Chatty children and naturally quiet children

[bugsaway]

I would love to hear advice from any mums out there about helping children develop speech. My two sons are almost 3 and 4. My oldest has always been slow to talk and he talks now though his pronunciation isn't good - but I understand him. He uses 4, 5 words sentences so he is on the right track. My youngest is a chatterbox and says what he is thinking or feeling. My question is how can I get my oldest to talk more because I will be sitting there with both of them and my youngest is chatting away but my oldest is all quiet. He a very happy boy - I just think this is his natural character. My worry is that the speaking ability of my youngest is going to far surpass my oldest soon - I know I can engage him but has anyone else experienced this. Hope this makes sense!

One on one time so the youngest doesn't get to do all the answering!
Can someone else take one off to do something, and then you spend some time chatting?

Do they go to bed at the same time? We talk about the day, and whats happening the following day just before lights out. Has varying levels of interaction, depending on how tired they are, but always happens.

thanks nextphase we currently do everything together - i will try that thank you!

my son is like that as well. hes 4 and has 5 word sentences as well. does he go nursery what did they say. hes also not much of a talker shy and quite

please tell me what his nursery said

My eldest (4) is very out going and chatty. Very much says what he thinks - even to strangers on the bus!

DD (2) has separation anxiety, very serve when she was younger. She's very quiet, speaks softly and never full sentences unless she's hyped up on sugar or throwing a tantrum. She'd rather nod and use her hands then talk. We found me leaving her at creche without me to help her overcome being left but she's still very quiet. At home we make they don't talk over each other when talking to us so she doesn't feel pushed out. I also draw and paint with her and encourage her to tell me what the picture is etc.

Our Dr wasn't concerned just told us to encourage her where we can.

Ds (5) was early to talk, and he spoke very well, talking in sentences by 18months. Now though, he is quite quiet and not especially chatty. He is loud and boisterous in play but doesn't chat a lot.

Dd (3) was slower to talk, not saying much at all until she was 2. Now she chats incessantly! She isn't loud in play but she talks constantly.

Have you thought about whether your oldest one has an expressive language delay/difficulty?

A very experienced Speech and Language therapist said to me that if your child seems a bit shy and introverted then it makes sense that their language might possibly be less developed or 'quieter'. But if your child is social then you would expect their language to reflect their personality. If not, there may be something really minor holding them back. Good Speech and language therapists can work wonders and certainly give you some pointers.

Bugs, there is nothing in your post to suggest that there is a problem with your older ds' speech. You in fact say that he is right on track.

Why do you need to make your ds1 speak more? So long as he can express himself and make himself understood, isn't that all that is required? He cannot change his personality. There is nothing inherently better about being a chatterbox. In fact, some children who are so busy chatting do not observe as much around them and take in less than someone more reserved. It takes all kinds.

Are you an extrovert?