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Do you ever wonder why your toddler doesn’t say “mommy?” It can be pretty confusing and frustrating, especially when all of their friends that are of the same age seem to be talking up a storm.
Well, don’t worry you’re not alone! In this blog post, we will discuss the truth behind toddler speech development. We will talk about the different stages of speech development and what you can do to help encourage your child to start talking. Keep reading for more information!
Most children will start talking around the age of one. However, some toddlers may not start talking until they are closer to two years old. This is perfectly normal and should not be a cause of concern for delayed speech. There are a number of different factors that can affect speech development, including genetics, environment, and exposure to the language.
We will discuss speech development later on in this blog post but first, let’s address the most common reasons why your 2-year-old doesn’t say, Mommy.
Your toddler may have another word for you
The term Mom may be important to you but for a little boy, it’s simply one word. If we observe our kids’ language patterns it may be noticed that they have other names for them or variations. Your child may be calling you something like an apple or a meaningless word, but you may not have recognized it.
My son calls me Mama most times and Ma a few. It’s not until recently that he started calling me Mommy and I’m betting it has something to do with the fact that his baby sister started calling me Mommy too.
If your toddler doesn’t say, Mommy chances are they have another word for you that is just as meaningful to them.
My son says a variety of things like Dada, Daddy, Buda (for brother), Byby (for sister) but no Mommy yet.
It’s important to remember that every child develops differently and at their own pace. Just because your neighbor’s toddler said Mommy at 18 months, doesn’t mean your child should too.
Dada is easier to say
It’s no surprise that Dada is one of the first words toddlers say. It’s a short, simple word that is easily recognizable.
Don’t make it a contest between you and your spouse as to which name your kid uses first. If your toddler starts calling you daddy but still refuses to call you mommy, it doesn’t imply they like one of you more than the other.
When a toddler does not say mama or mommy, some parents may feel embarrassed or hurt. But there’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s possible that your child isn’t ready to use the term “mommy” all the time because it is more difficult to utter.
In my house, Dada was the first word my son ever said and it was definitely intentional. He liked to get his point across that he wanted something and saying Dada was the quickest way to get it.
If your toddler doesn’t say, Mommy chances are Dada is easier for them to say and they may not see a need to use another word yet. Just relax and know that they will get it.
Bilingual toddlers develop vocabulary more slowly
The development of a bilingual child is beneficial in terms of the mental development and social development of the infant. Many parents are unaware that their kids being bilingual will often hinder language development when compared to their unilingual friends. No worries: developmental delays aren’t harmful!
It takes your youngster longer to learn to use the same language because they’ve already learned both. Your toddler will probably find labels difficult because there are two languages. Do not stop teaching the language, please be patient.
You’re around all the time
If a toddler is surrounded by their parents all the time, they may not feel the need to say anything. After all, if mom and dad are always around, why bother talking?
It’s also possible that it has to do with the distance between the parent and the child. According to one sociological paradigm, it is because the mother is so close at hand; the youngster never feels compelled to speak with her. After all, they might want to know where Daddy is, but if mommy is always there when they need her
I’m guilty of this one. My son is almost always with me or his dad so there’s not much opportunity for him to use words. I’m trying to give him more opportunities to talk when he’s with me so he can get more practice.
If your toddler doesn’t say, Mommy chances are they’re just not ready yet or they’re around you all the time and don’t feel the need to use words. Don’t worry, they will get it eventually!
Develop self-awareness
The bond between mother and baby is especially strong in the first year and might make it hard for your baby even to consider you as a separate person from them but around 18 to 24 months, toddlers start developing a sense of self-awareness. They realize that they are separate individuals from their parents and they begin to experiment with their voices and words.
This is also why you’ll see them start saying things like “no!” or “mine!” They’re trying out different words to see how they sound and what they mean.
It’s important to remember that this is a normal stage in their development and it doesn’t mean they don’t love you anymore. In fact, it usually means the opposite!
Don’t let the milestone police get you down
Your toddler may not know what the term “mama” or “mommy” means. To strengthen the association, consider saying to yourself as a way of addressing yourself in the third person as “mummy.” Instead of utilizing your name to try and emphasize the message, get your partner and any other family members to use it instead.
Set aside time every day to play the name game. Before sitting down with your toddler, turn off and eliminate any distractions. Examine the words that your child knows and auditory them using pictures. Mention mommy and refer to yourself.
Pay attention to their receptive language ( when you say food, do they go to the high chair). If you’re attempting to teach someone a lesson using images or a screen, you might try filming yourself performing the desired action.
Even if your toddler knows how to say “mommy” and just chooses not to, it’s important to remain patient and positive. Remember that every child develops at their own pace, so there’s no need for comparisons with siblings or friends. Each child will eventually reach these speech & language developmental milestones – it’s simply a matter of waiting for them to get there in their own unique way.
If you’re feeling anxious or concerned about your toddler’s speech development, don’t hesitate to consult with a pediatrician. They can offer additional guidance and reassurance, as well as rule out any potential underlying issues. In the meantime, relax and enjoy watching your little one learn and play.
Your child may have a language delay
If your child is not saying “mama” or “mommy” by 18 months old, it’s possible that they may have a speech delay. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s anything wrong, it’s important to get your toddler evaluated by a professional just to be sure.
A language delay can be caused by a number of factors, such as hearing loss, a neurological disorder, or even environmental influences. If your toddler is not meeting other speech milestones – like babbling, pointing, waving goodbye, etc. – it’s worth bringing up with your doctor.
Early intervention is key in helping children with language delays catch up to their peers. With the right therapies and support, your toddler can overcome any obstacle and eventually speak like a pro. So don’t worry – if you think there’s something wrong, chances are there probably is, and it can be fixed.
Stay positive and patient, mommas! Your little one will get there in their own time. 🙂
Toddlers are focused
Your youngster will understand that individuals are distinct beings, but that they are only one thing: grandma is grandma, the dog is a dog, and apple is apple. Because she is a grandma, your mother cannot be your mother!
The dog isn’t called Lucky because the dog is a canine. In their minds, you may have previously been labeled as something else (a spoon, a kitty, etc.), but now they know you as their mommy.
Your toddler is probably quite focused on the here and now. They’re learning about the world around them and how things work – including language. This means that they may not be ready to say “mommy” or “mama”
Another reason your toddler may not be saying “mama” or “mommy” is because they’re busy learning new words. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, toddlers learn an average of two new words per day. By 18 months old, they typically know around 50 words.
Get your child’s ears checked
One possible explanation for why your toddler isn’t saying “mama” or “mommy” is that they may have a hearing impairment. If you’ve already ruled out any other potential causes, it’s worth getting a hearing test by a professional.
Hearing loss can occur at any age, and even a small amount of hearing loss or ear infections can impair speech development. An early diagnosis is key in preventing further damage and helping your child develop to their fullest potential.
If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, don’t worry – there is plenty of help and support available. With the right therapies and accommodations, your toddler can overcome any obstacle and thrive.
Now that we’ve discussed some of the reasons why your 2-year-old isn’t saying, Mommy, let’s talk about speech development.
There are several stages of toddler speech development. The first stage is called babbling. Babbling usually starts around six months old and involves making noises that are not really words. Babies will experiment with different sounds and rhythms, and it is a great way for them to learn how to produce speech sounds.
The next stage is called telegraphic speech. Telegraphic speech usually starts around 12 months old and involves producing one or two-word phrases. Toddlers will start to use more pronouns (I, you, me, him, her) and verbs (want, eat, sleep). They also begin to understand more complex concepts and can follow basic commands.
The final stage of toddler speech development is called verbal fluency. Verbal fluency usually starts around 24 months old and involves producing longer sentences with proper grammar. Toddlers will start using pronouns (he, she, they), adjectives (big, small), and prepositions (in, on, under). They will also be able to carry on a conversation with others.
Most toddlers will reach all three stages of speech development, but there is a lot of variability between children. Some toddlers may start speaking earlier or later than others. If you are concerned about your child’s speech development, be sure to talk to your pediatrician. They can provide you with more information and guidance.
Warning Signs Of A Toddler’s Language Development Delays
We will now talk about some of the signs you need to look out for in a language delay in your toddler:
As discussed earlier, The ability to speak is something that comes much more quickly for children than it does for adults. However, most children follow a certain pattern. If your child doesn’t seem to be talking at expected rates within several weeks of other kids her age, talk to her doctor about it.
Also, keep in mind that the timetable for language development is long, and your youngster may encounter minor delays. Your toddler might repeat a word several times in the middle of a sentence as a method of keeping your attention while she works out the rest of her idea (this isn’t stuttering).
You should consider getting some help if you notice these talking timeline signs in your toddler:
By 12 months
Doesn’t say “mama” or “dada” does Not use gestures such as waving, shaking her head, or pointing not utilizing at least a few consonants (like p or b, for example) is unable to understand and respond to words such as “no” and “bye-bye”) not indicating anything interesting like a bird or airplane.
By 18 months
When asked, she doesn’t point to at least one body part. She isn’t somehow calling for assistance or indicating what she wants when she needs help with something. Don’t speak at least 6 words.
Between 19 and 24 months
Doesn’t have a growing vocabulary (about one new word each week).
By 24 Months
She does not respond to basic instructions and does not pretend with her dolls (such as brushing her hair or feeding her doll) or herself. no imitation of others’ actions or words.
By Age 3
- Can’t be understood by strangers in most cases. They don’t know how to respond, so they just nod their head or say, “Okay.” “No pronouns (I, you, me)”
- This kid is unable to follow simple instructions. He or she has no desire to interact with other children. It’s difficult for him or her to disentangle himself from his or her parents.
- Difficult to understand and speak at times. Stutters frequently (has true difficulty forming a sound or word) as well as displaying facial grimacing.
Things You Can Do To Encourage SPeech Development
There are a number of things that you can do to help encourage your child’s speech development. Here are a few tips:
Talk to your child frequently and use simple words.
Talking to your child frequently is essential for speech development. The more you talk to your child, the more they will learn. You can start by using simple words and phrases. As your child gets older, you can start to introduce more complex words and concepts.
Make sure your child has plenty of opportunities to speak.
Give your child plenty of opportunities to speak by providing them with interactive experiences. This can include reading stories, playing games, and going on walks. The more your child speaks, the better their speech will be.
Encourage your child to imitate words and sounds.
Encouraging your child to imitate words and sounds is a great way to help them develop their speech skills. You can do this by repeating words and sounds yourself, and then provide your child with opportunities to imitate them. You can also encourage your child to make their own sounds. The more variety you provide, the better your child’s speech.
Read books together and ask your child questions about the story.
Reading books together is a great way to encourage your child’s speech development. Not only will your child learn new words and concepts, but you can also ask them questions about the story. This will help them develop their critical thinking skills.
Play word games and puzzles.
Playing word games and puzzles is a great way to help improve your child’s speech skills. These games can help your child learn new words and concepts, and improve their problem-solving skills. Also if you have a tv in your child’s room, reducing screen time might also help.
Encourage your child to sing songs and recite nursery rhymes.
Singing songs and reciting nursery rhymes is a great way to help your child develop their speech skills. These activities can help your child learn new words and concepts, and improve their memory skills.
Make sure that your child has plenty of opportunities to practice speaking in different settings (e.g., at home, at daycare, with friends).
Find Out What Motivates Your Child
When it comes to encouraging speech development in children, one size does not fit all. Every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. The key is to find out what motivates your child and use that to encourage communication. For some kids, it may be a simple rewards system, such as offering praise or a sticker for each new word learned.
Others may respond better to opportunities for social interaction, such as attending a class or joining a playgroup. And some children may need a little more structure, such as following a 12-week speech therapy program.
You can also try different activities until you find one that your child enjoys. Ultimately, the goal is to make communication fun and rewarding for your child so that they will be motivated to keep developing their skills.
Let Them Finish
When your child is talking, let them finish their thoughts. Don’t interrupt them or try to finish their sentences for them. This will not only help them develop their communication skills, but it will also teach them how to listen and understand others.
Provide Plenty of Opportunities for Exploration
Allow your child to explore their environment. This will help them learn new words and concepts.
Teach Your Child To Say, Mommy
One of the first words most children learn to say is “mommy.” You can help your child learn to say this word by saying it yourself and providing plenty of opportunities for them to hear it. You can also use a picture book to help teach your child how to say “mommy.”
Wait for Longer For Usual Responses
One of the best ways to encourage speech development in your toddler is to wait a bit longer than usual to respond to them. It may seem counterintuitive, but giving your child a little extra time to find the right words can actually help them learn to communicate more effectively.
By holding off on responding, you provide an opportunity for your child to process what they want to say and how to say it. This extra time also allows them to practice using their words and sounds, which can help them learn new words and improve their overall speech.
In addition, responding too quickly can often lead to toddlers feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, which can hinder their development. So next time your toddler starts chatting, try counting to five before responding. You may be surprised at how much they will be able to say by the time you finish counting.
Make A Personalized Picture Book
Making a personalized picture book is a great way to encourage speech development in your toddler. Start by choosing a simple story that your toddler can relate to. Then, find or take pictures of your toddler and the people and things in their life that are important to them. Print out the pictures and glue them onto construction paper.
Write or print out the story underneath the pictures. Once you’re finished, read the book to your toddler and help them point out the people and things in the pictures. Making a personalized picture book is a fun way to spend time with your toddler while also helping them develop their communication skills.
Get The Child’s Attention
It is important to get a child’s attention in order to encourage speech development. There are many ways to get a child’s attention such as making eye contact, using facial expressions, and speaking in a clear voice.
You can also try to engage the child in activities that interest them or make them laugh. Once you have their attention, you can then begin to model simple phrases and sentences. It is also important to provide plenty of opportunities for the child to practice their new skills.
This can be done through interactive activities such as reading books, singing songs, or playing games. With patience and consistency, you can help your child develop their speech skills and become a confident communicator.
Make sure you talk to your pediatrician
If you have any concerns that your child is speech delayed, talk to their doctor. They can provide you with more information and advice on how to help your child.
FAQ’s
1: Can two-year-olds say, mommy?
Most two-year-olds can say “mommy.” However, some may take a little longer to learn this word. There are many ways you can help your child learn to say “mommy” such as providing plenty of opportunities for them to hear the word, and using a picture book to teach them how to say it. However, if your child is 24 months old and isn’t saying mommy or dada talk to your pediatrician.
2: Should a 2-year-old be saying their name?
Most two-year-olds should be able to say their name. Between 4 and 6 months old, most babies understand and can even respond to their names, although they don’t say their names until they are between 18 and 24 months old. Between the ages of 2 and 3 years old, a typically-developing toddler should be able to clearly and consistently repeat their full name.
3: Why do some babies say mama first?
Most babies start to say their first words around the age of 12 months, with “mama” and “dada” being two of the most common. But why do some babies say mama first, while others say dada? There are a few possible explanations. One theory is that mama is easier to say than dada. The sound “m” is made with the lips, while the sound “d” is made with the tongue, which may be more difficult for a baby to produce.
Another possibility is that babies learn words by imitation, and they are more likely to hear their mother say “mama” than their father say “dada.”Whatever the reason, there’s no need to worry if your baby says mama first. They will eventually learn to say dada, too.
4: Should I be worried if my 22-month-old isn’t talking?
At 22 months, many toddlers are just beginning to put words together. While it’s perfectly normal for your child to be a little behind in language development, there are some red flags that you should be aware of. If your child isn’t babbling or gesturing by 12 months, this could be a sign of a problem.
Likewise, if your child isn’t using at least six words by 18 months, this could indicate a delay in language development. However, it’s important to keep in mind that every child develops at their own pace. If you’re concerned about your child’s language development, it’s best to consult with a pediatrician or speech therapist. They will be able to assess your child’s development and provide guidance on the next steps.
5: Is my 2-year-old autistic?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. ASD can range from mild to severe, and symptoms can vary widely. However, there are some common signs that may indicate that a child has ASD. For example, children with ASD may avoid eye contact, have trouble engaging in back-and-forth conversation, or prefer to play alone.
They may also have difficulty understanding nonverbal cues, such as body language or tone of voice. repetitive behaviors, such as hand flapping or repeating certain phrases. Some children with ASD also have Sensory processing difficulties, which can cause them to overreact or become Underreact to sensory input, such as noise or touch.
If you are concerned that your child may have ASD, it’s important to consult with a pediatrician. They will be able to determine if your child meets the criteria for ASD and provide you with resources and support.
6: How much should a 2-year-old talk?
Most two-year-olds are very active and vocal, and they love to communicate with the people around them. They learn new words quickly and enjoy using them in conversation. However, there is a wide range of normal when it comes to language development in young children.
Some two-year-olds may only say a few words, while others may use short phrases or even full sentences. The important thing is that they are making progress and communicating their needs and ideas. If you’re concerned about your child’s language development, talk to your pediatrician. They can offer guidance and let you know if there is cause for concern.
The Bottom Line
Speech development is a gradual process, and each child will progress at their own pace. Don’t worry if your toddler isn’t talking as much as other children their age – they will get there eventually! Just continue providing them with opportunities to learn and speak, and be patient while they take their time. If you have any concerns about your child’s delayed speech, it’s best to consult with a pediatrician or speech therapist. They will be able to assess your child’s progress and provide guidance on the next steps.
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