How advanced is your 2 year old's language?

Francesca - posted on 11/24/2012

Every child learns at their own pace. My 2 year old said her first word at 3 months, I have her on video saying "Hello". Now she speaks in full sentences in 2 languages (Greek and English). She knows the whole ABC song, She can count to 10 in 2 languages. She know all the words at least 6 nursery rhyme songs. She will even change the songs around and add her own words to the tunes. She recognizes colors and can identify letters. We have a lot of fun pointing out letters in ABC soup!.



Maybe it's because we have a large family, so she is always interacting with someone. We didn't use baby talk with her when she was learning. What I think played a big role was our i Pad, believe it or not. We used to play videos for her on YouTube, and now she know how to turn it on and navigate her videos on her own. So, like I said every child learns and communicates differently, so I wouldn't worry.



I'm still trying to potty train her, while other 2 year olds are already potty trained, so each child reaches their milestones in their own time.

Nikki - posted on 12/19/2009

Quoting Gabby:

My son is the third in the family and I thought his language skills would be much better than a first child!! He understands everything but still primarily has a language of his own. He is the only one in his play group that doesn't say his own name, certainly not interested in ABC's ! I was a little worried but have been assured by a number of people (both friends and professionals) that he is absolutely fine! I must say that in the last two weeks he has started using more and more words - from the experience of the other two it won't be long when we will be asking advice on how to keep them quiet!!! I say enjoy babynese as before you know it it's gone!

I totally agree with you. My son, who is our  first child, doesn't really say much but understands perfectly what we say to him.  He is more interested in playing baseball and any other sport for that matter to want to try and talk. I also think that he might be a little stubborn and he knows that he can get across what he wants while not having to actually say the words. Now my nephew on the otherhand, who is 7 weeks older than my son, speaks like a 4 year old would. All babies progress differently and learn @ different paces. As long as they are progressing normally in most other aspects, I don't think anyone should REALLY worry that much about it; and I say that knowing we all worry a little to a certain extent,because we are mommy's and that's what we do, but our kids will get there eventually.

Paola - posted on 12/16/2009

Hi Erin! My baby has 2 years and 2 months today.... she speaks sometimes words... sometimes short phrases. She tries sometimes to speak the words.... sometimes she says words but incomplete.

Im a teacher. What i think after having studying small kids atention and everything, is that each child has its own development. Some kids speak faster than others. Try for your child to see and hear tv programs that involve speaking.. also try to put songs, and that will help you out a little. Dont worry mother in laws are a little bit pushy sometimes.... and always want their daughter in law to be perfect... you calm down honey.... hehehe thats my advice.

 

 

 

Quoting Erin:

How advanced is your 2 year old's language?

Hi everyone! I of course, like the rest of you I'm sure, think my child is a genius when he picks up my 2lbs weight and says, "heavy." But my husband thinks he needs to know more and my mother-in-law, in a very concerned way, called up to tell me about a 23 month old who can sing the ABC's. I need to know my kid is progressing and I have nothing to worry about.

Reassure me please!

Fawnia - posted on 12/15/2009

I have been told by my son's teacher that he is very advanced in his speech he has a full vocab can hold a conversation with you. Uses sentences. Can sing the ABC'S, Count to 14. I think it depends on the child and how much they are worked with I work with my son on alot of things and he picks stuff up and retains it well.

Sonia - posted on 12/15/2009

each baby is differnt... my baby is 2 (26 oct) and leraning two languages at same time. he does not say any sentence, only words, but understand everything we say to him in both languages. i talked with our gp and he says not to worry, because maybe he thinks he dosen't need to talk to ask for things; also my gp told that all kids are differents, and i should only concern if by the age of four he is not talking properly.

Justine - posted on 12/14/2009

Your child would probably be able to sing ABCs if you practiced it enough with him!!! It's all about what they are exposed to - I remember going for the 12 month check-up and the paed asked if they could clap hands and i said um, no, but they CAN high five! (We just hadn't taught them to clap hands - they could do it by the end of the week!) Much more important is that he's not just parotting words without understanding them (as is undoubtedly the case of the 23mth old who can sing the ABCs!!) - so being able to idenifty that something is 'heavy' is far more impressive than being able to rote learn a song!!!

Taneshia - posted on 12/11/2009

my son does what i call down low talking. het talks under his breath when no one is paying attention, but when you ask him something he tries to play like he cant talk. i have a 6 month old baby so my 2 yr old has regressed a lil bit. i also have a 5 year old who talks alot and that really helps him out. he is able to tell me when he hungry what he want, how he feeling his name, he can count knows some abcs and colors so I think he is doing fine language wise. there are still some things i have a hard time decoding though, every child is different and they will talk when they good and ready and once they start they dont stop.

Khristina - posted on 12/10/2009

My child has sang her abc's since about 15 months- now i've been told she advanced. Your two year old boy is probably just fine. They say boys are slower on the talking side of things. My child I think is honestly going to be a genius- she counts to 20 in english and spanish- I have videos of her up on you tube talking up a storm thats just waht she does she is a talker. At 12 months she said over 300 words- thats what I thought was normal. But I guess not- your boy and normal and you should be happy about that. I wish my daughter would shut up sometimes she never stops talking. She says every cus word there is- which is NOT good.

Frances - posted on 12/04/2009

My girl was 2 on the 1/10 and she talks lots, I can't tell you how many words but its quite a few and she forms complete sentences. She is my first and one thing I've done with her right from the beginning is talked to her like I would any child as in not in baby talk. There are words that have become shortened to a babyish form - like nana (banana) but I've never spoken to her in a "baby language". My mum reckons I talk to her like I would a teenager!!! We don't have a tv which I think helps because I've noticed many of the programs aimed at her age group don't talk properly like they are purposely trying to dumb down the babies. I woiuldn't stress about it if she didn't talk much though. As long as everyone around her keeps talking to her she'd get it eventually.

Tiffany - posted on 12/04/2009

if you have concerns talk to your doc and have them get an evaluation done! my daughter was 2 on oct. 24th and wasnt talking at all really... only said about 10 clear words. she got the evaluation though help me grow and is now going to "school" (early intervention w/ kids her age) and Wed. was our 2nd time going. On sat. She said "ease" for please bc she wanted a peice of candy. then on monday she said "uice" for juice. she she is having some progress just in the 2wks she has went to school. if you are concerned talk to her doc. they will know what to do.

Andrea - posted on 12/03/2009

All kids progress in their own way. My daughter can sing her ABC's, as well as Happy Birthday, and parts of "Home Sweet Home" by Carrie Underwood. Her friend who is a few weeks younger, barely talks, but can get out one to two word phrases. Keelin can carry a conversation, and even makes up the most hilarious stories, about the dogs fighting or stealing food from the table, or that Michael Jackson is her friend. No matter what though, your son will pick up language at his own rate, and will be chatting away in no time, but every child does things at their own pace. So don't worry!

Shannon - posted on 12/02/2009

my son is 2 years and 2 months he does not sing the abc's but he loves animals and a cow is car. grizzly our dog is gizzy and my moms dog keta is keke and cats are kiki. he says o man when he drops something. his books and sister are mm baby and mm books and i think that he is trying to say my books and my baby.kids are all diff and learn at there own past.my son never talked when he was a baby. cay my lil girl talks all the time. he is fine. good luck

Jacqui - posted on 11/27/2009

Quoting Ortha:

Hi;
We just took our daughter for her 2 year check up (born 10/24) and the doctor said we should look into a speech therapist...our daughter understands what we say and seems to be on track with her mobile skills...I think she is just stubborn when it comes to talking...she says a few things and repeats words once in a while...however the doctor said she should be saying short 3-4 word sentences....she says words like "me talk" "mamma" daddy" papa" yes" no" football"....does anyone know anything about speech therapy???

My duaghter was ordered to speech therapy at only 18 moths (Which btw I though was outrageous because she had 10 words by 10 months and they grew about 10+ each month after) I agreed to take her anyway. The speech therapist fed her small snacks to make sure her jaw had enough strength and movement; she had her go through all the words she did know. Then she pulled out a book and had her try to point out "where's a hand" or "which baby is sleeping?" things like that. We also did basic commands and questions like "where is your nose" to check comprehension. My daughter passed with flying colors so we didn't have to go back, but it did give me ideas on how to further improve her vocabulary and understanding- we now read bout 5 little books a day and I invested in "first 100 word" and "first 100 animal" books so we could learn to point to and recognize different things....

Anyway, don't give up! Keep working with her

Vanessa - posted on 11/25/2009

hi there, is he ur only child? i ask this because the younger 1s learn from older siblings. my youngest(25mths) took awhile to start talking but now that he is he doesnt stop and is always copying his older brother(5 1/2). but they all start at different ages. so i wouldnt be too worried. good luck! because once they start they will never stop. lol

Heather - posted on 11/25/2009

Your child will learn at his or her own speed. If you think your child should be talking more or have more vocabulary then go see a professional.

Zoe - posted on 11/24/2009

Well my son turned 2 last month and his speech is next to nothing..we get hiya....hello...no which are the only true recognisable words.It is stubborness though he understands what ur saying.We had speech therapy last week as health visitor said he was behind in this dept but to be honest im going with he will do it when he is ready all kids are diff.At this age my daughter was talking in sentences :)

Kimberly - posted on 11/22/2009

my daughter doesn't say but 5 words, she is starting with a speech therapist she did have fluid in her ear and just got tubes, it may have affected her speech. my neice could say her abcs at 18 months but everyone is different

Christy - posted on 11/22/2009

Quoting Ortha:

Hi;
We just took our daughter for her 2 year check up (born 10/24) and the doctor said we should look into a speech therapist...our daughter understands what we say and seems to be on track with her mobile skills...I think she is just stubborn when it comes to talking...she says a few things and repeats words once in a while...however the doctor said she should be saying short 3-4 word sentences....she says words like "me talk" "mamma" daddy" papa" yes" no" football"....does anyone know anything about speech therapy???

My daughter started speech therapy in August and it is amazing. She has gone from saying a handful of words to being a little chatterbox. I say, don't wait! It can't hurt, so go for it!

Karlee - posted on 11/22/2009

My little girl says heaps of things but only strings two or three words together like 'baby in there'. She still babbles on in her own language though which I think is so cute. I love the fact that she tells u what she wants like 'yummy' 'drink' 'bath'. She can tell u everything on her face and count to three. She knows cars (which she sometimes calls beep beeps) trucks, bikes etc.. I am a big believer in letting them develop at their own pace and try not to compare them to others. I have a friend who's little girl is two as well and she has a dummy in her mouth and hardly says much, but she will one day and that will be when she is ready!

Tanya - posted on 11/22/2009

your kid is doing just fine, every kid learns at there own rate :) i think my son knows too much for a 2 yr old he too can sing the alphabet, count to 7, sing nursery ryhmes and talk in sentences very well. But while to some that might seemed advanced or awsum even i dont feel it is as i hurt over the fact he didnt stay a baby too long...my daughter was the same she was talking by the time she was 17 months old :( :* :( lap ur son up with the go go gah gahs as long as u can love :)

Jennifer - posted on 11/21/2009

My daughter (10/04/07) has been talking clearly since her first word. she never did the "baby talk" As of last week she is up to a wonderful 230 words.She says full sentences and will tell you exactly what she wants.She is very vocal her vocabulary is great for a child of her age.

Sarahjoy - posted on 11/19/2009

Hi :) i am a mum of a two year old, of course, and i state "Do not worry about child talking skills, as of yet!" when they are 3 to 4 start worrying.
My family speaks more then one language and so does my son, yes the two year old. i have come to understand that the English language is one of the hardest languages to speak. I have nieces and nephews and cousins who can talk in full sentences in a different language and are only 20 months old and that is when it clicked in my head how hard it must be for my boy to keep up with us grown ups.
I found that my child is scared of english and is more comfortable speaking spanish so i found when teaching him words in english breaking a word into its syllables or just sounds helps. but i too believe that every child is different whether its in personality or learning abilities. I will be patient and understanding. Its a scary thing to say words in a sentence at the pace adults do. So dont worry they have still so many years of learning.
Oh and one last thing. I found when my two year old plays with children around the age of 7-8 he is more interested to talk to and copy their skills.

Amanda - posted on 11/18/2009

my daughters language skills are great. pronunciations is a little iffy on some words...u know the b's sounds like d's etc... but she has a brother who is 3 and speaks like he's 7

Aleasa - posted on 11/18/2009

One thing I noticed that nobody else sugested was Preschool my son has been going twice a week for 2 months...hereallylikes it and we have really noticed that it really helped with how much he is talking...plus I get a break twice a week!!

Griselda - posted on 11/18/2009

Wow, your husband and MIL are both making you feel unsecure about your toddler. Alhough, your son should be saying 2-3 word sentences I would not worry about it just yet.

If he's able to verbally label most things he sees I'd say that he's doing well. I would definitely be concerned if by 2 1/2 he's still not putting words together.

Also, keep in mind that most, (not all) boys take longer to speak, girls on the other hand develop their speech a lot sooner.

My girl sings, twinkle, twinkle little star, bubble bee song, ABC's but only up to G, counts to 3 then skips to 9,10.

Says an infinite amount of words and her favorite phrase is "Where is it" I'm currently teaching herhow to use "me and I" statements.

Talk to your son's pediatrician if it's becoming a concern to you and have a professional tell you whether or not your son is behind in speech. I personally don't think so...



There's absolutely no way that every 25 month old will be in the same languague braket...

Chloe - posted on 11/17/2009

My son (2) won't say anything other than Mama, Dadda and Papa. I have approached my doctor and am seeing a speach therapist next monday to get assessed. I think he's just being stubborn as he gets his point accross most times. My doctor wasn't really worried at his 2 year old check up because my doctor's child didn't start talking till he was 2 1/2 years old but he did refer me to a pediatrician anyhow. So i will have a couple opinions from proffessionals.

I am really not worried as my husband and sister were both stubborn and wouldnt speak until at least 3 years old. And they are both really smart individuals.

Did you know Einstein failed Kindergarden because he wouldn't talk? Look at how smart he was!! (i keep telling myself that!)

Jessica - posted on 11/16/2009

Every baby or Toddler is different they all are going to progress differently if you ask me. I think you are fine just work with him like when he picks up that weight or whatever it is make sure you describe it and talk about everything Ex. That Big silver weight weighs 2 lbs and its round with a bar..

Catherine - posted on 11/15/2009

my two year old can tell me a variety of animals and there noises, count 1 - 10 and name a lot of his toys but i still get told he should be talking more by doctor, he can say a few sentences but only very basic such as me please when he wants something and thank you mummy but thats about it

PamChris - posted on 11/15/2009

Our son just went for his 2 year check up, he is progressing more towards a 3.5-4 year old, he speaks french and english, 2-3 word sentences, opening closing doors, etc.......This is our first and only child, I have many friends with children and it is all different, there are not two kids the same, but, I do believe it is how much time you speak to the child how well they will understand, mimick, and advance. When our son asks a question "whats this maman" we take the time to stop and explain it, even if it is something simple he really catches on fast, and usually will repeat what we have told him......clearly showing he understands, its adorable.

We love being parents!!! hope this helps someone!

Natalie - posted on 11/13/2009

Hi,

If the pediatrician says he needs more work then that's when you should worry. All children progress at their own pace. At two, Zara knows her abc's and sings it. She can count and recognize numbers to 15. She can say a few phrases in Chinese, Spanish and Greek as well. I think she knows around 350 words. She uses 4-5 word sentences with adjective and adverbs. This is because I was very intent on teaching her language skills since she is the first child and doesn't have a sibling to mimic. I was afraid that she was a slow learner. She babbled till about 18 months then started talking in sentences. Also, I think we tend to push our little ones to advance before they are ready. I learned that when they're ready it will happen, unless they don't understand instructions then it's time to look into intervention......

Donna - posted on 11/10/2009

I have twins and one is talking extremely well - recites ABC's and songs and corrects his own speech until he has it perfect. The other is still doing baby talk and only recently has started with words like No; Juice; More; Daddy; Mummy. He uses a bit of sign language (his own made up signs that we've learnt to recognise). I've been told he is fine and his brother is just advanced for his age. Every child seems to have his own pace regardless of family influences/lifestyles. And it's nothing to do with the idea that one twin talks for the other as they are quite independant of each other.

Elizabeth - posted on 11/09/2009

My daughter speaks in 4 and 5 word sentences, and uses a lot of descriptive words like pretty, funny, nice, etc. She likes to describe EVERYTHING and even a dead ant warrants a half hour conversation, which usually then goes into what the ant eats, what eats ants, etc...sometimes I think my ears are going to fall off! lol. But I have 2 other girls (9 and 5) and I have learned not to compare their progress at certain milestones. My 9 year old knew all of her colors and was counting to 20 by this age, and my 5 year old was barely speaking at 2. I actually began looking into 'special' preschools for her, she was almost completely mute! Luckily, I have a great pediatrician who pointed out to me that she didnt need to speak b/c her big sister did all of her talking for her, and a dad who scolded me for comparing them. When Sarah did finally start talking ( closer to 3) she was speaking in complete sentences, with a minor lisp, and it was as if she were speaking all along! I wouldnt worry about it too much!

Tiffany - posted on 11/08/2009

Quoting Kathleen:

Tiffany,
don't worry. lots of kids go through this. she just may need some motivators to talk. as i said before if the child doesn't have an intent to communicate then they won't. speech will give her that intent. wish you the best.

yea i know that. My nephew had to have speech therapy and after 2 weeks of going he was saying all finds of stuff. That was back in April and now you cant get him to shut up lol. She says some words but the Help Me Grow program here says that they should be putting words together and also saying at least 50words at the age of 2. So I just hope that she starts talking soon so i can get her potty trained! 2 babies in diapers is breaking my bank! lol

Kathleen - posted on 11/07/2009

Tiffany,
don't worry. lots of kids go through this. she just may need some motivators to talk. as i said before if the child doesn't have an intent to communicate then they won't. speech will give her that intent. wish you the best.

Tiffany - posted on 11/07/2009

my daughter isnt even talking yet. I am susposed to be getting a call at the beginning of next week to get evaluated and then she will be going to speech therapy.

Kathleen - posted on 11/05/2009

many boys don't actually talk until closer to three. i would not worry. they are busy figuring out how their world works. also some kids put strings of words together where others take longer. remember the main reason children will begin to talk is they have a need to communicate. if that need doesn't exist yet then they will not do it. i would get a second opinion before signing up for speech therapy.

Kathleen - posted on 11/05/2009

My 2 year old has over 300 word vocabulary but that is not the norm. I have a background in communicative disorders. Most 2 year olds have between 25-50 words with 50% being very clear and easy to understand. This number should double by age three and triple to quadruple by 4. Also boys tend to be a little behind girls in the vocabulary department due to them experimenting with how things work and taking things apart. I would not worry. Each child does things at their own rate and by the time they get to school, those ahead will top off and those a little later usually catch up. The big qualifier is whether they understand you when you speak to them. If your son understands 90% of what you tell him then there is no concern of language delay. If they seem confused then bring it up to your doctor otherwise sit back and enjoy.

Kim - posted on 11/04/2009

Quoting Ortha:

Hi;
We just took our daughter for her 2 year check up (born 10/24) and the doctor said we should look into a speech therapist...our daughter understands what we say and seems to be on track with her mobile skills...I think she is just stubborn when it comes to talking...she says a few things and repeats words once in a while...however the doctor said she should be saying short 3-4 word sentences....she says words like "me talk" "mamma" daddy" papa" yes" no" football"....does anyone know anything about speech therapy???

ortha
first i want to say that my son just had his two year check up and the doctor asked if he was putting two three words together and i told him not really and he said okay so i cant say that your child really needs a speech therapist quite yet 

erin

as for how much my son says he says about 35-50 words but not always   but each child is different  my daughter was talking alot more at this age  it depends on different things such as girl or boy  first child or second child how much talking you or other children do for your child whether when your child points and you get it right away or make them try and say it

again each child is different so just keep talking with yours  and if you think there is anything to be concerned about talk to your doctor and he should be able to help you

Abi - posted on 11/04/2009

EVERY kid moves at his own pace! My son is a talker... but it doesn't always make sense... we are just now getting to the point that I'm understanding EVERYTHING he's saying... It will happen in time, and unless he's not talking at ALL... his development will move at a pace that is appropriate for him! Good Luck with everything!

Kaye - posted on 10/25/2009

Hello! :) I think we are all worried when others say their child can do this and that, and ours can't! My daughter is 17 years old, and when she was 14 months I could hold a conversation with her, she could sing songs and was quite advanced orally. My son Noah has just turned 2 ( 9th Oct ) He says odd words and sometimes puts 2 words together and thats it! He goes to nursery with older kids and is always surrounded by adults, yet still he won't talk. On saying all this I'm not at all worried, as I know every child is very different, and his talent for picking up other things is quite brilliant. I know he will speak one day, lets face it we all do it eventually! 'NORMAL' is a word people use, but none of us can define.

Kaye x

Niemah - posted on 10/25/2009

man i didnt think raquel had a problem but after reading the posts im thinking maybe she does..lol. she can repeat the alphabet to me but only after i say it first and thats usually the case with all the words she says...she has a select few words she says on her own but no sentences...and she can understand a lot and repeat things back to me..but she cant say her own name and has a problem with s' and r's...this is my first child so i just assumed this was normal...should i be looking into speech therapy??

Karri - posted on 10/23/2009

Madison is the third child, so her language skills are pretty good. She can sing the ABC's, count to 20 in English, count to 5 in Spanish ( thank you Dora and Diego) and sings countless other songs. I would say you understand 90% of what she says. She speaks full sentences instead of just a couple words.....but I really believe this is due to her sister being 12 and her brother is 4 and she thinks she is as big as them! I wouldn't worry unless your pediatrician says something.

Gayle - posted on 10/22/2009

My son just turned 2 on 10/17. He still isnt doing alot of talking. It seems like he tries but just cant get it out at times. He can say a few letters of the alphabet. He primarly says Mama, Mamo (Grandma), Papa, Ris (His Uncle Chris), Ree (His Aunt Carrie), Up, Jump, Nanana (Banana) and a few others. He knows what I am saying though, and understands. My son is a big time concentrater. He does other things above his level though. He tries to read and play the piano at church. He babbles songs but you know what he is trying to say. A friend of mine said that when her son was little that he didnt talk, but he went to and ENT specialist. They found out that his tonsils were very large (not because of infection either) and they were putting pressure on the back of the tongue. After they took out his tonsils and adnoids the little one began talking. Really it depends on the child. My other friend took her little girl to a speech thearapist. The speech therapist told her that the little girl was just stubborn, about two months after going the little girl began talking on her own one day. I have people constantly trying to give me advice on trying to make my son talk. I am just taking one day at time. I know that soon he will. Be patient is what one of my friend told me.

Muge - posted on 10/22/2009

my baby girl doesn't talk pretty good too. she says some words but not sentences. but she pretend very nice. people think she is talking. lol. she start to first step. she qualified and she is having speech therapy right now. so i can advice you to call first step and make them evaluation your baby. they would know is she ok or not. good luck..

Gabby - posted on 10/22/2009

My son is the third in the family and I thought his language skills would be much better than a first child!! He understands everything but still primarily has a language of his own. He is the only one in his play group that doesn't say his own name, certainly not interested in ABC's ! I was a little worried but have been assured by a number of people (both friends and professionals) that he is absolutely fine! I must say that in the last two weeks he has started using more and more words - from the experience of the other two it won't be long when we will be asking advice on how to keep them quiet!!! I say enjoy babynese as before you know it it's gone!

Ortha - posted on 10/20/2009

Hi;

We just took our daughter for her 2 year check up (born 10/24) and the doctor said we should look into a speech therapist...our daughter understands what we say and seems to be on track with her mobile skills...I think she is just stubborn when it comes to talking...she says a few things and repeats words once in a while...however the doctor said she should be saying short 3-4 word sentences....she says words like "me talk" "mamma" daddy" papa" yes" no" football"....does anyone know anything about speech therapy???



Now it is December...our daughter was to advanced to get any help from speech therapy and she is talking up a storm now...so all I have to tell you is be patient and it will come...

Sandy - posted on 10/19/2009

Your kid is doing fine, not all kids have the same learning stages. My 24month old daughter has a pretty understandable vocabulary although she still blurs somethings and cant sing abc or count to ten yet although she tries really hard. On the other hand 2 other kids I know that are 3 months younger then my daughter are still baby talking and only use a few words that are understandable. All babies progress at their own rate and depends on who their influences are...