Twin Talk

The twins have reached two years and five months. This is the age when you start to expect some conversation, not full on twin talk, but at least words and maybe the odd sentence. We do not have an issue with noise from them at all, they can certainly be vocal but as for words, the twins are still very unclear and limited on vocabulary. I’m so glad I started the best postpartum workout program to help me stay in shape and be able to keep up with my littles. The exercises were a lot different than what I did for my pregnancy exercise plan, mainly because your energy levels are much lower while pregnant. And losing the weight is great, but I hate having to buy new postpartum work out clothes every few months.

However, they seem to have brilliant understanding, can follow instructions and not simple ones at the that, for example the other day, my husband joked and said ‘Oh, someone go and get my red jumper at the side of the bed’, and Chilled out Boy went up and brought it down, to our complete shock! They also know all the crucial words like ‘Mine’, ‘No’, ‘Milkshake’, and ‘Chocolate’. I am not sure what this says about my parenting!

BB (who is three years old now) was also slower on the talking front. At the time I was really worried and feared we may have to see a speech and language therapist. It was suggested that I talk too fast and say too much and to be fair I probably do. I tried to simplify how I talk, but I am a wordy person. Additionally you cannot help but compare to other children of the same age and other children seemed to be steaming ahead!

Interestingly enough, Noah, who used to refuse to speak when asked and would not repeat words, especially if he felt he was being tested, suddenly just started talking. There was no new one word or three new word situations, it was suddenly just sentences. Now you would never know he was delayed and his vocabulary is huge! As his mother I feel like I know my son and have already realised he is a bit of a perfectionist. Unless he was convinced it was going to come out perfectly he was not going to say it, and that element is reflected throughout lots of his behaviour and the things he does. He hates the feeling of getting it wrong.

As for the ‘twins talk’, they wake up in the morning calling each other’s names, and then we hear giggles and chatter amongst them like they are having full on conversation, but it makes little sense to us. Strangely though, BBunderstands them and will often translate for us.  I didn’t think that non-identical twins could develop their own language but is this possible? They will repeat words to me and are not shy to try to say new words when asked and so with the twins I don’t know whether it is laziness that stops them from talking, and whether because their limited vocabulary meets their needs and anything that is not clear, BBcan ask for, they do not have to talk, or that they are genuinely struggling with vocabulary but I am just at the point of beginning to worry again.

Admittedly they started pre-school this month and we have noticed some improvement, the words, ‘toast, Marmite and share have been added to their list along with ‘coat, shoes and jeans!’ It also has not appeared to impact on other elements like potty training, where normally it is suggested that they have some good vocabulary before you start, but both are potty trained, way before BBever was!

So what do I do about the twins talk? Do I just let them continue to banter away, do I wait until two and half and maybe contact the health visitor. Or do I just not worry, sit back and wait. It will come when they are ready? Thoughts are gratefully received?