Wyatt is 19 months old.
And according to his doctor – he should know somewhere between 5-20 words.
- Momma
- Dada
- Puppa (grandpa)
- No-no or Na-na (sometimes it’s hard to tell!)
- Bubble
- Ba-ba
But, it’s no where near 20. And the worry wort in me immediately jumped to the conclusion that something was wrong. But, when we went in to talk to his doctor she told us not to worry. She said he was just on the “slow” end when it came to speaking. And for some reason that’s been stuck in my head. Slow. I think sometimes parenting books and doctors are wrong. I think each child should be looked at as an individual and shouldn’t be blanketed by the “majority” or “average”. Wyatt may not know 20 words, but he is able to show me what he wants and needs. Nevertheless, I wanted to learn ways that I could work with him.
We were told that children usually know way more than they are able to say. That Wyatt recognizes many words, but has a hard time vocalizing. I wanted to find ways to help bring the words out of him. I feel like for awhile there I took over his speech – doing everything for him without allowing him to ask. I had to take a step back and re-evaluate what I was doing as a mother. A part of me felt responsible for his delay in speech. But I reminded myself that this is very common and as a mother you just want to help. That many kids have trouble getting the words out.
I’ve tried a few methods that the doctor mentioned.
And I have to say, that within the past week Wyatt has talked more than he did all of last month.
One of the biggest things is – I’ve started to ask him more questions, and he loves answering me!
Before he gets his morning bottle I say, “Wyatt, what do you want?” and he’ll reply “ba-ba“.
Yesterday I watched as William changed Wyatt’s diaper and Wyatt said “no-no da-da!”
It was amazing! I am going to fill another post with things we’ve been doing that have been working for us + things we are going to try. I’d love for you to take this journey with me if you are in a similar situation!
We went through the same thing with Liam! Our doctor told us it was more common in boys… Especially boys with no older siblings. I was worried too, but he’s really starting to say a lot more. I also think part of it is that Liam doesn’t want to say words wrong, so he doesn’t say them.
Yes! I am so happy you commented. I think Wyatt is the same way – he just doesn’t have another little one at home to learn from!
I’d love to hear more about what things you’re doing with him! M daughter is 14 months and beginning to babble a lot more and I definitely want to be on my A-game when it comes to exposing her to words. ๐
Oh, I will definitely be writing more posts! I’ve learned so much! ๐
My Meres is almost 19 months. She has a few words, but has only started mimicking words in the past week or so. I’m really not concerned. I have 3 older ones, and they all talked in their own time. My second was a boy and a later talker. But an early walker. My 3rd is a girl, and she didn’t really talk until we took her pacifier away at 2. It was like opening a flood gate. Each child is different. It is good to do practices to get them talking.
I agree, I feel like each child is different. They aren’t all going to learn at the same rate. We just have to work with them the best we can and be patient ๐
Two of my friends have children in the same age group as Wyatt (one is 16 months and one is 19 months) and they are both delayed speakers, but you can tell that they are actually quite intelligent. I think kids just develop at their own speed, and as long as they don’t have any major developmental delays then don’t worry! Also: it’s not you!!
With Audrey, I never allowed anyone to use baby talk around her. I’ve always found it ridiculous that we expect them to learn one language, and then suddenly they are too old for that language and must learn real words. It just didn’t make sense to me! So I think that helped a little.
As well, we’ve always spoken to her the same way that we would any other child or adult. I might simplify my word choices a little, but we always speak in full, logical sentences. Now that she’s older, if Audrey answers with one or two word answers I will ask her to use a full sentence before handing anything over to her.
She made up a word association game, too, that we all love to play. Basically one of us says a word, and then we have to take turns listing other words that rhyme with it. If you repeat a word that someone else has said, or if you just make up a word, then it starts over again with a new word.
I was really big on asking questions too, and I think that helps not only with their speaking skills but their verbal reasoning as well. Audrey gets sick of me asking her to describe things, or explain why a dress might fit on one doll but not another, but it’s proving to be an effective method of learning for her. She’s only four and a half, but she is able to express herself concisely and with more clarity than my eight and ten year old nieces and nephews.
I just realized that I both wrote a novel AND sound like a drill sergeant. We have fun, honestly! Pretty much all of her learning is game- and play-based, so we kill two birds with one stone.
Good luck with Wyatt, you seem to be on the right track already! I hope you keep us updated on how he is doing and what has (and hasn’t!) been working for you! ๐
AH! you are awesome. I love your comments! Thank you so much girl! The word association is a great idea – repetition is supposed to be key!
Yes!! We went through that too. I always told myself it was because he was almost 6 weeks early and that put him back. But the doctor said we shouldn’t worry because “all children are different.” Like you, I was always concerned. But right when he turned two he was talking non-stop and forming sentences!! It’s SO true that children develop at different stages and ages. If he’s 3 and still not talking/forming sentences then you could start to worry but until then he sounds like he’s doing fine!! ๐ xo
I said the SAME thing about Wyatt because he was 4 weeks early. His doc said that by age 2 he should be completely caught up and I can’t use that as an excuse – lol. That is so funny that you said that!
Yay Wyatt!! And YAY mommy!! ๐ That’s exactly what I do for my job, Kendall!! Most of it is teaching families exactly what you pointed out – that they can ask their kids questions, instead of anticipating their needs and providing things for them without having the child request the item. You’re doing awesome – and this is SO NORMAL for parents to go through!!
Thanks girl! If you have any tips I would LOVE to hear them! ๐
Wyatt is SUCH a cutie!! Love those little curls!
Thanks love! ๐ Did you see my comment about you in my most recent post?
My son is an only child, as well. He’s 15 months and he is a JABBER JAWS! I am amazed at how much he can say, especially because he’s just around me all day. One thing I have always tried to do with him since the day he was born was to be very descriptive about everything. For instance, when we leave the house, “We are locking the door {and I point to the door, sometimes let him “help” me lock the door}, then we walk down the black stairs to mommy’s red car. Now you are getting in your black carseat and we have to do up the grey seatbelts.. Etc.” I also always ask him questions and it’s fun to see him respond. His words become more and more clear each day. But like you said, kids learn on their own and I don’t really think there should be such a huge comparison with other kids who are very different in many ways {like where they grow up, how, who they are around, what they eat, etc.}. My doctor has said that Karsyn is very “fast.” He started walking at 10 months, so he’s definitely “above average,” as far as their charts go.
You sound like such an amazing momma – and you definitely have one sharp little one on your hands! ๐
i didn’t read all the comments so someone may have mentioned this already but my oldest daughter was a slow speaker. one of the things her speech therapist told us was to give her choices and make her vocalize the answer. do you want grapes or crackers? good luck!!!!!!