My Nephew

[Maloo]

My nephew is almost 17 months old, and he doesn't use any words at all. I'm pretty sure the only word he uses (and rarely) is Papa. Now, I learned that kids are supposed say their first word at around 1 year, and then obviously it's supposed to progress from there.

She tried teaching him sign language when he was younger, which I understand. People teach their children sign language so they can communicate before they're able to speak. But he doesn't even do the sign language right because he's lazy about it, and I kind of think the sign language might have made him think he doesn't have to talk.

I don't think it's normal for him to not be using words at his age. Anyone have any input?

[Le bonheur*]

Some kids are slow at developing language skills. My sister didn't talk until she was nearly two years old and my little cousin is almost three and she says minimal words such as mama, dad, cup. It is possible that the sign language made it so he thinks he shouldn't talk but if he was talked to enough as a little baby and now, then he should've picked up some words which means he probably is just a little delayed. Just try to keep teaching him words and eventually with patience, he'll pick up on them and will be talking up a storm before you know it.

[Maloo]

Unfortunately my sister and her family are in Hawaii, while we're in New York.. So we can't try to change any of the silly things she's doing. Like making him eat only organic foods, when she and her husband can eat whatever they want, and the fact that she's still breastfeeding him.

My sister is just a very... interesting person.

[tamz]

All kids are different. My stepson is 19months old and can say maybe 15-20 words but I know my brother took a little longer. I honestly wouldn't worry about it, he'll pick things up when he's ready as long as she keeps speaking to him

[Maloo]

She does talk to him, but she talks to him like he's 30 years old, and understands complicated things. Idk, it just doesn't make sense to me.

[ReluctantPegasister]

My cousin was the same way until he was nearly three. We later found out that this is common for a lot of younger sibling, because their older siblings tend to talk for them.

As long as people communicate to him, read to him, and talk around him, I think he'll pick it up eventually.

[Le bonheur*]

Originally Posted by Maloo

She does talk to him, but she talks to him like he's 30 years old, and understands complicated things. Idk, it just doesn't make sense to me.

This is not really a good way to talk to a baby. She needs to make it so he can understand what she's talking about. She probably thinks it's better for him to develop a broader vocabulary sooner but it's evidently not making him want to talk any sooner or with a lot of words.

[Jocelyn.]

I really don't think at 17 months it's really something to be too concerned about. My son was barely saying anything at that age. I think "bye" and "dada" where the only words he used o a regular basis for a long time. In my opinion some kids are just too busy learning and taking everything in, because once my son started talking he really took off.

As long as the child is reaching developmental milestones and is not severely behind others his age, that's whats important. Most pediatricians will tell you kids all develop differently, especially when it comes to speaking. Do you know if he understand what she says at all? Like if she tells him to point to a picture of a dog, can he do that? I think whats really important is that he is at least understanding things.

He should be having his 18 month check-up soon anyhow, so if the doctor thinks anything is wrong he will say so.

Oh, and I talk to my son like a normal person. Maybe not like a 30 year old, as you put it, but I don't do baby talk. He understands about 95% of what I tell him, and if I ask him to do something he will do it. Even if he can't communicate it, he understands what he's being told.

[Boobies]

Originally Posted by Maloo

Unfortunately my sister and her family are in Hawaii, while we're in New York.. So we can't try to change any of the silly things she's doing. Like making him eat only organic foods, when she and her husband can eat whatever they want, and the fact that she's still breastfeeding him.

My sister is just a very... interesting person.

What's wrong with the child only eating organic and still being breastfed? If anything aren't they good things? Why would you want to change them?

[Maloo]

Originally Posted by God.

What's wrong with the child only eating organic and still being breastfed? If anything aren't they good things? Why would you want to change them?

Because I think it's extremely unfair for them to constantly tell him that no, he can't have what mommy and daddy are having, he has to have a friggen english muffin with nothing at all on it, or something like that. And I think he's too old to still be breastfed. That's just my opinion.

[LittleMissOneBigMess]

Hey,

Its really nothing to be concerned about, every child develops at their own pace. I didn't say anything but momma till I was 3 years old (and now I don't shutup) but my brother could say full sentences at 14 months so its really nothing to be concerned about. Sometimes it just depends on the circumstances if he has no reason to talk ex. older siblings, or he has another way to communicate, he really wouldn't feel the need to talk, but if you are concerned about it, you could always talk to your sister about your concerns.

-Tessa

[EndureEmo]

My mum did foster care looking after two teenager girls and a 2 and a half year old boy, the boy never talked, i had'nt heard him talk untill he was ATLEAST three! His older sister used to always ask him if he wanted anything, eg. drink or food.... he just nodded or shook his head, like someone had posted before older siblings talk alot for there younger siblings, and therefore they might be become lazy. But he under stood what everyone was saying, just he never tryyed to talk him self.

[Daydreamer]

My little brother didn't talk coherently until he was 3, and then one day it was like BAM. He had just decided to start talking. I think that as long as the doctors aren't concerned than you shouldn't be either. As to the breast feeding thing, that's a really personal decision. Most doctors recommend that you do it for AT LEAST a year, and even then many encourage you to go as long as possible, until both mom and baby are comfortable stopping! http://www.breastfeedingbasics.com/html/Benefits.shtml I think that as long as he's not breast feeding at 5, he should be allowed to stop whenever he's comfortable. And I know some people believe talking to children like they're adults is better for them, that I don't really know a lot about, but some of the moms on here should know a lot about that.

I know you're concerned for your nephew, and the fact that you love and care about him a lot is obvious, but I feel like if you were to address your concerns with your sister she's going to get offended and upset with you. She obviously wants whats best for her son, just like you do, but sometimes we have to let others make their own decisions and choices, even if we don't agree with them.

Best,
Megan

[iHEAVENn]

Not talking much is fine.
My son didn't start really talking until last year. Heck I even know some 3 year olds who hardly talk. It's not because they can't talk, but because they are just shy children.

Maybe see if she's willing to take him to play groups on a weekly basis.

[Maloo]

Originally Posted by Daydreamer

I know you're concerned for your nephew, and the fact that you love and care about him a lot is obvious, but I feel like if you were to address your concerns with your sister she's going to get offended and upset with you. She obviously wants whats best for her son, just like you do, but sometimes we have to let others make their own decisions and choices, even if we don't agree with them.

Best,
Megan

That's why I don't bring it up with her
She's a VERY stubborn person. She even talks to our parents like they have no idea how to raise a child