Dear Mother,
I am writing this letter in order to tell you about the situation that has arisen in our family. As you know, we have recently celebrated my daughter’s second birthday. She started walking quite early and I could not think that there will be any difficulties with speaking. Since I know that the girls develop faster than boys and a 2 year old baby should be able to speak, I have some concerns about the current situation.
I went to the doctor and I want to tell you which possible causes have influenced the fact that my daughter still has not started talking. Firstly, he said that such a delay may be affected by the changes in a child's life: the cutting teeth, various trips and so on. And as you know, we have recently moved to another country. Perhaps, that is why she still does not speak.
Secondly, it can be caused by a variety of developmental disorders. I was very scared to hear about it, so we have immediately conducted a full medical examination. Fortunately, no pathologies were detected and I can breathe freely.
Thirdly, he explained me that the child may have a banal absence of the need of speech. This can happen in two cases: if adults almost do not speak with the child or when the parents try to say everything instead of him and predict his wishes by gestures and sounds - then he just does not have a need to be engaged in the dialogue. After that I realized that we belong mostly to the first type because I was very busy with the movement, paperwork, job and household responsibilities and I almost did not have an ability to devote some time to my daughter. Generally, all this time she spent with a nanny, but I know we both understand that a stranger, no matter how professional he is, cannot refer to someone else's child like to his own baby. I really feel my guilt because of that, but I had no choice. I hope you understand and do not condemn me because your opinion is very important for me.
Other possible factors that the doctor described included heredity (if one of the parents began to speak too late), hearing loss and various injuries during the childbirth. Fortunately, we do not have any of the above mentioned factors, so the doctor assured me that everything would be fine if I make certain efforts. The most important rule is not to panic.
After discussing the possible reasons and conducting a medical examination we found out that my baby does not have any physical disabilities. Therefore, the doctor gave me some advice which will help us to solve this problem. So, here is our plan of actions:
Practice and play regularly, as well as communicate with a child a lot and with pleasure. I should tell him about everything that I see and do. However, I do not have to talk incessantly, it is necessary to give an opportunity to the child to say something even if he keeps silence. In this case, I can accurately help him and announce a response as it could be on his behalf: “Do you like soup?” “Yes, very tasty, thank you”. The main thing is not to transform a dialogue with the child into my monologue.
It is necessary to choose several favorite games which have some songs, dialogues, and play from time to time. Even if the exercises do not bring quick results, we are making a very useful contribution to the development of the child and these efforts will not remain unnoticed. For example, finger games that develop fine motor skills perfectly are very useful. The doctor said that finger games not only stimulate blood circulation, but also contribute to the development of the child's memory, who does not speak at the age of 2. The baby remembers that a certain movement of fingers is accompanied by some funny counting, and then he will be able to perform such tasks without help.
Also, the doctor told me about some things which I should not do under any circumstances. I do not have to compare my daughter with other children. I need to convince myself that my child is unique, he develops at his own pace and I can help him or just admire the way he grows and matures. We definitely need to celebrate successes: “This week you have learned five new words!” I even decided that I will keep a diary of our lessons in order to see the progress more obviously. Also, I should not fixate on this issue, blame and scold my daughter if she does not speak. I just need to continue our exercises, using maternal wisdom and serenity.
The main thing that I learned from talking with the doctor is that it is necessary to work with my child every day and as often as possible, and do not be upset if something does not work. If we work hard, we will definitely succeed. I hope you will be able to visit us in the nearest future and help me, as well as to see your granddaughter. She is growing day by day, and I am shocked that the time is so fast. I look forward to hearing from you.
Love,
Bibliography
Amy Nelson. (2013). Delayed Speech or Language Development. Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/not-talk.html#
