My nephew is 2 yrs old...and he only knows 5 words?

Question

he also has a problem with going to the bathroom all over the floors...he has had a hearing test and he passed it...I think there are other issues going on but my sister denys that there is a problem

Well first of all I have a 2 and half yr old and I know where they should be...I know every child developes differently but this is really a concern to me because its my nephew and I have him everyday while his mom is at work until about 6 pm so I know him almost more than his mother. When I said he only knows 5 words I mean that he can only say 5 words and not clearly its sounds like a 1 yr old learning to talk...and we've tried the potty training with him but he doesn't comprehend what it is...as well with alot of other things...he is just now learning where his nose and what other things are on his face...he is not anywhere near any other 2 yr old....I am around alot and just have a instint feeling about it...but it's hard to bring it up to my sister because she gets mad at me...she knows something is wrong or she wouldn't have got the hearng test but i think she's in denial

Answer 1

I can't answer the part about going to the bathroom on the floor, but, if his hearing is ok, how often is he engaged in conversation? How often is he read to? Children need stimulation to learn language. If this isn't the problem, then I suggest asking his pediatrician.

Answer 2

There really isn't enough information to help figure out what, if any, is the problem. However, for comparison, I have a two year 4 month old boy nephew as well. He still wears diapers since he hasn't expressed interest in potties. However, he knows a lot more than 5 words. He knows his toys, the foods that he likes, his blanket, his stuff animals and stuff around the house. He can put together simple sentences like "mama sit down", answer "yes" or "no" with questions that he understands, wave and say "bye-bye" when his mom or dad goes out the door, etc. He understands when his parents tell him "it's time to go night-night" and he'll get upset and say "no! no!" I've seen his parents ask him to go turn on the TV or turn on the light or put something in the garbage and he does it. He also says gibberish in what sounds like complete sentences, with intonation and inflections. Then he looks at you waiting for a response as if you should have understood the string of gibberish speech sounds that he just made. So five words seems a bit skimpy. However, does he understand more than that and just don't articulate? Or does he really not understand more than 5 words? I would echo the sentiment to observe and talk to a pediatrician to just do a sanity check. However, give his mother the respect that she probably does know his behavior more than you.

Answer 3

And what is the problem - he's only 2!

He pees on the floor because he's not fully toilet trained yet - there are lots of kids that don't learn the trick until they're 3. And 5 words at age 2 is not a problem - he'll probably know 50 words in another couple of months and 500 words at 2 1/2. Every kid develops differently - give him a break.

Answer 4

Does he really only know five words or does he only say five words? Or does he only say five words that you can clearly understand? There is a huge range of development going on here. My son only says six or seven words very clearly, but he knows probably a hundred words as they relate to the correct object. He also has a sub vocabulary of words that he thinks he's saying right, but they come out wrong -- like his "Thank You" comes out just "dank."

As far as going to the bathroom on the floor -- he's two and he's figured out he gets a rise out of whoever is around him when he does it. Two-year-olds aren't stupid. They know darn right and well what they are doing most of the time. I'd suggest that he might be ready to think about potty training. When he does it, just pick him up, put him on the potty and explain that we don't go potty on the floor, we only go potty in diapers or the toilet. He'll figure it out and stop when he doesn't think it's funny any longer.

Also, this is not your child. You don't live with him every day and don't know all his little quirks. If your sister is not abusing him, is a caring mother and does her best to instill good behavior in him, I'd say let it go. If you believe the child is being abused, I'd suggest calling county social services. Good luck!

Answer 5

I have a 2 year old who talks non stop and knows almost every word, including some he shouldnt say, but is not potty trained and has no interest in it. When I tell him to go on the potty he says "no way, I don't want to", so as far as words, yes he knows alot, but as far as potty training, he wants no part. I think your nephew may be going at his own pace, as every kid is different. You cannot compare one child with another. I know kids at 3 that are not potty trained, but talk up a storm, I know kids at 2 that are potty trained but dont speak a word. Best bet is for your sister to ask the doctor at the childs next visit. I wouldnt worry though, guaranteed one day he just starts yapping, and then wont stop. Good Luck

Answer 6

Well i read in a baby magazine that a child is on track if they know 50 words by the time they are 2. that sounds like a lot but every child is different. But there may be something wrong. my nephew knows more than 5 words and he's 8 months old...

Answer 7

You sound kind of bossy, geez. For going to the bathroom, thats why they have diapers, its normal for a 2 year old NOT to be potty trained. Also he may say only 5 words around you, so who knows.

Answer 8

All children develop differently. The parents definitely have an effect on the process. Maybe you could start reading a book to him whenever you see him, simple things work wonders for kids brains. And apparently your sister isnt doing all that she can.

Answer 9

Tell his pediatrician and ask if there are any problems.

If your nephew is autistic, it's best to put him in a place that specializes in autism as soon as possible.

Not to be rude or offensive, but your sister may be in denial. My brother is autistic and my dad denied there was any problem until now (My brother is 3 and still won't talk, but is receiving help and is a lot better at communicating).

Answer 10

Well we need more info that that but one possibility is Autism, does he have a problem with looking in your eyes? Does he shy away from people? Does he have issues with eating certain foods? Does he have one favorite food? I mean we need mroe info so we can help and tell you what to tell your sister or her childs pediatrician.