Who Has Children?

[Julie Rains]

I am trying to figure out how to put my kids pictures here. Hank (10) is in the orange shirt and likes to make faces; Sam (13) is in the UNC sweatshirt.

Hank is extremely active and never gets tired. He wishes that people didn't have to sleep...ever. He talks all the time. Sam is my quieter and calmer one.

[jdp]

Hi. New here. I have one child - 5 yo son.

[MSMomsmoney]

I have three teenagers.

An almost 18 year old daughter, almost 17 year old daughter, and a 14 year old son.

[1littlething]

Awww, I love seeing everyone's cute kids! I have two boys myself. A 4year old and an 18 month old. They keep me on my toes.

[Linsey Knerl]

Originally Posted by Gootsy

I do not have children, but I do have a child related question.

My nephew is 25 months old, and I do look after him a lot. He's developing nicely I believe, but he isn't talking clearly very much.

Yesterday I was reading about some kids who are 21 months old and saying many words.

This kinda worries me since really my nephew only says, "No" "Mama" "car" "cat" "dad"
"pop pop(popcorn)". Oh I should add that he's been taught sign language so can say, "Please" "More" "Bottle/milk" "poop" "Water" and a few other I've forgotten.

So should I be getting a little worried about this? Is there anything I could do to help him learn to talk sooner, when I spend time with him?

I have 4 kids, and am telling you that you have NOTHING to worry about. It is true that children develop at their own paces. Language is learned usually out of necessity, so if a child can communicate without words, they will. A good way to encourage language is to give the child a rewarding way to use it. Ask them to expound on requests for "milk", "juice", etc... with questions like "Apple juice or orange juice?" By making them broaden their language naturally, they will soon pick up on it.

My oldest daughter was the only child for 5 years. She said everything very early. My next child didn't speak at all until he was almost 3 and a half. He was given everything without even having to grunt... Then one day, he looked at me and started saying things like, "That doesn't go in that box, Mom." He was very articulate. He just needed time to bloom!

[Lucy]

I have two at home - our boy is 7 and our girl is almost 4. I married into being a Mom, but it's a great job to have! Our boy is in first grade and is the epitome of "active." I understand he's always been that way. It can be frustrating at times, but his high activity levels also mean he's extremely clever, creative and he has the best imagination I've seen in a kid. He's a natural charmer & easy to love.

Our girl (4) is a princess - a happy, outgoing and charming (again) girl. Everyone loves her and she's quite a match for her big brother. She's a little performer and always ready to cheer you up with a song, dance or just a big hug & kiss.

They may not be mine in a biological sense, but they're becoming mine in every other way. I've been married to their Dad for 4 months (together for almost 2 years) & I consider myself very lucky. They teach me something every day & definitely keep me on my toes!

[khorrell]

Lucy - you make it sound so easy and lovely. Thumbs up to you for stepping into such an important job.

I have four girls, ages 5 through 10. Lots of drama at our house.

[USCGamecocks]

I'll have my first son by this time next week. Inducing him on next Friday! Ahh.... It all comes at once.

[kav122]

congrats USC!!!

[StudentMom]

I have one son who is 20 months old. He will be the only child and we're so thankful of every moment we spend with him.