Supporting Children Who Stammer: Building Resilience and Preparing for Secondary School

Starting secondary school is a big change for any child, but for children who stammer it can bring extra worries. New teachers, larger classrooms, meeting new friends, and increased academic expectations can all feel daunting. At North West Speech and Language Therapy, we support children not only with their speech but also with the confidence and resilience they need to thrive during this transition.

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Why Resilience Matters for Children Who Stammer

Resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when things get tough. For children who stammer, resilience means:

Managing moments of stammering without letting it hold them back.

Developing coping strategies for when they feel anxious.

Building confidence to join in conversations, answer questions in class, and make new friends.

Research shows that adolescence is a key time to strengthen resilience skills, helping young people cope better with challenges both in school and beyond.

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Common Worries About Starting Secondary School

Children who stammer often share the same concerns as their peers — but stammering can make some worries feel even bigger. For example:

Speaking in front of new teachers

Making friends and joining in conversations

Reading aloud in class or giving presentations

Finding their way around a new school and timetable

Handling homework and classroom participation

By exploring these worries early and planning strategies, children can feel more prepared and less anxious.

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How We Support Children to Build Confidence

At North West Speech and Language Therapy, our sessions focus on both practical speech techniques and emotional wellbeing. We help children to:

Identify their strengths – recognising that stammering is only one part of who they are.

Learn strategies for resilience – such as self-talk, breaking big problems into smaller steps, asking for help, and reframing challenges.

Practise real-life scenarios – role-playing classroom questions, ordering food in the canteen, or introducing themselves to new peers.

Develop a transition plan – using visual supports like checklists, journey planners, and memory boards to feel ready for new routines.

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Tips for Parents Supporting a Child Who Stammers

Parents can play a huge role in building resilience and preparing their child for secondary school. Here are some ideas:

Talk openly about your child’s worries and validate their feelings.

Practise new routines together, such as the journey to school or packing a bag the night before.

Encourage problem-solving by asking “What could help?” instead of focusing only on the worry.

Celebrate progress – every step, whether it’s speaking up in class or introducing themselves to a new friend.

Work with the school – share key information with teachers so they understand your child’s needs.

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Final Thoughts

Transitioning to secondary school can feel overwhelming, but with the right support children who stammer can build resilience, reduce anxiety, and develop the confidence to take on new challenges. Our therapy sessions provide a safe space to practise these skills, helping children move forward with independence and self-belief.

If your child is approaching secondary school and you’d like support, get in touch with us to see how we can help.