I've been wondering for a while if my little boy is on track with his speech... He's 19 months and has maybe 10-15 words. I know that's not unusual, and it can't be helping that he regularly hears at least 2 languages at home and a couple more on the street. But he also has ZERO interest in reading and scribbling... I'll read him a book and he'll barely glance at the pictures. I'll hand him crayons and he'll do everything with them but draw. I'll sit next to him and draw and he'll barely look at what I'm doing. Is this normal? Should i be worrying? FWIW he's really good at communicating, there's just no talking. I was a chatterbox by one, so I was really hoping he'd at least be trying to speak by now!
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It doesn't send alarm bells going off in my mind, especially with the dual languages. A lot of young toddlers have zero interest in books or scribbling, there are some ideas both on the boards and blogs about getting the interest of young toddlers for reading which might help you. It never hurts to check in with your pediatrician though so bring it up next time you're in their office.
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Bilingualism alone doesn't cause delays, so don't worry too much about that. I would be concerned if he didn't understand simple commands, such as to bring you a toy, or put something away?
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My 23 month old has only just exploded in language in the past month or two, and she still has VERY little interest in coloring. She asks to "color" but all she does is gather up the crayons or markers and carry them around!
If you are seriously concerned I'd bring it up at your next well visit with your pediatrician.
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I think his speech / communication sounds on track but if you're truly concerned, speak with your paediatrician at your next visit.
In regards to reading and colouring, are you worried that he's not interested or do you think it's an attentional issue? Are there any concerns with his vision?
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Bilingual babies aren't delayed, they're learning two languages! It's amazing and awesome and great for brain development, among other things. Lack of interest in scribbling/books wouldn't concern me. Just keep trying different types of books and different voices and what maybe puppets, songs, stuff like that. Lots of conversation. I think a toddler not wanting to sit down quietly is pretty normal.
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I wouldn't worry, personally. It sounds like his receptive language is good and he communicates in his own way, so that sounds about right. I think it is hard when your child is not on the front of the curve and you feel like they are behind, but really it is just normal.
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Sounds very normal to me (someone who spends a lot of time with a large group of kids that age).
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Thank you all for your reassurance! I'll definitely bring this up at his next well visit tomorrow, but will try not to stress too much
@sammyfab: I do worry that it could be something visual, but hopefully I'm just being silly!
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@Mama Bird: something you can try is instead of introducing activities on a horizontal surface, try a vertical or slanted surface. My son first got into colouring when I bought window markers and let him colour on our patio doors. You can put a poster on the wall and talk about what you see on the poster.
And I'm guessing you have already tried open-the-flap and touch and feel books. I don't think it is abnormal that he doesn't want to sit down and do these things...all kids have very different interests! I'm just trying to figure out ways to help you attract his attention a little more.
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@sammyfab: I'll give it a shot! I totally thought kids love coloring on walls and other no-no places... he hasn't tried it so far, but maybe he just needs washable markers
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Mine wasn't interested in coloring until after 2 years. He also doesn't have conversational language down as much as other kids, but he's gotten into reciting the alphabet and numbers once I got him the Melissa and Doug alphabet and number puzzles. Lately he will talk my ear off about dinosaurs, cars, trucks, and trains- all of this after 2 years and only once we found things he was interested in.
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@Mama Bird: haha...those kids do exist!! I only ever give my son markers...he just doesn't like crayons and pencil crayons. He has always understood to just colour on the window or on paper. On occasion he draws a bit on the table but crayola markers are truly washable!
I'm an OT who works with children (preschool age and up). Feel free to wall me if you need more ideas!
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