mother in law thinks my 20 month old son is slow?

Question

My mother in law thinks my son is slow beacuse he is not talking he is only 20 months old i think he is pretty smart for his age, he can say a few words and he knows what things are but just cant say them yet.
What dose everyone else think. Normal or not?? is she right?

He is my first child and babbles alot.

Answer 1

every child matures at different rates....you should really speak to your pediatrician.

Answer 2

It's very normal for a 20 month old to have just a few spoken words. If he has good receptive language (knows what you're saying to him) like you say, then he is not slow or language delayed just because he only has a few words. If tyou have the feeling he's really smart, he probably is. Some children speak much later than 20 months so tell your mother in law not to worry.

Answer 3

Tell your mom in law to back off! My god, family or not, I just cannot stand it when people have to put in their two cents. Please, do not worry. I was so worried about my daughter and her speech. She was saying some words here and there but she didn't even make an attempt to say words together until she was close to 3 years. I had her hearing checked, a 45 minute over the phone assessment with a speech pathologist and then took her to speech therapy, only to find out - she just didn't want to talk yet. If your son can understand simple direction like "wear are your shoes" and is saying a few words, I really wouldn't worry. I do understand where you are coming from but please don't let your mom in law make you feel or even question that your son is slow because that certainly is not the case. It's just plain rude that she would even suggest that!

Answer 4

first of all, all children are different- is this your first child? if not it is more than normal for him to be a little slower in talking, often the older child does all the speaking for the younger so they wind up not talking as much. My second child did not talk until after 2 years old- my oldest did all the talking for her - when she did start talking, though, she did not stop- she spent a lot of time in what seems like she was absorbing information- she was very quiet but was very aware and when she started talking she knew a whole lot more than anyone expected she did.
Mother in laws tend to concern themselves over how the mother is taking care of the child, part of that "no one is good enough for my son" syndrome.
first child or not , if you are taking your son to a pediatrician and he is healthy and developing well in all other areas- I would not worry unless he is begins to be unresponsive to your voice or sounds around him or unless the pediatrician shows concern.

Answer 5

Only a professional can tell for sure, but boys have a tendancy to start talking later than girls. While not the average, it is quite common for 20 month old boys to not be talking very much yet. Give it time.

Also, if young children have older siblings that tend to "do the talking for them" or a parent that responds the needs/wants expressed by a noises or single words, the child has little to reason to talk.

If you want to encourage talking, talk in sentances to your child. For instance, if your son says "milk" when he wants milk, say "Yes, would you like some milk?" and "Here is your milk." The more you talk to your son the sooner he will get used to responding likewise.

However, the diplomacy of placating your mother-in-law may be the more difficult task. :) Here are some sites you can read for research to help with that (and with easing your mind):

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babydevelopment/6573.html
http://www.pbs.org/parents/talkingwithkids/agebyage_1.html

Make a comprehensive list of all the words you've ever heard your son say. Add to the list as he learns new words. Take the list to your next pediatrician visit and discuss development if it concerns you. Your doctor can give you a qualified opinion, unlike the rest of us on Yahoo Answers. :)

Answer 6

Tell your mother in law it's her negative influence that's causing him to be slow.

Your child is not slow! He is only 20 months old and all children hit their mild stones at different stages. When your son turns 2 he will go to the doctor and they will be able to tell if he might need speech therapy. Even if he does need it, by no means does that mean your son is slow.
Try to let her opinion go in one ear and out the other.

Answer 7

There is no reason to think a 20 month old is slow because he is not talking yet. Children develop at different rates. My son was 3 when he began talking...he's now a college graduate and speaks 3 languages

Answer 8

Do you have any older children?? My brother didnt talk until he was almost 3 because my other brother and I use to talk for him. Hes very smart. Not all kids develop the same way. I have 2 children and they're both very different on things they could say and do first. If your really worried about talk to his doctor but I'm sure he'll tell you that everything is fine. No shes not right even their was something wrong. Thats not her place to say

Answer 9

I try to shy from family politics. Your Mother-in-law
means well,but I would be hesitiant to give her
a big role in the development of your child.
Without meaning to her negative actions may
create an obstacle in your child's growth
and development.

Gather Your friends and other family members,
and get feedback. You may not like some of
their answers, but genuine solutions can
be realized. Don't look for a quick fix.
Get referals, and take your child to good pediatric doctor. There may be other people you will have to consult (I refer to professionals). Don't give
up. Have faith. Despair is evil's playground.

Be concerned, but don't panic. Einstein
failed Algebra. President Lincoln was called
an idiot. Someone from the Grand Ole Opry
told Elvis Presley he should stick to driving
a truck.Its not a matter who is right or who
is wrong. Its a matter of what best for your
child.They are no easy answers, but there
are viable solutions. Maintain a deep reserve of
faith and patience.

Answer 10

Mother in laws always think they know everything....BIG SHOCKER....THEY DONT!!!! lol I'm sure you son is perfectly normal. My son is almost 17 months and he pretty much just babbles but you can tell he understands things. I'm sure your son is the say way! If you ever took a Spanish class....remember, how you could understand the language way before you could speak it. I think children our kind of the same. Just remember your is mother and you know him best! If you think he's smart & healthy...odds are HE IS!

Answer 11

i don't think of you have something to rigidity approximately. it incredibly is extremely trouble-free that youngsters raised bilingual talk later. My young babies grew up with english and german, my daughter spoke very early and we've been all stunned, yet my son took his candy time, he suggested some words till he substitute into very virtually 3, yet than he picked up and authentic away in any respect he spoke merely like various of the others the same age. in case you question that he realizes what he says, i might take him to a young babies hospital and have him checked, which could make beneficial in case you have a reason to rigidity or not.