3 Year Old Not Talking In Sentences?

Question

My son is 3 and will often ask for things in 1 or two word sentences. I will correct him or try and tell him what to say, like, "Can I please have some juice Mom?" But he just says "OK" Like as in, yeah thats what I meant.

Sometimes I think he is just shy, and doesn;t like the extra attention and he will speak in full sentences when he feels comfortable doing so. But I can't help but worry.

He knows lots of words, and will read along in story books with me because he knows them by heart.

I don't know what to think, so hopefully someone can give me some wise words :)

Thanks

Answer 1

Don't worry, it's perfectly normal for mentally retarded kids to do this.

Answer 2

My son did the same thing and as soon as he turned 4 he started talking very well. Now you can't get him to shut up. lol

Answer 3

My boy was the same way! Even the just saying "yes...." like I am idiot when I try to repeat what the has said just in a full sentence. I went to speech therapy with him once a week (group setting) for 8 weeks. Pretty much you just repeat - repeat - repeat! Mommy is pouring juice. I am pouring orange juice into a tall glass. I like the way this juice tastes. I use my mouth to drink it....all day long! You know I think the therapy helped a bit but he just sorta came into it on his own by the time he was 3 and half he was doing 7-8 word sentences: before it had been 1 or 2. Now he is four and just blathers all day long. Don't get too freaked out about it. You should worry when if he doesn't understand you. If you say honey, pat your ear and then get me that ball and he really doesn't get it - you may want to tell his doc. Expressive delays are not nearly as worrisome as receptive delays.  

Answer 4

As long as he is speaking and your understanding him ok then I wouldnt worry just yet! Some children do take a bit longer to get to the sentence stage esp if their parents respond to just one word...if he says "juice" and you get him juice then what is the point of saying "can i have juice please". Maybe you could gently encourage two words by encouraging "juice please". You could always ask a question eg: "juice-you want juice or dont want juice?" this way he has to say "want juice"...

Sometimes it just takes practice or time to sort itself out! In the meantime continue to read, sing, play together so he hears a lot of sentences around him. If he attends preschool then speak to the leader about your concerns as they know your son better than any of us...if he doesnt attend then maybe a preschool, playgroup or a parents and toddler group would be beneficial for him?

Answer 5

if he has the ability and isnt using it then dont give him what he wants until he gives you what you want which is a complete sentence. however if your still trying and he isnt responding then he will need some assistance.

usually you can get free assistance through the school system that he will be attending.

Answer 6

I would definitely talk to the doctor about having him tested.

A lot of people will tell you that their child did this and it is fine or that children learn at their own pace however language is the basis of learning.  So you really need to look into this.  also sign him up for preschool if possible it will help.  After he is tested you may find that he needs speech therapy or that he has some other delays and you may need to look into a preschool for children with different developmental delays.

Edit:  I assume this goes without saying but make sure you are speaking to him as he is an adult in normal conversation.  Also play with him, with figures and different toys, use a lot of words when doing this.  I would concentrate on speech for atleast a half hour play session once or twice a week.  Don't go overboard during the rest of the time.  Being around other kids at a preschool will really help a lot.  My son has a communication disorder he does really well now but is still classified this way so I am not sure of the exact norm but I know that one to two word sentences is cause for concern as he was doing more than this at three and was classified with a communication disorder, it also made a few other things a little harder for him.

Answer 7

Try making conversation with him even if he doesn't reply, eventually he will.  Make conversation when you're washing him, or clothing him, ask his opinion about things, the subject doesn't matter.  Talking to him will also turn your relationship into a closer one because he knows that you're treating him as a big boy. But most than anything, remember all kids have their own timing for everything. As my sons' pediatrician once told me because I complained about the same thing:

"Now you give 5 cents to him if he talks, in a while you'll give him $5.00 for him to shut up."

He was so right!!!!