Why Isn’t My Child Speaking Enough Words? A Guide for Parents in Bayside, Bay Terrace & Floral Park
It’s completely normal for parents to worry when their toddler isn’t saying as many words as expected. At Little Explorers, we often get questions from families in Bayside, Bay Terrace, and Floral Park who are concerned that their child might be behind in speech development. The good news? Many children develop language at their own pace—and there are supportive ways to encourage healthy communication.
What’s Typical Speech Development?
While every child is different, here are general speech milestones to look out for:
By 12 months: Babbles with tone, says “mama” or “dada,” responds to their name
By 18 months: Says 10–20 words, understands simple commands
By 24 months: Says 50+ words, begins forming two-word phrases
By 36 months: Has a 200+ word vocabulary, uses short sentences
If your child is noticeably behind, it doesn’t always mean there’s a problem—but it’s a good idea to watch closely and talk to your pediatrician.
Common Reasons for Speech Delays
There are several reasons a child might not be speaking much yet:
Hearing issues (even mild hearing loss can affect speech)
Late bloomer (some kids just need more time)
Limited exposure to language (less conversation or reading time)
Oral-motor challenges
Developmental or neurological conditions
At Little Explorers, we observe your child closely and communicate with you about any early signs that may need extra support.
How We Support Speech Development at Little Explorers
We design our daily activities to boost communication through play, music, and conversation. Our teachers:
Read books aloud daily
Use songs, fingerplays, and interactive stories
Encourage expressive language through open-ended questions
Model clear speech and give kids time to respond
We also work closely with families in Bayside, Bay Terrace, and Floral Park to provide updates and suggest speech-enriching strategies for home.
When to Seek Support
If your child is over 18 months and saying fewer than 10 words—or if they seem frustrated trying to communicate—it may be worth having a speech evaluation. Early intervention can be incredibly helpful and is available in all of our local communities.
Tips for Encouraging Language at Home
Talk often: Narrate your day, even if they don’t respond
Read daily: Choose interactive books and repeat favorites
Sing together: Songs help with rhythm, repetition, and memory
Limit screen time: Real-life interaction is key
Repeat and expand: If your child says “ball,” you say, “Yes, a red ball!”
You’re Not Alone
Many children in our Bayside, Bay Terrace, and Floral Park childcare communities experience slower speech development—and they catch up beautifully with the right support. At Little Explorers, we’re here to guide you through every stage with compassion, encouragement, and expert care.