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cuata · Oct 12, 2007, 01:10 PM

My 20 month old toddler doesn't want to say words I try to teach him, he doesn't stay focus he just wants to do his own thing I get fustrated. How can I get my toddler interest and focused in learning to talk with out fustrating him to turn away.

Emland · Oct 12, 2007, 01:22 PM

Stop trying so hard. He will talk when he is ready. As long as you are sure there is nothing wrong with his hearing, just give him time.

J_9 · Oct 12, 2007, 02:44 PM

Em is exactly right. As long as his hearing is okay, and he has reached all other developmental stages around the appropriate time, then there is little to worry about.

1) Boys tend to talk later than girls.
2) Not all children reach their developmental milestones at the same ages. Some earlier, some later.
3) Does he have older siblings?
4) Give him time. He's still quite young.

If he reaches 24 - 28 months and is still not talking that may be a signal that there is something else going on, but not always. Just be patient, it will happen.

Wondergirl · Oct 12, 2007, 02:50 PM

Try other things like singing to him and telling stories to him making him the "hero". Make the songs and stories interactive in that you use them to get a response from HIM. If you want ideas and examples, let me know.

SHPS · Oct 12, 2007, 02:51 PM

I agree with what the other 2 posters have said. Consider a couple things though. Are you making him talk? When he wants something, make him say it, or do not let him have it. Also are there older children/ siblngs who are talking for him? I operate a preschool, and work directly with a speech pathologist on a 22 month old who used to not talk. This is what she has taught me to do with him.

J_9 · Oct 12, 2007, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by SHPS

Also are there older children/ siblngs who are talking for him?

This is exactly what happened to my son at that age. When his sister stopped talking "for" him, he started talking a mile a minute. He is 5 now and I can't get him to be quiet. LOL :p

CharlesM · Oct 13, 2007, 06:22 PM

I didn't start talking until I was almost 2 1/2, my mom took me to the doctor and found that the skinunder my tongue had to be clipped. This may not be the case for this child. Maybe he is shy, maybe it is something else, but your pediatric doctor should be able to tell you what is going on. If anything.

jillianleab · Oct 13, 2007, 06:33 PM

My husband's cousin said almost nothing until she was about 2 1/2; then she started speaking in full sentences, clear as a bell with full comprehension. At three she was able to speak as well as a five year old. Provided there are no physical reasons or older children speaking for the child, it could just be you have a late bloomer!

macksmom · Oct 13, 2007, 07:07 PM

I too was worried when my daughter was about your age and she wasn't talking very much. I asked her doctor about it, and he said one day it will just hit her and she will start. I just left it alone then... and just like he said, right after she turned 2 all of the sudden in one week she just started talking and talking... she's almost 6 now and I don't think she's stopped to take a breath :D

supermommy25 · Oct 14, 2007, 12:10 AM

Like the first person said stop trying so hard... I mean I don't really think you can teach him to talk... you just have to talk to him a lot like and he will learn, be patient he will talk when he is ready... enjoy it for a while because my three year talks wayyyyyyyyyyy too much... when I take him in public people are just amazed at the stuff that comes out of his mouth... so enjoy this.. trust me you will miss it... lol