Learning To Talk

[littlebear]

Hi girls I think I'm after a bit of advice & would love to hear your stories about this!

DS is 13 months old, and he's not talking. He babbles and squeals all day, loves our attention etc but when it comes to words not so much. He said "mum" at 8 months for a week, and "dad" at the same age for a week & then didn't say anything until around 11months, when he started saying da da, for dad we assume. He's said do do (for dogs) and he says yeah yeah a lot when he's excited but they're more like babbles and not proper words.

What I'd like to know is what age will proper words start to happen? Or should he be able to say proper words now? Do I need to be worried? I'm not really sure what's "normal"! What can I do to help him with talking? Games & advice etc would be appreciated! What age did your kids start to say proper words? Thanks!! <3

[~Ash~]

I dont think there is any 'normal' when it comes to things like walking and talking - all kids are so different. I was worried about DD about the same time when she wasnt talking - but I think she was one of those babies that watches everyone and doesnt try until she knows she can do it right lol - she started talking about 18months properly.

I can remember when she was about 18months and she was still only saying one or two words at a time - I put her down for a day sleep and started listening at the door when I heard her talking and she was talking like crazy in there by herself lol trying to sing 'round and round the garden' on her hand - I was shocked!! lol

So try not to stress - the more you talk to him the more he is listening and that's how he will learn to talk - he is just making you sweat it out a bit more lol

[~Kim~]

I've had two ends of the scale...one who started talking at 8months, could count to 10 at 1 and knew the alphabet and many many words in between at 18months and and then my DS who didn't say boo until 17months at least. There is no real time frame, unless you think he's not hearing properly or there's some other issue.

I talk to them both the same, and DS and I got along fine with a few signs he developed. He had the added advantage of a big sister who never ever shut up. All of a sudden only a few months ago (he's 25months) his vocab exploded, and he just knew words and what they were for.

Just keep talking to him. A daily narrative. Give him opportunities to respond - I learned this with DS (DD went to school and all of a sudden he had his chance lol). Read to him every day. Talk about the books. Sing......won't take long babe.