Hello from BabyCenter!

You're probably spending a lot of time trying to figure out what your child says, but does your toddler understand everything you say? Speak in clear, simple sentences if you want to make sure you're getting your point across. Hearing and language development are inextricably linked, which is why you may want to have your child's hearing tested if you find that she's not talking as much or as well as her peers or can't follow simple instructions from you such as "Put the doll back in the toy box" or "Pick up the ball and give it to me." Your next well-child appointment is a good time to talk to your pediatrician about any of your concerns.

Hmmm....I've been pretty excited lately since it seems that except when he is frustrated, we can understand nearly everything Harry has to say. Leanne Kaplan recommended a book a while back: The Happiest Toddler on the Block. I think it has been highly effective. The book stresses "caveman talk," which Kevin was very against at first. He still makes fun of me now and then. In my opinion, Harry not only understands more of what we say because of this, I think he knows more words... at least what words are important to use to get your point across.


Toddler Tracker Survey: 17 months, week 3
Can your child combine words into simple sentences? For boys: Can your child combine words into simple sentences?

No, he still can't say more than a few words clearly.

No, but he speaks clearly and has a large vocabulary.

Yes, two words ("Me drink," for example).

Yes, three words ("Me drink milk," for example).

Yes, four words or more.

First off, most of me is appalled that Baby Center does these polls...But the little evil side of me likes that Harry usually measures up well against the competition. For this drill, i was worried. I checked that he speaks clearly and has a large vocabulary. This didn't seem so good. He is on the verge of using multiple words (Addy Up!, BeeLee No!, Mom Iaper!) but he is not there yet.

Q: For boys: Can your child combine words into simple sentences?
No, he still can't say more than a few words clearly.

58%
No, but he speaks clearly and has a large vocabulary.

17%
Yes, two words ("Me drink," for example).

16%
Yes, three words ("Me drink milk," for example).

7%
Yes, four words or more.

2%

Well, it seems no one is really there yet, and most kids only say a few words.

Don't worry, I am not one of those Stage Moms or Montgomery County Soccer Moms, I just want Harry to work hard, think things through, and have a sense of accomplishment throughout his life. We are not aiming for Harvard or the NHL, just a full, happy life that allows Harry to make his own choices.