Is this normal for a 2 year old?

Question

My son is 26 months old. He was born a 3 weeks early and the doctors were concerned that he had a hearing problem after his first newborn testing. We had him tested again at two weeks and and he just barely passed. They agreed to test him again a third time and he passed with flying colors. Now my son understands most everything and will answer you with an emphatic "Yeah!" or "uh-uh" when you ask him a question. The problem is, he isn't putting sentences together. He can say Mama, Dad, Nana, Star Wars (cute huh?), Yoda, Dew (for drink) bubble, and a few other words. I'm just worried because he's not putting two word sentences together yet. He's got an appointment with a doctor but I'm just nervous about it. Do you think it's normal for a 26 month old to not be able to put a sentence together? I've just noticed other younger children who talk up a storm. (I know I shouldn't compare, but it's hard not to when you're worried about development.) Thanks for serious answers!

My family says he's fine and that he won't talk because he gets everything he wants without having to talk. They claim that because he can follow instructions, there's nothing wrong.

I have a 5 year old son who talks constantly. He is always interrupting and my mother-in-law thinks that my 2 year old doesn't say much because he never gets the opportunity to talk with his big brother around. (Come to think of it, I never get a word in edge-wise either.)

Answer 1

I am having the same problem... except my son it can't be a hearing problem, because well he hears just fine. But he can only say a few things like mama, anda for Andy, nana for Grandma, yummy yummy, hi, buh buh for bye bye and he is 22 months old... he was born 3 weeks early. He didn't walk till damn near 18 months also.. I just think that he learns at his own pace.. he is really smart.. he just can't talk...

Answer 2

Note: I've learned that five is the age of constant talking and interrupting. That will pass. But that's not what your question is...

He's probably fine. Some babies learn to say single words and may have a "baby accent" before a year old. Some say little until they're around two, and then they talk as if they're 30 years old.

Of course it never hurts to get his hearing checked, but the talking thing, by itself, is normal and not necessarily a sign of anything other than his "schedule" for speech

Two other unrelated notes: My daughter was born at 37 weeks, and that is generally considered pretty much "term". My son was born at 34 weeks, and his hearing and other things were all fine. My point is that 37 weeks is not the same as the baby born much earlier than than. There's a really good chance his slightly early arrival didn't impact him.

Obviously, I have no way to give an answer you can really rely on, but I have a feeling he's fine; and he'll probably start building some sentences in another few months. He's not even two and a half yet.

Answer 3

Yes that is normal.... I have a 3 1/2 year old, and I have been concerned for that past few years about his development. When he was born I had GBS, and he was severely affected by it. He was in the hospital for 2 months, and many many problems besides the GBS, because for one, it causes more. The doctors were worried about that he was going to be behind on development. At 2 years of age, my son was just like your child. This year thats coming up for your child, from 2 to 3, you will see a major difference in their speech. My son is 3 1/2, and is just now really putting sentences together. He's even starting to use "and" and "then", and that makes me smile from ear to ear. Ijust took him to the doctor and had him take a development test and he said that he was doing great, and my son is older, so I would not worry at all. This year alone you will see much progress in your childs speech. Also, just make sure you don't do any baby talk, that delays the speech.

Answer 4

He should out grow that stage...Our son will be 3 in February and he UP UNTIL recently..was only speaking short 3 word sentences..but all of a sudden..we don't need a translator to understand him!! My husband would call me from the other room to ask me...WHAT IS HE SAYING?!! LOL

Some children just start talking with no problems...maybe the reason he's being "lazy" is because of his older brother..we have a 5.5 yr old son..who sometimes talks for him...so Joe just sits back and lets Adam do the talking...it's kind of funny IF Adam says something that Joe didn't mean...he gets mad and stomps off...If he wasn't saying ANY WORDS..then I'd be concerned..but pretty soon ..you'll wonder WHY is he talking ALL THE TIME?!!
I know I do...LOL

Answer 5

Both of the things you mentioned (gets things without talking, big bro talks for him) can really impact your toddlers speech skills. Interesting that of three hearing tests, 2 he did not pass and 1 he did. At 26 months he should be using intelligible words about 65% of the time, and using two-word sentences (this is a 20-24 month skill). Can he imitate two word sentences? If you say "thank you", can he repeat it? If so, he is on the right track and will be saying two word sentences soon (Star Wars counts!) Two word sentences count as such when they are not in imitation of an adult saying it, but when they spontaneously say something (such as "push car", "doggie eat") describing what they are doing or seeing. It is hard to keep yourself from comparing with other children, it is in our nature to be competitive! Just keep talking to him about everything, and letting him talk back. Enlist your older child in helping... tell him that you know he knows what his brother wants, but you want to teach him how to say what he wants. Older kids love to help out and be models for their younger siblings. Have your child say (or approximate) for each thing he wants... don't let him get away with whining or pointing as a method of communication, or you will perpetuate a cycle that can be hard to break. Require speaking, and you will get it.

Answer 6

My son is 2 years old. He says very little. I am always concerned but my mother always says that I didnt talk until I was 3. But then again like you I compare. My friends child is a month younger than my son and he talks in sentences. But all kids learn differently. Just give him time. I am sure there will be a day like our parents when we will wish that they would just shut up. LOL. Just kidding. I wouldnt' worry.

Answer 7

You have nothing to worry about. My kids started at different ages and I have a friend with a three year old that is just starting to put sentences together. Children develop at different ages and speeds. It will help if you help him with complete sentences when he wants things. Take your time with it and don't push it on the little guy. He will be fine and he will start talking soon enough.

I once heard, "Why is it that we spend the first couple years teaching a child to talk, and for the rest of their lives we can't get them to shut up?"

Don't worry, soon it will be too soon for him to be talking!

Answer 8

Don't worry my grand-daughter was the same way and my daughter was the same as you. Always asking questions if
it is normal and comparing just like you. My grand-daughter
would make up her own words and we would try to make
her repeat everything we say. But just when she was going to turn 3 she started talking and people say now that she talks
just like a grown up. She likes to make up stories. This girl
will wake up talking. Her teacher said she was like a little lady
and asked if she hung around other children and my daughter
told her no just us and her youngest aunt is only 9. So give
him time ,he'll be talking in no time. Have him around kids
to where he will catch on or just keep doing what you been
doing helping him learn how to speak. They like to make up
their own little language.

Answer 9

Why don't you see if your family are right. Act like a lazy babysitter for a little while (a week or two) and don't respond to his every whim (look who's talking - me pft). Delay everything you do. Let him have a bit of a cry (nothing too evil).

I think your family are right. I think he is fine but you have spoilt him (I only know this because I have been doing the same).

Answer 10

How Do I Know If My Child Is Reaching the Milestones?

Here is a checklist that you can follow to determine if your child's speech and language skills are developing on schedule. You should talk to your child's doctor about anything that is checked "no."
2 - 3 years
Knows about 50 words at 24 months. ___ ___
Knows some spatial concepts such as "in," "on." ___ ___
Knows pronouns such as "you," "me," "her." ___ ___
Knows descriptive words such as "big," "happy." ___ ___
Says around 40 words at 24 months. ___ ___
Speech is becoming more accurate but may still leave off ending sounds. Strangers may not be able to understand much of what is said. ___ ___
Answers simple questions. ___ ___
Begins to use more pronouns such as "you," "I." ___ ___
Speaks in two to three word phrases. ___ ___
Uses question inflection to ask for something (e.g., "My ball?"). ___ ___
Begins to use plurals such as "shoes" or "socks" and regular past tense verbs such as "jumped." ___ ___