Should My Daughter Be Talking Better?

Hi T.
Have you considered using baby sign language? Contrary to what many think, it is not only for babies. It can be used at any age-as early as 6 months to as late as 5 years. It does not hinder their speech development but enhances it. Since spoken fluency doesn't happen for quite a while, signing can help them communicate and has been proven to stimulate more of the brain. Plus, it is fun!
I have been an elementary school teacher for over 11 years and have seen the whole gamit.
I also teach baby signing so if you are interested in talking or if I can answer any questions, please feel free to email me at ____@____.com you are doing well. Don't stress about this! :)

My daughter will be 2 in March and I know how you feel. My daughter says the same things, one word sentences. One thing that helped her start talking more was to have her around other children. I used to be worried about how she talked and I did have her evaluated. They told me that she was fine and that she will eventually talk when she wants to start talking. Well now I make her say more. Like if she wants to color she has to say color please, or crayons please. If you know what she wants why get her evaluated? She will start talking on her own.

While my son was a "talker" right away, my 2 daughters used single words until they were 3 - then started using full sentences and never stopped talking! Every child is different and as long as there are no hearing problems I would wait and let her grow into herself.

every child speaks at a different time
my oldest who is 8 was quite quick on everything! my 2nd was born 4 weeks early and was delayed on alot of things mainly talking and had to have speech therapy to articulate her words. she is not developmentally disabled and is not classified as such because of her speech therapy but you get the idea. my 3rd child who was 2 in august is just like the 1st child! more so i think. she kills me with what comes out of her mouth. but it wasnt always like that. she has taken off recently and its just hilarious.
as for the mom who has her kid trained at 18 mths, good for her! my kid would tell you where to go if you told her she had to be potty trained 6 months ago. she went once for me. it kind of fell out of her so to speak. i got her a prize for going and she hasnt gone since. 2 little boys her age (one who is 2 mths shy of being 3 yrs) are already trained and i am kinda jealous my dd wont do it at all. but i know she will eventually learn. she cant go to school in diapers! my 2nd child was TERRIBLE to train. she would hide away from everyone and come back and tell you she pooped in her diaper. she got trained in the summer before pre-k started(she was 4 that june-shes now 5 and in kindergarten). our prek is right at the school and no pullups allowed. my first daughter wanted to start 2 mths after her 2 nd bday and her bday was in april so she spent the summer bottom half in panties so no accidents at all(i was lucky) and she never had a poop accident. but she was tough at night for 6 mths and had to wear a pullup. then she grew out of that
i hope with all my rambling you get my point. hope this helped!
A.

I love your line "a bit tall." Are you kidding? I have 3 kids, 6, 4 and 2. I'd say I'm pretty experienced. Listen -- there are a couple of things that people lie about -- one of them is potty training. That child is not potty trained -- the parents are trained to put her on the potty in hour intervals. PLEASE don't sweat that!! Also -- everyone is always doubting themselves - their parenting - how their child performs in relation to other kids, etc. If this is your first it will be harder for that stuff to role off your shoulders -- but try anyway. It sounds like your daughter is right on track. Wait 'til she gets to pre school or Kindergarten when all the parents talk about how well they read. This will go on and on for the rest of your life. Remember the ones that judge are insecure (probably lying about their own child's successes) and trying to make themselves feel better by putting you down. Classic high school behavior that they haven't outgrown.

Your little girl sounds happy and healthy -- everything else will fall into place. Besides -- she sounds like she's doing great!! Good luck!

Hi T.,

Well, I definitely would say take her for an evaluation if YOU feel that even the slightest thing could not be on trak. I have a 4 yr old daughter, precious as can be and very adveanced, her pediatriian loves her. Then I have a 2 yr old boy who was diagnosed with autism (PDD-NOS). I have to say that the home therapy has been magnificent and I have learned so much myself. Although, he is low on the spectrum, the speech is a great factor when they are trying to express something and verbally they can't, but through trying and frustration we understand. It wouldn't hurt to get her evaluated. It is usually 1 in every 150 children, 1 in every 94 boys, and one child every 20 minutes. The therapy, wheather it be speech, OT, ABA, or Spec. ED. it helps with the development. The most important part is our interaction as parents with what they are absorbing at this age. WE STILL HAVE TO HELP ALONG. Hope this was helpful.

N. O.
Mahopac, NY

Albert Einstein didn't talk until he was 4, and he is one of the greatest physicist in history.

NO your daughter is not behind in her vocabulary. The typical 2 yr old only says 2 to 3 word sentences. My son started talking very early. His vocabulary was very advanced for his age. And people, even teachers, ask how old he is because he's always spoken very clearly, but that isn't normal. And the whole potty training thing usually does take some time, more so for boys though. But we've been trying to potty train my son for months. Some kids just get it some don't. I wouldn't worry, it sounds like your daughter is right on track.

Dear T.,

I just wanted to thank you for raising this question, since I've had almost identical concerns around my almost-18-month-old son. Only you phrased it so brilliantly. I'm incredibly grateful for these responses, even though I didn't even ask the question, LOL.

One thing I've been reading about with respect to my son is that there are different personality types and different learning styles -- and these aren't a reflection of intelligence or innate ability. Some people "learn by doing" -- they have to try something as soon as they see it. These people can sometimes seem very precocious at an early age, but they can also be "accident prone," since they try things before they know what they're doing. Other people learn reflectively -- they take everything in before spitting anything back: your daughter may have that learning style.

Similarly, some people are very outgoing, other are slower to warm up. A woman at my husband's office is convinced that my son has a hearing problem because he won't say a word to her. Well, she's very loud, friendly, outgoing, and a little overbearing. My little guy is very shy and slow to warm up to strangers. He probably finds her terrifying.

Anyway, what I want to tell you is what I keep telling myself. People have different personalities, pursue different careers, and go in different directions. It's not a race to a single finish line.

Take care, and don't worry!

My daughter could not be understood till she was seven.I of course new what she was saying but no one else did.After speech classes that were a waste of time,come to find out she had a very high palate.She grew out of it and speaks beautifully. Kathleen

My own daughter din't speak a lot at this age either. My Mom in law was concerned because my husband had issues when he was young and she didnt want her granddaughter going through what he did. She didn't have a huge vocabulary, but she could say "Credibles" which mean the Incredibles movie (One of her faves) and library. A few weeks later, her language exploded! My pediatrician said as long as my daughter understood me, and was attempting to speak, he wasn't worried.

As to thsoe Moms who claim their child is better because they pottty trained early.. so what? my daughter 's language was delayed (But still wthin 'normal' development) but she walked earlier than her cousin who is onlya month earlier. Each child develops differently, and it all balances out. It's not a competition.

ok, i 1st want to say, don't feel bad...not about people telling you that their children are talking up a storm and yours isn't...and here's why...from what i'm told as long as your child is up to a certain amount of words, and saying SOME (NOT ALL THE TIME) sentences (more then 1 word at a time, whether 3 together, or a whole long conversation...which i highly doubt ANYONE'S child will at this age lol). now, my child talks a lot! she says a ton of things, and sometimes she's able to get out a few word sentences (and she'll be 2 in april). now i can understand more then 1/2 of what she's saying, BUT everyone around me (especially my idiot in-laws) say that i'm making it up...like you said, telling tall tales, WELL, i happen to be used to children with speech problems (my brother had a very bad one until he was around 10....and still has a slight speech problem...but growing up, i had to be the translator for him...so i'm used to it) and being that my daughter it just learning to talk, it's not much different from a child with a speech problem. the dr. said that if she says a word that SOUNDS like a word that would be used in that particular time...like saying boo when you ask what color the sky is, and it's blue...it's still considered TALKING and saying that word.

IF you are truly concerned, have her tested...worst case is they tell you that there may be some speech delay and you take care of it right in the beginning, but most likely, she's just where she should be. my daughter may say a lot of words, and some short sentences (and in her own "baby language" talk up a storm) but when she wants something, she usually just grunts and points and whines until we have to yell at her (like her father and his family, screaming is the ONLY thing she understands 1/2 the time) to SAY what she wants, then she tries to tell us, but usually just throws herself on the floor. once we figure out what she wants, she'll point to it, clap, then say what it was and if we say, "well, you should have said it" she just laughs at us. some children just pick and choose what they want to say and how they want to talk. i'm sure your child is fine, but you can never be too cautious! if you really are worried, then have her checked out. good luck with everything.

Your daughter is doing just fine. I know how difficult it is not to compare her with other children. It is rare that children that just turn 2 speak in complete sentences. All kids develop at different paces but from what you say, she appears to be fine for her age. My son said similar limited words at 2 but without any speech therapy, he's perfectly fine. He was not fully potty trained until he was 3 1/2 either. He is now in pre-k, speaks perfect english and in fact, is accelerated in his education compared to many other children so please don't panic.

J.- 39 year old working mom of a 4 year old son

Hi, Your daughter is clearly communicating with you. I didn't speak (not one understandable word) until I was 2 1/2 years old.

Cheers

E.

Don't worry!!!! I was convinced there was something wrong with my son because he barely spoke at all at 2 years old. He would point and make little grunting noises. I used to come home from the pediatricians office and cry because I had lied to them that he was saying "Mommy" and "Daddy" to the right people when he wasn't even saying mommy and daddy. And forget about potty training. He didn't even comprehend that idea until he was 2 1/2. Then, about 3-4 months after his second birthday, words just started falling out of him. Now, he doesn't shut up, he has an amazing vocabulary and he's ahead of a lot of the kids in his daycare class who are older then him. She'll talk in her own time.

Like snowflakes, every child is different but all require love and patience. My daughter was a slow physical developer but she was so alert and aware of her surroundings from an early age. So I thought she would develop speech early on also. Not so, she learned to walk before crawling. She learned to walk up the stairs before saying mama. She says "shaka" instead of "shower" But I am patient. I know she understands what I say and eventually she will learn. Relax.

Please don't worry - your daughter sounds just fine! Some children may be very verbal very early & speak in complete sentences w/advanced vocabulary & correct grammar, but I suspect most are not. As long as she understands you & communicates her wants or needs w/1 or 2 words I wouldn't be concerned at this point. Keep modeling correct speech patterns to her. If she says "juice", you say, "would you like to drink some juice?" Another idea someone suggested was to leave out some words when singing a favorite song & encourage her to fill them in. As for toilet training at 18 months...I wish! My son was trained about 2 months before turning 3 & my daughter w/in 1 month after turning 3. I didn't pressure them & they had some successes here & there for a while until it just clicked. For both of them, they trained when they were ready & it was fairly easy for all of us. Good luck!

I tend to think every child is different and learns at their own speed. Yes, some children are slower in toilet training, as well in slow in talking and walking.... but this doesn't mean something is wrong.....it's all a learning process and form of letting go of babyhood.. I tend to think the more you talk with your child, and the more you read to her, she will learn more words, and how to put them together to form sentences. Be patient, before you know it, you'll be sending her to law school.

T.! I have the same concern! My daughter just turned two on 12/22 and I am soooo concerned about her speech. To my own disadvantage I took a course in infant language acquisition and because I know of all of the weird things that can go wrong with language acquisition, I have been worried sick about her progress. Does your daughter get many chances to play with others her age - mine little one doesn't. I am hoping it is because she is the only child at home but then again I can't help but to worry.

Please let me know if you receive any good advice/info...

Are you serious? She is 2 and I am sure your pediatrician has told you about processing language opposed to speaking it!!!!
My son who is 5 did not speak more than mama or dada until he was 2 1/2 .... once he spoke it was in full sentences and very articulate I must say!!!! Don't worry until he is not speaking at say 3. Unless he is throwing quirky signs than he is 100% normal to me!!! I considered therapy for my kid until he spoke so clear at 2 1/2. Relax and enjoy the silence!!!!
Loretta

I would not worry about this...all children develop in their own time! But I know as a parent you will worry anyways and think about it so here is an easy way to determine if there is need to worry...call your local school district...they will help you set up a speech evaluation for your daughter for FREE!!!! Use it...it is your tax dollars. A lot of times they will come to you or have you bring your child to them. (I am a teacher) It never hurts to find out early...as for potty training...my daughter is 2 1/2 and I am still trying to get her to train on the potty...in her own time I guess..my son was trained by the time he was 2. Good luck with that!!! HA HA

Hi, I wouldn't worry, and I wouldn't let other people get you all worked up. Your daughter sounds perfectly on track ! Every kid is different and they all develope differently. She does say words and expresses herself - so there really shouldn't be anything to worry about.
My son is 2yrs/7 months and he only started really "talking" two months ago. Before that it was only words. But he was/is stronger in other developemental areas than other toddlers his own age who spoke earlier than him.....and that is what I have heard - that they can only really handle one major developmental thing at a time. So really I wouldn't worry, because when it starts, it will probably be like my son and just all come at once.
Good luck and enjoy every stage !
D.

I think your daughter is totally average. (though I laughed out loud at your evaluation of others' children!!) My son really didn't start saying ANYTHING significant until he turned two. He is just now starting to say things in sentences (2 1/2) and his articulation is still horrible! I am having him evaluated for speech, but because of his artic problem, not delay in vocabulary or anything like that. Your daughter just knows how to get what she wants, so she doesn't see the need in trying to use more words. If you start prompting sentences she may or may not start using them. I would give her some time. If she is already saying "I dropped it" and "it's broken" then she is FAR ahead of my son at that age (although I do hear that girls tend to be ahead verbally) - especially if she is speaking with good articulation.

However, if you are still concerned about it in 6 months or a year, then I would get an evaluation. I am a special ed teacher and know the ins and outs of the system. I was glad to look for any reason to get my son evaluated, just to know what his strengths and weaknesses are, to get him a baseline they could compare to later, and to learn what I can do at home to help him advance in the way that he should be. Because his father also had speech problems, I was extra anxious to jump on getting him a speech eval. People around me tell me I am just being paranoid and he will eventually get all the sounds. My point is that I would rather get him help now - even if it is just some exercises I can do with him at home - rather than having him have to be pulled out for therapies during his school years when he really needs to be in the classroom!!

Good luck with it all!

Our daughters are now 21 months and we had similar issues with speech. We decided to get them evaluated. There is a federally funded early intervention program run by the Dept. of Health who will come to evaluate your child at your home. If they see a problem they will come to your home and provide services. This program is free until a child turns 3 years old. This is NOT related to the Dept. of Education and any services received will not be in your child's record.

Hope this helps.

I have a 2 year old grandson with limited speech. I also have a 2 year old grandson that talks up a storm. All children develop differently. My daughter did have him evaluated. The first thing that was done was have his hearing checked. Then there was an evaluation. It was felt he was slow in speech but not delayed. They did feel he needed more socialization skills and are working with the parents to help them with this. My daughter is a librarian and we think talking in complete sentences rather than simple words and phrases to him to begin with. It has only been about a month and already he is talking more. The state of NJ does have early intervention prgrams. You might want to check out what services are available if indeed there is a problem.

First and foremost, if you're concerned you should talk to your pediatrician. They can do a more personal evaluation. That being said, she sounds like my son, and he turned out to be very bright. I have 3 children. My first was talking in sentences at her first birthday. My second child, on the other hand, had very little interest in speaking till he was three. In fact, he developed almost simultaneously with his baby sister, who is 13 months his junior. My husband and I were both late speakers, so I wasn't overly concerned. Like your daughter, he clearly understood us and had no problem making his needs known to us. Still, I talked to my pediatrician.

You're absolutely over-reacting. Relax. Sounds to me like she's doing great! My daughter was very quiet up to her second brithday and then suddenly become a chatterbox. She'll be 3 in a few weeks and now sings along with her disney princess videos and is speaking very well but could not form the sentence you wrote above, so don't fret!!!

Also, potty training is an individual thing. If you're not training at all at this point I strongly encourage you to start. It is very uncommon for an 18 month old to be trained and very rare that it takes only 3 days. But we did START around 20 months - just talking/reading about it and letting her sit on her little potty (fully dressed) when I was on the big potty, etc. She was in panties full time by 2 1/2. Don't underestimate her ability to understand anything. Plus, Dora panties might be just the thing she needs to get her interested. You could even try wearing them over her pullups when she's ready for that transition and taking the pullup off right after she goes on the potty the first few times so she can see how much better it feels to be in panties without a diaper! Good luck and try not to compare her to other children. Sounds to me like she's doing just fine!

One more comment about your post: I find that my daughter reacts very well to "overheard praise". When she's within ear shot I'll praise her for her accomplishments and do sometimes go overboard a bit. This type of praise (and even "negative" comments - such as telling my husband that "she wasn't a very good listener in gym class today" as we're making dinner while she plays on the floor) can be a very effective tool. I'm guessing that's not what your co-worker is doing since her daughter is probably not there while she was gloating but I thought I'd suggest it. Good luck!

My personal opinion is your daughter is just fine. My son didn't say much, except for the basic words like you stated that your daughter says, until he got closer to 3. Then like a switch was flipped, he was speaking in full sentences.

And don't worry about potty training...my daughter was trained by 2, but my son was trained by 3. All kids are different. Anyone who judges your child (or your parenting skills)needs to realize that statement.
It's like judging intelligence by how soon they start walking...I hate it when people do that.

Hello,
As a speech language pathologist it sounds like your daughter is on the right track. I would recommend that you continue to model appropriate language structures, repeat back to her what she is saying, expand upon what she is saying, and continue to play and read with her.

However, if you continue to be concerned please contact your pediatrician and inquire about Early Intervention Services.
And check out the American Speech and Hearing Association website www.asha.org for developmental information.

Good Luck.

I'm sure your daughter is just fine. This other lady you are talking about sounds like she is trying to make her kid out to be more than she is. All children do things in their own time. My first daughter was potty trained right after her 2nd birthday, my second daughter is almost 3 and still doesn't get the hang of it. Vice versa, my first talked well after she was 2 years old, almost 3, my second talked great before her second birthday. Older siblings sometime make a difference too (like my 2nd daughter talking so soon). She had an older sibling that she heard all the time, and that played with her all the time. I would say that you have nothing to worry about. You're daughter sounds very normal to me. If she turns three and still isn't forming small sentences, then you might want to have her evaluated then, but right now, just go with the flow.

I have an 18 month old boy & a almost 4 girl. My 4 year old was saying sentences by 18 months. My 18 month old does a few signs & like 3 words...big difference in the 2. We try not to compare. Anyway, wanted to say that at 2.5-3 you'll see a big difference...so try not to judge and wait until then...I am! I just started potty training him this month. I'm not forcing him just bringing up the idea of the potty, sitting on it & watching him for now. I noticed that if you miss the band wagon it's harder to teach them...if you can get them young enough it's easier to transition. I have a lazy friend whose daughter is 4 & still in a crib & not potty trained yet...that is unacceptable parenting!

If the speech she is using is clear I wouldn't be concerned. Try to encourage her to use short sentences instead of one word phrases. It will all come around in time all children develope at different paces. Try telling your pediatrician your concerns also.
My son is 3 and has a speech delay that he has been in therapy for since he was 18 months old. He didn't talk at all until he was two and it is getting better but it is still hard to understand him. I think your daughter will be okay!!

She says oatmeal, dropped it, its broken, bath, it sounds like she talks just fine for 2 years old. Every child develops speech at different rate, but she is making the attempt to use words, that is great! Do not worry. As time goees on she will put more and more words together.
I do have one suggestion however, you said that you're not sure she would get it, that she would not be able to tell you exactly what she wants. Well, I think that at her age she CAN understand sooo much more than she can speak, much more capa\ble of understanding than we can imagine. So stop underestimating her cognitive skills. Speak to her in simple words and step by step explanations, but not baby talk. Give her choices, ask her questions, and encourage her to answer she may point, gesture, nod, or surprise you with speaking new words. Pay attention because a lot of times what sounds like babble is her really trying to speak words but she can't pronounce them yet. intelectually, her brain can know words that physically her mouth can't form the sounds yet.

Every child is so different, don't let stories of other parents' "sucesses" get you down, they are probably exagerrating a little, and what another child does is in no way related to your daughter. Some children go faster or slower than others but at this age that does not mean anything, she'll get it eventually, I wouldnt worry. Just keep reinforcing proper sentences to her and read to her everyday, this also helps with language.

I think you are getting worked up for nothing (and maybe comparing your child to others). My kid brother started walking at 9 months. It's far from the norm and it just means all kids are different. I think you should give her some time (say another 6 months).. I'm sure she's just fine..

My daughter is going to be 2 on February 9, and she really doesn't talk much either. She does a lot of gestures, almost as if she naturally knows sign language. Don't be overwhelmed by other peoples stories and kids growth. Evey kid is different, and does things differently at different times. I think we pressure our kids or allow society to pressure our kids to be where we think they should be...
Let them live and grow on their own...just enjoy her! She's this age once...before you know it she's a teenager and you'll wish she never learned to speak. LoL!

Hi dear-
I don't know what other people are going to say to you, but here's what I think and I can only pray it helps ease your mind. My son talks and he's going tobe two in February. He uses the same type of sentences your child does. In fact i read an article that had a developmental time line on it. It said that at the age of 2 kids should be putting 2 and 3 words together, NOT making complete sentences. I think your child is developing just fine, as is mine. Besides you are the only person who knows what it is your child is actually capable of. So let the others talk and tell thier stories, and you can say "wow thats amaizing" or "good for them", or "you must be so proud". Do not however feel that your child is inferior, because she's not by any means. If she wasn't saying anything then maybe you should worry. I also agree that all parents exaggerate the stories, it called bragging and we do it cause we're proud. She is doing fine, and you never know. Maybe tomorrow she'll start saying sentences, and use the potty. thats another thing I was potty trained at 18months too, my son still doesn't want to use the potty. I've heard you shouldn't even start trying until their 3 anyway.

Though I believe that you have absolutely nothing to worry about, I want you to know that I know exactly where you are comming from. I worry that my son is not developing like he should too, but the truth is he does amaizing things and he is developing at a "normal" pace and so is your daughter.

I hope this isn't too rambly and it helps ease your mind.
A.

Hi there, I am a full time mom of 2 girls 4 (10/27) and 2 (12/4) and another baby on teh way in 7 weeks. ANd I have wondered this also about my 2 yr old. My older daughter was speaking so much earlier and clearer too. We actually had our younger daughters hearing checked because we thoght maybe that was the problem. Our doctor assured us that she is a perfectly normal 2 yr old and is speaking fine. I am no longer worried as I know that all kids develop differently and in their own time. AS long as your daughter gets her point across and does say some words I wouldn't worry. Maybe using picture books and repeating a few times what the item is will inspire her. We have a picture book with animals that we ask her what does the animal say and she repeats it. Then we ask her what the animal is as we point to it. But when it comes down to it she understands you and will talk when she is ready. I can't stand when other moms make you feel like a bad mom because they "say" that their child is so advanced. Especially the potty training thing. Again, they won't go til they are ready. Good luck and try not to worry. Just enjoy the time you have now with her. Before you know it she will be talking more than you would like ;). Many kind blessings - T.

I wouldn't worry. I think as long as she's able to put 2 to 3 word sentences together, she is on target. I have a 2 yrs old boy, just turned 2 on 12/24, and he tells me what he wants. He says stuff like, mommy stand up, I'm hungry, I want to color... He just recently started with the 3 word sentences, and dr. said he was good for his age. Whenever he gives me 1 word commands, like "Juice", I give it to him but say to him Juice please mommy. So he can better understand the sentence concept. Like all kids, he is really good at some things, and not so great as others. He will not get the idea of picking his own underware, and we just started introducing the potty to him. I bought a toilet seat (elmo) and he sits on there before bath and in the morning. if he has to go, he'll go, but if he doesn't he just wants to play with the toilet paper and flush... so we try to keep it short or keep him busy reading him books while he's sitting on the toilet.
It sounds like, you're little girl is on target. Some kids are just more advanced, and some parents tell stories. I wouldn't worry, just keep introducing her to sentences.

Hi T.. At 2 years, it's typical for her to be speaking in 2-3 word sentences, but children who are "behind" this milestone often catch up without any intervention. However, if she isn't using 2-3 word sentences, I would bring the subject up with the pediatrician. Also, be sure that you're encouraging her to speak in sentences. If she just says "Juice" or "Apple" and you comply, she may not be motivated to say, "I'd like juice please" or "Can I have an apple?" My suggestion would be when she requests "Juice!" to respond with "I'd like juice" or "Can I have juice?" to let her know how big girls ask for things. Same thing if she points something out - "Bird!", I'd respond with "I see a bird."

Good luck! As long as she's saying words, you know that she's capable of speech and not every child progresses at the same speed.

Nope. She shouldn't. And don't let anyone tell you she should, and don't let anyone make you feel that your daughter is "less than". My son didn't start using more than a 10 word vocabulary until he was 26 months old (yes, 26). My doctor wasn't really concerned, but thought he should get evaluated by Early Intervention, which is a federally funded program if you're interested. My son started talking in the middle of the evaluation process, and he hasn't shut up since! Honestly, though, your daughter is communicating great already, and probably doesn't have the need for more talking because the two of you understand each other. Also, My son was not potty trained until he was almost four, and ever since, we have only had one accident. He did the speech and the potty when he was good and ready, and nothing was gonna rush him into it. Don't worry. Your daughter is FINE.

My son was two in November, we had him evaluated the end of the summer last year for a speach delay. He wasn't talking much. My daughter (now eleven) spoke in full sentences by the time she was one (and hasn't shut up since). I figured it was just 'cause he was a boy, but his pediatrician said we should check into it. We called Early Intervention, we got the number from the doctor, and met with the evaluators. They came to the house he had a blast with them. He is on the low side for his age, vocalizing things thats is everything else was right on mark. They said to make sure his vocablary keeps increasing. They gave me some tips on how to get him to use more words and how to increase the words he has to use. He is 26 months now and we celebrated the other day because he said u-huh when i asked if he wanted a snack. So as you can see from my children, they all develop differently. I'm not sure how NJ works it but I know in NY, Early ntervention is provided by the state free of cost before age three, then there are stipulations after that. So you might want to check into it, and as soon as possible. Your daughter sounds like she is speaking more than my son, but it's better to know for sure if it's something or nothing. If it's somthing you would want to start working on it now before she reaches school age. Keep your chin up before you know it she'll be gabbering away, and you'l be wishing for quiet. Hope this helps.

I am a mother of 3 girls, I am 49 years old. My children are now 18, 15, and 13. My 18 year old was walking and talking very early. In first grade she went into Speech therapy for her S's and Z's, she was in it for serveral years. Then my 15 year old had such speech problems, sounds alittle like your child, except no one could understand her. She would finally get her point across but it was quite difficult at times. The Speech teacher kept an eye on her and when she was in Kindergarten she started speech therapy and it only lasted 1 year and she spoke beautifully. She is now in High School and on the Honor Roll. As long as you know there is nothing physically wrong with her, she will develope her speech when she is ready. Every child is different. Meanwhile my youngest did not talk or walk for a very long time, she didn't have to she had 2 big sisters who did all the talking for her and would carry her or bring things to her. She too is an Honor Roll student. Just enjoy your little girl, they are not that little for long.

My daugher was born on 12/29/05 so she is almost exactly the same age. She does not speak in full sentences and she is not potty trained. She communicates similarly to your daugher. For example, if she wants something she'll say "mine juice" if she wants juice. I think as long as your daugher is communicating her wants and generally responsive to your instructions she is fine. If you are really concerned, I assume you have a 2 year old checkup where you could raise the issue with the pediatrician. The pediatrician thought my daugher was doing just fine, and I'm sure you will find that your pediatrician feels the same about your daugher.

T.,

I would not be too concerned. My daughter was speaking very young (18 months) and was potty trained in 3 days just after her 2nd birthday but, my girlfriends daughter wasn't speaking until she was almost 3 and at 6 still occassionaly wets the bed. All children are different. The signs that you should watch for are things like a lisp or not understanding basic concepts. But she sounds like she has that down. If she understands, you ask her where something is and she replies that she dropped it then she is fine. All kids develop differently. If you are concerned about it then make her say things more. If she simply says "juice" when she wants it then, ask her to say it properly. Children will only learn if you teach them. And she won't get it at first. But eventually from repetition, she will say it like you, "mommy can I have juice please". I started with making her say please. Then I made her say can I have Juice please. Now it is really proper, " mommy may I have some juice please?" It is a slow process, but the more you speak to her and slowly the more she will learn. Two is the age of repeating. She will repeat EVERYTHING you say. lol Good luck! Don't be discouraged by others.

Of course, whenever anyone asks you a question like that about your child, you tend to overthink it, I know I do! I have a 2 1/2 year old son who is hearing impaired. We have a speech therapist who works with my son and he's really come a long way. I wouldn't worry about your daughter yet. She is only two and all children develope at very different rates. If she knows the words for the things she wants, just keep promoting her to use them. I always find myself saying "use your words". Also, we realized that most of the time my son just repeats what we say, like do you want juice? and he'll say juice and i'll give it to him. But now we're trying to have him say yes and no. do you want to eat? yes. It makes them aware of the concept of having a choice and making one. Like at bedtime, do you want to read this book or that one? Also, if your daughter's speech is clear and you're able to understand most of it, then I really don't think there is anything to worry about. You should definitely check with her pediatrician if you're that concerned, but don't let them push you towards speech therapy or anything. You don't want her to be labeled special needs if she isn't before she even gets to school age.
The best way to promote speech is by constatly talking, so just chat her up wherever you are, label everything you do and see.
And I think people tend to brag about their children too, so when someone says their kid was potty trained at 18 months, I don't fully believe it. Every child is different and will potty train when they're ready.
I'm sure your daughter is fine and there is nothing wrong with her speech. She'll probably be speaking in complete sentences by the time you read this!

Not at all! I do not know your daughter but from what you tell me she is talking fine.
I am a kindergarten teacher and I have students still saying "potty"!!! my daughter is actually 17 months and sounds like she is the same way-kids in my kindergarten class do not even speak as well as you may think. Some kids are simply more advanced than others, which does not mean your child is any less, they are simply just different. I see a wide range of students every year and they are all bright in their own way!

I wouldnt worry either. If you listen to what others say,you will drive yourself nuts. Everyone always has something to say about something.

I went thru this with my oldest, now almost 9 yrs old. When he was 2-3 he didnt talk much..he did at home but around others he was VERY quiet. My mom used to think soemthing was wrong but that was mostly because I had an autistic brother and she was fearful. Everytime someone would ask "WHY DOESNT HE TALK" I would cringe...everyone made me crazy. In the end my pediatrician said as long as he says 1 -3 words he is fine.....and you know what now he a big bafoon who wont stop talking!!!!

My 2nd was different...he talks and talks and talks...mostly because he listens to his brother and mimicks him...he is now 3 yrs old.

Please dont stress over it...your daughter sounds perfectly healthy to me....

I dont know what an "advanced" child is but I do know what a NORMAL child is...your daughter sounds perfectly normal and healthy.

Take Care

T.,

If your doctor isn't concerned, I wouldn't be either. Every child learns things at different times. I know very few children who are potty trained at 18 months and sometimes I wonder if they weren't pushed because the parents just didn't want to change diapers anymore. Not saying that is the case all the time but sometimes it is.

Our oldest did everything slower but he's a bright boy who always gets praises from his teachers. We struggled with knowing if there was a delay on his part that we needed to set him up with a speech instructor through the local school district but the doctor said to give it a bit more time. In the end, he learned fine.

T.,
My son just turned two last week (1/9), and he sounds to be at the same level as your daughter, one word commands, no sentences, etc. DO NOT WORRY. Every child develops differently! Though we are potty training him, his speaking is behind other kids. Every one is different, including your daughter. She will be talking when she is good and ready. Maybe you can ask your mother not to compare your daughter to others? Hope this helps!
S.

Every child is different!!! My daughter was talking clear at 18 months. Ny oldest son was not until he was 4 or later. He did receive services out of school and in. He's perfect now, but boys do talk later than girls. Your daughter seems normal, the worse you can do is compare your kid to someone else's. Girls do tend to potty train easier and sooner than boys, but again 'all kids are different'. Don't worry you sound like a great mom...so keep up the good work! :)

Dear T.,

I have had many parents in my music classes tell me that their child began talking a lot more after attending. I teach music classes for young children and their parents in Wallingford and a lot of our songs use vocables (la, doo, biddy bum, dee da dum) rather than words, which seems to enable children who haven't yet mastered language, the opportunity to start singing and making new sounds. We also do a lot of vocal play and silly sounds. A few parents have even described our classes as 45 minutes of fun speech therapy, although that is not our main purpose. If you're looking for ways to encourage more vocal play, you might like to check out a music class. It's really fun and could be a great way to boost her language skills too.

DO you make her say sentances to get things? Are the words she says clear? If they are clear, it probably lack of motivation to say more. Make her say full sentaces after you in a repeat format to get the things she wants. If they are not mostly clear words for her age, then call your school district and have her evaluated for free. THey can tell you in no-nonsense ways if she is indeed behind or just find. THey don't judge, just help. My son had this done and he was indeed behind. He goes to an integrated pre-k now and is advancign LEAPS and BOUNDS!

Your example though, is over blown.. I think that migth be an exaggeration.. no two year old I know says sentances that full LOL Good luck

Good Luck.

At two most children are using simple sentences and able to verbally respond to questions. That seems to be what your daughter is already doing. I think many people out there project there children as "wonder-kinds".. you know, so bright they don't need a night light. As a teacher I have had many parents tell me how advanced their children are and for the most part these kids are just developing normally with the rest of their age group. As far as toilet training goes you can't force someone who isn't ready. You will know when the time is right for your child and it will be alot easier on both of you if you wait for her to be physically and emotionally mature enough for it.
I guess I would suggest playing alot of games with her that encourage a verbal response.."I spy" or some kind of describing game. If you aren't already doing it read to her every day so she is even more exposed to language. If you are still concerned ask your Ped. he/she will have an idea of where you child should be in her development.
Hope This Helps..by the way, love the sense of humor!
J.

NO! Do not worry. All children have their own timeline of talking and language development. It does not mean that your daughter is slow. She is able to get her point across so she is using her language to communicate her needs. When she is ready she will begin to complete more complicated sentences but for now just let her be. If she says "bath" you can respond to her with "you would like a bath?". Do not freak out or worry.

E.

I think you're getting worked up for nothing.....i am a teacher (early childhood) and if what she is telling you is what she wants spoon for spoon instead of just "oo"then she is doing fine. i believe at this age what she says must be intelligible to you and those who interact with her daily...so an outsider may think she is not speaking as well, but you and your husband undertand her perfectly. what is her pediatrician saying? ask him or her. chances are she is right on schedule. like you said those stories do seem to be a bit tall, but what doting mother won't brag on her own child? my son is 15 mos old and i swore he was delayed because all he said was mama, and dada...boy was i wrong...his receptive language is way more developed than his expressive language (what he understands vs.what he can say)which means that more words are on the way. if your baby can string together 1-2 words and you understand what she wants...then fine. other people don't have to understand her until she is about 3 1/2. stop worrying!!!! i'm sure she's fine.

Hi T.,

I think you should keep in mind that some children develop much faster physically/athletically and lag behind verbally, while some kids are the exact opposite.

My son talks CONSTANTLY, and although he's never asked for his robe and slippers after a bath, he certainly uses complex sentences, etc. He tells me about his dreams when he wakes up in the morning, and gets a big kick out of verbal puns.

However, he crawled "late" (11 mos), walked "late" (16 mos), and still hasn't figured out how to jump with both feet. (He's 2 1/2 now.) I think that's just how some kids are. They zoom ahead in one area and lag behind in another, but it all evens out in the end.

If you're really worried about it, have her evaluated by her pediatrician or ask for a recommendation for a speech therapist. Hopefully, he or she can give you some reassurance that your daughter is perfectly normal.

C.

Hi,

My own experience with my two kids has been that they each go at their own pace. My son was a 2nd child and a late talker. But now he is 4 talks non-stop. I also found that while my daughter did not talk as clearly as other kids, she excelled in other areas beyond her peers. I think eventually it all catches up and these issues resolve themselves. Birth to 3 is free and can evaluate your child. I did it for both of mine. In my heart, I did not think anything was wrong...but I just wanted peace of mind. For both my children I went to our local elementary school and they evaluated my kids. But they do it in a way that is just talking and playing. They will also give you tips on what you can do to help your child. Hope this helps.

Every child is different. I thought the same thing as you at one point. My son will be 2 in March and we're only getting 1 or 2 words out at a time. Although he has a lot of words in his vocabulary, sometimes the words he says are only understood by my husband and me. One day you may wake up and your daughter will be talking up a storm. Give her time. She'll be fine.

T., your daughter sounds absolutely perfect! A perfectly normal 2 year old. Try not to compare her to what other people tell you about their children. Sometimes the truth does get stretched because frankly, from a developmental point of view, a completely potty trained 18 month old seems hard to believe. 18 month old children typically do not have the cognitive, physical or emotional capabilities to be potty trained. Sure there are exceptions, but not often.

Humans tend to perceive their memories slightly different from the factual events. I am not saying they are liars, just human. And the definition of potty trained may be vastly different from one mom to the next. One mom may put her panty clad 1 year old on the toilet every 30 to 60 minutes and that said child will tinkle in the pot couple of times and call her trained. That child is more likely to be classically conditioned to pee in the pot than actually having the cognitive & physical controls to do so. And I would bet my life on the fact that that mom puts her 18 month old in diapers at night. And that T. is not being potty trained.

Another mom may wait until her child says that she has to go potty and does so on a regular consistant basis independently - and at night!. Then mom buys the undies and throws out the diapers. This child is more likely to be 2.5 or 3 years old and is more realistically potty trained according to the more accepted definition used by developmental psychologists and pediatricians.

Her language skills seem just fine. My son will be 2 in February and he gets his point across too but is by no means ready for college! As long as you see her learning new words and use=ing old ones on a daily basis and she continues to follow one step directions (on occaision) then I wouldn't bother with an evaluation. If you have any more question regarding languagedevelopment just contact me and I can give you more info to help.
I hope all this makes sense. My boys were getting crazy while I typed this. Don't worry. You daughter is doing great!

A.

Hi T., Professionally speaking (I've got a MA in Speech Pathology),the general rule I was taught was, "two years, 2 words". Your daughter just turned two..I don't think anything screams out "abnormal", especially since she does seem to have emerging speech and appears to understand spoken language. I would worry if those two things were not happening yet. Normal children develop at different rates. My first child spoke in short sentences by 18 months, my second two were well past two years. My friend's son was almost 4 before he reached that point. That was a bit unusual, but he's 14 now and a HUGE conversationalist, not to mention a "singer and actor".This happened naturally, without any therapy or intervention. It all evens out in the end. As for potty training, don't make yourself crazy over it. When she's ready, she'll do that too. Diapers and pull ups can be a whole lot easier to deal with at this age. The "average" used to be 3 years, but it seems that people have been pushing it earlier and earlier. If you're still uneasy about her speech production (go by your gut- not other people's comments)you could have her evaluated at some point. I would probably wait at least a few months. ope this helped. D.

It's great if other people's kids are doing great (and they feel the need to tell you that)...but in reality...who really cares right? Your daughter will mature when she matures. Interact with her by reading, playing, practice coloring, tumbling, etc. She is taking her own sweet time in regards to talking. That's fine. If you think there is something impeding her speech (neurological problem) have her checked out, other than that keep doing what you're doing. I didn't read anything about a pediatrician being concerned about your daughter. It sounds like she'll be fine.

Hi,
My daughter is a little over 2 and talks a lot. BUT, my 9 year old nephew who is plenty smart didn't really start talking until he was 3. Supposedly Einstein didn't talk until he was 4. Kids start talking at different paces and it has nothing to do with intelligence. As for potty training in 3 days? There books on how to do it that generally involve locking you and your kid in the house for 3 days with a ton of salty food and water so they have to pee alot. None of my kid's friends are potty trained. And my girl started to but then she decided that "my little baby, not little girl", we figure when she's interested she'll do it.

My daughter is attending PreK3. She has been going since September. Before school, she was talking a lot, but I had absolutely no idea what she was saying. Her attention span was pretty weak. Since she started school, her speech totally improved as well as her paying attention. She will be turning 4 on March 25th.

Anyway, unless the doctor said that there might be a problem with the hearing, I wouldn't worry. The first thing I asked the doctor about was the hearing. I was ready to send her to a ear specialist.

Good luck and try not to worry

My oldest daughter didn't start talking until later either and now she won't stop (she's 6)! In fact, her pediatrician was a little concerned when I brought her in for her 2-year visit because of her limited vocabulary. I wasn't - she has always done things when she is good and ready! She started talking like crazy a short time after that.

As far as potty-training, both of my daughters were three before they were trained. I kept introducing them to the potty but didn't push it. They both had almost no accidents once they decided it was time.

HI T.,

Well I have the same situation with my daughter she just turned 2 on feb.3 and still says one to two words. Doesn't speak sentences yet but as much as you read magazines and ask question the greatest advice will come from your child's Doctor. I don't worry to much myself because she does understand, listens well and knows how to express herself to the point that she get's what she wants..So I hope you have found help in what you are looking for have a great day.

Hi T.,

I am a Speech Pathologist and evaluate children (0-3 years). All children develop differently and you should not compare your daughter with other children(I know its difficult-but try). At about two years of age, a child will typically have between 100 and 200 words (expressively) and are combining words to make phrases (ie: "mommy juice", "more cookie", "mommy more juice"). Their receptive language skills are typically higher (comprehensio). No, kids at this age are typically not formulating sentences that contain five or more words.

Is she getting frustrated when she can't communicate her needs. Are you getting her needs met without allowing her to ask? If you are still unsure, and want to be on the safe side, I would suggest an evaluation under the Early Intervention Program or contact your medical insurance as most insurances will cover speech services.

I wouldn't worry yet since she does speak. Some kids just develope different. My 4 year old daughter talked early and made sentences early and she drives me crazy talking all day long. Now my 18 month old daughter barly talks at all. She says, eat, dogggy and buddy our dogs name. I guess she feels that her sister talks so much she doesn't have to. She does understand what you are saying and follows directions very well better than her older sister. And the mother that had a potty trained kid at 18 months is telling a tale thats just a little tall. Her kid probably goes when they put them on the potty every hour but not on their own. They are still a little young at this age to fully understand the concept. Kids will be potty trained when they are ready.