For children who stutter, building confidence in communication is just as important as addressing speech fluency. While stuttering can present challenges, it doesn’t have to define your child’s self-esteem or limit their voice. With the right support, encouragement, and understanding, children who stutter can thrive as confident communicators.
At JK Speech and Health, we take a holistic approach to stuttering therapy—one that values connection, emotional well-being, and communication bravery. Here are six practical ways parents and carers can help children who stutter feel empowered and understood.
1. Maintain Natural Eye Contact
When your child stutters, avoid looking away or showing signs of discomfort. Instead, maintain natural, relaxed eye contact. This simple gesture communicates that you care about what they’re saying—not how fluently they say it.
Your calm, steady presence helps reduce the pressure to “perform” and shows that stuttering doesn’t change how much you value their voice.
“Consistent, accepting eye contact reduces communication anxiety and reinforces a supportive environment for children who stutter.”
(Guitar, 2022. Stuttering: An Integrated Approach)
2. Focus on What They Say, Not How They Say It
Rather than correcting stutters or overly praising moments of fluency, engage with the content of what your child is saying. Respond to their stories, ideas, or opinions just as you would with any other child.
By showing interest in their message—not their fluency—you help them see that communication is about connection, not perfection.
“Placing emphasis on content rather than fluency promotes positive communication experiences and reduces stigma.”
(Yaruss et al., 2018. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology)
3. Create Low-Pressure Speaking Opportunities
Every child has contexts where they feel more at ease. Identify situations where your child speaks freely—such as playing with a pet, talking to a trusted relative, or chatting during a quiet activity.
Encourage communication in these safe zones before gradually introducing slightly more challenging environments. Confidence grows with practice and success in supportive settings.
“Confidence in speech is built in low-pressure settings and can be expanded gradually with appropriate support.”
(Langevin et al., 2021. Journal of Fluency Disorders)
4. Model Openness Around Stuttering
For older children, it’s helpful to acknowledge stuttering openly and without judgement. When it naturally comes up, use neutral language:
“That word was a bit sticky today—no worries, take your time.”
Avoid making it a big deal, but also don’t avoid it completely. This matter-of-fact tone shows that stuttering is nothing to hide or feel ashamed of.
“Open, stigma-free conversations about stuttering help children form healthy speech identities and reduce emotional distress.”
(Onslow & Packman, 2019. Australian Stuttering Research Centre)
5. Celebrate Communication Bravery
Stuttering may make certain moments feel daunting—raising a hand in class, ordering at a café, or saying hello to a new person. When your child takes those steps, celebrate the courage it took, regardless of fluency.
For example, you might say:
“I saw you answer the teacher’s question today. That took real confidence—I’m proud of you.”
Acknowledging these small wins helps build resilience and reinforces that bravery matters more than fluency.
“Positive reinforcement for communication efforts helps children who stutter develop confidence and a strong self-concept.”
(Murphy et al., 2022. Journal of Communication Disorders)
Supporting Children Who Stutter with Confidence and Care
Speech therapy for stuttering isn’t just about reducing disfluency—it’s about helping children feel seen, heard, and proud of how they express themselves. At JK Speech and Health, we work closely with families to tailor stuttering support that builds confidence from the inside out.
If you’re looking for guidance or wondering whether your child would benefit from support, we’re here to help. Book a consultation with one of our experienced speech pathologists today—we’ll walk this journey together, one word at a time.
