Children between the ages of two and five commonly repeat whole words and phrases and may interject fillers such as “uh” or “um” into their speech—this is normal dysfluency and nothing to worry about. But in some cases, stuttering causes the interrupted flow of speech. Signs of stuttering include the following:

• Excessive repetition of whole words or phrases
• Frequent sound or syllable repetitions
• Effortful or strained speech or dysfluencies (interruptions in flow of speech)
• Increased facial tension or tightness in the speech muscles • Vocal tension resulting in rising pitch or loudness
• Avoidance of situations requiring speech

If these signs of stuttering continue for six months or more, consult your child’s doctor, who may refer you to a speech and language pathologist for further evaluation. In addition to professional therapy, you can help your child by doing the following:

• Not insisting that she speak correctly at all times
• Using family mealtimes as conversation times, keeping the TV and radio turned off
• Avoiding the impulse to correct your child’s speech or finish sentences for her
• Not forcing your child to speak or read aloud when she doesn’t want to
• Not telling your child to start a sentence over or to think before she talks
• Talking slowly and clearly to your child to provide a model of slow speech
• Encouraging activities that do not require speech at times when your child is having more difficulty speaking fluently.

As many as 25 percent of children 18 months to seven years old go through a stuttering phase. Getting your child to relax is the best way to help break the habit. Maintain eye contact, listen quietly, and speak in calm, simple sentences.