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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

My toddler won't say his name

6 replies

rockingelephant · 28/12/2021 02:41

My toddler is 2 years 7 months old and can't say what his name is. Is this normal for this age? Speech wise, he is behind compared to his peers but he has a lot of words he uses in correct context and sometimes in a very clever way and he is putting together 2-3 words now.

Most of his expressions are learnt from me or blippi/peppa pig. When I ask what his name is, he doesn't respond. His understanding is ok, he is also bilingual. How can I teach him how to say his name when I or someone else asks? He can be shy around people but he won't say his name. He knows his name as he always turns back to look at me and has been doing this properly since about 16 months old. I would appreciate any tips you may like to share also, when he sees himself in the mirror, he recognises himself but he doesn't say that's me, although he's started expressing ownership on things by saying it's mine.

I would appreciate any advice, views and any experience you may have in this.

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FortunesFave · 28/12/2021 03:24

A 2 year old not saying his name when people ask is absolutely normal.
I don't think any of my DC would give their name until they were over 4. Some will...more outgoing kids...but others just feel too shy.

Don't push it. It will come.

Original poster

rockingelephant · 28/12/2021 11:17

Thank you for responding @FortunesFave I guess I've seen more outgoing kids respond to their names which is why i was worried. He does know what his name is as I mentioned he turns back and looks. Also he has started to play hide and seek and he would say "where's Bobby (not his real name) " when his hiding.

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rosydreams · 28/12/2021 14:38

if you have two languages in t he house then this is actually pretty good going usually children in multi language homes are more delayed speech wise but over all once they get the swing of things they are fine.Your child sounds like he is coming along great

Changethetoner · 30/12/2021 03:53

He knows you know his name, so is probably wondering why you are asking.

Can you play a game, like saying "where is Bobby's foot?", etc with bodyparts. hopefully he will point to it, or say something like "there it is". And later on make a joke like "what is Bobby's name?" and answer it yourself if he doesnt - "Bobby". Repeat with Mummy's name, or Daddy's name and lots of laughter.

Mattieandmummy · 30/12/2021 07:52

You could also try telling him his name, so "my name is Mummy, your name is xxx" but as others have said I wouldn't be too concerned at especially if he's still catching up with speech.

Original poster

rockingelephant · 30/12/2021 20:44

Thank you everyone. I'll try the tips you have mentioned and also @Changethetoner he does look at me with a what the hell face when I ask what him his name is,

I'm also bilingual took a little longer compared to peers. With ds, I undertook the role of teaching him mainly English as we live in the UK (not my mother tongue) and my DH has decided to be consistent with our home country's language and both of us are very consistent with it. If he spends time with DH and wants screen time, DH changes Peppa's settings on Netflix to the second language and if he is with me and wants screen time, I turn it back to English.

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