Suddenly not using words
I’m going to be flat out honest, I’m really annoyed/frustrated. My son has stopped using his words to communicate his needs. He will tap you, point, grunt, and whine instead of telling you specifically what he needs/wants, causing you to play this guessing game until you finally ask the right thing. Is this what it is? A game? I’m not sure if he just thinks he’s being silly/funny, but it’s getting a bit ridiculous. Now, he is verbal, he has no problem screaming and talking up a storm any other time, but when he asks for something he resorts to a more silent communication or whispering it really quietly. He wasn’t always this way… not sure if he’s going through a bit of a regression because he also demands to be carried everywhere… Anyone else dealing with this? Any suggestions on how to encourage him/help him work through this?
I am following to hear what others have tried. My daughter does this too, but usually only when she's tired or just waking up in the morning. She has gotten better, though. I've done things like ask her ridiculous things like, "Do you want me to put a doll on my head?" Sometimes she laughs and starts using words. Other times, she gets more frustrated. If she gets more frustrated, I tell her I don't understand grunting and whining. And say I'll help her with anything once she tells me with her words or ask her if she knows what she wants. Sometimes, she doesn't know and just wants a hug. 🫠🤷♀️ I've been trying to be more patient and reminding myself that she's having more complex feelings, and she is unable to express them verbally.