my two and 1/2 year old isnt speaking in sentences yet. should i be worried?

Question

he knows plenty of words, most of which only i understand. but someone keeps telling me that he should be speaking by now.

otherwise he's a very intelligent kid, recognizes most shapes, most colours, sings the alphabet, can undress himself, feed himself, and is very artistic. but sometimes i just don't understand what the heck he's saying! and he's my only child.

thanks for great answers. i feel much better now!

Answer 1

He should be putting two words together. At this age he should be speaking in sentences using one word for each year of age. So if he is 2 he should be using 2 word sentences. At three he should be using 3 word sentences. I wouldn't worry about it yet, it sounds like he's fine, but if it worries you ask his doctor and then just ignore everyone who is telling you what he should and shouldn't be doing.

Answer 2

Is your pediatrician worried? if not, then you don't need to worry either. My oldest didn't speak at all until he was 3 and a half. My youngest currently speaks just as a 2 year old should, with little words and mini sentences, 90% of which sounds like pure gibberish. And yes, most of it only I or hubby can understand! Just keep repeating back what you think he's saying, he'll get it. Boys also take a bit longer, generally, to speak coherently. They tend to be more physical than girls, so girls naturally speak more quickly.
If the "someone" who's telling you that he should be speaking by now isn't a professional caregiver/teacher/pediatrician, don't let them bother you.

Answer 3

I have a son the same age, no sentences either only words I understand, some very mispronounced. Don't worry.
You know he has cognitive abilities to express himself and this other person is by no means correct. Boys often talk later. I have a play group with 12 boys, yes most are stringing a few words, not more than 3-5 in a sentence though.
My health nurse assured me as long as you see him adding vocab and displaying comprehension of your sentences then he will talk when he is well and ready.
My best friends son of the same age is even further behind, its her 3rd child... She isn't worried either.

Answer 4

I wouldn't be worried. I babysit a kid who's almost three, and he says a few words, not sentences. He doesn't even recognize all the colors and still has to be fed and dressed. Most kids I know are like that. Your kid seems very smart, he'll speak in sentences soon, don't worry.

Answer 5

Sounds normal, I have a cousin that was like that. He could put words together but not until he was 3 and 4 he started talking in complete sentences.

Answer 6

kids walk and talk when they are good and ready...as long as all the neurological signs are normal and hes healthy and active hes ok..dont worry. when he starts to talk you will be wondering why you were so worried...they talk nonstop once they start.Good luck