I asked a similar question before, but how do I get my son to show an interest in talking?

Question

My son is going to be twenty-three months old on the fifteenth. Like, I said in the last question I asked he use to talk a little, he would say no, hot, kitty, don't, hi, then all of a sudden he quit talking. How do I get him to show an interest in wanting to talk? I would really like to get him to start talking by his birthday. Could there be something wrong? He's had several ear infections, but it seems like he can still hear fine.

My son is going to be twenty-three months old on the fifteenth. Like, I said in the last question I asked he use to talk a little, he would say no, hot, kitty, don't, hi, then all of a sudden he quit talking. How do I get him to show an interest in wanting to talk? I would really like to get him to start talking by his birthday. Could there be something wrong? He's had several ear infections, but it seems like he can still hear fine. He does talk a little he says no, car, hi, and dad. Sometimes I think I can make out other words, but it might just be something I am trying to make myself believe. I do babysit a two year old girl, who Caden does play with, and I was hoping he would learn some talking from her. There's still time I suppose though. It's just frustrating, I don't like being whined at, and I just want him to tell me what he wants. HELP!!!

This is for Colleen, yes it did OCCUR to me to have his hearing checked. I was just asking for some one else's opinion. I thought that this was what YAHOO! questions were for. Not for some rude person to come on and act like I don't know my own child. Do you have any children of you own? When it comes to a child of your own would you want some one to take your question of concern and be a b**** about it?

Answer 1

I think a lot of people will say this...but I will too.
Get your son's hearing tested and have a speech evaluation done! I've always heard it's not "normal" for a child to lose speech. And early intervention is so important. Every state has free evaluations, get a referral from your pediatrician.

Also, some kids get so used to not being able to "perform" when asked to talk that they kind of shut down when they get direct questions or commands.

Here's an idea...try having a TOY start a conversation with him: "Hi, (child's name) my name is teddy bear, do you like to play? Yes? Good! Let's play. I like to dance." Do some silly games with the doll that doesn't put any pressure on your son to talk. Eventually have the teddy bear lead up to getting him to say a word you think he knows, "Oh, here's a stove. Can I touch the stove? No, it's hot, isn't it?" Maybe your boy will agree and say, "hot".

Just don't make talking an issue, so the pressure is off! You know how it feels if you're trying to remember a word, sometimes it comes to you when you're not trying so hard for it.

Good luck!

Answer 2

From what you say about your son it seems to be a distinct possibility that he is gay. You are obviously a very open-minded and loving mother and that alone is very good for him. Only he can say whether he is gay or not. Since you are his mother any questions you might ask him are automatically routed through his teenage believable lie generator before the content of the question is considered. Teenagers are extremely good at giving their parents the answer least likely to cause them any difficulty, especially another question. I mention this because you might be considering asking him flat out if he is gay. While this would not be a horrible thing to do any answer you might get would not necessarily be reliable. I suggest you lay the groundwork for him to tell you when he is ready. If there is a relative or family friend who is gay or lesbian you might talk about them in a neutral and non-judgmental way (as I'm sure you would) and then add a few words describing how you feel about gay people. After a dramatic pause and maybe a "Can I go now" you could up the ante by saying something like "I will always love you no matter what" or "You can talk to me about anything no matter what it is." A young gay person is most likely to come out when they believe their news will be well received. You seem to realize that the highest moral value is the love within a family. For that reason I think this will work out very well. To really move things along contact your local branch of PFLAG, get some of their absolutely wonderful literature, and "accidentally" leave it where it might be seen.

Answer 3

My daughter had more ear infections than she needed also. But she talks just fine, she can hold a conversation with an adult, and she is 2. but to answer your question, I read to her alot, and talk to her alot. When she talks back I respond. Some kids dont talk until they are 3.

Answer 4

sounds like he has no reason too...why does he have to "say" something? In his mind, whats the big deal? maybe right now, he doesnt want to be like you? (i'm not being rude) and, at the time of him speaking, did he get the infections? if so, he could be associating them with "talking' and it "hurts" ... they only live what they "learn".....lol...

Answer 5

is he around older kids? i found that with a older kid around often the younger kids want to talk more. Have him check by the dr just to be sure their is nothing wrong.

Answer 6

talk to him..ask him question
What does a kitty say?..do you see that big truck..what color is it...do you want a cookie...encourage him by giving him something to say..
If he continues to decline in his verbal skills...or becomes "distant" get him to a Dr...it may not be a hearing problem..

Answer 7

Did it ever occur to you to have his hearing tested? Just because it SEEMS he can hear just fine doesn't mean he can.

Answer 8

make him ask for things he wants or dont give them to him