My child only talks to me, stays quiet with others?
⚡ Short answer: This is a quite common behavior in children and is usually called selective mutism.
Anonymous
bir anne · Development
My child talks comfortably with me at home but never talks in front of visitors or others. What causes this?
Maiyko AI ADVISOR
The real reply from the in-app AI advisor
This is a quite common behavior in children and is usually called selective mutism. It's noticed most between ages 2-4 but can also happen in school years.
The cause is mostly social anxiety. The child feels completely safe and familiar at home but in the presence of a stranger, their brain's 'fight or flight' response triggers and speech muscles freeze. This isn't stubbornness, shyness, or language problem; it's the physical response of anxiety.
The most important thing is not forcing the child to speak. Pressure like 'tell uncle' adds anxiety. Instead:
- When a visitor comes, stay with your child and play with a toy for the first few moments.
- Start talking with the visitor yourself; 'Our son built a tower with legos today' lets the child participate without speaking.
- Accept staying quiet as their current comfort zone.
If this lasts longer than 4-6 weeks or happens at school too, consulting a child psychologist or educator is helpful. Early intervention is very effective especially if it's happening at school.
⚕️ 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.
This answer is general — yours can be personal 🐦
In the app, Maiyko AI knows your baby's age and records and gives you a tailored answer. Coming soon to the App Store.