Toddler Son questions...Shifty Eyes and Being Bi-lingual

Hey H.,

My 18 month old boy does the same thing with his eyes. He does it for attention because he laughs when we catch him. As for the not talking so much I would not worry about it. I speak Italian & sometimes french to my son and my husband speaks to him in english. He talks like crazy & makes sentences and all. He has over 100 words, not kidding. Everyone always told me that bilingual kids take longer to speak. That's not the case with my little one. He understand every language we speak to him and talks in all 3 languages. Remember every kid is unique just be patient and everything will come together.

The eye question sounds very normal. I don't know about children vs bilingual but I can tell you that I had a son who was an earlier walker. He had advanced large and small motor skills, however, his verbal communication skills were delayed. He was tested and qualified for speech class from the age of 3 to 6 1/2 years old. The majority of children were boys. He speaks very well, now. His sister is three years older and spoke beautifully. This may not be your scenario, though. You may not know for a while if it is just because he is bilingual or a very busy boy! Good luck!

A child development specialist told me that bi-lingual children often speak later than those learning one language. Just think of the though process he has to go through to get a word out. Research it online and you will see that it is a common issue.

We are raising our kids to be bilingual English/German.

Our daughter spoke more words before age 2 than our son. I've read/heard that boys tend to speak later even if they're only learning one language. Our son didn't really have much vocabulary or sentence talking (in either language) until after he turned 2. I remember being a bit concerned at his 2 year check up that he wasn't speaking that much. Shortly after he turned 2, he started more talking and hasn't stopped since....

The one thing that was always stressed to us was to make sure that the child understands what you are saying even if they don't respond verbally. The comprehension part is important and my kids always understood whatever we asked (in either language) such as, "Go get your shoes." "Where is your teddy bear?" "Where is your nose?" "Put the book on the shelf." The verbal response will come soon....

Both are doing fine using both languages now at almost age 6 and age 4.

Good luck!

It seems to me that he is exploring. As far as the "not talking much" phase, people just want their kids to do so much now days so soon. Give him another 4 or so months before you really worry. If he says ma or dad or dog in either of the two languages or just every day words...not complete sentances...not all kids do this at the same time anyway. Plus, two is early for complete sentances with full understanding anyway.

My son, who is now 5 was slow to say full sentences in either language at first. The doctor just said that he's trying to "digest" both English and Spanish. No worries... my 5-year old switches so quickly from one language to the other fluidly, depending on who he is talking to. It actually amazes people at how intellgent he is. Don't worry, he won't STOP talking soon!

I don;t think you have to worry about what he does with his eyes unless you notice he does not seem to see clearly or look stright when not rolling them. He is probably noticing the way thinks look differently when not looking straight on. Also, since you are teaching your son to be bilingual it might seem that he is not speaking as many words. But, when a child is bilingual, you have to consider both languages in counting the number of words. And some kids don't really talk until they get to 2 yrs. My nephew was taught English and Spanish and it appeared to be the same issue. At 5 yrs old you can't keep him quiet.

Hi H.,
I would talk to your ped about your concerns with your son's eyes, just to be sure. It most likely is nothing, but letting him/her know will give you peace of mind, or help detect if there is a problem.

Just an aside (not to scare you, this doesn't sound like what you are describing), my old coworker's daughter had rapidly darting eyes that she had thought was just normal for her baby, but her mother was concerned. They called a neurologist who felt it was not normal and sent them to an opthamologist. Her daughter, it turns out, has albinism which has caused her vision problems. Their early detection of it has been helpful in getting her early treatment and intervention to help her live as close to a "normal" life as possible. So I would trust your gut and make an appt. with your ped. My hope is that absolutely nothing is found, and all is well.

T.

Our son did not really start talking till he was 2 years old. The doctor said there really had no need to talk since all he had to do is point at what he wanted or just go get the toy he wanted. Our Doctor referred to it as being to smart for his own good.
As far as doing the funny things with his eyes, it is probably to get some one to laugh or notice him. But I would get it checked out because there are children who need glasses as young as your little one. He could be moving his eye to try to get you into focus. It might not hurt to call your eye doctor not you pediatrician. Best to go right to the specialist.

Good Luck,
S.