Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

I just don't get it.

Jack is around older kids all the time. My family has 15 kids that we see on a weekly basis.

We are always out and about - having playdates and going to classes for him.

So - what makes one kid talk - and another kid, the same exact age, not?

It's so frustrating - because I see how frustrated he is.

I just want that little light in his head to go off - and for him to realize that he actually does have the words.

And, he understands EVERYTHING - so that's not a problem at all.

I already called EI and am waiting for a callback - just wondering what others think about this.

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

I am in same situation.

Had my telephone interview with EI...waiting for paperwork in mail to come.

I have no idea. I don't know why some words come out and others don't.

For the first time this weekend, he finally seemed frustrated with his situation.

LEo and I were talking in the front seat while driving and Josh felt left out.

He kept saying Mom, and bringing things up....like star and la luna...truck, shoe...

but he has zero interest. I sing, read, flashcards, letters, numbers...I have no idea what the hold up is.

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

I'm not sure.

One of my kids excelled verbally; the other physically. I think it's a combination of wiring, exposure, etc. There is no doubt in my mind that your son is hearing A LOT OF TALKING Maybe he's the type of kid that takes it all in first.

My verbal kid was that way physically. He would slowly figure out stuff. He would stand on his own for awhile practicing squatting & into a sit position. This went on forever. He was very cautious.

My other one - listened more, practiced words & then would say them.

Either way EI can't hurt - it will only give you the peace of mind or a plan that you're looking for.

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

I don't really know.

But I do think (and I've posted on this before) that it is a give and take type thing. Christopher has been talking forever, but only walking since very late August. I am sure there is some reason for it, I am just not sure what the "real" one is.

And Happy Birthday

ETA: Christopher is also v. cautions like Barb was saying...

Message edited 12/15/2008 9:50:24 PM.

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

I know this isn't the case for you, but my dd would talk for my ds, so he didn't really need to say anything b/c she took care of it for him. Once he started going to school and had to speak up for himself it really got a lot better.

One of my mom's friends was recently venting to my mom about how her son and his wife constantly ask their toddler ds what he wants, they never give him the chance to ask for anything. My mom's friend is a pediatric nurse so she's pretty familiar with child development.

I hope EI gets back to you soon.

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

Well I dont know, but the EI lady who came to our house said some kids are just early talkers and some are late talkers and she has found that not many actually fit into the profile of the average timeframe they give.

She said some kids who are more receptive lose the expressive part. She said that some kids say 50 words yet you have to ask them something 10 times before they grasp what you want and thats just as bad, yet parents dont recognize that as an issue.

Basically that so many kids are unique and that just not giving up helps a lot.

I know first hand its hard to see them so frustrated, I hope both our boys find their words soon

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

HAHA - Barb - are you saying I talk alot

Jack is SUPER cautious - when he is walking over lifts from one room to the next he takes his sweet little time. He thinks about every single move before he makes it.

I'm just not sure if there is more I should be doing with him. We read books constantly. Have flashcards that we go over. I talk to him throughout the entire day - and he understands everything.

"Let's go take a bath" - he goes to the bottom of the stairs

"Want to watch Elmo" - he sits on his couch

"Want milk" - goes to the fridge.

And so on. So, I know he gets it - he just can't ask for it yet.

I am on edge just waiting for EI to call me back - I am praying that he qualifies for services.

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

Posted by CathyB

I know this isn't the case for you, but my dd would talk for my ds, so he didn't really need to say anything b/c she took care of it for him. Once he started going to school and had to speak up for himself it really got a lot better.

One of my mom's friends was recently venting to my mom about how her son and his wife constantly ask their toddler ds what he wants, they never give him the chance to ask for anything. My mom's friend is a pediatric nurse so she's pretty familiar with child development.

I hope EI gets back to you soon.

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

Well, as others have said, I don't really get why some kids are slower with some things and faster with others. As you know, DD's issues are with food...so even though she's a good talker, she's not a good eater. So for some reason, she's "wired" that way. It is definitely stressful, I agree

ETA: For some reason, DD LIKES looking at me to learn new words. If she tries to say a word and it doesn't come out right, I say "C, look at mommy", and she'll stop what she's doing 99% of the time and watch me move my lips VERY slowly pronouncing the word for her, and she'll repeat it. And then she knows how to correctly say it from then on.

BUT, I've given this child 1 million bananas in her life, and she acts as though they're ALL poison and I'm nuts for giving them to her (and it's not just that she doesn't like bananas, she doesn't like much food at all! ) And Jack has her beat hands down with being a great eater, trying all kinds of new things and loving fruits & veggies!

Message edited 12/15/2008 9:59:27 PM.

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

Do you think maybe the kids are over talking him??? Meaning maybe he almost feels threatened that he cant get a word in??? I really wouldnt worry until he is about 2. DD has alot of single words and then around 22-23 months she just threw us a whole dictionary of words and 3 word sentences.

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

Posted by nrthshgrl

I'm not sure.

One of my kids excelled verbally; the other physically. I think it's a combination of wiring, exposure, etc. There is no doubt in my mind that your son is hearing A LOT OF TALKING Maybe he's the type of kid that takes it all in first.

My verbal kid was that way physically. He would slowly figure out stuff. He would stand on his own for awhile practicing squatting & into a sit position. This went on forever. He was very cautious.

My other one - listened more, practiced words & then would say them.

Either way EI can't hurt - it will only give you the peace of mind or a plan that you're looking for.

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

you know i am in a similar (but different) situation...can't figure it out and it breaks my heart too. Funny thing is DS isnt frustrated, can do it, just doesnt feel like it.
After the last FM i sent you a couple days ago, their was one more big moment and not much more since, maybe 1 or 2 steps. I will also be calling EI this week

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

I'll stand at fridge, he will say please. I say no, say mom milk please.

then he says a fake word for milk and adds please.

when we read and I ask him what something is, he gets up and leaves. sort of like why did you ruin the good time we were having with that nonsense.

I admit, I am getting so tired of singing by myself. I want him to know abcs, numbers and songs, so I keep on singing, but I have been singing the same tune for 2 years. JOIN IN!! let me know you are getting it!

If I say A, he says B...the flies around the room buzzing like a bee.

Message edited 12/15/2008 10:01:30 PM.

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

Other things you can do is ask him questions, give him choices (TWO CHOICES, more creates meltdowns).

Do you want JUICE OR MILK?
Do you want ELMO OR DORA?

Also speaking in shorter sentences I found helpful.

Does he watch your lips as you are talking? It sounds to me like he doesn't have to talk much because he goes to the fridge & you get him milk

Does he say anything yet? Mama?

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

Posted by nbc188
I've given this child 1 million bananas in her life, and she acts as though they're ALL poison and I'm nuts for giving them to her (and it's not just that she doesn't like bananas, she doesn't like much food at all! )

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

I don't have the answer, but it will come eventually!

I remember when Nicholas didn't talk and now I can't get him to stop. He talks and talks and talks some more!

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

Posted by nrthshgrl

Other things you can do is ask him questions, give him choices (TWO CHOICES, more creates meltdowns).

Do you want JUICE OR MILK?
Do you want ELMO OR DORA?

Also speaking in shorter sentences I found helpful.

Does he watch your lips as you are talking? It sounds to me like he doesn't have to talk much because he goes to the fridge & you get him milk

Does he say anything yet? Mama?

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

Message edited 12/15/2008 10:06:33 PM.

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

Posted by nrthshgrl

Posted by nbc188
I've given this child 1 million bananas in her life, and she acts as though they're ALL poison and I'm nuts for giving them to her (and it's not just that she doesn't like bananas, she doesn't like much food at all! )

Totally off-topic but this made me LOL thinking of that look we get when we serve them something they've tried & liked before but randomly decided they don't like them anymore.

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

I know this isnt what you are asking but I thought maybe it might make you feel a bit better...

My eldest daughter, Ariel, started talking at 10 months. She was fine with single words and phrases...it was until language became more complex that there was an issue....So while she started talking at an "average" age. It by know means indicated that she was "out of the woods" so to speak. I love my daughter dearly..I wouldnt change her for anything..but she has her limitations.

The twins were talking at 6 months. Talking in FULL sentences before they were 18 months. Their vocab was incredible...They were so advanced when it came to language development. BUT....at 10 they are only average students. They are bright kids but they need to work hard to get straight A's. The only sign left that they were early talkers is thei size of their inference knowledge.

My point is...dont let his not talking yet be a sign of more problems to come. I wish I could tell you not to worry..but of course you are going to. Some kids are just more active than others...some more verbal...

Look the people around you... Some are talkers...some are thinkers...some are creative...some are athletic..etc..

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't

I truly think some children are just more quiet than others, and take a bit longer to talk He may be the type of person that is more of a listener than a chatter box

Re: Why do you think some kids talk early - and some don't