My son turned 2 in December. He's very smart and where he needs to be socially, loves to read and has memorized a few of his favorite books, etc. However, I've noticed over the past couple of weeks, he will talk to us and then suddenly start talking in gibberish...I don't really know how to describe it other than that. It seems like he's just making random sounds, but maybe talking to an imaginary friend? I'm probably over reacting to this because his verbal skills (when he's NOT talking gibberish) are excellent and he doesn't seem to be reverting. I guess I'm super sensitive to what's going on with him because we're about to welcome our 2nd son in May and I don't want it to affect my oldest son negatively in any way.
Thanks everyone for your thoughts on this. I do obsess way too much over things! I appreciate the book recommendation and yes, I get what you're saying - it's a "boy" thing sometimes - ha! I'm not going to worry about anymore and just go with it. This morning he started making random silly sounds and I joined in with him, which he thought was hilarious. :)
He's fine. Quit obsessing.
The act of communicating in an imaginary language is actually a sign of high intelligence. You have nothing to worry about.
It's a normal stage for lots of kids. Many at this point also have imaginary friends. My daughter had two of them enter her life before her second bday, and then they left a year later.
I have 2 kids. I had the girl first.
Then had my son.
Both kids, from even before 2 years old, did a lot of pretend play and imaginary play and had imaginary friends. Which is TOTALLY normal. And normal development.
Now, but with my son, he made TONS of sounds. Which you call "gibberish."
But do know, that this is normal.
With boys, I have noticed, they make a LOT of sound-effects and just, sounds. Period. It is them. It is boy stuff. Even if they grew up in a cave by themselves, they'd make sounds.
I found it interesting and creative of my son, making all these sounds.
I got him the book "Gerald McBoingBoing" (which is also an animated short movie which has won awards), and he LOVED it! I got him that book because it reminded me of, him. And he LOVED me reading that book to him.
Now, per your having a 2nd child, a baby on the way.
Well, it is not going to affect him negatively if you don't make it negative.
While I was pregnant with my 2nd, I spent my pregnancy PREPPING my eldest, for her little brother. ie: we chatted about it, she'd love to rub my tummy and "talk" to her baby brother in my tummy, and each month we took photos of her, WITH my huge tummy, her hugging it/smiling, and she LOVED that. She loved and adored her baby brother, even before he was born. And I explained to her... that she does not have to worry... and HER things, does NOT have to be shared or given, to him. I understand. HER things are special. She just can TELL me, what her feelings are. And its okay. AND that, she does not have to act "older" just because she will be the "oldest" because I know she is STILL just a little child, herself. My opinion of her and "expectations" of her, will not change, just because there is a baby in the house and now she is "older" by default. She is still, herself. And she can tell me any feelings/problems/worries she has. I am there, for her. EVEN when breastfeeding my son, she and I would bond by chatting and her being next to me.
It was fine. Because, I used my pregnancy to PREP my eldest, before my 2nd was born.
AND know that, a kid is their age, per development. And so keep that in mind, and if a kid "regresses" when the baby is born, then recognize that. Some kids do, get like that. Some don't. My daughter started having peeing accidents initially, after baby brother was home. So I spent more time with her chatting with her. And then she was okay. In a little kid's mind... they don't immediately KNOW how to 'handle' having a baby in the house, sometimes. Adults don't even know that. So with your son, just be more understanding. Not that you aren't. But just as a tip. AND also make sure your son knows, that he can just have his own time too. I mean, even for an adult, they can go bonkers having a baby crying... and waking... everyday, and at all hours and need a break too. Same for a little child.
Adaptation. Is different for everyone. But little kids, need our help.
My younger son went through a phase like this. He was very intrugued by sounds, so he would repeat sounds, alliterative phrases, or just random words that he enjoyed saying/hearing. I think it just shows his interest in language. My son is now 3.5 and very interested in new vocabulary and in music, more so than my older son.
He's probably just pretending. I would say this is nothing to worry about.
It's just verbal play. It's normal.
Y 22 month old granddaughter does the same thing. I love listening to her. It is hysterical. She also has a great vocabulary.
