Stuttering is a speech disorder that affects the fluency of speech. It can develop in childhood and persist into adulthood. If your child stutters, it can be a difficult and frustrating experience for both them and you.

However, there are ways that parents can help their child who stutters. Here are 30 tips to assist you in supporting your child:.

1. Be patient

Stuttering can be frustrating for both parents and their children. It may take repeated tries for your child to speak without stuttering. Try to be patient and understanding.

Avoid interrupting or finishing your child’s sentences, or encouraging your child to speak faster. Encouragement and support are vital.

2. Listen actively

When your child speaks, give them your full attention. Encourage them to talk and listen actively. Focus on what they’re saying, not how they’re saying it.

By actively listening, you show your child that what they have to say is important, regardless of how they say it.

3. Speak slowly and clearly

Model clear and slow speech for your child. Your child will copy your speech patterns, so ensure that they’re modeling clear and slow speech. Speak in a calm and measured tone and pause at natural breaks.

4. Avoid correcting your child’s speech

Avoid calling attention to your child’s stuttering. Don’t criticize or correct your child’s speech. Correcting may further discourage them and decrease their confidence when speaking.

5. Encourage your child to take their time when speaking

Encourage your child to take their time when speaking and allow them to speak at their own pace. Encourage them to finish their sentence and not worry about stuttering. This can aid in increasing their confidence and reduce speech anxiety.

6. Speak with a normal voice tone

Speak with a normal, calm tone when talking to your child. Don’t show surprise or anxiety about their speech. This can help to reduce their anxiety about stuttering.

7. Avoid correcting your child’s struggles

Don’t correct your child if they stumble or stutter. Correcting can cause your child to develop a negative self-image and decrease their confidence. Stay relaxed, continue to listen patiently, and let them continue speaking.

8. Teach your child to self-talk

A simple technique that teaches a child to talk to themselves about what they’re doing can help to reduce stuttering. This internal dialogue helps them to regain control of their speech.

Encourage them to talk to themselves, for instance, “I am taking a deep breath, and now I am ready to speak.”.

9. Use open-ended questions

Use open-ended questions that give your child the opportunity to talk. Avoid questions that can be answered with a yes or no. Engage them to share their thoughts, emotions, or experiences verbally.

10. Use a relaxed tone

Speak in a relaxed tone of voice and remain calm while speaking with your child. When you show that you’re calm, your child will feel more relaxed as well. Remember that your child is just learning to speak, and this takes time and patience.

11. Reduce stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety can worsen stuttering. Help to reduce stress by establishing routines, reducing time pressures, and creating a calm environment at home. It’s also helpful to help your child feel prepared and organized for tasks.

12. Celebrate progress

Celebrate progress and milestones, no matter how small. Any progress is a step in the right direction. It’s essential to focus on progress rather than setbacks.

13. Don’t make a big deal

Stuttering is a typical speech disorder in childhood. Don’t make a big deal about it as this may increase anxiety. Keep everything casual and continue to model clear and confident speech.

14. Praise your child

Praise your child for their communication skills and encourage them to continue speaking. Praising your child will boost their confidence and help them to feel more positive about their abilities.

15. Don’t avoid speaking situations

Don’t avoid speaking situations or activities because of your child’s stuttering. Encourage them to participate in activities that require speaking with others. The more practice and repetition, the more confident your child will become.

16. Find a speech therapist

You can seek help from a speech therapist who uses evidence-based approaches to help your child improve their fluency. They can provide personalized and effective strategies for your child to use when communicating.

17. Educate yourself about stuttering

Education is vital in understanding stuttering. Read up on stuttering and attending local support groups or national conferences can aid in gaining more insight into stuttering and effective ways to assist your child.

18. Don’t focus on the stuttering

Encourage concentration on the content of your child’s speech rather than the stutter itself. Shift your focus to what your child is attempting to communicate, rather than how they are expressing themselves.

19. Build confidence through practice

Practice is key when it comes to building confidence. Encourage your child to practice speaking with supportive people such as family members and close friends. This can help them to speak more confidently and decrease their anxiety about stuttering.

20. Be a role model

Be a role model for your child. Model clear, confident, and slow speech when communicating with others. Your child will pick up your speech patterns, so be the model they deserve.

21. Provide positive feedback

Provide positive feedback when interacting with your child. Notice the positive qualities of your child’s speech and mention them often. This can help them feel more confident and increase their self-esteem.

22. Encourage friendships

Your child should have the opportunity to interact with and build relationships with other children. Encourage friendship building and social opportunities through playdates, organized activities, or afterschool programs.

23. Prepare for speaking situations

Prepare your child for speaking situations. Knowing what to expect can increase confidence and reduce anxiety. Talk with your child about what they want to say and provide support to help with preparation.

24. Don’t interrupt your child

Avoid interrupting your child while they’re talking. Give them time to speak, reducing the pressure to finish their sentences quickly. Interrupting may cause them to lose confidence and increase stuttering.

25. Focus on feelings

Focus on your child’s feelings and emotions rather than solely focusing on the stuttering. Encourage them to share their feelings and emotions, regardless of how they express themselves.

Being a listener and acknowledging your child’s feelings can go a long way towards building confidence and boosting self-esteem.

26. Encourage relaxation techniques

Encourage relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Relaxation techniques help to calm and manage feelings of anxiety, which can contribute to stuttering.

27. Use affirmations

Affirmations are an excellent way to build positive self-esteem and confidence. Encourage your child to use affirmations such as, “I am a good speaker, and I speak with confidence” or “I am in control of my speech.”.

28. Practice active listening

Active listening is valuable when it comes to supporting your child who stutters. It shows that you’re interested in what they have to say and their feelings.

Active listening helps your child to be more comfortable and trusting, and increase their confidence when speaking.

29. Encourage facial expressions

Facial expressions can support communication and make it easier for your child to express themselves. Encourage your child to use facial expressions when speaking to help them illustrate emotions and improve overall communication.

30. Be supportive

A supportive and understanding approach is essential when helping your child who stutters. Encourage your child to speak and communicate openly and model clear and confident speech.

With patience, practice, and support, your child will build the confidence and skills to communicate with fluency and ease.