[SKL]

Do those of you who have kids close in age notice that one of them is "lazy" to talk?

My wee one said her first two (English) words at age 10 months, a month after coming home. Now, 8 months later, she has a pretty small vocabulary (about 10-15 words if I'm generous), and most of her words are not well formed ("dah" or "dah dah" accounts for about half of her vocabulary). She doesn't yet put words together, either.

Her older sister has been ahead of her in speech and talks / babbles to her a lot. Some of the time, I have no idea what older sis is saying, but little sis seems to understand and responds nonverbally.

I have reasons to believe that wee one is very bright. She understands a great deal, follows directions (when she agrees with them), is good at puzzles, builds towers, recognizes some letters and many, many pictures, is fully potty trained, has very good non-verbal communication, etc. So I am wondering what factors are playing into her relative lack of verbal communication.

I know she's probably been slowed down a bit because of the change in languages 9 months ago, and having a nanny who teaches her in both Spanish and English, and maybe even the fact that nonverbal communication usually gets her what she wants. But, is the sister thing also a factor? Do you think it could be a factor for older sis too? Just curious as to what others have observed.

[annaguat]

No not at all. Both my little ones are functioning in all areas well above other children their age. I have heard though that multiples tend to talk later and develop slower. Anna

[JustBarbara]

Oh I don't think this is unusual at all - why would the wee one be super verbal if there's no pressing need? DS only had about 10-12 words at 18months though he did understand everything and followed directions. At 21 months only about 30 words and then at 22 months his vocab just blossomed and now - he'll be 2 1/2 in September - he is above-average in verbal skills, understands English, Russian and Spanish. Every child is different and they all blossom at their own speed - some need a little extra help and others are just late bloomers. My niece and nephew - now 6 - were slow starters but were also among the first to read and write - well before kindergarten.

[Clare'sMom]

I have Not so much a lazy talker as I have "why should we both talk" Sisters...

My girls are now 4 yrs. old. They have been together since they were about 16 months old, and they totally have their own forms of communication. It started within days of living together. They always know what the other one wants or says. One sister spoke only Spanish until she was over 16mo. but her sister, who spoke only English knew what she wanted.

One is the thinker and the other is the voice. They can change these roles at anytime, but when are together they never speak without making sure that the other sister concurs.... and they always agree with one another in a conversation. It's spooky...hehehe

They are both bright, well spoken girls, great at make believe and role playing. They can also fight with each other like wild cats, but they are both fiercely loyal to each other. I would have really liked for them to go to pre-school in separate classes, but unfortunately they are together. I think they kind of tag team their poor teacher.... Kindergarten will be the split, I am dying to see what happens.

Oh yah and if people ask them if they are Twins THEY now say "No" we are "Sisters".... I always hate when I'm asked that question... now I don't answer, I just look at them and they do it.....

[SKL]

Clare's mom, that is so funny! My kids gang up too, in so many ways, good and bad. Isn't it wonderful to see such a bond between sisters!

[adoptnky]

Not the same, but I'm 3 1/2 years older then my brother. My brother was a VERY late talker because I did all the talking for him.

Kim

[angel_bayou]

I have just the opposite problem!! My little one is such a chatter box and the older one is quieter, but boy if you make her mad it's a whole nother story!! LOL!!
The baby will be two next month and is VERY bright and has figured out a ton more than her sister has. I think it also has to do with personality because Olivia is WILD lol and loves to get into everything while Arianna is less adventuresome and doens't need to explore for entertainment!!

[teachergal]

My girls are just short of two years apart. They, too, have their own form of communication that doesn't involve conventional English. They are very close and support each other. It's been interesting to watch. I hope it continues as they get oldler.

[JanetRenda]

My two 2 year olds have had "twin speak" for almost as long as they've known each other (they met at 8 and 9 months when we went to foster). We jokingly named it the "Language of Mas" since all words initially began with the letter M. Interestingly, it is my younger two year old (boy) that is more verbal. My oldest (girl) has a 30+ word vocabulary that she uses when she feels like it. I'm gearing up for my "Mas" speaker part 3 as my 10 month old is starting to follow her brother and sister's twin speak lead. They have always talked to her in their "speak" in addition to English.

Cute story: We were in the store a few months ago when conventional English was becoming their dominent language. I asked them if they wanted a donut. My son immediately said yes and my daughter did too. I guess DS was so used of communicating in "Mas" that he asked his sister if she wanted in a donut in her language. She answered in the same way and DS turned to me and said "Sister wants donut".

Hope this helps/ re-assures you. Both my children are on target developmentally. Good luck. Janet