Listen to the message
Rushing to help can increase pressure
Stammering can vary from day to day and situation to situation. It is not caused by nervousness, although pressure or excitement may make it more noticeable.
Three helpful habits
- Keep natural eye contact and wait.
- Do not finish words or sentences unless they ask you to.
- Respond to the content, not the stammer.
Reduce pressure
Make conversations easier to join
- Allow turns without interrupting or competing for the floor.
- Use a calm pace yourself without telling them to slow down or take a breath.
- Avoid praise for “smooth” speech; keep attention on their idea.
- Ask privately what helps in class, at home or with unfamiliar people.
- Challenge teasing and protect them from being excluded from speaking.
“I’m listening. Take the time you need.”
Ask for support
Involve a speech and language therapist when needed
Seek advice if the young person is worried, avoids speaking, is being teased or if you have concerns about their speech. A GP, school or local speech and language therapy service can explain referral routes.
Trusted information used for this guide
Reviewed 7 October 2026. This guide does not replace advice from a speech and language therapist.
Keep going
Find the next useful step
Explore more parent guidance or use the conversation guide if you have noticed a wider change in mood, confidence or communication.