When Will My Child Talk? An SLP’s Perspective
You’re a parent of a young child, chances are you’ve asked yourself at least one of these questions:
“When will my child talk?”
“Should my child be talking more?”
“Did I do something wrong?”
“Will my child ever talk?”
You are not alone, and you are not doing anything wrong. Early language development can look very different from child to child, and that’s completely normal. Let’s talk through some of the most common concerns I hear as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).
Does Being Bilingual or Multilingual Cause Speech Delays?
No it does not. This is one of the biggest myths in early language development. Children can successfully learn two or more languages without causing speech or language delays.
Bilingual children may:
- Use fewer words in each language at first
- Mix languages in the same sentence
- Prefer one language in certain settings
All of this is typical and expected. When you look at a bilingual child’s total vocabulary across all languages, it is often equal to (or greater than) that of a child who speaks just one language. If a child has a true language delay, it will show up in all languages, not just one. Speaking your home language(s) with your child gives them rich and meaningful language experiences. This is far more important than limiting them to just one language. What matters most is the quality of language they hear, not the number of languages.
When Will My Child Talk?
The honest answer is: every child develops at their own pace. There is no exact timeline that fits all children. Some children talk early, while some are quiet observers. Some need extra support, and all of these paths are valid. As adults, we can’t force language to happen on demand. If there were a magic wand to speed it up, I would absolutely use it. What we can do is create the best possible environment for language to grow. That means we focus on how we interact and play, model language, and respond to your child every day.
Think of it this way:
Our job is to give the child a toolbox of communication (words, signs, gestures, pictures, AAC devices)
Their job is to decide when they’re ready to use the tools.
A late talker is typically a toddler between 18–30 months who understands language well but uses fewer spoken words than expected when compared to age-related norms. Late talkers often:
- Understand much more than they can say
- Use gestures like pointing or reaching
- Want to communicate, even without many words
Many late talkers catch up on their own with time, support, and language-rich environments. Others may benefit from early speech-language therapy and both outcomes are okay.
Speech therapy for late talkers is not about pressure or forcing speech. It’s about building communication, confidence, and connection so language can grow naturally.
So What Can I Do Right Now?
- Talk, read, and play together daily (even short moments matter)
- Follow your child’s interests and talk about what they’re focused on
- Respond to all communication -> sounds, gestures, eye contact
- Trust your instincts and ask questions when something feels off
Early language support is not a sign that something is “wrong.” It’s simply another way to give your child the tools.
At Butterfly, we are dedicated to helping your child spread their wings. Have questions? We’re here to help! Contact us at any time.