Fluency is smooth, easy, forward-flowing speech.  Dysfluenies such as whole word or phrase repetitions and interjections are typical in connected speech.  Research suggests that 7-10% of the average person's speech contain these common dysfluencies.  Stuttering is when fluency is interrupted by prolongations, repetitions or blocks and accompanied with anxiety and/or tension.

Between the ages of 2 and 5 years a child may go through periods of normal dysfluency that go beyond the average 7-10% range.  A child's speech may contain whole word repetitions that are easy and without struggle or tension.  The child is often unaware of his/her difficulty and therefore does not have associated anxiety.  This period of normal nonfluency may be linked to rapid language development, development of speech motor control and/or environmental stresses in a typical busy family.  Some children may outgrow these dysfluencies and others may require therapy.        

You can help your child develop fluent speech by:

• Speaking in a calm, slow and relaxed way.  Let your child finish his/her thoughts before you ask a question or comment.  
• Give your child plenty of time to respond to a question or comment.
• Maintain eye contact as your child is speaking.  Try not to finish his/her sentences.  
• Ensure that siblings follow these same guidelines.