FAQs for Parents of Children Who Stutter

1. Is this just a phase?

It’s completely understandable to wonder whether your child’s stuttering is just a phase, and will resolve on its own. For some children, stuttering is a temporary part of early speech and language development. For others, it may persist. While research hasn’t yet found a way to predict who will recover naturally and who won’t, early support can make a meaningful difference -helping your child communicate more confidently and with less effort.

2. Did I cause the stuttering?

No. Stuttering is no one’s fault. It is a neurodevelopmental condition, and while genetics can play a role, parenting style or specific events do not cause stuttering. The most important thing you can do is provide a supportive and relaxed environment for your child to communicate.

3. What can I do at home to help?

There is a lot you can do. Give your child time to finish their thoughts, and show interest in what they’re saying (not how they’re saying it). Reducing time pressure and making conversation enjoyable and relaxed can go a long way in supporting fluency.

4. Should we wait and see or start therapy now?

If you’re concerned, it’s worth seeking advice. A speech pathologist with experience in stuttering can help you decide whether your child would benefit from therapy now or if it’s better to monitor. Early support doesn’t always mean starting therapy straight away, but it gives you a plan.

5. Will this affect their confidence or mental health?

It can, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to. Children who feel accepted and understood are more likely to develop resilience and confidence. Speech therapy often includes support for emotional wellbeing as well as speech fluency.

6. Why is the stuttering worse some days?

It’s normal for stuttering to fluctuate. Things like fatigue, excitement, changes in routine, or fast-paced environments can make stuttering more noticeable. This doesn’t mean things are getting worse, it can just be part of the stuttering.

7. Is this really stuttering or just normal disfluency?

Some disfluency is normal in early speech development. A speech pathologist can help you tell the difference. True stuttering often involves repetitions of sounds or syllables, stretching out sounds, or moments when no sound comes out at all (blocking).

8. Will they outgrow it?

Some children do recover naturally, but it’s difficult to predict who will. What we do know is that early support can improve outcomes. If your child has been stuttering for more than a few months, it’s a good idea to seek professional advice.

9. Should we tell the teacher?

Yes. Sharing information with your child’s educator - whether your child is at childcare, preschool, or school - can help them feel more supported at school. Teachers can make small changes in the classroom that help children who stutter feel confident and included.

10. Will it affect reading and learning?

Stuttering itself doesn’t cause learning difficulties, but some children may also have challenges with language or literacy. A comprehensive assessment can help identify any related concerns and guide the best support for your child’s learning journey.