My child knows words but doesn't use them, why?
⚡ Short answer: This is quite common developmentally — your child's 'receptive language,' or understanding, develops before 'expressive language,' or using.
Anonymous
bir anne · Development
My child knows some words, I can tell, but doesn't use them in daily life. Why can they but don't speak?
Maiyko AI ADVISOR
The real reply from the in-app AI advisor
This is quite common developmentally — your child's 'receptive language,' or understanding, develops before 'expressive language,' or using. Understanding a word is much easier than using it correctly in context. Young children may understand a word for weeks or months before suddenly using it correctly. This is usually not concerning, just the brain storing the word then completing the motor planning needed to produce it. If understanding skills (following directions, showing familiar objects) are age-appropriate, just waiting is enough. Modeling, play-based repetition, and naturally naming things the child is interested in help. Still, if close to 2 years or older and not using any words regularly, or if understanding is also delayed, seeing a child developmentalist or speech-language therapist is good.
⚕️ Health note: This answer is for general information only; it is not medical advice. Every baby is different — for decisions about your baby's health, consult your pediatrician.
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