Well I had problems with people complaining last year that he did not talk much and he was two. He talks now, well sort of. No sentances really..unless you consider where daddy,or eat elmo...giggles..but he doesn't talk all that much and I know its probably cus I don't talk that much during the day when his daddy is at work. I have no idea what to say most the time unless my son is asking for something or we are playing around. Even then I end up saying the same things over again that he already knows.
He is smart in other things, like throwing, (though he still doesn't catch things) and kicking and he was doign well with a bat and ball this summer. Not to mention he knows how to run my computer and has done some awkward things to it...
But Should he be talking more, what kind of activitys could I do to help him or help me rather with idea to do with him during the day. Reading is okay but that don't last long. So any help would help or suggestions would be great..thanks.:)
I do try to repeat things he says if I think I understood what he was saying...like "did you say subway" or "Can you say that again mummy didn't quite get that..did you say(insert word here) He does say alot of things, but not much in sentences. I hear " Looks out, Where is Daddy, Where are you?" small things like that. He did tell me last night when he was calling my name...and I answered he said "Potty" which is a good progress for his potty training. Still working on that be hes at least saying potty now instead of just making noises.
He love blocks, He regonizes all his abcs and 123s though he wont' say the them in song like they are. He does try to count though when we do little sit ups together. But he has known those things for quite some time.
Just trying to get him to use his words is hard. I do ask him, when he grunts and whines about something he wants but I don't know what it is, to tell me. And I try to point and say what thing are there that hes pointing at..but most the time he wont' repeat and just says no and whines more if I pester him about it.
But in gerneral thats all he doesn't really do...he does just about everything else that people have mention is the basic guidline to what a three year old should know, like jumping and singing, playing with blocks, recronizing pictures with pictures..like with his talking book. Just getting him to talk is the issue. Though he is starting the repeat what ever I say thing...which isn't nessiarly a good thing..haha since hes already leanred one semi naughty word...anyways, I will keep you up dated..and thanks for the suggestions I will try out some things at home before I attempt to take him some place as many mentioned.:)
I'd watch him and then consider taking him to the doctor for a referal about 39 months. Sometimes the big jump isn't until 3 months past the birthday and that is considered normal range. then ask for a referral to get evaluated for services.
Work on phonics at home. Over annunciate what you say. He he says something, repeat it clearly by saying: "you say you want you wa-t-er, correct?" And read read read.
Everyone's brain develops differently, Einstein was a "late-talker" so don't worry. If you are concerned you could start with having his hearing assessed.
Scientists say that reading the same books all the time is the best for kids to grasp concepts and recognize words so read his favorite book everyday
Read, read, read to him. Take him to the library and let him pick out some books, and take them home and read. Read the same books everyday and throw some new ones in too. Then you discuss the books and stories. Use the pages and talk about what is going on in them.
My parents always made us go to tutors in the summer and I remember one tutor told me that it was obvious that I read, b/c I had a great vocabulary.
Good luck!
Hello Lacey,
Your 3 year old should be saying more. Perhaps you could try playdates (can't find one- go to McDonalds), kids talk to other kids. Reading is fundamental - Read more and always read a bedtime story or two or three. Your child will get hooked, especially on the Dr. Seuss books. Talk to your child as you would any other person (in nice language of course) and in words they can understand.
Here's a website you can check out for things your 3 year should be doing:
http://parenting.ivillage.com/tp/tpdevelopment/0,,42ck,00...
Mother of two boys,
J.
Sometimes I don't know what to say to my 2.5 yo when she and I are home alone. I find myself narrating what I am doing... like, "Mommy is going to scramble the eggs now. Would Emma like to help stir?" Now mommy is turning on the burner. It is hot. Don't touch. Now the eggs are cooking. Can Emma put her plate on the table?" It helps me use more words with her, and gives me something to say. When we fold clothes, we count. "One towel, Two towels, etc..." I sometimes find it challenging, but make the effort because I know it is worthwhile. That might help some with your day to day interaction. Good luck!
Typically a child should be speaking in sentances understandable to other adults (not just parents - we understand our kids better because we're with them all the time) by the time that they're 3. Using 2 word phrases doesn't really count as a sentace at this age. There is a great deal of variation in what is normal, so your son may just be at the lower end verbally (so far, not to say he won't be very verbal later on). But early intervention is also important if there is a problem. Start with your pediatrician. Get his hearing checked. See if he needs a referral to a specialist. And talk to him constantly throughout the day - great suggestions in other posts about how to do that.
Many parents are afraid to get specialized help such as speech therapy for their kids for fear of giving them a label that will follow them for the rest of their life. The truth is that by getting him help he needs now, you'll be giving him a much better chance to overcome it than if you just keep waiting, so that he doesn't have the challenge later on. Like I said, there's a good chance that he's just developing at his own pace, but it would be a good idea to get it checked. And remember, you said yourself he's bright in other areas - overall he's a great, smart, wonderful kid and you don't want to lose sight of that!
Hi lacy,
i could say not to worry but then you wouldn't be asking this question. Well as a mom with 4 kids and one who is autistic, i would say a lot of the important things to try would be asking him wh questions, where,what,why when?? These questions take a little thought process and if there is no real delay then he shoud be able to answer.
Has there been any ear issues. Any and all extra fluid in the ear would make him hear things like he is under water and that makes it really hard to speak.
Talk to a dr and if he blows it off as ok and you feel like you want a better answer. Then go see a speech therapist and then you will be on the way to an answer..
Trust your mothers instinct. And don't let anyone tell you different.
God bless
I would definitely seek a professional opinion, as some Moms suggested. However, I did have this problem with my middle child. My first child started talking at 12 months...she had about 25 words and would say them when you said them to her. Soon she started forming sentences and hasn't been quiet since! I didn't have anyone around me to talk to so she didn't hear me talking much. That was 8 years ago...there wasn't really a focus on the first 3-5 years like there is now so I didn't think much about interacting with her, yet somehow she picked up on things and did just fine. I used signing with my third daughter and she learned even faster than my first daughter. Every word she learned to sign, she would just say about a week later. Also...by the time she was born my oldest was five and my middle was three so she was constantly hearing our conversations. My middle child did not talk until she was almost three. A few words here and there but not much. I was really concerned. Finally she started talking pretty much out of no where. It's like she'd been taking notes for three years, keeping it all to herself, and waiting for the right time to impress us! Now that she is 6 1/2 she says things like, "Excuse...but I believe I was speaking first", instead of "hey, I was talking". She's one of the top kids in her class as far as her work goes. She is very shy, which has been an issue since she was about one. As far as my oldest...she was kind of the same way with colors and shapes. She was about four and we had gone over colors and shapes a million times and she always answered things incorrectly. Then one day she got everything right and always did from that point on. Sometimes, it's just their own timing. So if you seek professional help and don't get anywhere it could just be that. However, not talking during the day also means he's not hearing anything. We learn to speak by listening to the words. The more you talk around and to him, the more you read to him, and the more he experiences LIFE on a day to day basis, the better chance he'll have at learning to speak. Hope everything gets better! Take care!
I suggest you find a local library and take your son. My daughter goes to the main public library in Colorado Springs to "toddler time". It's a great way for her to listen to others read and see other children her age. At toddler time, the children learn rhymes and little songs. Also, my husband does a great job of telling her what they are doing together throught out the day. Little things like "we are putting on your left sock." Remember kids are sponges at this age and absorb everything they hear. Good luck.
Instead of reading, look at books and have him tell you about the pictures. Talk about the pictures with him instead of just reading the words of the book.
Ask him to get things for you, then be prepared to help him do it the first few times. Have him help you do things like stir what you're baking, and talk about what you're doing as you do it. Ask him what things look like. Go outside on a walk and ask him what he sees. Take an interest in what he's doing and help him notice things that he may not have seen. Pretty soon, you won't be able to get him to shut up, like my 2 1/2 year old! I don't know that you should compare your son to him, because all kids are different, but he says 6-7 word sentences.
We also did baby signs when they were younger. He might enjoy those, too. When we see an airplane, we stick our arms out like wings. So he can mention what he sees without having to master saying the word. He'll be able to say the word within days of learning the sign, and the signs are fun, anyway. It's like a game to them. If you want more information on Baby Signs, there are books in the library, or you can ask me.
When you give him lunch, narrate what you're doing. "Here's your lunch. What color is the plate? It's red! How fun. What food are you going to gobble up off that red plate? A sandwich? Yummy! And apple slices, too! Oh, what a lucky boy to have apples AND a sandwich!" You may feel like you're nuts, but you'll find it's second nature after a while. And the more animatedly you talk, the more he'll eat it up.
When I was worried about my boys' speech (they started talking a bit late, but when they finally did, they caught up and passed their peers) the pediatrician said to play a little game with them. Here's an example. Show him his cup of juice and ask if he'd like it. Then ask him to say it. If he doesn't, ask him again, "can you say juice?" Do it over and over again until he says it or is about to get frustrated. Don't do it so much that he gets mad, but they said that if he learns a few new words in the first week of doing it, he'll be fine. It's a good practice, anyway, if you want to get him to talk.
Hope that helps!
I suggest chatting with your pediatrician for a speech assessment. He may be fine, or he may be delayed, and if there's a problem, it's so much easier to cath problems early. If there's no problem, Congratulations!
I would definitely see about speech therapy. You should talk to your pediatrician, they should know how to contact those services. I have a 3 year old myself and she talks up a storm. Still working on full sentences and structure, but much more complete than what you are describing. Better to have these things evaluated early. I am watching my 3 year old (she is the oldest) for speech problems. She has trouble with beginning hearing words and repeating them back properly.
Good luck. I am sure he will take off with help.
-M.
In regards to talking to your son, just talk like he is an adult. He wont get everything, but you will be surprised. I voice everything, putting your sock on your left foot, now your right foot. Now your shoes. Shall we find your hat and coat. Is it cold out side? Lets go check the temperature. Litterally, i just vocalize everything. Never in a baby voice. He also mimicks this and does not whine. Thanks goodness, i cant stand whining.
Second, I just made my own flash cards. I colored with crayons on one side, dots, shapes, etc. Although he is not close to guessing his colors right, he sure tries and his pronunciation is getting better.
Dear Lacey,
I know that you have probably already spoke with your son's doctor. Your son should already be talking in short sentences. Such as I want some water. I want a cookie. You might want to have him checked out. In the mean time try reading lots of books to him and playing music. Try some that are interactive... like Head shoulders knees and toes, marching, or just old standbys. You did not mention that he is doing other things such as no eye contact etc. I almost forgot..... How is his hearing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If he has had several ear infections when he was younger then sometimes speech in delayed. I am a clinical therapist and have worked with lots of little ones. I would have him checked out just to make sure. I will be praying for you.
I am going to echo Rochelle's response as it is what we have done, and it has been wonderful! If he does qualify for those services, you will be getting some great help as well. I've learned what I should say to him and what things we can do to encourage speech. Remember that language influences all other learning. If a child can't communicate what he is learning or what he doesn't understand, it will only slow him down. Intervention now is your best solution. Good luck!
It sounds to me like you should contact your local school district and request that he be screened for language and basic skills. That way they can help you identify any areas that need more attention. That way if he is behind his same-aged peers, he will get the services needed, and if not, then you can put your mind to rest. Have a great Thanksgiving!
Hi Lacey,
I would up the dialog with him. My son likes to help with everything, cooking, shopping, folding clothes, working in the yard.... I talk to him all the time about what I am doing and why. ie: when you pick out fruit make sure it is firm or a nice color or smells good... when measuring and using a cup measure explain the sizes, talk about favorite foods, stories about when you were younger, just explain what is going on during the day so he hears language. It doesn't have to be a 2 way conversation, just you talking, explaining, telling stories...
You could also gets stories on cd's or tapes, kids stories with or with out books that he can listen to, at home or in the car. Check the local library if you don't want to buy something. Keep in mind kids like to hear and see the same stories or movies over and over, it helps their memory skills and is a good thing. I would also ask his pediatrician if you need to be concerned about anything else but it sounds like he just needs more exposure and fast!
I would also follow Rochelles advice, never hurts to make sure if extra help is needed. You have to be your childs advocate, it may be nothing and it may be something if you help him with now will make a difference the rest of his life.
Have fun, your dialog with him will be things he remembers in the future. My son loves stories about my youth, give it a try!
SarahMM
Lacey,
My son just turned 4 and i would say he is behind other kids his age but he is making progress. At three he was always so busy and really did not talk much just the basic words. He is now in pre-school and i have seen alot of improvment in his vocabulary and when talking to the speech therapist they recommended singing, repeating what they say and also just reading to my son, but not reading word for word in the book but making up the story based on the picture and talking about what words he know and introducing new words based on the picture.
an example being in a picture there is a cow and grass, my son knows what grass is and what a cow is so I say "there is one cow standing in the grass is he going to eat it"
this has helped him develop his vocabulary, sorry for babbling. I hope this helped.
You can talk to your child about everything, well almost everything, most people assume that a child will not be abole to understand things so they do not talk to him, but he understands more than you think and even if he doesn't it is still vital to talk, talk, talk! When I am taking a class and learning about new things I always talk about it to my kids and they think it is fun to hear about mommy's school, I once explained what an enzyme is to a one year old, she just grinned and nibbled a cracker but it was a good way for me to review for my test!
Narrate your day, talk about what you are doing when you are sorting laundry "this red shirt will go in this colorful pile of clothes, the white socks go in the pile of white clothes", cooking "now we need to add 3 cups of flour, then we will turn on the mixer and it will whirl around so fast!", or anything else "Look at this letter from Visa, do you want a new credit card? Me neither, lets throw it in the garbage." Nursery rhymes, songs, stories both in a book and just made up are all really important too. The best thing that you can do is to turn off the TV, children who watch too much TV don't feel the need to talk as much, why should they when the TV charactors do all the talking. You should limit the time that you spend watching TV or online too and focus more time on talking to and playing with your son, you can even set aside a couple of hours each day for "mommy/son time" when your son will have ALL of your attention and you two can read and play and do crafts or whatever you enjoy together. Good luck!
Hi Lacey,
I had similar issues with my son. I had him evaluated by a free state/federal program (call your school district and ask who to call for a 3 year old). Anyway the evaluation is a blast for the kid and very informative for you.
What happens is a speech therapist, a child development specialist, and an occupational therapist come to your home or meet you at a preschool setting. And they sit down on the floor and play with your kid for about 1/2 hour to an hour. The kids love it! I had both my kids assessed. Anyway at 29 months they found that my son was missing the ability to make sounds he should have developed during the first year and more! With speech therapy and some extra help with social emotional development (which was delayed due to lack of speech causing him to not involve himself with other kids too much).(FYI he could follow directions etc. and do all kinds of things, BUT he was unable to speak anywhere near an appropriate level...He now is doing awesome, he is 4 1/2 and he sounds out words and can figure out how to spell a word based on letter sounds. (Oh, also very important is to note that his pediatrician thought he was fine, but it turns out he was truly delayed, but a dr. can't tell that during a 10 or 15 min visit).
I would seriously consider just getting him evaluated, then you can rest knowing he is fine....Or you can rest knowing that he and you are going to get the help you need to have him on track to begin kindergarten etc.
Keep in mind the speech services and other services are provided by the state and / or your insurance plan with no direct cost to you....The reason why is because research has found that if you help children with these things earlier rather than after they start school they recover much faster and are less likely to get frustrated with school and eventually drop out.
R.
Hi Lacey Dawn -
I found the website for ChildFind through Nebraska Dept of Education. I encourage you to give them a call. I used their services in Colorado for my toddler and the results have been amazing. Best of all, the testing and the speech therapy is free to you.
have you considered having him evaluated by a speech therapist? What does your pediatrician say? I would. I can't compare as my son is very verbal and has been always.
I agree that if you are concerned take him to the early intervention at home and family services. They will do a free evaluation and if he needs help then they will get it for him. A lot of the help is free or prorated based on income. I took my son and he ended up being fine but then at least I had peace of mind that he wasn't behind in developing. Plus if you catch any speaking delays early on they will be easier to correct.
good luck.
you've had a lot of great advice just follow your heart and give your son lots of love and things will work out.
YOur child learns how to talk from the people he is around. My advice would be to explain what you are doing during the day to him, he will naturally repeat part of it, if you pause to get him in the conversation.
I talk to my 2 year old girl while I am folding, doing dishes, dressing her everything. For example, "hand mommy the shirt"- Shirt?(child)- Yes the pink shirt.-Pink (child) Yes good job, the pink shirt.
Just make it a natural part of your day with him. It will seem repetitive to you, but interesting to them because they are so absorbed with learning how to say and do things at this age.
Good Luck
I would suggest you put him in preschool if he isn't already. It would help with his verbal skills, not to mention a lot of other social and academic skills he'll need for kindergarten. Check with your city rec department or local churches. Even once a week would probably really help. Side benefit: you get a couple hours to yourself, and who doesn't need that? ;) GL and Happy Thanksgiving.
Hi, Lacey! It sounds like your boy is going well. You could try just narrating your day: "Ok, up the stairs we go. Now, did you want some juice? Let's get a cup. Hmmm...no cups in the cupboard; let's look in the dishwasher. There's one! Ok, so do you want apple juice or grape juice?" etc., etc. Just listening to you talk will build your son's vocabulary and get him talking a bit more!
Happy Thanksgiving!
S.
children learn at different rates. if the pediatrician feels he is doing ok, i would just keep working with him
I would call the Early Intervention office(that's what it's called in Weber County.) I think it's family something in Davis County. Your nearest Elementary school should be able to give you the number. My daughter will be three in March and she was struggling with her speech, not only was it very limited, but hard to understand the words she did say as well. Anyways, after an evaluation, she qualified so a lady comes out to the house every two weeks and works with her, playing games and different things. And once a week now we get to go to Roy Elementary for a little group time, about 45 min. It's great because she can interact with others besides me, and we sing and play and have a little snack, and she is now talking in 3 or 4 word sentences after about 6 months. I can see a real difference, and it's fun and it gives me more ideas on how to help her. Good-luck
K.
I'd go with what others have said. Definately try reading to him. if you come across a word that he may not know, try telling him what it means. you don't have to do it long. Act out stories with his stuffed animals if he can't sit still with a book. I always talked to my daughter like an adult Use words they might not understand, and it can help build up a vocabulary.
My daughter loved to cook so she;d sit on the counter. "can you pour this in?" and other everyday stuff can also help.
when he uses a a half sentence (such as where daddy?) ask him if he can say back to you "where is daddy" you can also offer a reward of stickers for him parroting you...
Lacey,
The first thing I would recommend: Talk to your son.
Ask him questions. What is the things that fasinate him?
Find books at the library on subjects he is interested in.
Also talk to him about what you enjoy.
You have the opportunity to connect with your son every day.
Children this age have an amazing imagination...
What is it that your son imagines?
With my whole heart,
C., owner of Loving Connections LLC
What is Loving Connections?
Caring enough to share your whole heart.
It is important to talk to your son a lot during the day. One way to do this is to narrate what you are doing. If you are making lunch talk to him about what you are doing. When you change his diaper or help him get dressed talk about what you are doing. Also try to get in the habit of talking to him conversationally. Talk to him about things he is interested in, like cars, and ask him questions often during the day. You may not understand the response, but it is very important in developing his speech skill. Oddly enough, reading and television do not teach speech very well. Kids need to see your lips moving to really get it down.
As someone else mentioned - narrate your day. Count each stair, talk about everything you are doing all the time. Ask him what he is doing (e.g. are you playing with your blocks?), confirm what he is doing (e.g. it looks like you are having fun playing with your blocks), point out colors of things (e.g. those are blue blocks you are playing with), shapes that you see (e.g. the stop sign is an octagon).
I would also consider looking into speech therapy, as that will give you ideas on how to help his speech, and where he should be - what sounds he should be saying at this age, etc.
You may qualify for free or low-cost (depending on income) therapy through the Feds. DDI Vantage is the UT organization that handles this. Both my kids were slightly delayed in speech - my youngest actually received services from DDI Vantage. I figured it couldn't hurt, and I found the sessions very useful in helping me to teach him.
Hi Lacey,
I have a son who was much slower with talking, and know of a friend's son who did not talk much at all. They helped him by having a more interactive daycare(both parents work.)and singing with him
I have heard of making sure he asks for what he wants instead of pointing or grunting, is helpful basic step.
At home, try out singing to music. The library or on line has several choices. You could rotate or introduce a new one each week. They also have rhyme books with finger story lines. That could be a fun thing to do together. The Waldorf school teaches new rhymes each week. The kids love them.
Do you have a group of friends with kids that you get together with? Having more play dates can help too.
Or look into taking him to story time each week at the library. That is a great free outing where another is talking. Sometimes they have story tellers in town.
Good luck.
A.
Boys take longer to fully develop in the language department, but he should be saying full sentences by three. You need to talk outloud, sounds odd but like "I am going to put the dishes away", I used to have full blown conversations when it was just my daughter and myself during the day. I talked to her like she understood me so I wasn't looney and talked all the time to her as she got older. Identifying objects, like "See this cup, I am going to put it up here for now". If you are preparing a meal, talk him through it on what you are doing.
Take him to your local library, expose him to kids his own age. Preschool is a HUGE bonus in that area. He will get social skills and learn to communicate with other kids too.
Most libraries have story times. Make sure you expose him to lot's of different kids at the park, museums even just walking around the mall and play areas.
Reading to him daily, talk to him about the pictures, get him to interact about what he heard from the story. If you are concerned, have your Pediatrician evaluate him. Below are things he should be able to do, but take in mind all kids are different.
DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES
FROM 3 YEAR OLD to 4 YEARS OLD
Age: About 3 years
Motor Skills
*Climbs well.
*Walks up and down stairs, alternating feet.
*Runs with ease.
*Pedals a tricycle.
*Kicks a ball.
*Feeds self.
*Opens doors.
*Washes and dries hands by self.
*Makes vertical, horizontal, and circular strokes with a pencil or crayon.
*Screws and unscrews lids, jars, nuts and bolts.
*Turns a page in a book one at a time.
Cognitive Skills
*Attention span increases to about 3 minutes.
*Can remember what happened yesterday.
*Understands "now", "soon", and "later."
*Knows some numbers, but not necessarily in correct order.
*Completes puzzles with three or four pieces.
*Sorts objects by shape and color.
*Matches an object to a picture of that object.
*Laughs at silly ideas.
*Understands the concept of "one" and "two".
*Matches circles and squares.
*Understands physical relationships (on, under, over, in, out).
Social Skills and Language
*Uses three-five word sentences.
*Asks questions.
*Plays spontaneously with other children in a small group.
*Recognizes and understands most common objects and pictures.
*Repeats simple rhymes.
*Asks to use the toilet most times.
*Enjoys being read to.
*Imitates housework or other chores.
*Assigns roles in pretend play (mommy, daddy).
*Uses pronouns (I, you, me, we, and they) and some plurals.
*Knows her first and last name.
*Knows whether he is a boy or girl.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Age: About 4 years
Motor Skills
*Hops and stands on one foot for a few seconds. .
*Catches a bounced ball much of the time.
*Tries to write name. .
*Draws a face..
*Tries to cut paper with blunt scissors.
*Attempts to button, buckle and snap but usually needs help.
*Dresses and undresses doll in clothing with large zippers, snaps, and laces. .
*Brushes teeth with help.
*Pours from a small pitcher.
*Can get himself started when on a swing and may be able to keep it moving.
*Tries to skip.
*Strings large objects.
*Begins to copy some letters.
Cognitive Skills
*Recognizes some colors.
*Wants to know what will happen next.
*Distinguishes between what is real and what is imaginary.
*Follow instructions with up to three commands (put the toys away, wash your hands, and get your coat).
*Identifies situations that could lead to happiness, sadness and anger. V *Colors with crayons or chalk.
*Counts up to five objects.
*Understands taking turns and may do so without being reminded.
*Understands "big," "little," "short," "tall".
*Can sort objects by shape or color.
*Social Skills and Language
Social Skills and Language
*Speaks clearly enough for strangers to understand.
*Has a large vocabulary and speaks in sentences of five or more words.
*Tells stories.
*Often prefers playing with other children.
*Wants explanations of "why" and "how".
*Changes the rules of play as he goes along.
*Likes to play "dress up."
*Separates from parent for short periods without crying.
*Beginning to master some basic rules of grammar (past tense, plurals).
*Shares when asked.
*Enjoys playing games like tag, hide and go seek, and duck duck goose.
*Likes to do things for himself.
