We have one talker and one with his own language.

We are just wondering when we should get concerned. Max & Lily are 18 months old and Lily can say about 10 words pretty clearly. Each day she seems to try to repeat new words she hears. Max on the other had seems to have his own language. His favorite word is "pucka-pucka". Sometimes we will hear a ma or da from him, but nothing like Lily's words. We keep trying to work with him, but he doesn't seem interested.

I told DH not to worry, that girls develop earlier, and he will get there in time. However, a little voice in the back of my head says when do we worry. Anyone else going through this?

 

I would mention your concern when you go for your 18 month appointment. I can tell you that my DD says way more words then my DS, can speak in 3-4 word sentences where his are two words and half the time, he chooses to use his own make up words like "Nummma...Numma..." He does understand what we say to him, can identify items and listens to commands. My pediatrician assured me that girls do develop this faster, but I do mention it at every appointment just so she knows in case there is something we need to do about it.

 

I was just reading a book about twins. The author was saying not to be surprised that they come up with their own words. Often, the other twin understands what those words mean so they both can talk together. That means it may take longer for one or both twins to be able to speak in terms we understand using words we know. Your child may just be talking in his own words. Because his sister understand him, he's probably not motivated to speak in your words because someone can talk to him with his own words. He will get it. As he tries more and more to communicate with you, he will get the idea that his own words don't work as well with you. Eventually, he'll start tryign to say the words you wish him to use. Just keep talking to him and try to figure out what he wants. If he's able to point to something and say his own word, try to tell him what it is in your language.

You can always mention this to his pedi, it's always safe to express your concerns. You are never wrong when you have a concern. But, I think this is just him not feeling the need to talk to you because he can talk to his sister just fine without your words. Kiefer is kind of doing that now. Cameron can only say two words outside of Mama and Dada and he's 17. Kiefer doesn't say much of anything. Of course, as I'm typing this. Kiefer just manages to say Banana cause their Daddy is feeding them breakfast and DH was trying to get Cameron to say it again. The point is, keep working with him. He's trying to talk. He physically can talk, it's just a matter of using the words that allow for open communication between the two of you AND his sister.

 

First question, is when were your babies born? If they were born more than 4 weeks early development milestones are age-adjusted.

I don't know what to tell you as I am really worried about this for my ID twin boys 13 months, as their doctor said it would be concerning if they don't have words by 15 months.

when he says Ma or Da do they have meaning, or is it random? If it has meaning it is less concerning.

I'm in the same boat, just a few months behind.

 

Oh definately. He says it when he see one of us and uses them appropriately. He also says it when he wants something. He does say baby too, but I think that is because DH always says ABCDEF...as he changes his diaper to keep his attention, so he mimics AB and then it turned into baby.

Thanks for the replies. I will ask at our 18 month appointment, but at least the voice in my head is starting to quiet down once I read the replies so far, lol.

 

10 words? I think that is excellent. My twins didn't know 10 words at 2.5 years old. They've come a long way since then. Evan is 19 months right now and even though he is full term, his words are not that clear. MMMmmmm is moon. He can say woof woof, his quack quack sounds like duck.. you get the picture. I don't feel there is any reason to worry yet.

 

Ok. I'm not a doctor, but based on what my pediatrician told us, if he's using it appropriately he has words and he may be a little behind based on 'charts' but he has words and is using them appropriately, which is the most important thing along with comprehension.