Understanding Normal Non Fluency
Many young children go through a stage of normal non fluency or speech disruptions as they develop language skills. Between ages 2 and 4, roughly 1 in 20 toddlers and preschoolers struggle with fluency, repeating words or hesitating while speaking.
The good news? Research indicates most kids naturally overcome these challenges within weeks or months; though this can be difficult for parents to imagine during the stressful phase.
Helpful Tips for Parents
When you spend time with your child during conversations, show your child that you are interested in WHAT HE SAYS not HOW HE SAYS IT. Offer consistent support and respond to speech difficulties in the same way that how you would help with any other difficulties that arise when they develop their skills.
If appropriate, acknowledge the difficulty in a neutral tone to avoid making your child feel judged.
Key Recommendations for Parents
• Reframe terminology: opt for expressions like 'bumpy speech' or 'getting stuck' rather than clinical terms like stammering.
• Slow Down: If you naturally speak quickly, consciously slow down when talking to your child.
• Offer reassurance: if they express frustration, validate their feelings.
• Monitor without overreacting: While it's helpful to observe speech patterns, avoid treating them as a 'problem.'
• Create calm moments: Dedicate a few minutes each day for relaxed, one-on-one interaction.
• Reduce the number of questions you ask and limit rapid-fire questions.
• Encourage turn-taking: Establish family conversation habits where everyone speaks without interruption.
• Maintain a balanced routine: Try to avoid a hectic and rushed lifestyle.
Creating a Supportive Speaking Environment
Children tend to be more disfluent when they or people around them speak more quickly. This is partly due to increased time pressures children may feel and children's attempt to speak more quickly as he tries to keep up.
When family members speak quickly, children may feel rushed and struggle to keep up, leading to more disfluencies.
How to Reduce Communication Pressure
When children stutter, adults often feel the need to 'fix' their speech by saying things like 'slow down' or 'take a deep breath.' While well-intentioned, these comments can actually make a child more aware of their disfluencies, increasing anxiety rather than helping.
Instead of correcting, the best approach is to create a relaxed speaking environment where they feel accepted.
Focus on What Your Child Says—Not How They Say It
When children stutter, it's natural for adults to notice the way they speak rather than what they're saying. However, if a child senses that their dysfluency is the main focus, they may feel self-conscious or embarrassed.
Respond to the content of what your child says, not their speech struggles. Keep the conversation flowing naturally and avoid reactions that highlight disfluencies.
Accepting Your Child's Speech Without Judgment
Every parent hopes for smooth, effortless speech from their child. But when disfluencies happen, the most important thing is to show unconditional acceptance—letting your child know they are valued exactly as they are.
Children build self-esteem based on how others, especially parents, respond to them. Reacting with frustration or correction can make them feel ashamed of their speech, while calm acceptance helps them view disfluencies as just a temporary challenge, not a flaw.
Quick Communication Guide for Parents
When Speaking to Your Child:
• Slow down your own speech
• Designate special one-on-one time
• Ask one question at a time
• Use short, simple sentences
When Listening to Your Child:
• Maintain gentle eye contact
• Focus on their message, not their fluency
• Pause before replying
• Encourage turn-taking
• Offer reassurance, not corrections