Kids who stutter know what they want to say but have a hard time speaking the words. They may repeat certain syllables, words, or phrases, prolong them, or make no sound for certain sounds and syllables.

Many kids start to stutter when they're around 2 or 3 years old because they're learning so many new words. This is sometimes called developmental stuttering and it goes away without treatment when kids are about 5 years old. You can support your child as their language develops.

Help your child with stuttering: 

• Stay positive. Don't correct your child when they stutter — let them figure it out on their own. Don't finish your child's sentences or interrupt them as they try to speak. Avoid corrections or criticisms such as "slow down," "take your time," or "take a deep breath." 
• Make talking fun. Talk with your child and give them time to respond. Encourage them to talk about things they enjoy. Use family meals as a conversation time.
• Talk to friends, family, and your child's school or daycare. Encourage them to treat your child's stuttering as you do, with patience and understanding.
• Set a good example. Speak slowly and clearly. This way, your child hears all the sounds in words and can try to make their words sound the same as yours.

• Your child avoids talking or avoids certain words because they're scared to stutter.
• The stuttering gets worse.
• The stuttering doesn't get better by about 5 years of age.
• Your child does other things like blinking, moving their mouth, or looking tense in their body and face when stuttering.

What causes developmental stuttering? Stuttering happens when a child's brain and the muscles used to talk don't communicate correctly. It's common for kids to stutter as they learn to speak. 

How is developmental stuttering treated? Developmental stuttering is common in young children, and usually goes away without treatment. If the stuttering gets worse, is very severe, or doesn't go away by age 5, your health care provider may recommend speech therapy for your child.