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DS (3) can but won't talk!

3 replies

ButterflyOfFreedom · 10/09/2015 14:53

DS has just turned 3 and has always been a good talker. He knows loads of words, can string sentences together, tell stories etc - probably just like most 3 year olds.
However, recently he seems a bit reluctant to talk. Not just to strangers (which would be more understandable) but to me, his dad, his grandparents - basically anyone who tries to speak to him!
Don't get me wrong, he's not 'mute' all the time but often when he asked a question he simply refuses to answer.
He'll either make a silly noise or just point or even just completely ignore.

How do I handle it? Answer for him? Try to prise an answer out of him? Ignore him? Keep talking and hope he eventually responds???!
Sometimes it can be embarrassing and awkward - friends or family think they're being ignored or people think there is something wrong with him.
I'm guessing it's just a phase but I don't know what to do.
Other children are picking up on it asking why he's not talking etc.

I don't know (think) it's a confidence thing though if it is, how do I build it up for him?

Any advice would be much appreciated (and apologies if this post is a bit mumbled!!)

Thank you

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Ferguson · 10/09/2015 19:33

It can be difficult to 'win' with 3 yr olds, so personally, for a while, I would ignore it, and see how things develop. Just pretend you haven't noticed, or don't mind whether he talks or not.

They do have 'phases', and every few weeks or months things can change.

I'll look back in couple of days, to hear a progress (or not) report!

ButterflyOfFreedom · 14/09/2015 17:53

Thanks Ferguson - I know you're right regarding phases; it wasn't that long ago he went through a 'chatterbox / asking why' phase!!
And now he gets reluctant to talk, arrgghh!
These 3 year olds hey???!! Wink

I have been trying to ignore it which is not always easy but not giving any attention to his silly noises seems to work a little (ie. he'll eventually use words to ask for what he wants!).

Will see how it goes!

Thanks again.

OP posts:
RainbowFlutterby · 14/09/2015 17:55

Mostly ignore it, gentle encouragement when you can. DS (11) was the same and now he doesn't bloody shut up! Grin

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