How Do I Get My Toddler to Talk?

I think that you need to answer a few of the questions that were asked. I will say that when my youngest was 2 his pediatrition said that if he wasn't talking by 2 he was going to have him tested. In my case, I knew that nothing was wrong. He could hear amazingly well (if you whispered the words chocolate milk from the next room he would come running). And he could follow 2 to 3 step instructions well. He could 'communicate' exactly what he wanted, he just wouldn't talk. He had an older brother to explained anything that I wasn't getting. At just 3 months shy of 3 years he starting spending more time around kids his own age and with in a matter of weeks, he was talking. Now when you ask if he ever stops talking, he happlily tells you 'no'.
T.

i have 2 kids, 6 & 2 yrs who doesn't get tired of talking...all i did was talk, talk, & talk to them a lot. keep talking to your son, read to him (about animals if that's what he's interested in), let him watch tv & educational videos, sing songs- sing the abc song & the old mc donald song over & over...he's gonna talk soon don't worry

Start with sign language. Use basic signs that warrant a response: give the child a bite of his/her favorite food and model how to sign more and try to get them to copy. Start with hand over hand assistance and fade that away. This teaches the child that communication has a purpose. There is also belief that it helps form more connections in the child's brain. Do a lot of self talking. Explain what you are doing and talk as if the child understands everything and will answer you. The more exposure the better. Also watch your behavior. Are you giving the child everything he/she needs just by gesturing or making a noise? Although you can anticipate what the child wants, try to act as though you really don't know. Then give them the language they need to use. Accept approximations and praise them for trying to say something. If they say mu for more, say, "You want more. Good talking". I know this is all basic stuff that you are most likely doing, but as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher, this is what we do for therapy. You can contact me if you have further questions, but I highly encourage you to contact Early Access through the AEA. It is a free service and they can test your child to see if he/she would benefit from some free therapy (or just give you more ideas to do at home). Good luck!

Hi M.,
Does your child attempt to talk? If so, can you understand what he/she says? My son wasn't speaking by his 2 year appointment & the pediatrician wanted to have him evaluated but I decided to wait a bit longer. I talk a lot myself but once I stopped talking so much & waited for him to try, he started speaking & hasn't stopped since (he just turned 5).

Also my sister has 5 kids. The younger ones didn't talk as early as the older ones because they didn't "need" to. There was always someone around who knew what the younger ones wanted so they didn't have to ask.

T.

My son didn't really start talking until he was 4. That was when I finally convinced his doctor to remove his tonsils and adnoids. It changed our whole life! He still doesn't sleep at night but we've been working with Grant Wood and we have some bigger problems we are dealing with. I have to highly recommend Grant Wood to you too... I know around April sometime they will be coming to Williamsburg to do hearing and vision screenings. That would be a great time for you to talk to them about your issue unless you just want to call them directly. I've been working with Charlie, actually he worked with me when I was a child and now he's working with my little guy. I have also worked with the University of Iowa as well with behavioral issues too and they too were wonderful to work with. Just know that you are not alone!

is there a birth to three program in your state? i used them with my son and we live in wisconsin. they are a very good program that will help your child!!

Just be patient with them. Anytime they want something say whatever it is that they want and try to get them to use their words. I have a 2 1/2 year old that also uses sign, but we have been signing with him since he was 3 months. So a few basic signs that might help are please and thank you. But talking to him/her as much as you can and expect them to talk back to you. Ask him/her to use their words to help you get them what they want.

Reinforce whatever it is you want your two year old to say. For example if your child wants a cup, then say cup and repeat it a couple of times. Encourage your child to say the word cup. Pointing to different objects and saying the name of it. If this situation does not get any better, you may which to seek further assistance from the doctor.

I used to do in home daycare and I had a boy like that. He eventually opened up and starting talking at around 2 1/2 years. I'd say just give it time.

Also, my friend's son had problems with talking also. HE ended up needing his adnoids removed. After a few weeks, he was talking up a storm!!

M. in Iowa

Is your child not talking at all? I am a speech and language pathologist (SLP) that works with toddlers with speech and language delays/disorders. I highly recommend an evaluation by a licensed SLP. Check with your pediatrician for a possible referral. OR contact your local school district. You'd be surprised at how helpful they can be!!

Have you had his/her hearing checked? My sister in law is also a speach pathologist (SLP) She told me a story once about a child who couldn't hear and therefor couldn't speak. I would also recommend haveing you toddler checked by an slp

Hi M.. You are a woman of few words so maybe he is doing what you do. We need more info. Is he an only child or do siblings help tell you what he wants?

Does he just scream and yell when he tries to tell you something and you can't understand?

Does he use some words but just not conversation or sentences?

Lets have some more words here!!

M. B

The 2 answers before are good but one other thing would be that he can't have the item until he tries to say the word himself, it doesn't have to be correct just an atempt(sp). But I would like into a head start program in your area and have him evaluated.