What NOT to Do If Your Child Stutters (And What Helps Instead)

If your child is stuttering, you’ve probably heard advice like:

• “Slow down”

• “Take a deep breath”

• “Just think before you speak”

These suggestions are common.

They’re also often unhelpful—and sometimes make things harder.

The good news is:

There are simple, effective ways to support your child’s communication.

What Should You NOT Do If Your Child Stutters? (Quick Answer)

Avoid telling your child to:

• Slow down

• Say it again

• Take a deep breath

These strategies can increase pressure and make speaking more difficult.

Instead, focus on:

• Listening patiently

• Reducing time pressure

• Supporting communication, not perfection

  
  

Why “Fixing” Speech Often Backfires

Most common advice focuses on controlling speech.

But stuttering is not simply a habit that can be corrected in the moment.

When children are told to change how they speak, it often:

• Increases pressure

• Increases self-awareness

• Makes speaking feel harder

• Leads to frustration or avoidance

  
  

5 Things to Avoid If Your Child Stutters

1. Don’t Tell Your Child to “Slow Down”

This is one of the most common suggestions.

Why it doesn’t help:

• It shifts attention to how they are speaking

• It increases pressure

• It can make speech feel more effortful

2. Don’t Say “Take a Deep Breath”

While well-intentioned, this advice can:

• Interrupt natural speech

• Increase self-monitoring

• Make the child feel something is “wrong”

3. Don’t Ask Them to “Say It Again”

This can be frustrating and discouraging.

Why it matters:

• It reinforces that something needs to be fixed

• It can increase hesitation and avoidance

4. Don’t Finish Their Sentences

It may feel helpful—but it can:

• Reduce confidence

• Limit communication independence

• Increase frustration

5. Don’t Draw Attention to the Stuttering

Avoid saying:

• “You’re stuttering”

• “Try harder”

Why this matters:

• It increases awareness and pressure

• It may lead to avoidance behaviors

  
  

What Actually Helps Children Who Stutter

Instead of trying to fix speech, focus on supporting communication.

1. Listen Calmly and Patiently

Give your child time to speak without interruption.

 This reduces pressure and supports confidence.

2. Maintain Natural Eye Contact

Show your child you are focused on what they are saying—not how they are saying it.

3. Slow the Conversation (Not the Child)

Instead of telling your child to slow down, you can:

• Speak at a relaxed pace yourself

• Model calm communication

4. Reduce Time Pressure

• Avoid rushing or interrupting.

• Create space for communication.

5. Focus on the Message

• Respond to what your child says—not how it sounds.

• This reinforces communication over perfection.

Supporting Communication vs Controlling Speech

When children feel:

• Less pressure

• More time

• More acceptance

They are more likely to:

• Communicate freely

• Build confidence

• Participate more

  
  

A Different Way to Approach Stuttering

At The Coleman Stuttering Center, we focus on:

• Communication over fluency

• Participation over avoidance

• Confidence over control

The goal is not perfect speech.

It’s helping your child:

• Speak more freely

• Feel more confident

• Engage fully in life

  
  

Should I correct my child when they stutter?

No. Correction can increase pressure and frustration. It’s more helpful to listen patiently and focus on communication.

Is it bad to tell a child to slow down when they stutter?

Yes. This can increase self-awareness and make speaking more difficult.

What is the best way to help a child who stutters?

The most effective support focuses on reducing pressure, listening calmly, and encouraging communication.