Help - Lakeview,OH

I wouldn't really worry too much about a non-talking child. Girls, especially. She will catch up to her big sister, all in due time. If you want her to talk more clearly, try having her slow down what she is saying, maybe take a breath and start again. My nephew went through a stage where is little mind went faster than his mouth would let him, therefore, all his words ran together, and he skipped about 50% of what he wanted to say.

My 19 year old (he'll be 20 the 16th) was like that. The doctor back then told me that there was nothing to worry about and he was right. He doesn't have any problem talking now. I hear him everytime his car breaks down...lol. I would just give it a littl while. But, remember, I'm no doctor.

J.,
My first daughter is really bright, she has always been independent, talked early, in full sentences and was potty trained early. Then my son was born. He does everything at his leisure. Including talking. His is 2 1/2 and just now putting 2 and 3 word sentences together. Am I worried- no because kids all develop at different stages. You have answered your own question-she is bright, understands things, can follow directions likes books-you shouldn't be worried at all. She will talk when she is ready. And for now her speech patterns will develop with age..there really isn't anything you can do to make a child talk more clearly at 2. Just keep talking and asking lots of questions and eventually she will start talking back. Good luck and be proud of yourself...if you care enough to ask questions then youre doing a great job!

Hi J.,

I'm not sure how much your daughter is talking, but at this age she should be able to ask for what she wants. She should also be starting with 2 word phrases such as "Mommy go". Many times at this age you'll start seeing frustration because they can't get their idea across.

There are 2 types of communication. One is receptive, her ablity to understand what is being said or asked of her, such as simple commands. "Go get your shoes" Where's your nose?" (sounds like she's doing OK with this). The other is expressive, her ability to verbally tell you what she wants.

I suggest you contact your local Health Department. It maybe City or County depending on where you live. Ask to talk to someone from the Help Me Grow Program. They work with kids from birth to 3 years. Early Intervention is part of the HMG.

They will do a visit and probably an evaluation to determine if there is a problem. If there is then they will give you some options that are available to you. This is all free to you. It can be very helpful, and may help her get on track if she's not doing what she should. All HD do things a little different, but the basic idea is the same. It is to help kids. It would be up to you to decide what services to use if she is eligible.

How do I know? I work in Wood County's program. Please feel free to write if you have questions.

Good luck to you and your daughter.

K. :)

my cousin was like that and they had him tested for a hearing problem and that turn out to be what it was. if your that worried about it try talking to you Doctor about it they might be able to sugest things that can help!

You can call Help Me Grow (in phone book) and they will evaluate her for free and she can get free speech therapy until three if needed. Also, it is not uncommon for second children to let the older sib do all the talking. My niece didn't talk until she was almost four, she had an older sis 18 mos. older. Now she never shuts up! But, if you are worried, call Help Me Grow.
P.S. my best friend and I feel the same way about the world being exasperated with us! You are who you are. Be proud!

You sound just like me - talking too much!

Our kids are the same age; 5 yr old girl who is a chatterbox and 2 yr old boy who is not. The big secret? The big sister does all of the talking for him! Sit back and watch. You love how involved big sis is with little sis and how much she helps you out. What we have to do is remind big sis to allow time for little bro to answer. Give him a minute to respond. Don't talk for him. We were given advice that one day he would just start talking which sounded ridiculous; but since he turned two in September is is definitely talking more. Give it time and show your older daughter how to do what mom and dad do: sound out words, talk slower in front of little sis, give her a chance to respond. You'll see a difference.
~R. B

J., I would not worry about your daughter. You said she understands you and is very bright in other regards. It may be that your daughter doesn't really need to talk yet. You and her older sister may be too good at anticipating her needs. If you can help it, try not to compare your daughters. (I am guilty of this myself, so I know it's hard not to!) Remember, you have two very distinctly different children, who will do things in their own time. Talking may not be a top priority for her. She may be more focused on running or jumping. In the meantime, keep reading to her and maybe don't jump in so quickly to get her that drink or snack. Have her ask for juice instead of just pointing to it. You could also try asking her questions that require more than a "yes" or "no" answer. Like, "What kind of juice would you like with lunch?" instead of "Would you like some juice?". You could try playing games like "I spy", or listening to a cd of children's songs. If you don't see any improvements in the next few months, you may need to have your pediatrician evaluate her, just to rule out any medical problems. Just be firm, yet encouraging and supportive. Make her ask for what she wants. If you only respond when she asks for things, she will get the message. It's okay to help her find the words, too. If she attempts to speak, reward her efforts with praise. Your daughter will be talking your ear off soon enough! Hope this helps! Good luck.

J.,Hello I was wondering has your child been checked for hearing problems,plus always remember every child is different.Hope this helps.R.

Hi J..

I had similar speech problems with my son. The pediatrician recommended speech therapy for him once he turned 2. He would say things like Ha and we always thought he had a southern drawl. He did the therapy for about 8 weeks and then we put PE tubes in his ears. He was a child with chronic ear infections and they felt the tubes would give relief from the infections. Plus help with hearing and speech. He did start talking a lot more understandable and the infections stopped with the tubes. I feel like I would of done the tubes earlier if I had known he was going to get the great responce earlier. I never knew how many children actually get PE tubes and that they have very little side effects. I have heard about some bad but mostly great responces about them.

I hope you daughter gets through the speech delay. It isn't easy wondering what is right but always go with your gut instinct.

K.

Have you ever had her ears checked? She may be speaking the way she hears it?

You can contact help me grow and it is free regardless of income. They will come to your house and assess your daughter and let you know if there are any delays. It is funded by the state so you should be able to look up the number in the government section of your phonebook. I don't know where you are , but if you are near the Dayton area I have the number you can call so feel free to email me at ____@____.com

I totally understand where your coming from. My daughter is also 2 and doesn't talk as much as my son did at that age but don't worry she will on her own time every child goes at their own pace. Just keep doing what your doing and be patient. Soon you will be wanting her to stop talking!! lol

Second kids usually talk slower because whether you notice or not the older one does alot of the talker for the younger one. Try to be aware of that fact and make number two talk for herself. Good Luck

The best thing you can do is be patient and not worry as long as she is generally on schedule developmentally. I had this same exact situation a few years ago...my oldest child was sooo verbal at the age of 2, and also knew things like her colors, alphabet, etc. My second daughter barely uttered a word until she was 3 years old. But she's now in kindergarden and although she is still a naturally quiet child, she makes friends just fine and brings home positive report cards. It's hard not to compare kids, because the ones who are so advanced at a young age seem "smarter", but they really all have their own positive and negative attributes.

She could be having hearing problem go to ent they can test her hearing and make sure she does not have fluid behind the ear drum this can cause hearing problems. Also if you live in the area call four oaks it is free if you child has a problem. My son was alot more behind on his speech than I realized for ear infection and fluid. They were awesome with him. If you have any more questions just email me at ____@____.com

My oldest son, who will be 5 in March, was the child I was worried about. It took him forever to talk at all, then alot longer for me to be able to understand him. Headstart broadened our speech horizons and he really began to speak more when around others. There are still times when I have a hard time understanding him, but he has been tested and is "normal".
My soon to be three year old has learned alot faster and better language skills and is already far ahead his brother when he was that age.

If it really concerns you, get her speech tested and they will let you know if there is reason for concern. My advice is to not compare the children, I have learned quickly that they are all very different in many ways. I have heard that girls excel quicker than boys, but I only have boys and do not have personal experience with this. So, like I said, take her and get her tested to put your mind at ease. Just because the oldest talked faster and better, doesn't mean the second one will. Plus she is only just over two, don't expect too much to fast of them.
Hope this helps!!!