almost 2

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2004
almost 2
3
Sat, 03-20-2004 - 4:11am
hi everyone im new here :) My name is Tisha and im from New Orleans my baby will be 2 in June and im worrired as she's not really talking she can sing her abc's a bit but its more sounds and she can like repeat big brown bear a bit as we read to her and kinda make the sound of winnie the pooh if we talk with her but she doesn't say hi or bye or even reconize that im actually mommy though she can say momomomomom she hasn't yet realized that is me. Does this make sense any suggestions ?
Avatar for lisacolette
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-25-2003
In reply to: tishabibb
Sat, 03-20-2004 - 7:43am
Your daughter may just be a quiet child. How does she ask for things? For instance, if she wants a glass of water, does she point and grunt? If she does, do you respond by asking something like "do you want water?" My aunt never spoke until she was 4 years old because she never had to since everyone pretty much spoke for her. Her pediatrician told my grandmother to stop speaking for her and make her ask for things before she gets it and it worked. I'm not saying this is the case with your daughter, but it's something to think about.

Now your situation may be entirely different. You should take your daughter right away to your pediatrician for a checkup. Write down a list of all your concerns, as well as a list of everything she can say and do. Make sure to include little things like whether she can:

hold a cup

use a straw

transfer items from one hand to another

walking

play peek-a-boo

use a spoon or fork

Your doctor can evaluate her to make sure nothing is wrong. If you think your doctor is not doing a good job, find another. Your daughter's too precious to worry about! Good luck and let us know how you're all doing.

Lisa

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-25-2003
In reply to: tishabibb
Sat, 03-20-2004 - 2:18pm
I so know how you feel! My daughter turned 2 in November & at that time all she said was Bubba for her brother & Dada. I had voiced my concerns to her pediatrician starting at about 18 months & she said we'd wait and see how she does. The recomendation is that a child be able to say atleast 20 words clearly by age 2. Those 20 words being ones that people other than immediate family can understand & not have to ask the parents what the child said. By age 2, she only said about 5 to 6 words clearly. She is now 27 months and started speech therapy in late January. if you are concerned, I'd definately talk to your child's Ped & ask for a speech consultation. They will then assess your child and see if there should be concern. If there is, then speech can be done. My daughter's speech therapist says she has "2nd child syndrome" meaning she is the 2nd child in the family & that the older sibling speaks for her. So they have worked with my son to teach him to let Ashlynn talk. She's now saying well over 15 words.

Good luck!

~Debra

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-21-2004
In reply to: tishabibb
Sat, 03-20-2004 - 5:13pm
I had the same problem with my son. He didn't say mama until after he turned 2. He hardly said much of anything. The first thing I did was to stop anticipating his needs and that got him to try to say more. Does your daughter understand what you say to her? My son understood everything we were saying and simple requests we made to him. My doctor said that it was more important that he understands what is being said. I took him for an evaluation anyways this past Jan. He was 33 months old and still nobody could understand him but me. He did very well, and was only 3 months behind kids his age. It gave me a huge peace of mind and no sooner did we have him evaluated and he starts talking like crazy!! He just doesn't say beginning sounds of words, but at least he's talking. I would check with your dr. for a referral for a speech evaluation if you're really concerned. I live in Michigan and had it done for free through the city and school system. Good luck!!!