My 19 Going on 20 Month Old Hasn't Put 2 Words Together

Definately correct her whines with words. If she brings her cup too you and whines look at her and ask her what she wants.Pretend too put a banana in a cup and so on until she gets some words out of what she wants. She also may whine because of the new baby, she sees/hears a baby whine and cry and get attention she may be a little smartie and trying it out for size :)

just wanted to let you know, i know what ur going through my son is going to be three in october and barley talks but he his getting there. he use to do the same thing cry and whine when he wanted something and not talk, its STRESSFULL i know but i just learned to deal with the crying and evenutally he would come up to me and point again and i would say juice and milk whatever he wanted and he would shake his head, then after a couple weeks he actually started saying what he wanted. i also repeated things to him over and over again. just try it i know it is hard but it does get easier.just keep your head up.good luck!!!!

My son Adam, did the same thing, except he didn't say Mama or Dada either. HE just pointed and whined. My pediatrician had me wait until he was about your daughter's age and then sent me to have Adam evaluated for a speech delay which in New York state is call Early Intervention Program. I called them and they sent out a speech pathologist who evaluated Adam and determined that he does have a speech delay. The big thing is, if your daughter is getting frustrated by not being able to communicate the way she wants to or if she can't tell you basic needs such as "cup" or "drink" then she probably should be checked. Also keep in mind that it never hurts to have them evaluated if you are concerned. The worst that will happen is that they will tell you there is no problem and not to worry yet. My son currently is receiving speeh therapy, and while there haven't been any huge improvements yet it all takes time and he is learning some basic baby sign language so that he can at least try to tell me what he wants. Adam will be 2 next week. So as long as you think its a problem then get it checked out, or ask your pediatrician to send you in the right direction. I hope this helped. If you have any questions feel free to ask me! Good luck!
T.

Try teaching her some signs. Teaching my infant signs saved our relationship and my sanity. (she's almost 3 now and has been speaking in full sentences since 1 1/2) Google baby signs book, and you will find a book by Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwin called "Baby Signs". Even if you don't know signs, this book shows you how to make some up so that they make sense to your child and she can tell you what is important to her. Signing does 2 great things: 1. It is a way for children to show you that they know and understand some things that are going on around them even if they can't make the words with their mouth yet. This gives her confidence and reassures you that she really is a smart kid. 2. She can tell you what she wants, what she doesn't want, and you can save time and tears.

Once she gets the knack of communicating with you, she'll probably mix signs and words, then drop the signs all together when she doesn't need them anymore, or when her mouth and throat are physically developed enough to form words. Please please look at this book. I think you can read it for free over the internet.
Jen
ps. Nothing is wrong with your kid. 19-20 months and not talking is normal.

Just keep talking to her. Everytime she wants something and points tell her what it is she wants. If she points to her cup say something like "milk, you want? Mama will get you milk. Here is your milk." Everything you do for her or with her-talk. If you continuously talk to her she will eventually get it. Like when you give her the cup try at least once everytime to get her to say cup as you are giving it to her. Or milk, or book, or blanket, anything. Like everyone else said if she has a pacifier that will delay her speech as well. If that's the case try to take it away from her during the day when she's not tired and crabby. My now 8 year old daughter learned to talk with her binky in her mouth. My 20 month old will do the same the thing if I don't tell him to take it out first, or sometimes just take it away from him.

I would suggest getting a sign language dvd that she can watch. My daughter is 16 months and loves to watch the baby einstein sign language video. I love it too b/c it gives me a break. The baby einstein dvd's are the only programs she will watch from start to finish. I just love them. My son learned all of his animals for the baby noah video. Although my daughter has a pretty good vocabulary there of course are many things that she can not express. The sign language dvd has helped in teaching her that there are many ways to communicate. She instantly started using the milk sign for milk and more. She got things a little confused but I was then able to understand her more by wacthing the video with her. But just hang in there it will get better. One day she will probably start speaking in full sentences. She is also probably frustrated about the new baby. I don't think though that she isn't speaking b/c of the new baby. Generally that is not a reaction to a new baby from what I know. But clinging to you is and the crying and whining is definate frustration. She wants to be stimulated and learning and with the new baby you can't davote as much time to her. My daughter loves to scream and cry, She's very dramatic! I think that could also be more typical for girls. My son never screamed and whined like my daughter does. But girls are much more social by nature so not being understood is probably extremely frustrating for her. I have a three year old son and he was 22 months when my daughter was born. He was not happy. I know it is difficult with the new baby but just try to set aside some time when your son is sleeping to spend with her. I am also a stay at home mom and my husband works 80 to 90 hour weeks b/c he owns his own business. I feel like a single parent. When you don't have much help it just makes it that much harder. You might want to look into a mommy and me program as well. It will get you out of the house and get your daughter around other kids her own age. When i started taking my son to the classes he had just turned 2 and his vocab was not where I thoguht it should be. Within 3 weeks of starting thee music and me classes his vocabulary trippled. I personally love the msuic and me program at the buffalo community music school on elmwood. It is a great progrm for infants 6months to 3 year olds. It is a 45 minute class and you can bring your son. I would bring my daughter when she was a baby and she just hung out in her infant carrier while my son and I particiapted in the class. It is a great time for the kids and a chance to meet other moms. They also offer financial aid to those whose income is 35k or less. You can go to there website at www.communitymusicschool.org for more information and contat info. They should be releasing the schedule for the fall in the next week or so. I know exactly what you are going through. Just try to find some sort of outlet for you and your daughter and get her around other kids her own age. That will help out tremendously. It helped me.

I truly do believe that children all develop at different rates for all sorts of normal reasons. I wouldn't worry about it. I would just make sure that your pediatrician is aware of her development. My middle child only said Momma and Dadda until right after his 2nd birthday. Suddenly, he started trying to talk, and since then, has been suprising us at what he says on a daily basis. My youngest is 15 mos old and only says Mamma and Yeah. I'm confident that they will talk once they are ready. I think it's great that you are active in engaging her. That's really all she needs :)

My daughter will be 2 in 3 weeks and she doesn't put words together either she has a vocabulary of like 5 words she is very close to talking but not quite there yet... her doc isnt worried because she is highly advanced in other ways she understands pretty much anything you say to her you ask her if she wants something shakes her head yes or no up and down stairs by herself since she was like 16 months old...I won't go fully into it but her doc isn't concerned, einstein didn't even talk until he was 3....My hubby and I both didn't really start making sentences till 2 1/2-3 and we are not stupid people =) Chin up she will get it sometime soon!!!

D.,

Here is my advice, first things first. You have a note on the about you spot that your fiancé’ doesn’t think you do anything, and that you are basically a single parent… are you sure this is the person you want to marry and the role model you want for your kids? This is here nor there…
The thing about the talking my first suggestion is to talk to your pediatrician to make sure there are no underlining issues like hearing, developmental delays or something as simple as early terrible 2’s.
Does your daughter have a pacifier? My daughter was a little delayed when it came to her speech and has a little lisp. Her doctors said it’s was because of over use of a pacifier (they try to talk through them) and a broken tooth she got.
It’s a proven fact that some kids are verbal and some are more hands on… my daughter rolled over at 3 weeks (consecutively) fed herself at 3 months but hardly spoke till 2 years old. My son on the other hand never really grasped the hands on stuff but was speaking at 18 months (full sentences) Talk to your doctor, and maybe get some books on tapes so that she can hold the book but still listen to the story. My son just started liking books and he just turned 2. Don’t stress yourself out!!! Being a single mother is hard enough. Give yourself some credit and try my trick of using color fish snacks or M&M’s to start getting her to say colors.
As a side note I was a single parent too...and my family never helped me either. As I look back on it now I kick myself I wished I would have gotten daycare assistance so my kids could have gone to better daycare and I could have finished college on time, I wished I would have stepped outside and took a couple deep breaths and realized that "I" needs to be a more positive person for my kids. But we are only one person being a mom, dad, santa, tooth fairy and the easter bunny (or whatever holiday) Take care of yourself and your kids.
Best of luck!!!!!

I wouldn't worry so much if I were you about your daughter not putting two words together yet. Usually it's something they can do by 2 yrs and she's not quite there yet. If when she turns two she's still not putting two words together, then bring it up to her doctor and maybe something like Birth to 3 would help. Otherwise, I think you're doing the right thing by encouraging her to speak her needs.

Sorry to hear about the tough times you are having. It sounds like you are trying your best to do it all. (because you have to). Let me tell you from a little experience, don't marry this guy. Take care of yourself and your kids and don't wait for this "man" to do it for you. Don't rely on another person, because if he goes away again, you'll be left holding the bag again! You deserve better than that. Let him get out and prove to you that he is going to do the right thing before you let him into your home or marry him and let him see the kids (as long as he is doing the right thing). but you take care of yourself and those children. None of you deserve a part-time father/husband. As for your daughter, it sounds like she doesn't have to talk becasue you give her everything she needs/wants. (Which is what you are supposed to do). She's used to it and you know what she wants so you give it to her and it works out fine for her. She doesn't have to say anything because you already know it. Keep trying what you are doing by asking her what she wants. Also when you give it to her say "you want juice" etc. Keep reinforcing the words. Everything you see, show it to her and say the name. Around 2 her vocabulary may just explode and then she'll never stop talking. If you have real concerns that she is not developing right, talk to your pediatrician. they can direct you to speech therapists if they feel it is warranted. But I think at 20 months, it is a little early to be so worried. I may be a little more concerned at 2 years or later. Good Luck to you. I hope it works out for you.

Hi D.,
I just want to say don't be too frustrated with your little girl. I read your profile information in your signature and I think that maybe if I had the same situation as you I would feel overwhelmed. New baby, errant fiance, etc. is alot to handle emotionally.
It can be easy to get frustrated with very small children when you are already stressed out.
Let her have some time to develop. Putting words together is a major accomplishment, and a child her age is communicating wonderfully by pointing, using single words and sounds, and showing other actions. Remember that all of her life her needs were met so far by showing you these things.
My son is 11 months old, and is still workring on making a whole word. He does sounds to express himself and actions too. Like jumping up and down in the crib if he wants me to get him.. I always say "up" when I pick him up, and soon he will be using it as trigger word.
Let her have time, and keep using words when she is communicating with you. She will learn. Just like when they start walking.. one day it seems like they will never get it, and a couple days later they are cruising right along.
Positive reinforcement for the baby girl, and take a breather for yourself if you feel angry with her.

You need to call your local school district and get the CSE office, they have what's called Early Intervention, and they will give speech therapy to children that are too young for school if they think she needs it. My son got it, the speech therapist even came out to his daycare to do it while I was working.
I don't know that I would be as concerned just yet, she isn't even two yet, but I know how moms worry about their kids!
Is she using a pacifier still? Some kids (my son) didn't talk for a long time because he always had his pacifier in. I hated that thing, but it took a while to get rid of it.

What does her pediatrician say? I know when my son was young his pediatrician would always ask me how many words he says and things like that.

Keep on keepin on, things will get better.
Good luck!

R.

My advice is get some dvd's called Signing Time. They also have a show on Sat or Sundays on PBS you can record.. teach her ASL. Just make sure you say what you are signing when yous ign. This is how I got my son to talk when he didn't want to.. and I found out later.. this is what a speech pathologist will do right now too...

Hi D.!
I know this is late for a response but I just got into this Mamasource and I ove it! I wanted to respond to you b/c I am in the same situation! My son is 27 months old and does not talk:( It is very frustrating for all of us! I just got into the Early Intervention program that is offered through the county and it is FREE and part of the no child left behind act. They come to your home, complete an assessment and go from there. They people are great and if accepted into the program, they come to your home and work with you. I cannot wait to start! My son is not developmentally delayed anywhere except speech. Same as you...he knows what everything we say means, he is an excellent problem solver...just will not mimic my mouth when it comes to words:( We read books all of the time and he is now starting to point out pictures. So here is a link for you: http://www.health.state.ny.us/community/ You should be able to scroll down to INFANTS/CHILDREN and under that it will say EARLY INTERVENTION. Good luck!! And I feel for you! I really do!!!

Like you said D., Your daughter hears you when you speak so that would rule out a hearing problem,I wouldnt worry about it, She isnt even two yrs old yet, She will talk when she is ready, As far as doing everything on your own, Keep up the good work, I know its hard, I have four children of my own, The father of my two youngest children is also incarcerated, Has been for three yrs, Off and on, My youngest is Three and she really did not start speaking until she was two, Now she doesnt stop, Dont worry about your daughter talking, She will, She may also be a little jealous with the new baby, Very normal, You are obviously a good mother, Things will work out just keep your head up and keep up the good work.

I have a friend who has a 2 year old, just turned, and does not talk as well. She is seeing a speech therapist and they said she is just stubborn and knows how to talk but knows all she has to do is whine and point and will get her way. They taught her some sign language just to get her 'communicating' and are working with her on talking. She told me that the speech therapist has a child who did not talk till he was 4. I guess sometimes it is o.k and others well, I would just say talk to her Dr. and go from there. Good luck!

don't worry about it D., i have a daughter who turns two this week and four months ago she was doing the same EXACT thing, but if it helps at all shes doing so much better now. Just keep repeating what she needs to say over and over to her in the sweetest voice possible so that she realizes that its a positive thing to do and she will eventually say it herself. When she is crying for something or pointing say "is this what you want?" and then when you give it to her say "just say to mommy I want some food please" or whatever it is she should say even if she looks at you like you are crazy or cries and then just let it go. I promise they will get it eventually. Also, when my daughter was a year old up to about 18 months she always let me read to her but after 18 months its "sorry mommy that book is mine" she takes it away still. But she is better about me pointing to the pictures. Just keep repeating and dont give up there is nothing at all wrong with her, she is completely normal. and you are acting normal too to be concerned but she is fine. good luck!