Not Talking Yet

Anel - posted on 04/15/2010

You feel exactly how i feel! I thought my son was the only one who didn't talk. He's going to be two in May and he just doesn't want to talk at all. I tell him to say mom, dad, but he just looks at me like "not this again" or I know it but don't want to say it. He too understands everything that I tell him. When I talk to him and tell him things it's in a regular voice not baby voice. However, when he responds to me he says "eeeeee" which I take it as a yes. So, I guess we're on the same boat.

Erin - posted on 04/15/2010

My little boy is the same way. He can say "mama." "up," and "Raggy" (our dog's name) but beyond that he really isn't talking. I did some looking around on line, and found out that boys in general talk later than girls. Also every baby is on their own time table, so don't worry. If he understands and follows commands, there aren't any hearing problems. Don't worry, you'll be wishing for the old days when he couldn't talk, in no time. : )

Claire - posted on 04/15/2010

Hi Amanda dont worry about it your not alone my little boy isnt talking yet either im working hard with him and we are getting a few words now and again but he cant count or do ABC's. My son will be 2 in May as well i think some boys are just lazier than others i bought some books from the supermarket with pictures of cakes and animals etc hes starting to pick them up also flash cards are fantastic my little one loves them. we just have to keep working with them hun fingers crossed they will be talking soon xxx

Jennifer - posted on 04/14/2010

My May baby just started talking.. She decided one day she was ready.. I have a niece who is 9 weeks younger a July baby and she talks up a storm. My Peds says it is nothing to worry about... My baby is the youngest of 4 I think she just didn't have to talk with 3 older brothers who did it for her.. No worries he will when he is ready.

Hayley - posted on 04/14/2010

Hey! I wouldn't worry about it. I agree with Neisha about reading books. I am always reading to my little girl who will be two in may. She can't count to 20, but she can count to 10 and is doing really well with her ABCs. Once my daughter did start talking, it seemed like everyday she was saying a new word. I wouldn't worry about it. All kids are different and once he does start talking more, you'll notice him saying more words everyday.

Yvette - posted on 04/14/2010

i have six kids and each one picked things up in their own time. i had one that walked at 8.5mths and another who walked at15mths. one that talked all the time from the time she was 1.5 and one that i thought had autism. it all depends on the child. what all you do for them. they said the reason my one child would not talk was because we would do everything for him before he would even say anything. we just knew what he wanted when he went out to the kitchen or to his room so we would just do what for him. after talking to the doc he said make him say what he wants. even if it doesn't sound like what he wants make him try. it works not we can't get him to stop talking.lol in time they will do stuff when they feel like it.

Cassandra - posted on 04/13/2010

hey... my son does not talk yet he says about 8 words but like your son knows everything i say and i understand him very well as he shows me with things he has picked up from signing.... i have got a hearing test booked for my son on friday as the health visitor said just to make sure because when he was up the hospital they were concerned that he had not had another hearing check.... and also concerned that he was not saying anything about 4 months ago.... his first word was hoover when he was 9 months then after that nothing until about 4 months ago so i was worried... but my health visitor said that not all children pick talking up as quick as others as they learn different ways to get what they want or tell you something.... but are sometimes quicker at other things like crawling... walking... etc.......... hope this helps

Monica - posted on 04/13/2010

My little may 08 twins are at 2 different sides of the debate. My younger one (by 1 minute) has an encyclopedia full of words and his older brother says maybe 10 words. I wasn't concerned until I saw signs of frustration. He would clench his little fists and shake them. My doctor and I had him evaluated by Easter Seals and he is now in speech therapy twice a week. If he hadn't been frustrated, there was no reason to put him in therapy, but he wasn't handling his lack of communication. If your child isn't getting frustrated then you have no reason to be concerned.

Adrian - posted on 04/13/2010

My daughter will be two on the 29Th of May. She says so many things that I have lost count of how many words she knows, however, she doesn't really put things into sentences and she often times,when she gets nervous, or you ask her what? she does tend to close her mouth to repeat herself. She knows only a few numbers and colors, all of her body parts and can name hundreds of random things- one word only! I felt the same way about the other posts! She also has the program Your Baby Can Read, but her attention span is that of a fish, so she can't seem to sit through an entire video. I often wonder if she has a case ADD as her father and his son from a previous marriage. Her brother is on medication for his and often times I feel like it does more harm than good. I know that there are many children whose parents assume they have these issues and I realize that at this age it is normal for a child to be so immersed in their world that they cannot focus on certain things for long. I too have wondered about my daughters inability to focus and about why she cannot seem to grasps the beginnings and ends of certain words. Though every day she points at something new and spits out its name, i.e., airplane, clouds, BIG truck mama, I know that she is still learning at her own pace.

Tammy - posted on 04/13/2010

My son is two in May and still doesn't say too much yet. He babbles a lot and has some words, but not much talking yet. I know he understands everything we say, he just doesn't say much. I was kind of worried about it, but have been told by other moms of boys that boys talk later than girls. I feel like I'm expecting too much from him because my daughter had a ton of words at 1 year, and was speaking full sentences at 18 months (and has yet to stop talking at almost 4 years old!), so I have to remind myself that she talked WAY early and that all kids are different.

Gina - posted on 04/12/2010

my son is not talking too and today i saw a boy in my son`s age he doesnt talk too

ian concerned too but i dont know how to help him to talk

Alicia - posted on 04/12/2010

I would just like to reiterate on this topic. Yes, every child is different. My 4 year old son was speaking in full sentences at a year old..... My son who is about to be 2 at the end of May barely speaks at all, he is incredibly cognitive and started running at 9 months. I DO NOT sit my children in front of the tv and reading is a large part of our day. I really do not like the assumptions that some are putting out there.

Nicole - posted on 04/12/2010

Hi, my son will be 2 in may and he too is not talking yet, Every child is different, and they will talk when they are ready. My daughter talked early, but my oldest son who was also born in May talked late, I wouldn't be too worried about it. When he is ready he will start talking and then won't shut up.

Karen - posted on 04/12/2010

I wouldn't be to concerned if he is saying a few things and he can understand what you ask him to do. Do you have other children because sometimes they get lazy when they have siblings because they do all the talking for them :)

Lisa - posted on 04/11/2010

hi there. my son is in the same boat. he has recently started to count and talk, in his language, but is getting better....

Ralu - posted on 04/11/2010

hello there! My son is 22 months and he seems to be at the same stage as yours- he only says bye bye-, and mutters a few words here and tehre ( juice, one, two, three.. etc)- we were just as concerned as you, his ped. clearlly told us to wait until he is ready - not all kids develop at the same rate! So, don't worry... he will speak when he is ready! I hope this helps to put your mind at ease!

Nicole - posted on 04/11/2010

my son Essavier says the basic words like mommy,bye-bye,no(his favorite) he comunicates well for the most part but he's trying he knows the parts of the body and gives his puppy treats.he listens to everything i say (for the most part) i wouldnt worry they all grow at their own pace just keep working with him. I always talk to him and ask him questions he'll get there!!!

Pamela - posted on 04/11/2010

DO NOT WORRY!!!! Ivan is my third child and is identical in speech development to my first. In my experience boys talk when they are good and ready. Every pediatrician that I have spoken to (over the the last 11 years) have all said the same thing; comprehension is the most important thing. Also remember, many people exaggerate what their children can do because they are worried that they will somehow appear lacking. My first, a boy, did not really start talking until he was about 2 1/2. Now in 5th grade, he is known for his fabulous verbal skills....go figure!

Tara - posted on 04/11/2010

My son is just starting with animal sounds right now - I hope that the words come soon

Louise - posted on 04/11/2010

well i dnt see anything to be concern about, because everybody do things on their own terms, so when it's his time to talk he will talk... My gilbert started saying his words at nine months.... he knows how to count from 1- 8, he knows some of the alphabet, i think it has alot to do with the environment......., if the child goes to nursery or pre-school they will learn alot than just being around the parents.... that's my point of view.

Kaneadsha - posted on 04/11/2010

I though I was the only one. I was told to seek speech therapy. Use straws to help strengthen her jaw muscles, use mirror play to make it fun to see mouthing shapes of words.

Shantell - posted on 04/11/2010

hi , my daughter is also having troble talking .... she can count to 5 and can say a few words, put on her jacket and shoes by her self but like you i was worried about it. so i asked my doctor and he said that each child is different and will come into there own on there own time . just keep up with the singing , games and reading to him and he'll get it soon eough.

Jessica - posted on 04/11/2010

Like a lot of the other moms who have responded Asher isn't talking much either. We going to start some early intervention this month and get some help with his expressive speech. May I suggest songs? Songs for just about everything, Asher seems to respond very well to it. One of the first things he verbally expressed besides mama, dada was E-I-E-I-O. At 1st I didn't know what he was saying, then I realized what he was saying and started singing Old MacDonald and got very excited. He can even recognize Beethoven's 5th symphony thanks to Baby Einstein and Youtube clips. It's worked for me! He is way more expressive these days.

Shannon - posted on 04/09/2010

I read those posts, too, and it made me angry that someone would even start that brag fest. Now that I've said that, I have 5 kids, oldest is 10, the youngest is a May '08 baby. I think I babied all my babies, and as a consequence, all of my babies were late talkers, probably because I'm a fairly quiet person, and I never learned to talk with them, and instead talk at them. Nathan can hear everything I tell him and can even follow instructions. Every now and then I swear I can pick out a word or even a short sentence, but then I wonder if it isn't wishful thinking, because he's not even saying "mama" or "dada" yet. He also will look at me, and with the most serious face, and say a whole string of sounds and noises, so I know he's trying to communicate. It's actually pretty cute. So, to answer your question, don't worry about it. He will talk when he wants to. Just keep doing what you've been doing, and it will come.

Elizabeth - posted on 04/09/2010

My son Jake is 22 months ols and has a handful of words that he uses. Other then that he isn't talking either. Like your son he follows commands and does things we ask him to do. He was crawling by like 5-6 months and walking by 10 months. We work really hard with him and read to him all the time. I really think if he wanted to he would talk, but he gets what he needs other ways. If you figure something out let me know!

Janel - posted on 04/09/2010

While yes all children develop at their own pace and we shouldn't compare, in general by age 2 most children are using over 250 words. It is a legitimate worry and worth talking to the Dr about it. Call your local school - they provide free service they will evaluate the child, advise you and the services they provide are free and take place in your own home. My son was premature and has some health issues so when he wasn't saying anything other than mama and dada at 18 months that is what our Dr advised us to do. Now he will be two in May and is finally using "jargon". He says about four words on a regular basis in the correct form. There can be reasons other than just not hearing correctly that can cause the delay. Most likely it's not a big deal but it is worth having it checked out. The earlier things are detected and worked with the better. Good luck!

Michelle - posted on 04/09/2010

I wouldn't sweat it..I'm no expert , but my 23 month old has not said mommie yet, only says daddy, she can count to 20 and do the abc's...however all this is muffled inaudible baby gobble gobble...lol nothing grand and amazing at all..so don't sweat it...Landon will do his thing when he is good and ready..then you won't be able to shut him up! LOL

Ashleigh - posted on 04/09/2010

My little man isn't counting yet he's learning colors and he says quite a bit which impresses me but I def can say he can't say his ABC's. lol He'll say or try to say what you ask him to pretty much. Just today I found humor in the fact I was doing something and he was pushing a truck and I hear "Move Mom" come from him. He has heard his big brother say that A LOT! lol. And his big brother has been in speech as he wasn't talking at this age much at all. We've since learned this was due to his ADHD but anyway my May baby is the talker but yea knowing ABCsand what u said that's crazy! and def rare! lol

Pia - posted on 04/09/2010

It is not unusual at all as far as I know. These posts give the wrong impression, I wonder whether some mum use it as a place to just keep boasting about their babies, sometimes even in response to a distress call from someone.

Kathleen - posted on 04/08/2010

My lil man is only saying basic words like puppy kitty mummy cow he can not count he counts in 2's for example "how many cows Mikey" 2 2! 2!! and only knows his A in the abc's for example Mikey get your nappy for mummy 'Ay!!!!' lol so we are getting there but but we have been in the same boat Mikeys cousin is now 3 at 2 she was counting and doing the abc's she now knows how to spell her name and knows her address. So i know what it feels like to think your son is lacking. Trust me i would rather my son not talk like that now. Imagine the back chat you would get lol

Stephanie - posted on 04/08/2010

Amanda,
As a teacher, I know children learn at different rates all the way through life and it is okay! DON"T STRESS! He may become the top of his class!

I want to address the mothers that have negative thoughts about children learning early. My 22 month daughter can sing the alphabet, count to 10, say some of her body parts, and say a few colors. I have never pushed her or sat her in front of a television. I teach young children and it is very natural for me to teach unconciously. My daughter laughs and has fun as she sings to the alphabet and/or sings head, shoulders, knees and toes. It does not have to be a drawn out lecture. Read books consistantly, sing and play. Young children learn so much through play. Early literacy and speech skills come from the simplest of gestures. It is not a torture session as some are suggesting.

Sherri - posted on 04/08/2010

My daughter will be 2 on May 20th and as of the end of January she was only saying maybe 5 or 6 hard to understand words now she is doing 3 and 4 word sentances. I cant even count how many words she has learned in the last 2 months. Sometimes she talks and you can not understand any of the words and some things are very clear. I would say as long as he does not seem frustrated or in pain then there is a good chance that everything is fine. All kids learn at different paces. As you go about your day give everything a name and ask him questions...If he is thirsty say would you like milk or juice and show him both. When he picks one say ok you want juice. All of a sudden he will answer you with words not just by pointing or nodding.

Try not to compare what other kids his age are doing. You know him better than anyone else. If you trully feel like something is off then push the doctors into checking.

Mia - posted on 04/08/2010

My son will be 2 at the end of May and he only says a handful of words. But understands everything I say to him and will do what I ask. I have 3 kids prior to him and each one did it different! I have some friends that their kids dont speak words til they r around four. Each child is different. Kids that read and know abc's and 123 r being pushed .

Tonya - posted on 04/08/2010

Hi Amanda, I am sure your little one is fine but you may want to take your son to an ENT. My daughter is a May baby and when she went for her 1 year appt. her ped said I shouldn't worry that she could only say a few words. Months later I took her to an ENT after she had an ear infection and was told she had little to no hearing and I had no idea, she seemed perfectly fine to me!!! About two months after the tubes were placed she became a chatter box and is doing great. It may be worth your while to just have his ears checked out just in case. Good Luck!!

Heather - posted on 04/08/2010

Your son sounds exactly like mine! I'm not worried though...my husband and ALL of my brother in laws (I have 5) didn't talk before the age of 2 1/2 and these days we can't get them to shut up! haha No worries....it just takes some babies longer than others. :)

Jennifer - posted on 04/08/2010

if he walked young, around 7 to 9 months, then he will be a late talker. until i had my son i assumed boys didn't talk much until after about 2 1/2 as i've never seen one that did, were as my son says sentences that other people seem to understand quite clearly, but he also didn't walk until about 13 months. i wouldn't be concerned at all, have you ever seen a five year old that can't talk that has no disabilities. he'll be talking your ear off in no time, enjoy not having 50 million questions a day while you can :)

Cheryl - posted on 04/08/2010

hi, my daughter is 2 in may and u know shes always ben really good with words.. but she has this talkin like full sentence and we have no idea whats shes sayin! shes done it since before she was 18months... she counts to 10.. knows ome abcs.. and well very quick with everything but thts the only thing i can safely say is worryin me.. cuz shes kinda got a lisp? and says it sooooo fast too... tho not all babies can talk.. wat we did was say things softer easyer to say words... so lily could understand what it was we were sayin n for her to pick up on.. her first word was mummy... she never says it now.. tho i refere to myself all the time. so does her dad..books and librarys with singin n dancing.. i think " in the night garden" help lily alot too her words came on ever faster with watchin tht! like over night! health vistors would tell u if they were conserned for ur baby id go and see them and see what they say... one day he might suprise u hun.. i hope this helped.. :) good luck...xx

Lacey - posted on 04/08/2010

lol my son used to pronounce chocolate as something similar to toilet, and he's really into watching mommy cook and he doubles up words so cook cook became cok cok, and we don't do r's so we sound somewhat inappropriate when we're out.

Lacey - posted on 04/08/2010

I have a coworker who told me a story about his son when he was very little. He was about 3 and they couldn't figure out why he wasn't talking, not one word! They had set up an appointment for a speech therapist and about two days before the appointment they were in the kitchen and my coworker was busy and the little boy was in his chair and the dog came into the room. The dog was excited and trying to go outside my coworker was busy. Well the little boy said to him "Dad, the dog needs to go outside". First thing he said was a full sentence. He later said he didn't have anything to say.
Landon just may not have a lot to say, talk to your doctor about it and just work with him....it'll happen soon enough. My son Corbin all of a sudden just started jabbering constantly, now we're working on volume control. Good luck!

Becky - posted on 04/08/2010

My baby doesnt talk much either...She says dada and now has started saying mama more and will say bbye and hi but she also will say a word once or twicd then not say it again..I am not worried about this as I like you amanda know that hearing is not a problem. Some babies take longer...Mine has a mind of her own and does stuff in her own time..She is already in a toddler bed and I had no problem doing that but potty training she wants nothing to do with. I think your child is fine kids develop in their own time and if you really have a issue with it talk to your pediatrician who im sure will re assure you your child is fine!

Amanda - posted on 04/08/2010

my youngest is 22 months old and has about 10 words and that is still under development. my oldest went through the same thing so with both of them i called the REACH program to get speech and language help. with Reach someone will come to ur house and hour a week and help u and child. they can help u to figure out what the problem is. with both of mine is was just poor muscle tone in the face so u learn some muscle strengthening excercises. some children might not being hearing correctly so they don't speak, have an articulation problem, etc. ur local hospital would have a number for a speech and language therepist u could contact for a screening. first thing though get ur childs hearing checked!!!!

Beverlee - posted on 04/08/2010

I know exactly how you feel! My daughter only started saying more than a few words within the last 2 months or so. And even though she knows alot more words, she rarely chooses to speak. I had her evaluated and was told that she is on schedule w/everything else and knows what you're saying (just like your son), and that she will talk when she's ready. They even said maybe she just doesn't have anything important to say and one day she'll mesmerize us with saying the 'Pledge of Allegiance' or something...lol

Pam - posted on 04/08/2010

My son Brandon is also not saying very many words. He says elmo, mommy, daddy, up' and out very well. He also makes all kinds of sound effects. His brother who is four went through his speech at the same pace. We were worried about him not talking and then when he turned 2 to about 2 and a half it was like an explosion of words and we can't get him to be quiet! ;) I wouldn't worry, especially if he understands commands and is making some sort of noise.

Kelly - posted on 04/08/2010

My May 08 baby isn't talking at all! Good to read these posts, makes me feel less concerned.

Sereena - posted on 04/08/2010

my little girl can say lots on things and can count to 5 but hasnt leant her abc but im not in any rush for her to talk tbh she will do more when she is ready all children are different and do things at different times/ages so if ur little one aint saying much give them time they soon will

Megan - posted on 04/08/2010

Yep, huge variety in development! I am one of eight kids myself; I talked earliest along with one of my brothers (sentences at 15 months) but that is really unusual. Same as alphabet and counting at this age. I was worried about my May 20 boy several months ago and had him evaluated for speech therapy and found he was right on track...his comprehension was great and his verbal communication was within normal range. He was home with me full time til very recently though and I've noticed a huge jump in verbal communication since he has started day care. My niece did the same thing when she started day care. As of right now he says around 10-15 words, and gaining more all the time. If you are really worried though I'm not sure if they have taxpayer funded evaluation centers in your area. I am in Northern California and I was referred by my pediatrician (at my request) to a center that does complete evaluations of toddlers. I didn't need anything but my pediatrician's referral to participate in the evaluation. Maybe you could ask your doctor if there are any programs like that in your area. Hope that helps.

Amanda - posted on 04/07/2010

I wouldnt worry about it, all kids are different. My daughter started saying words pretty early, but just within this past month has just gone into overdrive, just a big spurt I guess. She doesn't know colors or ABC's, she can say, 1,2,3, but doesnt know what it means to count. She mostly mocks me and mutters short sentence, but litteraly just BOOM, all at once started saying several, I'm sure your little one is doing things that other "talkers" arent doing. My daughter doesn't know shapes yet and only knows her eyes, nose and ears.

Jamie - posted on 04/07/2010

My lil one is doing the same as yours. I am concerned though, and hoping it happens soon! Its hard seeing others who are doing so much. I just keep trying...

Tracey - posted on 04/07/2010

My daughter was born on may 27th 2008 and isn't talking much at all. She does say a few words but no sentences yet. I have a niece that is a little over 2 and started talking a lot around 22 months but I guess all babies are different.

Krissy - posted on 04/07/2010

Hi Amanda,
My little boy, Chase, will be 2 on May 6th. I was totally concerned about his lacking of talking until I realized that most of my friends with almost 2 yr olds aren't really talking either. I chalk it up to all these babies being second babies and their older siblings talking for them. My little guy definitely understands everything I tell him but his words sound unrecognizable as he also doesn't pronounce the first letter of words. He is only saying familiar names, hi and bye, and several one worded commands. I wouldn't worry too much about it as I have been told it's just boys. I can say that my 4 yr old daughter talked so early but her "Boy" friends didn't talk until clearly after two. I hope this eases your nerves.