Parents of Preschoolers  Discussion Forum

Hi,
My son is 21months old and i am trying to teach him different words to utter. But he simply doesn't show any interest in what i am trying to say. He doesn't utter anything. He doesn't even call me ma or amma. If he wants something he would prefer to cry than say it. I really am worried as to his speech. I have a 20 months old nephew and he has started saying so many words and makes noises of animals and so on. My son just doesn't listen to what i am trying to say. Sometimes he repeats but it is very rarely. I thought the kids of this age would be saying a few words by now? What to do I do? How should i interest him in talking? If anyone can suggest me please do let me know.
Lakshmi
Lakshmi s replied. kids have their own ways to start things he definitly uttered a few words occassionlay so I believe that he doenst have any speech problem but youshould stop pushinghim around and comparing him with other kids all kids are diff and they develop differently too.get invilved in reading stories to him and books or toys that make sounds if youhave friends who have kids at of the same age then leave him with that kid and see the way they interact he will learn to speak and communicate better but watch the kids from the distant they might be concious of your presence and might not interact at all.well many more things to do heis not even two so wait for the right time I believe replied. Hi,
You do sound distressed. The first thing that comes to mind is that you may want to have a doctor check out your child to rule out any medical concern, ask your family doctor or paediatrician to refer to a good speech therapist.
The most important thign to do here, and I am not patrnonising you, is to keep focussed on your child's specialness and NOT EVER to companre him with anybody else's child. My own example is very interesting: mu gril started teething at 7 months and had four teeth at her first b'day while my son had barely got his first tooth when he turned one. She started speaking at 10 months and he started when he was good and ready at 14 months, before that it was monosyllables that only I could understand. The most important thing here is to continue your talk with your child and please remember that kids learn by imitation, parents who speak baby language are often shocked that their kid speaks baby language for a very long time and whose fault is that. Speak clearly and correctly at all times and don;t make an issue of this. It does affect the child and the more conscious they get the less is the self confidence. Also if there are `well meaning relatives or in-laws, remind them that this is your strategy and things will be fine.
hang in there, and think of the times when you can have long chats with your child over the table. Then I can safely say`I told you so!!'