“I Don’t Know” is Monkey’s latest favourite phrase, and to all of his family, it is the most wonderful sound in the world. He is a fairly late talker, although at not yet 2 it’s not like he is massively delayed, but compared to some of friends’ children who have been speaking since before they were even 1, it has felt like a big delay.
We’ve also worried that it was our fault in some way. We have read books to him since he was tiny, spoken to him about everything, sung songs every day, taken him to groups, done everything we could, and yet we never even had so much as a ‘mama’ or ‘dada.’ When I heard about health visitors praising the parents when a toddler has an excellent vocabulary, I panicked a little inside that in contrast then there must be something we weren’t doing right, fro him not to be saying any actual words.
I was consoled by the fact that he clearly understood so much of what we were saying, and many people said that it may be because he was such an early walker. His speech did gradually change and improve and I stopped worrying so much as I could tell that we were nearly there, though still didn’t know how long that would take.
Then a couple of months ago we were rewarded with his first word “go” and loved it. Since then he has added more words to his list, though not tonnes, but all random really. He still doesn’t really say mummy or daddy in any way shape or form, but he says go, sings row row row (for row, row the boat), says shoo to birds and sheep (learnt that one of the TV I think!) and says a few other words too occasionally, though not as frequently.
Not too long ago he started saying “oh dear” which we thought was lovely and he has now mastered the word “no” whereas he previously just shook his head. We are getting there with yes but it is a bit on and off. Then one day last week I was explaining to Monkey that we were going to collect his friend and that she was going to come in the car with us, as I didn’t want him to get upset by the unusual occurrence. He was looking at me very confused so I asked him “do you understand?” I don’t know why I asked, I wasn’t expecting a response but I always try and talk to him as if he is going to respond. Anyway, he just said three lovely words ” I don’t know.” Just once, but so clear, and my heart melted. He said it loads that day and melted Daddy’s heart too when he come home.
He just says it in the right context every time, you ask him a question and it is met with “I don’t know” in a variety of different tones! What do you want for lunch? “I don’t know.” What do you want to do? “I don’t know.” What does it feel like? “I don’t know.” It really has made us wonder if it something we say a lot to each other, and I guess it must be!
I think it is so special because we have been waiting so long for him to talk, and I guess that because it is more than one word, it really feels like you’re having a conversation, which obviously has never happened until this point! I don’t know whether it feels more magical to us because we’ve waited so long for it, or if we would have been just as soppy about it had he spoken earlier!
Over this weekend we have seen numerous members of our family who have all been treated to the same heart melting sound. There have been tears from a couple of his grandparents, and obvious pride from all his other family members to hear it.
His grandpops got a bit teary when Monkey said “I’don’t know” at the restaurant
I’ve tried to catch it on video a couple of times, and he does say it here, but well, it doesn’t sound quite as good as when he says it more normally. I suppose he isn’t a performing seal though after all! I actually love his tone the last time daddy asks him in this clip, it’s like “I’ve already told you I don’t know, stop asking daddy!”
You’ve just reminded me of that time in JJ’s life when I remember I thought he was really behind his friends and it *did* feel magical when he first put a few words together! But this is definitely why I don’t have much truck with Health Visitors and its easier not to do the comparison thing with your second because they have fewer friends the same age to compare with anyway! Lovely little moments. X #MagicMoments
Thank you and glad it was the same with you and JJ. I think a lot of things must be easier second time round in that respect, as you’ve been through a lot of it first and know to worry less… that’s what I am hoping at least!! xx
How lovely it must have been to hear that little sentence after months of waiting, and the tone he uses when he says it is so full of character.
Thanks Fiona, it is just lovely, and he is saying it all the time now which is so cute, and very apt for a toddler as let’s face it, there is a lot he doesn’t know! xx
I think this is super, the fact he can say it in context too is fantastic .. i have no doubt there will be no stopping him soon!! ..
thanks for linking up with #MagicMoments x
Thanks Jaime, hopefully it is the start of lots of chatting to come! xx
My son’s 1st word is Daddy (me thinks) hehe… It is nice to hear their voices. Be ready for when he will start singing cuz I promise it is the most beautiful thing ever. #MagicMoments
Aww I really can’t wait for that! He tries to sing now but without real words bless him. Very much looking forward to hearing some actual singing though! xx
Awww bless him! I love the little video. It is a fab idea to record him saying his first sentences. It will be something you treasure in years to come. They grow up so quickly! Mel #MagicMoments
Thanks Mel, it’s nice to catch it now, before it becomes the norm! They do grow up so fast I know! x
So lovely! My first was early talker; but my second a late talker – they are all so different and they definitely all learn things in a different order (the wee girl is just a law unto herself!). Those first sentences are so special though, aren’t they x #MagicMoments
Thanks Sara, they really are all different, though it’s hard to remember that with your first! Loving his first sentence though! xx
This post is very sweet & reminds me of my own 23 month old. Like yours, my son doesn’t say much. He was a late walker, and I’ve spoken to the pediatrician & a speech therapist about my son & they both said, “he’s just being a boy.” He babbles a lot, but only says a few words. He understands a lot though.
Thank you, and always great to hear someone with a similar experience. Really good to know the paediatrician and speech therapist weren’t too worried either. I’m sure they will soon be chattering away 19 to the dozen! xx
Learning to talk is amazing isn’t it – I love watching their language develop and grow 🙂
#SSAmazingAcheivements
It is, something we pretty much take for granted! Love watching them try to make new sounds and learn new words. It’s just lovely! xx
We had a similar struggle with our (now) 7 year old who only really started speaking properly, and in sentences, around the age of 2 and 3/4. Our second daughter will be 18 months next week and babbles lots of “mama, dada” noises but with no actual meaning attached to them, but as we went through it once we’re far less stressed this time round. Oh and by the way, our eldest has an amazing vocabulary now, so don’t worry, I’m sure he’ll be fine, he’s obviously just taking it all in.
#MagicMoments
Oh that is interesting, thank you, it’s always so good to hear stories of similar situations, reminds you that it will all work out ok in the end! xx
Lovely post. As a mum of a 3 year old for whom a full sentence is quite a long way off still, I know how agonising it is waiting for our kids to speak. He’ll be amazing you now with his new words!
Thank you aww, always good to hear from someone who gets it! It really can be agonizing and we are just relieved to finally have some words! Hope your little on isn’t too far off either! xx
I can totally relate this, Ethan is now four and we have no idea if he will ever decide to talk to us. We got ‘Hello’ on new years eve and it has stuck around. It’s like music to my ears everytime he says it, makes my heart melt. I really believe we take being able to talk for granted and it does feel like forever when waiting for our little ones to talk. I’m sure your little guy is well on his way to talking and I really believe all our children will get there when they are ready :0)
Thanks for linking up with Small Steps Amazing Achievements :0)
x
We really do take it for granted and it takes having a late talker for you to really appreciate it at times! I’m glad Ethan has started and hope there are mnay more words to come that will melt your heart just as much! xx
Pingback: Monkey is 2!! A Mini Milestones Special :) | Becoming a Stay at Home Mum
Pingback: Monkey’s Speech at 25 months | Becoming a Stay at Home Mum
Pingback: Think before you speak... | Becoming a Stay at Home Mum