Develping Slow?

First of all, do NOT judge by other children. My two year old can count to 20 and knows his ABCs, but still uses a bottle and doesn't want to potty train, and yet someone I know has a two year old who is completely potty trained, eats with a fork and spoon, but can't point to any part of her body. It's all about what the child decides is important. Give your son every chance to learn, but don't panic if he's not interested. Also, I know all parents revolt against using the television, but Elmo videos and the like REALLY help. My other son had developmental delays and needed therapy for much of it, but one of the things that he responded to was Elmo. There is a video about his hands, ears, and feet, and my son learned with that. There is a program, AZEIP (Arizona Early Intervention Program) if he truely is developmentally behind (they will do an assesment) that might help or point you in the right direction.
Oh - as per body parts in particular, not only Elmo, but playing "I'm gonna get your . . ." works well. Say "I'm going to get your" then pause and name a body part, like belly. After, blow rasberries on said bodypart. Sometimes, kids who seem not to know will giggle and cover the stated bodypart, showing that they just prefer not to point, but, if not, they'll learn through play.
Hope that all helped and was not too confusing! :)

So far everyone has told you not to overreact. I wish someone HAD told me to overreact when my daughter wasn't developing on time. I'm not going to burden you with my own details but here's what I STRONGLY feel you should do: take your son to a developmental pediatrician or developmental pediatric psychologist. That person can do an detailed assessment and tell you for sure if your son is fine. Ask your son's pediatrician to refer you to one and it shouldn't cost more than a copay. Most pediatricians are not experts on developmental delays so be cautious if your pediatrician tries to wave off your concerns.

If your son is a little behind, he may catch up, or he may need some interventions. It's better to know now so you can get him the right help. Go see an expert! The ones in the phoenix area I know of are Dr. Raun Melmed, developmental pediatrician; Dr. Karlsson Roth, pediatric psychologist; Dr. Robin Blitz, ask your pediatrician to write you a referral to any of these Drs. Good luck!!!!!!!!!

You know that I'm going to say that every kid is different, but honestly, it's actually true!

I have a 16 month old daughter, and a 4 year daughter. Not to worry. My 4 year old hardly spoke at all until she was about 18 months (clearly formed words, I mean) but hit all of her physical milestones WAY early. My 16 month old has hit her physical milestones on the late side, but talks up a storm.

Every kid is different, and don't fall into the trap of comparing your kid. You (and he) will be better off if you just relax and roll with your child's pace.

As far as the naming/games go, I sing songs with my kids constantly. Head-shoulders-knees-toes is a good standby. Also, talk to him and explain EVERY detail while you're giving him a bath or getting him changed. (ex. "Lift up your legs. Great job! You have two strong legs!" "Mommy's going to wash your ears. Where are they? Here they are!")

Even if he doesn't respond right away, when you are talking to him and reinforcing the names of things, he's soaking it all in.

(And don't worry, when he does start talking non-stop, you'll sometimes miss these quiet times! =) )

-L.

My son is now 3 but at 16 mos I was very concerned because my friends kids all said body parts, knew all different words, and my one friends son was the same age and counted! By 2 he was saying more words-NOT sentences and my friends kids were saying like short sentences so I told the docotr at his check up I was real concerned about him not really talking and she said "well does he say 20 word?" I am like thinking and was like well yeah. She is all he is fine. I left still concerned from 2 to 2 1/2 his vocabulary amazed me! Now at 3 he is actually speaking better and more advanced than my friends kids. Any concerns of course need to be addressed to the doctor but I just wanted to share my experience and know of others who were overly concerned and their kids were just slow to talk. That was the case with my son.

Hi A.-
I have a 19 month old daughter and she still will do things at her own pace...If you ask her who people are she knows when she wants to know..She does not know colors at all and really does not talk, but my son was the same way and really never talked till he was 3 1/2 and he is one of the smartest kids around..He absorbed everything he could,but just never verbalized it..As long as the doctor thinks he is fine I would not worry..Kids go at there own pace do not worry what other children do..Somekids are really smart at 16 months, but grow up to be average or slow down and some kids are slower and grow up to be highly intelligent..Each child is very differnt..
Good luck,
M.