Toddlers and talking

amyjoy18

Nolan will be 18 months old this month.  He says a few recognizable words (buck, mama, dada, ball, bubble, car, up, dog, duck, dinosaur)  and because he attempts to talk a lot, I wasn't concerned.  

 However, his teacher at daycare keeps saying, "We just have to get him talking", "He has a big sister to do the talking for him" and "Boys always start talking later"which is making me second guess my lack of concern.  

At his 15 month well baby visit they said he should be able to day 2-3 words, and he could, so I really just think that the teacher is making me paranoid that he is behind all the other kids in his class.  

 

Thoughts? 

 

northhillsbride

I wouldn't worry - maybe it's just his personality (more on the shy side)? He has words he can say - he just takes everything in, it seems. Never mind the teacher right now!

bride2003

I wouldn't be overly concerned at this point especially if your PED is fine with it. Is the daycare worker actively trying to get him to say new words? Are there mostly girls in his room that she is comparing him too? If he didn't say anything I'd be nervous but sounds like he has the normal litnany of words going right now. Does he repeat at home?

Meghan&Rich

I don't think this sounds like anything to be concerned about.  He is saying a few words and making attempts to talk, so for 18 months that seems to be right on target.  So much language happens from 18-24 months, and kids are going to be all over the place verbally at this age.

We had language concerns with Garrett at 18 months, and the pedi told us that it was really too early to tell if we should be concerned given the wide range of words a child might have at that age.  He said to keep an eye on it and if we still had concerns after another few months to call (and not wait until his 2 year appt. to bring it up again).

lala5507

Don't worry!  I hate when people put doubt in my head about things like that.  It looks like he has a pretty good list of words for his age.  I agree with the pp, I think there is such a range for that age group.  And for what its worth, I know a couple of kids who did little more than grunt until almost age 3 and now they are "normal" talking 8 and 9 year olds. 

gwennythepooh

I got concerned about Claire after her teacher said something around 19 months. But honestly, one day it was like she just started spitting out phrases, more words, etc. I also know that she's done other stuff ahead of schedule, so it might be that 'if' she is behind, it's because of that. I wouldn't worry too much:)

valkaz

Here's a good link that shows you where a child's development should be at 18 months: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-18mo.html

It sounds like he's doing fine. He may start putting 2 words together around this age too.