not sure where this should be....

[mis2ninos]

But our son just turned 15 months and I'm looking for some support/advice. Hes being raised bilingual. My mil takes care of him during the day and speaks Spanish. I try to only speak English to him. Problem is hes not saying any words except dad. He understands things like I'll ask him where's his nose and he will point to it. Ive discussed my concerns with his pedi and had an early intervention specialist meeting and everyone is saying not to be concerned until hes 2 (!)

What do you ladies think? Each day that passes without him saying new words is making me scared :(

[MatildaMai]

I would say most of the kids I know who've been raised bilingual have been slow starters. Don't worry. As long as he understands what is being said to him it's fine. What usually happens is that they don't say much at all and then all of a sudden just seem to speak both languages fluently. Sometimes they are as old as 3 when this happens. My cousin's daughter was nearly 4 before she would say simple phrases in either language. She is now 9, fluent in both languages and as sassy and clever as they come.

It can also be a boy thing. My nephew who has been spot on or ahead for all his milestones, and is not being raised bilingual (just English), still only has 3-4 words and he is 18mths old! But he is putting all his energy into running and climbing at this point!

You are giving your son a great gift with this opportunity to learn 2 languages. He is probably a bit young for flash card games and things like that but in a few months I'd give that a go. Also really insist that he use words to ask for things if he has a tendency to cry and point at stuff he wants.

[mis2ninos]

You have no idea how much better this makes me feel!!! Thank u for replying <3

[nuthinbutpink]

I'd tell you to follow your instinct. Of something seems off, you can have him evaluated by a therapist and they can put you at ease or give you guidance. I waited until 3 and there were kids far younger receiving services. Just do what feels right and my pediatrician did not always know best.

[Hobbermittens]

My son isn't bilingual, but wasn't doing the usual speech related stuff by 12 months, so I had him evaluated. I had him in speech therapy by 18 months, and he was completely caught up by age 4 (and was doing really well before that). He never had any delays that anyone noticed, besides me, and I think that is because I got him help so early.

I don't have any idea about bilingual kids, though. I think MatildaMai sounds like she knows a lot about it, so maybe you don't have anything to worry about. I think the fact that he understands everything is a great sign.

[Lotte]

Two years ago I met a 15 month old boy.
His mother was American, his dad German and they lived in spain.
I think he picked the "easiest" words from each language.
he did not say "light" but the German word "licht".
But he understood all 3 languages, I spoke them all to him, simple questions (where is your.... / manos arriba / wie heist du). Clever boy!

My Dutch friend down under speaks English AND Dutch to her son (and pets!), they understand her, but her son refuses to speak Dutch.

[weeziewoozles]

I don't have a personal story but studied child language development as part of my Psychology degree. Bilingual kids are renowned for talking later. Just think about the complexity of a baby learning language and then add in the different words and rules of another! It's astonishing that they manage it at all! It's such a great opportunity you're offering. Just wait and see.

[fresas]

I have 2 bilingual boys (Spanish/English) that both had speech delays. Nothing major, but noticeable. The resounding consensus was that speech delays are almost expected/normal in bilingual (or multilingual) homes.

If your son seems otherwise developmentally healthy, I would not be too concerned yet. Bilingual speech delays do not normally reflect lower IQ or anything like that. Keep speaking Spanish. They will thank you some day for giving them the gift of bilingualism. :) They might even thank you in both languages. :D