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

Craig Coleman
6 days ago
3 min read

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

Not Sure What Helps Your Child?

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Schedule an evaluation

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.

Want to Know What Will Help Your Child Most?

Every child is different.

If you’re unsure how to respond, we can help you find the best approach.