Motherhood, Identity, & Stuttering: Stories from NSA Moms
- National Stuttering Association
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
Being a mom means doing it all—caring, protecting, teaching, cheering on—and sometimes doing it all at once. But for moms who stutter, or moms raising children who stutter, that journey comes with its own layers.
At the National Stuttering Association, we often hear from moms navigating a mix of emotions (like pride, fear, guilt, and empowerment) as they learn, grow, and find their voices right alongside their kids.
This blog is a space for them.
The Silent Weight: Stuttering & Parenting
For moms who stutter, parenthood can bring renewed awareness to their speech. Suddenly, it’s not just about them anymore. It’s modeling communication for their child. And that can stir up old insecurities or new fears.
"Becoming a mother absolutely changed my relationship with my stutter. For many years, my stutter and I had an understanding. We knew what words, sounds, settings, and even cadences would make us stutter. We were one—I was my stutter, and my stutter was me. Then came my daughter, and suddenly, my stutter betrayed me. We were no longer one. I began to stutter on my own name, on sounds that were previously effortless, in situations where I once felt completely in control. Strength to me, as a mom who stutters, means being sure of my voice. As parents—especially when your child is an infant—you are their voice. That’s a difficult thing to be when you don’t always trust your own." — Alicia Vasquez, mother who stutters
Other moms carry a different weight: the guilt of wondering if they somehow caused their child’s stutter or if they’re doing enough. But we want to make it perfectly clear that you did nothing to cause your child to stutter. Stuttering is a neurological condition—definitely not the result of parenting.
And love, not fluency, is what helps children thrive.
‘I Stutter, Too’: Breaking the Cycle of Shame
When parents talk about their own stuttering journey, they give their child a mirror—one that reflects strength and resilience instead of shame and embarrassment.
“I want my children to look at me and know that it’s okay to be themselves. I hope they see the compassion and understanding I try to live by —and carry those values into their own lives. If my children grow up to stutter, I hope they see it as a non-issue because they’ve watched their mother be so sure of her own voice.” — Alicia Vasquez
By owning and being proud of who they are, these moms help their children who stutter feel less alone. Moms also begin to rewrite their own internal narrative—not as someone who must hide or fix who they are, but as someone who leads with courage.
Raising Children Who Stutter: A Different Kind of Advocacy
For moms of children who stutter, advocacy becomes a daily practice—whether that be at school, at doctor’s appointments, or even in the grocery line when a stranger comments on their child’s speech.
“As parents—especially when your child is an infant—you are their voice. That’s a difficult thing to be when you don’t always trust your own. Parenthood puts you in countless situations where you must communicate with authority figures—for us, that often means doctors. It takes a special kind of strength to make sure I’m doing right by my baby: speaking up, asking questions, voicing my opinions, and having the courage to request a second opinion when needed.” — Alicia Vasquez
National Stuttering Association (NSA) moms often tell us that one of the hardest parts isn’t dealing with the stutter; it’s educating others. But every time a parent stands up for their child, it reduces age-old stuttering stigma and builds a path for others to follow.
Finding Belonging Through the NSA
Many people describe their first NSA event as life-changing. For some, it’s the first time they’ve met another person who stutters. For moms, it’s the first time they’ve felt their child be heard and seen.
"Being a mom who stutters to a child who also stutters is truly special. It's an amazing bond we share—one built on understanding and acceptance. When my son started stuttering, I was very concerned as I didn’t want him to feel embarrassed about or hide his stuttering the way I did. Thanks to my many years of involvement with the NSA, I’ve been able to support him with the right resources. We’ve both found community, support, and lifelong friendships. My son doesn’t let stuttering stop him from being his authentic self—and his confidence has inspired me to become more open and accepting of my own stuttering." — Cathy Maciejewski, mom who stutters to 12-year-old who stutters
Whether attending an NSA Family Chapter meeting, sharing stories in a virtual Parents & Caregivers meetup, or reading blogs like this one, community is truly everything. The NSA isn’t just here for people who stutter—it’s also here for the people who stand by and love them.
“Her stutter hasn’t held her back—it’s helped her find her voice. She’s raised money to donate books about stuttering to every elementary school in our district. She’s taught her classmates and teachers what it really means to speak with courage. And she’s connected with some of the most amazing people on earth—the stuttering community. The kindness, warmth, and support we’ve found there have been life-changing for Ava and our entire family." — Sarah Louis, mother of a 9-year-old who stutters
What NSA Moms Want You to Know
Here’s what we’ve heard time and time again from the incredible moms in our community:
You’re not failing. Stuttering is not a reflection of parenting quality.
You are your child’s anchor. Your belief in them—even when it’s silent—is felt.
You’re allowed to grieve, learn, and grow. There’s no perfect roadmap.
You don’t have to do it alone. Whether you stutter or your child does, there’s a whole community here waiting to support you.
"My daughter’s stutter isn’t something to fix. It’s something to celebrate." — Sarah Louis
Your Story Matters, Too
Motherhood and stuttering are both deeply personal journeys—but they don’t have to be lonely ones. If you’re a mom navigating this path, we honor your story and invite you to share it. Your voice could be the one that helps another mom breathe a little easier.
Are you a mom who stutters or raising a child who does? We’d love to hear your story. Submit your reflections or join our parent events here.
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