I worry that Wyatt is 15 months old and only really says two words.
He says “dada” all of the time – and “mama” when he is in distress.
I’ve heard him use “puppa“(for his grandpa) and “nana“(grandma) but he rarely says them.
According to this article on BabyCenter, a 15 month old should know “mama”, “dada“, and three other words.
I have tried to be very active in Wyatt’s learning.
Making sure we read everyday (usually early morning, afternoon, and before bed),
Go to the library,
Do learning sensory activities,
etc.
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| Sensory Bin. |
I know I am probably worrying over nothing.
And sometimes I forget that the little guy was a whole month early,
So he will be a whole month behind.
But deep down I can’t help but feel like I am doing something wrong as a mother.
Or that I am not doing enough.
Like any mother, I want what is best for him.
Kendall, I love you. And I know what you’re going through, although my situation was opposite. My daughter learned everything SO QUICKLY–walking before 8 months, running and climbing before 9 months, speaking in full sentences by the time she was 2–that I was freaking out. I’d read about so many early-developing children that ended up with Autism, and I lost so much sleep over it.
Audrey is four and a half now, and seems to be normal. She learns some skills very easily, like the meaning and pronunciation of new words, but is slow in other areas–she can sing the alphabet and can spell her name, but she can’t identify letters that aren’t part of her name.
From all of the kids that I’ve seen or helped raise in one way or another, I think that those milestones are crap. Maybe the average kid knows 4-5 words by 15 months, but I know plenty of kids that we slow talkers and are still incredibly smart. Every kid will go at a pace that is right for them. Reading to Wyatt and developmental play is exactly what he needs right now! You’re an amazing mom, and you’re doing so much more for him already than a lot of moms would.
If you really feel like it’s an issue, see a pediatrician or join a parenting circle with children of the same age as him. They will provide support, and probably the same advice I have ๐
One trick that I think really helped Audrey with her speech was that I wouldn’t let her point at something–I’d encourage her to use the word. At first it was frustrating for us both, and it took a lot of reminders, but eventually she would say “ball” (or…that’s what it sort of sounded like) when she wanted the ball. Also–and this might seem harsh–I didn’t allow baby talk at all with her. We called them bottles, pacifiers, diapers, books, even vaginas (although that talk was only a few weeks ago). That way, as she grew up, there was no confusion over a change in speech patterns. I speak to her like I would anyone else–although I don’t cuss around her!
It’s hard being a mom. It really is. There is so much information out there that I think we get overwhelmed and then end up worrying. If you ever want to chat or need anything, please email me! We moms need to stick together.
Oh my goodness. You are so amazing. I took W to the library today and picked up a few books on milestones for toddlers, engaging activities, etc. I am going to read up and put together little lesson plans for each day – to make sure he is actively learning. We read all the time, and he loves it – which is why we are constantly going to the library for new books! We go and exchange them once a week! We are going to make a visit to his doc just to ask some questions and hopefully feel a little bit better about the situation. All of his milestones he hit at least a month behind – but his doctor had always said it was because Wyatt was born a whole month early. But, there are programs for speech delay in our area – and they won’t cost us a cent so they are definitely worth looking into! xo.
I just realised how long that was and I probably should have sent an email…oh well.
I loved your message. Thank you so much. <3
I think as mothers we worry way too much about whether our kids is “normal”. This young all that matters is that they’re happy and healthy and he’s looking good! I also approve of the Star Wars shirt ๐
Oh, I completely agree. And with my anxiety I allow myself to fixate on an idea. Wyatt is such a happy baby – we will definitely be “tweeking” a few things in our routine but we are happy he is healthy!
PS: Everyone loves this shirt! I got it @ Target on the sale rack for $3! Amazing find!
Hello, this is really the first time i read your blog and the lovely ley pointed me to it… my little man, Z, turned 4 last week, he was only 2 weeks early but was a low birth weight baby when we took him home he was barely big enough to go into a car seat, just over 5lb’s. well Z was able to crawl and walk sooner then most his speech as well was lacking, i even had a few “friends” tell me that my amazing little Z was “mentally handi capped”, those are nicer words then they used, even though there little ones where months older and barely crawling, my Z was walking and climbing. little Z barely talked, he said mama and chair and shoe, the occasional dad and that was at 18 month, this was the same way till he was 2… i still didnt worry, i know kids progress at different rates and where he excelled and was also slower, every kids is like this. when Z hit 2.5 years old and he barely had 7 words… is when i started to worry, i had just had my little A and feared her birth was slowing him down, i felt like trash… but i came home for two weeks before my sisters wedding just me and my two little people…. Little Z was just over 2.5 year old at this point… one day we all woke up and my little Z had gone from his 7 words to talking in sentences. it was a flick of the switch. this did not happen over a week or a months time… this was over night. it was a surprise when little Z came up to me and said “mama, cereal for ‘reckfist?” and then in my shocked daze i said what did you say? his response was “momma i have cereal and milk for reckfist please”
dont let it get to to too much darling because if your little guy is like mine… he can talk, just chooses not too. hang in there and i know it can be hard and tough, but thats was mommyhood is all about!
lots of love and support from one mom to another
Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely message! I really appreciate it! I have a lot of people telling me it is probably something to be concerned about – and then the same amount telling me it’s nothing. I feel like Wyatt is just a quiet boy. He says “mama” only when he needs to. He is very independent – so it may just be apart of who he is. Either way, there’s no harm in talking to his doc and hopefully getting a few answers. I am happy to hear that Z is now talking – maybe Wyatt is just going to wait a little longer like Z. Thank you so so much again for this. It means the world.
My 22 month old nephew is only saying about 5 words. It’s concerning, but kids will do what they’re meant to do on their own time. If you are reading to him, teaching him things, enriching his daily life, encouraging him to talk and communicate, then relax, Mama! You’re providing him with lots to learn and gather in his little head. Who knows? Maybe one day he’ll just start talking up a storm! Let him develop on his own time and if you’re really worried talk to his doctor about speech therapy. Otherwise, trust that you’re doing a great job and he’ll start fully talking on his own time schedule. *hugs*
Thank you Sara – you are so sweet. We do lots of activities, he LOVES to read, and I take him to the library for playtime with other littles his age every week! I am going to start organizing his schedule a little bit more and do some pre-toddler learning activities and lessons each day. We are also going to talk to his doctor – I can’t wait for the day that he says more – it will be so special. xo. Thank you so much for your support!
I’ve been a major worrier too. A lot my worries came from comparing him to my friends babies. I just had to learn to stop doing that and realize that my son might be behind one baby in one thing, but ahead in another and that is totally fine. Every baby is different. Also, the guidelines they set are just that, guidelines, it doesn’t mean that if your kid isn’t right on track then something is severely wrong. And of course, if you are really worried talk to a doctor, mine always has a way of easing my fears a little. And really, it’s totally normal to worry, I think it just come with being a mother.
Oh it is so easy to worry – isn’t it! I think that reading up a bit on it and speaking to Wyatt’s doctor will definitely calm my fears. He is so ahead in physical things – but just a little behind verbally, and that’s okay. I just want to soak up as much information that I can so I am able to help him and aide his learning in every way possible. Also, I should probably stop the comparison game too – each baby is different – you’re completely right! Thank you so much for your advice ๐ xo.
Oh Kendall you’re not doing anything WRONG!! ๐ I promise!! This is my job now – I work with babies from birth-3 years old who aren’t reaching their developmental milestones. I work on building language with them. Try some fun games where he has to attempt to say a word/sound to get something fun (like: 1-2-THREE! jumping into a beanbag…try to get him to say an “eeee” sound before he you throw him on the beanbag/bed…or Ready, Set, GO! Try to encourage him to say “GO” or “OOOO” before you push him in a car…) Keep in touch, girly! You’re doing great!! ๐
You are just the sweetest person Christina. Thank you so much for your kind words. I am reading up on all sorts of new activities that Wyatt and I can do together – I will definitely add yours to our list. I think talking everything out will really benefit Wyatt. And helping him with the sounds is a great idea – that way when he says them he will associate the words with what they mean. Love you girl! xo.
As a former early childhood teacher, I say keep doing what you’re doing and don’t worry about the developmental milestones…they’re purely a guideline and not something to absolutely adhere to. Your gorgeous son is lucky to have such a loving, caring mumma and as long as he’s got you, everything else will fall into place when the time is right for him x
Oh honey, you aren’t doing anything wrong. When Oliver was 15 months he said “Dada” “Momma” and “Milk” I was scared. The nurse at his 15 month appointment asked me about what words he said. I told her and she said “Ohhh” and gave me a look like “why aren’t you doing more with him!” I was broken. The doctor came in and said it was fine, that he understood me and that was much more important than him speaking the words. When he turned 18 months he had about 20 words. It literally happened overnight. He woke up the next morning and he was a chatterbox. It was like he was working on them and processing it all. For awhile we would ask him to “Say, cup” if he wanted the cup. Eventually he got it and now he just talks all the time. lol. Its normal to worry, about everything. Just keep doing what you’re doing – giving him any kind of exposure is better than nothing. He will be just fine.
Lindsay, thank you so much for sharing your story. I am a total worry wort – and I know it’s a normal part about being a mom (especially a first timer). Hearing your story makes me feel so much better. I am going to really start working with him – I can’t wait to see what the next few months have in store for us! ๐
oh my , i know how you feel! at our son’s 12 month check-up they were telling me he should have like 3 words, which he doesn’t! just like your boy, he says dada all the time, and mama when he’s distressed (what is it with that?!) but not much else.
people have told me that kids develop one set of skills at a time. Owen (my son) is a gross motor skills king, and is cutting teeth like they’re going out of style, so i’m reminding myself that he probably just needs to get that stuff covered and then he’ll talk!
in the meantime i’m trying to use some signs with him to help keep tantrums at bay!
(found you via casey’s link-up!)
Hi Robyn! Thank you for your comment! Wyatt does really great physically but is just so quiet. And I’m with ya – what’s up with only saying “mama” in distress! lol. I am hoping he just needs a little more time – and I can’t wait to hear what he says next!
It’s hard not to worry about our kids. You are doing an awesome job mommy!
Julie @ Naptime Review