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An adult holds up a card while a child sits on the floor practising mouth movements during a speech activity.
Supporting My Child’s Fluency
For: 6 months – 18 years
It can be worrying if your child is having trouble getting their words out, repeats sounds, or seems stuck when speaking. You may feel unsure about what is normal and whether you should be concerned. You are not alone, and support and guidance are available to help you understand what is happening and what to do next.
More about supporting my child’s fluency
It can be worrying if your child struggles to get their words out smoothly. You may notice they repeat sounds or words, stretch out sounds, or pause and seem stuck. This is often called stammering or stuttering, which means the flow of speech is not smooth. Many young children go through a phase like this as they learn to talk.
Speech fluency can change as children grow and develop new language skills. Younger children may have lots to say but not yet have the words or skills to say it easily. In older children, speech may become less fluent when they feel rushed, excited, or under pressure. Busy routines, tiredness, and big changes can also make this harder.
This can be upsetting for both you and your child. You might feel unsure how to help, or worry about saying the wrong thing. Your child may feel frustrated, embarrassed, or lose confidence when speaking. Some children may start to avoid talking in certain situations.
You should refer if your child’s stammer is causing them distress or you are getting concerned. You should also seek advice if your child avoids speaking or seems anxious about talking. Getting support can help you understand what is happening and how to support your child with confidence.
Stammering (sometimes called stuttering) is when your speech does not flow smoothly. You might repeat sounds or words, stretch sounds out, or get stuck so no sound comes out. It often starts in early childhood, especially when children are learning lots of new words and how to put sentences together. Many people have moments like this when they are tired, excited, or under pressure, and this is normal.
There is no single cause of stammering. It can be linked to how speech and language skills are developing, and some people may be more likely to stammer from early childhood. It is not caused by anything you or your child have done. It can become more noticeable when someone feels rushed, nervous, or overwhelmed, but it can happen at any time.
Stammering can feel different for each person. You might feel frustrated, embarrassed, or worried about getting your words out. Some people try to avoid certain words or situations, or may choose not to speak at all because it feels uncomfortable. Others may not be aware of their stammer and carry on talking without concern.
It’s a good idea to seek help if the stammer is not decreasing over time, is becoming more frequent, or is causing upset or anxiety. You may also want support if you notice tension in the body when speaking or your child starts avoiding talking. Getting advice early can help you feel more confident and support comfortable communication, whatever happens next.
Questions and answers
Is it normal for my child to have trouble speaking smoothly?
Yes, many children go through a stage where their speech is not smooth, especially between ages 2 and 5. This can be because they are learning lots of new words and skills at once. For many, this resolves on its own over time.
What does stammering or stuttering look like?
You might notice your child repeats sounds or words, stretches a sound, or gets stuck trying to speak. They may also pause, look tense, or seem frustrated when talking. This can happen more when they are excited, tired, or feeling under pressure.
Can stress or routine changes make my child stammer more?
Yes, speech can become less smooth when a child feels rushed, tired, or overwhelmed. Busy days, new situations, or big changes can affect how easily they talk. A calm, unhurried environment can often help.
Should I correct my child or ask them to slow down?
It is best to focus on what your child is saying, not how they are saying it. It is really helpful if adults can slow their own speech down. Try not to interrupt, correct, or finish their sentences. Give them time to talk and show you are listening.
When should I seek help?
You should seek help if your child’s stammer increases or changes or if they seem upset or avoid speaking. Trust your instincts—if you are worried, it is okay to ask for advice. Early support can make a big difference.
Will this affect my child long term?
For most children stammering will resolve naturally usually within a year or so of it starting. For a smaller proportion of children, stammering will continue on into adulthood (around 1-3% of adults stammer). It is not easy to identify which children will continue to stammer but how to respond is the same either way in order for them to be comfortable with their talking.
Will my child always stammer?
The longer someone has stammered, the less likely they are to stop. As Speech and Language Therapists we want your child to be able to live their life and carry on doing all the things they want to do, whether they stammer or not.
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