My Very Active Toddler Not Talking- 10 Ways to Encourage Quiet Toddler

If you have a 2 year old not talking but understands, this is a question that may worry you too— “Why is my very active toddler not talking?”

You see, a child’s steady and healthy growth is a parent’s wish. Just like other important motor skills and development milestones, verbal communication also plays a crucial role in a toddler’s life.

So if you’re thinking, “Why is my 2 year old not talking?” this article is for you! Ahead, we’ll discuss:

Why does my 2 year old not talk?
Expected Timeline for Toddler Talking
Causes & Signs of a Speech Delay in Kids.
Therapy for Late Talkers
Activities for Parents to Encourage toddler not talking!
FAQs

Let’s get started!

Why is my 2 year old not talking?

Have you ever had a chat with your two-year-old and felt like they understood every word, yet they’re not quite talking back?

Well, you might have a ‘late talker’ on your hands, and that’s perfectly fine!

Late talkers are those adorable kids who grasp what’s said but take their time in the speech department. They may babble or spurt out incomplete words, but they do try speaking.

There can also be a chance that your little one’s a bit shy, or introverted. But you have to remember, every kid grows in a unique way and time is an uncertain part of this journey.

In a situation like this, firstly, you must be aware of what’s considered normal for speech milestones in kids.

Expected Timeline for Toddler Talking

One of the core wishes for many parents’ is to hear their baby say “Mama” or “Papa” for the first time!

It’s the one thing that is highly anticipated by every parent. However, a prolonged delay in your baby’s first words can make you a bit worried, and wonder, “Why is my 2 year not talking?”

Here is what’s considered normal in terms of baby speech development:

– Birth to 6 months: Your baby is already learning the foundations of language through listening and observing.

– 6 to 12 months: Babbling becomes their first cute vocabulary as your child experiments with sounds and syllables.

– 12 to 18 months: The moment you’ve been waiting for! Typically, children utter their first real words during this period.

– 18 to 24 months: Your toddler’s vocabulary grows by leaps and bounds, and they start putting words together to form simple sentences.

– 2 to 3 years: Your child becomes a little chatterbox, expressing themselves more fluently and using language to convey their thoughts and needs all the time.

This is a general timeline for all babies, and it can differ for your little star. However, if your child not talking at 2 and faces speech issues, it’s something you shouldn’t let pass unnoticed.

In fact, evidence implies that untreated speech and language delay can persist and extend in 40%–60% of the children!

My two year old doesn’t talk, but can they understand me?

Language and speech are two different (but connected) segments of child growth. While speech refers to baby-talking and the sounds they make, language is how much and what they understand.

So, in case your 2 year old barely talks, it’s natural to worry if they even understand you or not.

How to know if your toddler understands you?

Talking with your toddler can sometimes feel like a one-way street, but rest assured, they’re picking up on more than you might think.

Here are some signs your toddler understands you:

a. Eye Contact and Attention
When your toddler locks eyes with you during a conversation or activity, it means that they’re tuned in with you and listening attentively.

b. Responsive Gestures
Pay attention to their non-verbal cues, such as nodding, pointing, or gesturing. These actions often mean they understand and are trying to communicate back.

c. Follows Simple Commands
If your toddler can follow basic instructions like “Come here” or “Give me the toy,” it’s a sign that they grasp what you’re saying.

d. Mimicking Sounds and Words
Even if they’re not speaking in full sentences yet, mimicking sounds, words, or phrases is a clear sign they’re processing and attempting to communicate.

e. Responds Emotionally
If your toddler reacts to your words with laughter, excitement, or by displaying appropriate emotions, it shows they’re connecting with your messages.

f. Engages in Interactive Play
Playing games like “peek-a-boo” or “Where’s your nose?” where they respond to your prompts indicates comprehension.

g. Repeats Words or Phrases
Hearing your toddler repeat words or phrases they’ve heard from you is a surefire way to know they’re absorbing language.

Over time, you might notice that your child consistently shows all these signs of language understanding!

But what to do if your toddler not talking at 2 even if they understand?

Speech Delay in Toddlers

Between 1 and 2 years, most children transform into a chatterbox and start verbally engaging with you, without stopping.

Once begun, they keep finding better ways to tell you what they want and need. They might do this using gestures and sounds. By around age 2, they’ll even put together simple two or three-word sentences like “Want chocolate!” or “Mama help!”

However, it’s not the same for all little ones.

Some kids may face difficulties developing their speech skills and struggle with what we know as speech delay in toddlers.

So, if you’re thinking, “My two year old is not talking” there’s a chance your kid is struggling with speech delay as well. Let’s look at a few causes and signs of sleep delay in kids.

Related Article: How to put your baby to sleep 40 seconds?

Causes of Sleep Delay in Toddlers

There can be several unknown causes for speech delay in toddlers, including genetic and environmental factors! Let’s discuss some in detail below:

1. Premature Birth

Premature babies (birth before 37 weeks of gestation), or those born with low birth weight (<5.5 pounds), often face challenges in various aspects of development, including speech.

Their systems may need more time to catch up!

2. Hearing Impairment

Hearing plays a critical role in speech development!

As found in research, approximately 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 children born in the United States have a detectable level of hearing loss present in one or both of their ears.

So, when a child has difficulty hearing or suffers from frequent ear infections, it can hinder their ability to pick up and mimic sounds, leading to speech delays.

3. Bilingualism

Imagine being born in a house where your parents speak different languages! Of course, it will cause hindrance to a baby’s language development.

Growing up in a bilingual household is a wonderful opportunity, but it can sometimes lead to a slower start in speech development. Toddlers exposed to two languages may take a little longer to become proficient in both.

4. Limited Talking Time

It is very crucial for parents to verbally engage with their babies, as it greatly helps them grow into healthy-speaking kids!

You see, kids learn language not from books but from people around who talk to them. They listen to you with utter curiosity and often learn new words and their meaning in between conversations.

If a toddler is not exposed to a rich language environment, it can very much hinder their speech development. Factors such as limited interaction with caregivers or excessive screen time can contribute to speech delays!

5. Neurological Disorders

Conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, or Down syndrome play a significant negative role in a child’s language and speech development.

For instance, Autism affects a child’s ability to understand and use language effectively, including language processing.

Cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy can affect the muscles responsible for speech production, such as those in the lips, tongue, and vocal cords. This can lead to muscle weakness, making it difficult for a child to articulate sounds and form words.

Early intervention and ongoing therapy are crucial for children with neurological disorders that impact speech development!

Several pathologists and other specialists can provide tailored therapy and support to help children with speech delays reach their communication goals.

6. Family History

Sometimes, speech delay can run in families. If a toddler has parents or close relatives who experienced speech delays as children, they may be at a higher risk.

7. Neglectful Environment

Stressful or traumatic environments can affect a child’s ability to develop language skills. Children who experience neglect or abuse may be at greater risk of speech delays!

It’s important to provide a safe and nurturing environment for every child, where they can grow their language abilities without barriers or fears.

Remember that every child is special and develops at their own pace. Some toddlers naturally take a bit longer to start talking, and this delay may not necessarily indicate a problem.

However, if a toddler consistently lags significantly behind typical speech milestones, it’s a signal for you to take your child seriously.

Signs of Speech Delay

Since you now know what is normal for babies in terms of speech development, any extra delay should be attentively noticed. If your baby doesn’t react to sounds or make noises, it’s important to see a doctor right away!

Sometimes, parents wonder if their child is just taking a little longer to learn to speak or if there might be a problem.

Here are some signs to keep an eye out for. If your child:

By 12 months, doesn’t use gestures like pointing or waving bye-bye.
By 18 months, prefers gestures over talking to communicate.
By 18 months, struggles to copy sounds or words.
Has difficulty understanding simple requests.
By 2 years old, only imitates speech or actions and doesn’t speak on their own.
By 2 years old, repeats only a few sounds or words and can’t use words to express more than basic needs.
By 2 years old, can’t follow simple instructions.
Has an unusual tone of voice, like sounding raspy or nasal.

Other than these signs of speech delay, you must also watch out for their language development. Make sure you reach out to the doctor if your child’s speech is harder to understand than what’s expected for their age!

For instance, at 2 years old, parents and regular caregivers should be able to understand about half of what the child says.

By 3 years old, they should be understandable to about 75% of people.

And by 4 years old, most people, even those who don’t know the child well, should be able to understand them.

Therapy for Late Talkers

If your child’s speech and language progress hasn’t been going as it should be, it’s a good idea to reach out to a professional therapist.

A speech therapist can look into your child’s development and offer advice on how you can assist them. Sometimes, they might recommend speech therapy for your hyperactive 2 year-old not talking.

Keep in mind that early intervention is crucial if your child is one of the late talkers!

While late language development isn’t always a problem, it’s important to consult a professional to rule out any underlying concerns. With the right support, your child can acquire the communication skills they need.

How do therapists assess late talkers?

Speech therapists use several methods to evaluate late talkers and determine the hidden factors contributing to their speech and language delays!

Case History and Parent Interview

Your therapist may begin by gathering information about the child’s developmental history and family background.

They may ask you questions about your toddler’s milestones, medical history, family dynamics, and any concerns they have regarding speech and language development.

Standardized Tests

The next step is to use standard assessments designed to measure a child’s language abilities!

These tests can evaluate vocabulary, grammar, and other language skills, providing a quantitative measure of the child’s performance compared to their peers.

Observation

The therapist may observe your toddler during play or interaction with you or other caregivers. This allows them to assess how the child communicates, including their nonverbal communication, gestures, and attempts at speech.

Hearing Assessment

Since hearing problems can contribute to speech and language delays, therapists may conduct a hearing evaluation. This is to rule out any hearing impairments that could be affecting the child’s communication.

Play-Based Assessment

For younger children, therapists often use play-based assessment tools to observe how the child communicates and interacts during play activities. This approach can help identify specific areas of concern and strengths.

After conducting these tests, therapists can understand the extent of a child’s speech and language abilities and the factors contributing to their delays!

Based on the assessment results, they can create an individualized treatment plan to address the child’s specific needs and work toward improving their communication skills.

Tips for Very Active Toddler not talking at 2

While therapy can be a great tool to improve your toddler’s speech and language, it’s also necessary for you as parents to put extra effort into your child.

There are many things you can do to get your toddler talking:

1. Make eye contact

Firstly, the most basic tip for parents is to make eye contact when talking to their toddler!

Your baby’s mind is very curious at a young age, and it can quickly move from one new observation to another! One moment, they are closely watching the burning flame of a candle; and the other, they get up and start running behind a mosquito.

So, if you want your toddler to understand you and learn new words, you have to make sure they are listening. Moreover, when your child sees your interest and attentiveness, they are more likely to try communicating with you, whether through words, gestures, or babbling.

2. Encourage your toddler to talk

Are you wondering, “My 2 year old is not talking, what should I do?”

After growing up to 2+ years of age, your toddler may or may not be talking much yet. However, you can help them find their voice and learn to express themselves.

Here’s how:

– Listen and Respond: Pay close attention to your child’s attempts at communication, whether it’s through babbling, gestures, or even pointing.

When they make a sound or gesture, respond with enthusiasm. For example, if they point to a toy, say, “You want the red ball? Great choice!”

– Use Open-Ended Questions: Instead of asking yes-or-no questions, ask open-ended ones that encourage your child to say more.

For instance, instead of asking, “Do you want milk?” you can ask, “What would you like to drink? Milk or juice?”

– Imitate and Expand: If your child says a word or makes a sound, repeat it and expand on it. For example, if they say “dog,” you can say, “Yes, that’s a big, brown dog.”

– Create Opportunities: Provide a variety of opportunities for your child to communicate. Play games, read books, and sing songs together. These activities encourage interaction and language development.

– Turn-taking: When communicating with your child, take turns talking or making sounds. Speaking one by one will help them understand that communication is a two-way process.

3. Be patient and positive

It’s important to be patient with your child. Some children may take longer to start talking, and that’s okay!

Encourage their efforts, and avoid putting pressure on them. If they make mistakes, do not get frustrated or respond angrily. Instead, you must praise their attempts, and let them know you’re proud of their communication efforts.

4. Teach your baby sign language

If your baby faces problems with verbally expressing themselves, you can try communicating with a different approach, like baby sign language. It involves using simple gestures or signs to represent common words or ideas.

For example, teaching them the sign for “eat” or “drink” allows them to let you know what they want. It offers a visual way for your child to express their needs and desires.

Other than that, baby sign language can actually promote speech development by introducing your child to new words and concepts. It can be a stepping stone to spoken language.

5. Read to your child

Reading to your child is one of the most wonderful gifts you can give them, and it’s a great way to support their speech development.

– Choose Interesting Books
Pick books that are suitable for your child’s age and interests. Board books with big pictures and simple words are perfect for toddlers.

– Make It a Routine
Establish a daily reading routine, like reading a book before bedtime or after meals. Consistency helps your child know what to expect.

– Engage Your Child
While reading, involve your child by asking questions about the story or the pictures. For example, “What’s this?” or “Can you find the red balloon in this picture?”

– Use Expressive Voices
Bring the characters to life with different voices and facial expressions. Make the story exciting and fun to listen to.

– Repeat Favorite Stories
Toddlers love repetition. Don’t be surprised if they ask for the same story over and over. Repetition helps with language comprehension.

– Encourage Interaction
Let your child turn the pages, even if they do it clumsily. This involvement fosters a love for books and reading. As you read, point to the words. It helps your child understand that words on the page are linked to the story.

– Visit the Library
Take trips to the library to explore new books together. Libraries often have special storytime sessions for kids.

– Celebrate Milestones
When your child reaches a new milestone in their reading journey, like recognizing letters or attempting to read a word, celebrate their achievements.

Reading not only exposes your child to new words and concepts but also nurtures their imagination and creativity!

It’s a special bonding time for you and your toddler, and it sets the stage for a lifelong love of reading and learning. So, snuggle up with a book and enjoy this precious time together.

10 Engaging Activities to Foster Speech and Language Development in Toddlers!

Communicating with your toddler is not easy. They are literally tiny kids, who are still figuring out their consciousness!

However, there’s one thing common in all kids—they love playing. Other than fixating on verbal communication, there are many engaging activities you can try to help develop your baby’s speech.

Here are some for you:

1. Storytime Adventures

Choose a cozy reading corner with a comfortable chair or blanket where you and your toddler can snuggle up together!

Use expressive voices and gestures while reading to make the story engaging and exciting. Encourage your child to predict what might happen next in the story, fostering their comprehension skills.

Explore different genres of books, from fairy tales to non-fiction, to introduce a variety of vocabulary.

Related Article: How to raise children without overparenting?

2. Sing-Along Sessions

Create a playlist of your child’s favorite songs and include action songs like “If You’re Happy and You Know It” to encourage movement and interaction.

Use props like simple musical instruments or puppets to make sing-alongs more interactive and enjoyable. You can pick songs that involve counting or rhyming words to introduce early math and phonological awareness concepts.

3. Interactive Play

Provide a diverse range of toys that encourage imaginative play, such as playsets, building blocks, and art supplies!

Join in on the playtime by taking on different roles or characters, allowing your child to engage in pretend conversations.

For instance, encourage storytelling during play, asking questions like, “What should happen next?” or “Why did the teddy bear go to the park?”

4. Nature Walks and Exploration

Exploring nature with your toddler can be another great activity to improve their speech and language!
Bring a nature journal or notebook to record your findings during walks. Encourage your child to draw or dictate descriptions of what they see.

You can also use binoculars or a magnifying glass to observe details like the patterns on leaves or the colors of flowers. Discuss the sounds you hear in nature, such as birdsong or rustling leaves, and ask your child to identify them.

5. Cooking Together

Spending some cooking time with your toddler can help them learn new vocabulary related to the kitchen and food.

Choose age-appropriate tasks for your toddler, such as pouring ingredients into a bowl, stirring, or placing items on a tray. Describe the taste, texture, and aroma of ingredients as you use them.

For example, “This flour feels powdery, and it makes our cookies soft.”

Reinforce vocabulary related to cooking, like measuring cups, ingredients, and cooking utensils, to enhance your child’s understanding of the kitchen environment.

6. Picture Sorting Games

Connecting communication with visual hints can help your kids learn new words with proper imagination!

Start with simple sorting categories like “animals” or “fruits.” As your child becomes more proficient, introduce more complex categories such as “wild animals” or “red fruits.”

Use a variety of materials for sorting, such as flashcards, small toys, or everyday objects from around the house. Motivate your toddler to not only name the items but also describe them, such as saying, “This is a big, green apple.”

7. Puppet Shows

Pick a funny story and turn it into a puppet show for your toddler to enjoy! You can develop storylines for puppet shows together, allowing your child to contribute ideas and dialogues.

Create diverse puppet characters with special personalities and voices. This encourages your child to distinguish and experiment with various voices.

After the puppet show, discuss the story, characters, and what your child enjoyed most, promoting language awareness and critical thinking.

8. Daily Conversations

Make it a habit to have meaningful conversations with your child throughout the day, from morning routines to bedtime!

Reflect on their emotions by asking questions like, “How did you feel when you saw the colorful butterfly in the garden?” Validate their thoughts and feelings, fostering a strong sense of trust and open communication.

9. Artistic Expression

Art is another great way to teach new things to your toddler!

Provide various art materials, such as watercolors, clay, or collage materials, to encourage diverse forms of artistic expression. Then ask your toddler to draw their favorite cartoon or animal.

When they are done creating something, ask open-ended questions about their artwork, like “Tell me about the picture you painted. What’s happening in it?”

10. Name That Sound

If you are worried and thinking, “My 2 year old doesn’t talk, what should I do?” This activity is for you!

Record sounds from your daily life, such as the ringing of a doorbell, the chirping of birds, or the sizzling of food in the kitchen on your phone. Then, play them for your child and ask correct names for them.

All these activities help your toddler grow their speech and language skills while enjoying and building core memories with you!

FAQs

Is your very active toddler not talking? Do they seem to understand you but have problems expressing themselves verbally?

Don’t worry! Sometimes, a child may get to the chatterbox stage late and that’s okay. There are some FAQs that may bug you when a very active toddler not talking!

Let’s take a look:

Question 1. At what age should I be concerned that my toddler isn’t talking?

It’s normal for children to develop at their own pace, but if your toddler isn’t talking at all by the time they turn 2 years old, it’s a good idea to take sincere notice!

By age 2, most kids are starting to say some words and put them together into simple sentences. But remember, every child is unique, and some may talk a little later. It’s okay!

If your toddler is still not talking or has a very limited vocabulary by age 2, it might be time to talk to a doctor or a speech expert called a speech-language pathologist. They can help figure out if there’s a speech delay and what can be done to help your child.

Early help can make a big difference in helping your child catch up with their talking skills. So, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have concerns about your toddler’s speech development.

Question 2. Why is my 2-year-old not talking but not autistic?

You might have heard that speech delays are linked to autism.That’s correct, but it’s also necessary to know that speech delays can occur independently.

If you have concerns about your 2-year-old’s speech development but believe they do not have autism, it’s still a good idea to consult with a speech-language pathologist.

They can conduct evaluations to determine the specific reasons for the speech delay and provide advice on how to support your child’s language development.

Question 3. Why is my toddler smart but doesn’t talk?

A smart toddler who isn’t speaking at their expected level could be facing a speech delay, growing up in a bilingual environment, or simply being naturally reserved or introverted.
Moreover, some toddlers choose non-verbal ways to express themselves, like gestures or pictures!

Question 4. Is it normal for a toddler to be very active?

Yes, it’s entirely normal for toddlers to be very active!

Toddlers are at an age where they are exploring the world around them and developing their physical abilities. They have a lot of energy to burn, and being active is a natural part of their growth and development.

Physical activity helps them build strength, coordination, and motor skills. It also promotes their overall health and well-being.

So, if your toddler is energetic and constantly on the move, it’s generally a positive sign of their healthy development. Just be sure to provide a safe environment for them to explore and play in.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, having a very active toddler not talking is not necessarily a cause for concern!

Every child develops at their own pace, and some may focus more on physical exploration before they fully engage in verbal communication.

While it’s essential to monitor your child’s development and consult with healthcare professionals, remember that a supportive and nurturing environment, along with patience, can go a long way in helping your child reach their speech milestones.

Cherish and celebrate the unique journey of your active toddler as they grow, learn, and develop in their own exceptional way.

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