Should I be worried about my child's talking?

This is a question I hear and see so much! It can take the form of: Does my child need speech and language therapy? My child isn't talking—should I be worried? How many words should my child be saying at age 2?

I often see lots of responses on social media to this question, some helpful some not so helpful and some myths. The responses I usually hear and see are;, "no don't worry they are too young", " "I wouldn't worry yet", "mine didn't talk until x age" " boys talk later than girls", "they are just been lazy".

Side quest: Now, I have a video on my Instagram (if you're not already following me, do give me a follow! here I cover lots of different things there, and it’s my third favourite place to hang out on the internet—after my newsletter community and this blog).

If you’re like me and prefer to read and digest things more slowly, here are some things to think about when you find yourself asking, Should I be worried about my child's talking?

Let’s slow it down a bit and really think about this question. You’re asking Should I be worried?—it tells me that there’s already something on your mind. Your probably already worried.

So, if you’re worried for whatever reason—maybe you’ve read something, seen something, heard something, or just have that gut feeling as a parent (which I always urge you to trust, because you know your child best)—it might be helpful to take a step back and try to pinpoint exactly what’s concerning you.

It might be helpful to ask yourself these questions:

• What am I specifically worried about? Is it that they aren’t saying as many words as their sibling or a friend’s child? That they don’t sound clear? That they don’t seem to respond when you ask them to do something or ask a question? Or is it something else? Knowing this will help you find the information you need

  
  

• What do I need to know more about? To help me with this worry

  
  

• What piece of information would help put my worries at ease?

  
  

• What do I need to do, or who do I need to talk to, to get the answers I need and decide what to do next?

A few of my favourite places for information, when it comes to early language and communication development: Speech and Language UK have a free helpline, and your local NHS trust may have a website with lots of useful information about child development. BBC Tiny Happy People is also a favourite of mine—it’s packed with great resources on language and communication development and they have a lovely insta account too!

But if you feel you need more support and want to talk things through, do reach out to a therapist. My goal is to support support families with your worries and concerns.

If you'd like to, access my free early language and communication guide (to help you get started on supporting your child`s language & communication) , keep in touch, and get regular updates, you are invited to join my newsletter community: Let`s Talk. You can join here

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We all have our unique communication style. I am powered by dyslexia, and I have big heartfelt stories to share that might include small typos and errors. I'd love for you embrace and own your own unique communication style too.