You just cannot win! That is life for you. All fingers are not equal.

A parent complains to their family doctor that their two year old child is not talking, responding to instructions or saying words that two year olds should be saying. The doctor arranges a series of tests and referrals to a speech therapist and or appropriate professionals.

Then you have another parent saying “my two year old child is a chatterbox, he/she just won’t stop talking, I am worried that it will affect him/her when he/she grows up. “ I know it can be unsociable to be a talkative. What should I do?

Children may differ in various aspects but have one thing in common. They are UNIQUE! They are also wonderfully created.

Some children irrespective of their age just love talking. Not because they love the sound of their own voice but because they have so much to say and/or they like to talk about themselves, their surroundings, everything and anything. Many children unless they are stopped or interrupted will keep talking or until they are ignored. They sometimes do not know when to stop talking.

My child once wrote in school, instructions on how to tame a dragon. This was during a creative writing lesson. It was quite a beautiful piece to read.

Talking of taming, do you think a child that is talkative should be tamed? I often think of the word ‘tame’ in relation to animals.

Where a parent believes their child talks incessantly and is concerned that the behaviour may affect his/her social skills can anything be done about it?

I say yes! What are your thoughts?

Children who find it difficult to know when to stop talking can be seen as unsociable. Parents and caregivers can help the child to develop better social skills. It is worth mentioning though that being a talkative child is not a bad thing. In fact many children that are vocal and talkative are usually confident.

Help that can be offered if you are worried about a chatterbox child.

1. Explain to the child that whilst it is good to talk, too much talking and babbling can be seen as unsociable, annoying and could lead friends, acquaintances, and family to turn a deaf ear. Friendships can suffer where one party is always talking and not listening to others and not knowing when to stop. The child should be taught to be selfless and not always talking about themselves but to talk about topics that friends and family will be interested in.

2. Teach the child about being aware of their surroundings when speaking, watch the behaviour of the person they are talking to, if the person seems bored they should pause and ask questions to hear what the person may say. Teach the child about listening to people they are speaking to and giving others a chance to speak. You can also do different role plays with your child to demonstrate your points.

3. Allow your child time and space to practise that which you thought him/her and ask them to report back to you.