Parenting Perspective 

Your Calm, Patient Response is Key 

Supporting a child who stutters can feel delicate, but your calm, patient response makes all the difference. First, remember that stuttering is not caused by using two languages; it is a speech pattern that many children naturally grow out of or learn to manage over time. You can help by slowing down your own speech when you talk to your child, so they do not feel rushed to get their words out. 

Listen with your full attention and maintain eye contact. It is important not to finish their sentences or correct them mid-sentence, as this can add pressure. If your child gets frustrated, reassure them that it is okay to pause and try again. You can practise gentle, playful speaking activities at home, like singing songs or reciting short rhymes, which can help with smoother speech. Avoid drawing too much attention to the stutter; focus instead on praising what they say, not just how they say it. If you feel worried, seek advice from a speech therapist who is experienced with bilingual families. Your steady encouragement helps your child to feel safe, understood, and proud to use their voice. 

Spiritual Insight 

A Prayer for Ease in Speech 

Islam honours every effort we make to speak kindly, no matter how slow or imperfect the words may be. Allah Almighty knows what is in our hearts and rewards each small struggle to speak well. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Taaha (20), Verses 25–27: 

‘(Prophet Musa (AS)) said: “O my Sustainer, fortify my mind (with confidence of achieving the impossible), and make it easy for me (to accomplish) all of what You have commanded me; and untie the restriction (of stuttering) from my tongue. So that they may understand my speech.”’ 

This Dua of Prophet Musa (AS) shows us that asking Allah Almighty for ease in speech is part of our trust in Him. 

The Sunnah of Compassion 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ always treated people’s words with respect and never mocked or rushed anyone who struggled to speak clearly. It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 1921, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He is not one of us who does not have mercy on our young and respect for our elders.’ 

When you show mercy and patience to your child who stutters, you are following this Sunnah of compassion. Make Dua that Allah Almighty unties the knots from your child’s tongue and fills their heart with courage. May your gentle support help your child to see that their voice matters, that they are heard and loved for who they are, and that every word they speak carries a reward with Allah Almighty’s mercy.