to think this Santa maybe doesn't know a lot about children? (Lighthearted)

[RachelWatts]

DS2 is 20, almost 21 months old, but is small so people often think he's about 18 months.

We were at a toddler group Christmas party this morning, which included a visit from 'Santa'

DS2 was first up to get his present, sat on Santa's lap and didn't cry, although I could tell he was bemused and didn't know what the hell was going on.

On handing the present over, Santa tried to encourage him to say "Thank you".

Now DS2 has very few words - maybe about 20, most of which only I understand and 'thank you' isn't one of them, but I'm not at all worried as his brother was the same and had a word explosion at just over 2.

I intervened when it looked like the " Now say thank you" was going to go on a bit and took DS2, saying "Thank you, but he doesn't really speak yet"

Santa gave me a sympathetic look and arm squeeze, then told me "Now don't you worry - that'll come in time"

AIBU to think that most people who have any experience of toddlers would know that many of them don't speak much before they're 2, and that this is absolutely fine?

So he was probably a family member roped in to be kind playing Santa? I think YABU a bit to be honest. I would have just smiled at him. I think you're being a bit sensitive if you have no worries that his speech is developing ok?

A lot of people have no idea at what age children start speaking or are very good at gauging what age children are. DP had to ask me the other day when our 2 month old will start.

But once you've prompted a toddler you don't know and haven't heard speak and got no response, why would you carry on prompting? He tried 3 or 4 times to get a response out of DS2.

And even children who are able to speak are often so overwhelmed by a loud man in a red suit and big white beard that they can't make a sound.

I think you're overthinking it really. He was just a nice man playing Santa trying to engage with your DS and give you a few reassuring words.

My 18 month old says ta when he feels like it but every child is different. Any stranger should just let it go after a couple of times with a child that little.

Santa gave me a sympathetic look and arm squeeze, then told me "Now don't you worry - that'll come in time"

I think that is a nice response. What on earth are you moaning about

Leave the poor man alone, he did nothing wrong and did nit know your ds!

So the man (undoubtedly a volunteer) tried to make your son feel at ease by trying to engage with him and then, when you stepped in, he was sympathetic and tried to make you feel better.

How very dare he.

I'd complain, loudly. Teach him to try to do something nice.

So you know your son's speech will come in time, all kids are different etc
This is exactly what Santa was saying! You're overthinking it!

(Lighthearted)

Yes you're over thinking it.

Bless him, he sounds like a nice Father Christmas,giving you an arm squeeze and some reassurance.

I know very little about children that age. I did when my DD was that age, but have forgotten a surprising amount in just 3 years. Give this man a break, it could be 30 years since he had kids that age!