baby talk

[lee_lee]

My son is 19 months old and I am worried about his lack of speech.  He is only babbling and has yet to say a single word which is noticible.  Is this a problem.

[Cathyhuns]

Boys are generally later to start to talk than girls.

My elder son didn't start talking until he was almost three other than "oof" for spoon when he was hungry and "boof" for his shoes when he wanted to go out - and these only from about 2 years old.  However once he started to talk he was straight into talking in sentences and hasn't shut up since.  He is now 19, has loads of good GCSEs and A lwevels and is off to university.

So long as your son is making noise, keep talking to him and trying to involve him and he'll start to talk as soon as he is ready. 

[kick3m0n]

I wouldn't worry, nor get upset at others who seem way in advance of your little one.  If health visitor or doc are happy with his development (and he'll get a 22-24mnth check soon) then don't worry.  he'll speak when he's ready.  My wee boys pal is 21 months and has said zilcho to date.  He tried a Dada some months ago, but obvuiously wasn't impressed,as he's never bothered since.

[netty.m]

My 3 year old son didnt start talking properly until he was 2 and now we cant shut him up.  Our health visitor said there was nothing to worry as even though he wasnt talking the understanding was all there.  So dont worry.

[smudge]

I really wouldn't worry too much lee_lee. I've known little ones who didn't talk very well until they were 2/3 & they have grown into little chatterboxes! I'm sure your son will soon be jabbering away & asking non stop questions. Have fun!

[lindapinda]

My sister never spoke single words,but just began to speak sentences when she was nearly 2.The same thing happened with the son of a  previous workmate.

[hellywellywo]

please don't worry yourself about this.  I am going through this at the moment.  My son is 2yrs and 2 months and he only communicates in grunts and screams.  He has seen a kiddies doctor and she isn't worried about him.  My niece is now 9 and she didn't start talking until she was 2 and a half.  My father-in-law was 3 before he started to speak.  When he is ready to speak, he will and boy will you be sorry.

[georgit79]

My little brother didn't say a word until he was four, and now he's studying medicine.

[jake-the-peg]

Albert Einstein was famous for being a very late talker.

Actually there's a book that's highly spoken of about him and late talking in bright children:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/046508141X/qid=1126687550/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/202-2502504-3103057

[rampart]

Our son did not talk much until he was three. He had a few words, but not many, and no sentences. He is four and a half now, and quite fine. Once he saw that language helped him to get his way, he jumped right in!

[ursula62]

WHen I was a teenager I lived next door to a family who had an only child. The little girl didn't speak properly before she started infants school. Now she is at uni studying to be a lawyer.

Children learn at their own pace. The figures given for milestone activities are AVERAGES - some will be faster some will be slower. Don't worry, and don't try and push him. Just keep doing what you're doing. Explain things to him, even if he appears not to understand. He will probably surprise you one day and come out with a full sentence rather than just one word!