How Much Should a 20 Month Old Understand?

Updated on January 20, 2013
V.Y. asks from Livingston, NJ
9 answers

My DS is almost 20 months old. He has more than 50 words. Im wondering if what he's understanding is good for his age. He can follow a lot of commands when asked. Like yesterday I gave him a napkin and asked him to wipe up his milk and he did it! He remembers who people are like my sisters bf who he's seen a couple times, he saw his picture and said his name. If I ask him to bring me a specific item like turtle, cupcake or goodnight moon he can. He listens when I tell him to sit down or to put his ball into the basketball hoop. If I ask him to put his shoes on he tries to even though he can't lol. He knows when the dog is misbehaving he runs over to him and wags his finger saying "no no!" He can point to many, many objects and people when asked. If I tell him to cook me something he puts is toy pan on his toy kitchen. When I sing the alphabet he goes over and points to his pretend house that has the abc's on it; he tries to sing along sometimes. He knows a few shapes when asked to show me. When he sees me throw away food he says "all done". He goes up to my electric outlets and says "bad!" he can point to his body parts when asked. There's more, but I can't think of the rest now. He doesn't understand all that's said to him, but he knows a lot I think. What do you think?

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M.B.

answers from Austin on

Sounds like he is coming along very nicely.

Receptive language (what we say to them, and what they understand) always develops much faster than expressive language (what they say to you).... it takes quite a while to "train" the muscles of the tongue and mouth to form words properly.

It really is amazing what little ones understand! We often forget they are like a little sponge, soaking up so much everyday.

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P.G.

answers from Dallas on

See if your library or bookstore has the book "what to expect, the toddler years". It's a great summary of development. :)

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G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

parentcenter.com

babycenter.com

Sign up for the newsletter they send out by your child's age. They are quite fun and give you something to gauge your child's development by.

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N.G.

answers from Fort Myers on

Sounds like he's doing great!

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T.S.

answers from Washington DC on

Sounds like he's doing just fine.

Try to stop thinking so much about comparing him to other kids and just enjoy him. There is no prize for having an advanced kid, and no punishment for having one who's a little behind. Enjoy the one you've got, and revel in his accomplishments every day!

HTH
T.

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K.I.

answers from Los Angeles on

Sounds about right to me. Really start practicing his ABC's and he will get it so fast you will be amazed. The more verbal you are with him the more verbal he will be with you.

At this age, they are like real little people! ;) Ha!

At 24mos all 3 of my kids (2 boys & 1 girl) could hold conversations and knew their ABC's and shapes and colors and were completely potty trained, both night and day and absolutely had their own opinions on LOTS of things. So there is absolutely a spectrum of what is considered 'normal' and your lil' guy sounds right on par, IMO.

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R.K.

answers from Appleton on

He is doing really great.

My 25 month grandson, understands a lot of words but simply refuses to use them. His Mom has him in therapy and he is getting better. But some kids talk a lot some won't talk at all.

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G.♣.

answers from Springfield on

Sounds like he's doing great! 50 words is great for his age, and he really seems to understand so much. I know it's hard not to worry when they are so young, but it really does sound like he's on track.

Are you in a mom's group or taking him to any toddler classes? If that's something you're able to do, I think you'll find being around other kids his age will really help ease your mind. And talking to other moms will help you see you're not alone in some of your challenges and concerns. I loved getting together with the other moms when my kids were little. It was just so reassuring to hear that my kids quirks were normal!

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P.K.

answers from New York on

Sounds good to me. He is perfect.

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