Questioner: Ashutosh
Subject: My son doesn’t show interest in reading books
Question: My son is 23 months old. He has not started talking. He only says some word like momma, papa etc. He shows his body parts if we ask. He understand almost 90% whatever we say but when we try to read kids book with him he doesn’t show any interest. Very rarely he tell the pictures in the book. How to create interest for reading or is it quite early?
Answer: Dear Ashutosh:
Children and toddlers especially do not just show an interest in books naturally. They need to be read to on a daily basis with books that are age appropriate.
At his age picture books with a few words are plenty. Simply make a game of telling him what body parts you are asking about like his nose etc…and make a big deal when he talks.
Often children who do not talk as early as other children have had adults in taking care of them who do not expect the child to speak. In other words responding to his needs before he has to struggle to speak words. Try waiting when he wants something or pretending you don’t understand him. Challenge him a little bit within reason.
Best Wishes!
M Kay Keller
