Not talking at 2, Mum not worried?

[Dotheflosslikeaboss]

My sister has a little boy who is absolutely gorgeous, but at 2 years and 1 month he doesn’t say a thing. No babbling or trying to make sounds.

His hearing seems fine and he’s eating/walking normally. But my Sister refuses to discuss it with her HV or a Doctor.

When he’s with his friends the difference is becoming more and more noticeable, but I don’t know how normal this is or if I should try to push her more to speak to someone?

He’s her PFB and I’m trying to support her, but I’m worried that if he doesn’t get any help he needs now it will be harder when he’s older.

Op can I say first of all you sound a bloody lovely auntie but I think your sister maybe worried but not wanting to share those worries with you. Bring s first time mum is hard. And can I just say honestly you may be stressing her out more because she will pick up your concerns.

As you have been told kids develop at different ages. Dc2 didn’t talk properly until 3.5 snd dc 5 didn’t walk until she was 20 months.

The HV will pick any concerns up but if he’s understanding things it’s not an issue. One tip though you mentioned a dummy? They stop kids chatting so best only used sparingly.

Relax and stay being the lovely auntie you are they are both lucky to have you

Thanks for all the replies, greatly appreciated. I’ve no experience in this so not sure how usual this was.

My Sister will definitely take him to the 2 year check up, she is a great Mum and no way would she miss it.

From reading all the replies there seems to be such a mixture of help available across regions/children. Some have been referred under the age of 2 and some have had no help aged 3 or 4. I know every child is different, but had no idea how much help would vary.

I’m not going to do anything until after his 2 year check. Although I am going to try the balloon game suggested by PP as that sounds like good fun (but won’t say why I’m doing it) and the paper rustling (again, just sounds like a fun thing to do regardless). They’ll be here again later.

Thank you @apriljune12 thanks very kind of you back to you too. He really is adorable, I’m in full Aunty love with him.

I’ll casually ask later when his 2 year check up is. This won’t seem like I’m over stepping anything by asking. As I’ve said, they’re here most days and she’s always told me about vaccinations, swimming, eating etc. So won’t be strange I’m asking.

And and in answer to several posters dummy usage question: He doesn’t always have a dummy in. Sister only uses it to settle him if he’s upset or sleepy. He goes hours without it.

Sounds a great plan op

Bear in mind my dd didn't have her 2 year check until she's was over 2.5. The checks aren't compulsory and they may not chase her if she ignores the invitation.

I once had in my class a very sweet little girl whose mother told me (at Parents' Evening, when I said her progress was good, but I wished she would speak up a bit more) that her speech suddenly developed when she began nursery; as has been said of other children, she had felt no need to offer her opinions when things were so efficiently run at home! Mum was a nurse, so had a good idea of where she should have been, but tried not to communicate her anxiety. Daughter just came home from nursery one day and said "It was interesting at school today"! When Mummy asked her about it when she was older, she said "Well I just thought the words." She remained a quiet child, but perfectly capable of expressing herself when the need arose - and a lovely singer!
The fact that your nephew clearly has good understanding and is responsive is reassuring, but the check-up may show up what is causing the delay.
My godson was similarly slow off the mark; when he reached teenage, his mother ruefully showed me the latest 'phone bill, commenting "to think I worried about him not talking much!", so be careful what you wish for......

To be honest, I wouldn't hold out too much with HV picking it up.

My DS got to 2.5 and nobody picked it up until he went to preschool and the nursery flagged it up straight away.

I felt terrible because I had actually checked his hearing. He would go and get his shoes when we said "time to go out, go and get your shoes". He even shot into the kitchen when we opened crisps or chocolate.

But he couldn't hear well enough to make out sounds in certain pitches, which stopped him learning to talk.

I did sign language with him which helped a lot, and when we went to community paediatrician tests were done. They found him to be flatlining in both ears, on account of glue ear.

One that cleared he talked literally overnight.