BIL had a son 20 months ago. Both him and the GF were teenagers, and had only been together a few weeks, after a few months together, they split, and it wasn't on the greatest of terms. The baby's mother struggled some what, being 17 and on her own and possible having undiagnosed PND (IMO, in-laws seem to think this is something that only "bad" mothers have- I know, I know!). She struggled with money, and budgeting, BIL was on the dole, we sent milk powder, clothes etc, but did not send cash, as we couldn't honestly honestly say it would of been spent where it was needed.
I actually am happy to help the baby's mother, support her, whatever. I feel she is not a bad person at all, but probably just needs a good role model, and some help- which she would not of been getting from her side of the family AT ALL.
Not sure if/how this is relevant, but thought the background may help.
DN is now 20 months. He does not say ONE word. No mum, dad, dog anything. He is very happy, smiley and cheerfull, but does not seem to NEED anyone or anything. He is no different, happy or sad, no matter who comes in or out of the room. If you take something off him that he is not supposed to have, he never tries to take it back, never seems to care. I actually cannot remember the last time I heard him cry. Certainly not since he was a newborn. He just seems to be in his own little world. He does chat too him self though. I have also just realised that I have never seen him do any kind of role play with toys (maybe he is still too young), he just bangs toys together/ on the floor.
Does anybody think there maybe something wrong? Or is it normal. Happy to answer more questions if needed.
Also there was a phase where he was being shipped about a bit. BIL didn't want him any more than two days (one over night) per fortnight. His mother did not want him all the time whilst her friends were off school/college. He spent some time at my inlaws, and although MIL has had five kids, she is very busy, works PT, very into housework etc, so I'm not sure she has really noticed?
Would like to know if you guys think there could be something wrong? Whether I should say any thing, and if so, how should I go about it? MIL already thinks I'm a bit stuck up, I'm sure, not sure how well she would take it. Also I could be worrying over nothing as DD is 2.4 and was always on the sharp end of everything developmentally (very normal- but always did everything a tad sooner), so he could be fine?
TIA