.” Stuttering Foundation
Encourage open conversation about stuttering. As your child grows older, invite honest discussions about how stuttering affects them — feelings, fears, frustrations. Creating a safe emotional space fosters trust and helps them understand they are not alone. NSA
Help them build a sense of identity beyond stuttering. Emphasize their strengths, hobbies, talents, and character. This reassures them that stuttering is only one small part of who they are. NSA
Over time, a consistent message of acceptance and support helps children build resilience and self-esteem — two cornerstones of successful communication no matter their fluency.
Make stuttering easier
While acceptance is vital, supporting your child to speak more comfortably is also helpful. Here are practical ways to create a “stutter-friendly” environment — many recommended by the Stuttering Foundation of America and other experts. Stuttering Foundation
Speak slowly and calmly yourself. Model relaxed, unrushed speech with plenty of pauses. This helps your child feel less pressure and may make it easier for them to speak more fluently. Stuttering Foundation
Give your child time. After your child finishes speaking, wait a few seconds before you respond. Let them finish at their own pace — avoid filling in words or finishing their sentences. Stuttering Foundation
Use calm, relaxed routines. Designate special times each day (without distractions like TVs or phones) for low-pressure conversation where your child can talk about anything they like. This regular, comfortable practice can build confidence. Stuttering Foundation
Reduce conversational pressure. Ask fewer rapid-fire questions; instead, comment on what your child says or let them take the lead. Turn-taking and fewer interruptions make it easier for children who stutter to speak freely. Stuttering Foundation
Support therapy techniques if appropriate. As described earlier, methods such as “pseudo-stuttering” (voluntary stuttering), and relaxing tense muscles during moments of stuttering, may eventually be offered during therapy; these are tools to help children (or later, teens/adults) take control of their speech and reduce fear or shame. stutteringtreatment.org
Creating a relaxed, pressure-free environment does more than help with fluency — it helps your child feel safe, heard, and accepted.
Be a patient listener
It can be very hard for a parent to slow down, listen quietly and not interrupt when your child seems to struggle to get his words out. Training with a speech therapist, and gradually changing your communication styles at home will help lessen the pressures of speaking at home.
Your attitude and how you listen matter more than grammar corrections or “fix-it” attempts. The way you respond to your child’s speech sends powerful messages. Stuttering Foundation
Listen to what they’re saying — not how. Focus on their ideas, feelings, and the content of their words. Avoid commenting on the stutter itself. Stuttering Foundation
Maintain natural eye contact and body language. Show through gestures, facial expressions, and posture that you are engaged and supportive, regardless of disfluencies. Stuttering Foundation
Don’t urge them to “fix” their speech. Often, saying things like “slow down,” “take a deep breath,” or “try that again” — though well-meaning — can add pressure and make them more self-conscious. Instead, just accept what they say when they say it. Stuttering Foundation
Give them space to express feelings. If your child seems frustrated, embarrassed, or upset about stuttering — let them talk about it. Validate their feelings. A calm, accepting listener provides emotional safety and builds trust. NSA
By listening patiently, you help reduce the emotional burden of stuttering. That in itself can make a big difference in how comfortable and confident your child feels about speaking.
When to consider speech therapy
While supportive parenting makes a huge difference, there are times when the guidance of a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) — especially one with experience in fluency disorders — is especially important. The NSA and other experts recommend seeking therapy when:
stuttering has persisted for a long period (several months or more) and does not seem to be improving. NSA
the child shows signs of frustration, fear, avoidance, or anxiety around speaking. stutteringtreatment.org
speech disruptions intensify, or stuttering becomes more severe or frequent. stutteringtreatment.org
An experienced SLP can evaluate your child’s speech, help develop tailored strategies, and — if needed — involve the family in therapy (as in early-intervention programs such as Lidcombe). stutteringtreatment.org
Research-based therapy grounded in the methods developed by Charles Van Riper and further researched and refined by Barry Guitar and other experts often focuses not just on reducing stuttering but on building confidence, acceptance, and lifelong communication success. stutteringtreatment.org
Resources & Further Reading
Here are some trusted organizations and resources — many free — for parents and families dealing with stuttering. These are great starting points for education, support, and referrals to qualified speech-language pathologists (SLPs).
Stuttering Foundation of America — Offers extensive free materials for parents, including brochures, booklets, videos, and a nationwide referral list for SLPs. Stuttering Foundation
National Stuttering Association (NSA) — A community-based organization connecting parents, children, teens, and adults who stutter; offers support groups, resources, and family programs. NSA
American Institute for Stuttering (AIS) — Provides expert speech therapy, parent support, consultation sessions, and workshops. Good for parents considering professional treatment and wanting guidance. stutteringtreatment.org
Friends: The National Association of Young People Who Stutter — A nonprofit dedicated to empowering children and teens who stutter and their families; offers conventions, regional events, and peer-support opportunities. Friends
Online brochures, fact sheets, and guides — The Stuttering Foundation makes available downloadable PDFs like If Your Child Stutters: A Guide for Parents, Stuttering and Your Child: Questions & Answers, and “6 Tips for Speaking With Someone Who Stutters.” Stuttering Foundation
Find a certified fluency-disorder specialist — Use directories provided by the Stuttering Foundation and AIS to locate qualified SLPs (especially those certified in fluency disorders), to ensure your child receives experienced, informed therapy. stutteringtreatment.org
If you are concerned about your child’s stuttering, please contact Copper Mountain Speech Therapy for a full evaluation, or free consultation over the phone or email: 385-246-2684 or info@coppermountainspeech.com