almost 3 yr old not talking much

[Larry1014]

I have a 2yr 9 month  old great grand daughter that seem smart as a whip but not talking much other than momma, daddy, papaw(me) hi and bye. She points at things she wants and if she wants me to get on the floor and play with her she grabs my hand and pulls me to the floor. She hears fine. I try and teach her words when my wife and I babysit her but don't have much luck. Her mother says she is just lazy but I am starting to worry. I think I want to ask her mother to have her checked out and I will pay for it. Do you think I should wait a few more months and see what happens? She is the sweetest little girl and just want her to start talking. Maybe I am worrying too much. Any comments would be appreciated.

[jemma116]

It is very hard to tell a parent that there may be a problem with their child.  So don't be surprised if you do not get a very nice response.  

As she understands all commands, is fine in all other respects and also points at what she wants, I would agree with the mother that she may be indeed an idle "talker".

The other thing that may be happening is that in her mind when she thinks of something, she will expect you to know what is going on in her mind and what she wants.

When my son was very young, I had to explain to him that he had to speak, because I could not read his mind.

Do interact with her with lots of play.  Sit her on your knee so that she can see your face and your mouth as you speak each word.  Sing repetitive songs and also the alphabet.  Put your lips to her face when you make different letter sounds.  This also teaches the vibrations of each sound.

I would still get her to be checked out in case there is a developmental problem that can be corrected now.

I have a 6 year old grandson who can talk extremely well, but chooses to be idle when requesting anything and will point and make squawking noises.  Of course we do not respond to his requests until he says properly want he is wanting.

Best wishes.

[Sandman2]

    Glad to hear that she does well on the list.  Use that to show mom and then say, but look at how she compares verbally.  I think we should get that checked out.  The longer you wait, the harder it is to overcome as Mark said.

[Larry1014]

Thanks. She does pretty good on that list. She sure can work a cell phone. haha. Goes to camera, frames pictures carefully and takes great pictures. Swipes, pinches everything in gallery.

[Sandman2]

   Completely agree with Mark.  Here is something that may help you.  It is a checklist for two year olds.  She is very behind in language.  You can print this out and show it to Mom.
      http://www.preschooleducation.com/tcheck2.shtml

[MarkLakewood3367]

You are very welcome.  Please keep me updated.

[Larry1014]

Thank you for the reply. I will try to bring it up to her mother. We are very close to her but kinda hard to tell her something might be wrong. I would think she might be concerned also by know. She started potty training her a month ago and she did great. Doesn't have accidents or anything so makes me think her mind is ok. I have never seen a child get potty trained so quick. She knows what we are saying to us. If I tell her to get her shoes to go somewhere she gets them. She says hi and waves at everybody when we take her out places but just smiles and quiet as a mouse if someone talks to her. Thank again.

[MarkLakewood3367]

No.  Have her checked now.  If there is a problem such as a developmental disorder, these symptoms can solidify over time.  If you address them now, there would be a better chance that she will overcome the symptoms.

I don't think you are overreacting.  I would rather get my suspicions checked rather than ignore my gut feelings to find something really wrong later.  I would rather be safe than sorry.