Tips for Supporting Children Who Stutter
Hey speech friends! 👋🏼
If you’re working with children who stutter, there are many ways to create a supportive environment that encourages confidence and ease in communication.
Here are some practical tips you can steal to help your students who STUTTER!
1. Reduce Your Speaking Rate
Always model a slower, more relaxed speaking pace with plenty of pauses. This not only reduces time pressure for the child but also sets an example of how we want them to speak. Take a brief pause before responding to their statements to reinforce a calm, stress-free conversation.
2. Be an Active Listener
Give your full attention when a child is speaking. Put away distractions and show them that what they are saying is important. Engaged listening helps build their confidence and encourages them to keep communicating.
3. Limit Questions
It’s natural to ask questions, but too many can create pressure and tension, which may lead to increased stuttering. Instead of open-ended questions like, "What do you want to do today?" try giving choices: "Do you want to go to the playground or the park?" This makes answering easier and reduces stress.
4. Build Confidence
Many children who stutter struggle with self-esteem. Help boost their confidence in all areas of life, whether in school, sports, or hobbies. Use specific praise like, "I love the way you helped me with the dishes!" or "I’m so proud of how you played tonight!" This reinforces their value beyond just their speech.
5. Create a Relaxed Environment
Be mindful of situations that create unnecessary pressure. Rushing out the door in the morning or constantly being on a tight schedule can increase stress, which can also increase stuttering. Try to establish routines that are calm and predictable.
6. Treat Them Normally
Children who stutter shouldn’t be treated differently from their peers. Hold them to the same expectations in behavior and discipline as you would any other child. This helps them feel included and capable.
7. Be Mindful of Your Language About Stuttering
Avoid constantly reminding the child about their speech strategies. Saying things like, "Remember what you learned in speech therapy" can make them feel like they’re being critiqued rather than supported. Instead, reinforce positive speech moments with comments like, "That was really smooth speech!" Avoid overpraising, as this can also make them overly aware of their speech.
8. Use Supportive Non-Verbal Communication
Since about 90% of communication is non-verbal, your facial expressions and body language matter! Maintain a relaxed, encouraging demeanor when they’re speaking, even during moments of stuttering. This reassures them that their message is more important than how they say it.
9. Avoid Speech-Related Advice
Resist the urge to say, "Slow down" or "Try saying that again." While well-intended, these comments can increase pressure and make the child feel like their speech is being judged negatively. Instead, focus on creating a supportive, stress-free environment for communication.
10. Don’t Demand Speech
Avoid putting children on the spot with phrases like, "Say thank you" or "Tell your dad what we did today." While encouraging polite interactions is important, forcing speech can create unnecessary pressure. Instead, model the phrase yourself, and they may follow naturally.
By making small adjustments to how we communicate and interact with children who stutter, we can create a more positive, supportive environment that helps them develop confidence in their speech and beyond.
What are some of your best tips for supporting children who stutter? Tell me in the comments below and let's talk about it! 💭
Happy speeching!
Sources
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Guitar, B. (2018). Stuttering: An Integrated Approach to Its Nature and Treatment. Wolters Kluwer.
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Yaruss, J. S., & Reardon-Reeves, N. A. (2017). Early Childhood Stuttering Therapy: A Practical Guide. Stuttering Therapy Resources, Inc.
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ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association). "Tips for Talking With a Child Who Stutters." www.asha.org