Best Practice in Stuttering: How to Support Children Who Stutter with Confidence

At Day by Day Early Intervention, we know how important it is for children to feel confident and understood when communicating. If your child is showing signs of stuttering, you’re not alone—and there’s a lot we can do to support smooth, confident talking in a gentle, family-friendly way.

Whether you’ve just started to notice some bumpy speech or have been seeking support for a while, knowing what best practice looks like can help you feel empowered and informed.

What Is Stuttering?

Stuttering is a communication difference, where a child may:

• Repeat sounds, words, or phrases (“I-I-I want that”)

• Stretch out sounds (“Mmmmmmummy”)

• Get stuck on a word or have trouble starting speech (blocks)

Some children may also show tension, frustration, or avoid talking altogether if they’re feeling self-conscious about their speech.

What Does Best Practice Look Like?

Best practice in supporting children who stutter is based on evidence, empathy, and early support. Here's what we focus on:

1. Early Identification

• Stuttering often starts between ages 2–5.

• Early support can reduce the risk of long-term impact.

• If your child has been stuttering for more than a few months, or is becoming upset or frustrated, it’s a great time to check in with a speech pathologist.

2. Family-Centered Therapy

We work with you—not just your child. Research shows that involving parents and carers leads to better outcomes. You’re the most important part of your child’s support network!

3. Evidence-Based Programs

At Day by Day, we use approaches backed by research, including:

• The Lidcombe Program (a gentle, parent-led approach ideal for preschoolers)

• Direct fluency strategies for older children, such as smooth speech, easy starts, and confidence-building tools

• Stuttering modification techniques when appropriate, helping children manage moments of stutter with less tension

4. Confidence, Not Just Fluency

While we support smoother talking, we also focus on helping children:

• Feel brave and confident

• Enjoy communication without fear or pressure

• Know that their voice matters

How You Can Help at Home

Here are some powerful things you can do to support your child’s communication:

• Slow down your own speech to create a calm pace

• Listen without interrupting or finishing sentences

• Show interest in what they’re saying, not how fluently they say it

• Create a relaxed environment with low pressure to talk

• Celebrate their efforts and bravery when they speak

How We Can Help

At Day by Day Early Intervention, our speech pathologists work closely with families to:

• Provide clear information and reassurance

• Offer early assessments and practical strategies

• Deliver fun, play-based therapy for young children

• Support kids in building confidence and managing stuttering moments

Reach Out Today

If you're feeling unsure or concerned about your child's talking, we’re here to help. Early support can make a big difference—and we’ll walk with you every step of the way.

📍 Port Adelaide and Goodwood

📧 Email: support@daybyday.kids

📞 Phone: 0460 885 008

🌐 Visit: www.daybyday.kids

Let’s build confidence, communication and connection—day by day ❤️