Simple, Supportive Ways to Talk to Children About Stuttering
- Lexi Hewitt
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
Talking to children about stuttering can feel intimidating, especially if you’re unsure how to start the conversation. If you're having trouble beginning discussions about stuttering with younger kids, you’re in luck! The National Stuttering Association (NSA) offers helpful tools to make these potentially difficult talks easier and to create a supportive and inclusive environment, whether your child stutters or just knows someone who does.
Keep It Honest & Simple When Talking to Children About Stuttering
When talking to kids, keep your explanation clear, easy to understand, and positive. For example:
“Stuttering is when someone has trouble speaking smoothly or getting their words out. It might sound like they repeat words, stretch out sounds, or get stuck trying to say something. Some people speak differently, and that’s okay!”
This phrasing helps children recognize that stuttering isn’t “wrong” or “bad”; it’s simply a different way of communicating. Kids need to understand that stuttering is normal and that people who stutter are just as intelligent, kind, and unique as anyone else they interact with daily.
Use Age-Appropriate Language With Children About Stuttering
For younger children and their developmental stage, metaphors work well to explain stuttering:
“Words can be like cars in traffic - sometimes they get slowed down for a moment, but they still keep moving!”
Older children are capable of understanding more abstract and complex ideas. They can realize that stuttering occurs when the brain and speech muscles are not perfectly synchronized. It is not due to nervousness or a lack of understanding on the part of the person who stutters.
Share Real-Life Examples From Children Who Stutter
Sharing authentic stories can help children connect and develop empathy for people who stutter. Sisters Who Stutter is a teenage-led organization that hosts monthly Zoom meetings for girls who stutter, where they can come together and share their experiences. Watch as members of Sisters Who Stutter discuss their journeys of growing up with a stutter in this video.
Hearing personal stories from people who stutter demonstrates to children, regardless of whether they stutter, that these individuals are resilient and brave for sharing their experiences.
Encourage Empathy & Respect
We can teach children how to respond when someone is stuttering, while demonstrating kindness and understanding:
Avoid asking why someone stutters or talks the way they do
Listen without interrupting
Avoid finishing the sentence for them
Show interest in what the person is saying by nodding your head and making eye contact during conversations (also known as active listening)
During the conversation, you might say things like “We all want to be heard” or emphasize that “The best response when someone is speaking is to be respectful, kind, and attentive by listening, regardless of whether they stutter or not.”
Normalize Stuttering as Part of Human Diversity
Stuttering is just one of the many ways people are unique. Let your child know:
“Just like some people have curly hair or wear glasses, some people have different ways of talking. That’s what makes the world interesting!”
You can point out that many famous people who stutter, such as rapper Kendrick Lamar, author Lewis Carroll, and film director Ari Aster. Their stuttering didn’t stop them from sharing their voices with the world.
Be Ready to Answer Questions Honestly
Kids are naturally curious! If they ask, “Why do some people stutter?” you can say:
“Scientists think stuttering happens because of how their brains work, and how they struggle to connect to the speaking parts of their bodies. It’s not because someone is scared or doesn’t know what to say. And it’s definitely not anyone’s fault!”
If you don’t know the answer, that’s okay! You can open the dialogue by saying:
“I’m not sure, but let’s learn and look it up together.”
Share Stories From the Stuttering Community
For example, consider how Codi Lamb, founder of Melanin Stutter Queens, talks about stuttering with her young niece:
“I wanted her to know that stuttering doesn’t make me any less smart or capable. It’s just part of who I am. When I explained it like that, she got it right away—and she’s been one of my biggest supporters ever since.”
Hearing voices like this helps kids see that stuttering is just one part of a person’s story.
Find Books & Videos to Share
Children’s books like “I Talk Like a River” by Jordan Scott, a poet and children's author who stutters, and “Zoya the Stuttering Star” by Sathvega Somasundaram, a high school student who stutters, depict stuttering in a positive, empowering light.
Watching videos of kids and adults who stutter can also help normalize the experience and promote understanding and inclusion. For example, the inclusive YouTube series “Special Books by Special Kids” featured Mollie Davis this year, who is currently studying to become a lawyer and openly stutters.
Keep the Conversation Open
Let your child know it’s okay to keep asking questions and to talk about stuttering whenever they want:
“It’s okay if you don't know the exact words or actions to take when someone stutters. What truly matters is listening to their message and showing them kindness and respect.”
Why These Conversations Matter
When we talk openly about stuttering, we show kids that everyone’s voice matters - no matter how it sounds. We teach them that respect and empathy are more important than fluency. And we create communities where people who stutter can feel accepted, supported, and heard.
Whether your child stutters or is learning how to support a friend or family member who does, these conversations help shape a more inclusive, understanding world.
Want to Learn More?
Visit the National Stuttering Association’s resources for families and educators at WeStutter.org.