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# Dorie Meek: How to tell when a toddler's speech should be clear
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/dorie-meek-send-comments-to-editor-smdp-com-dear-dorie-translating-for-a-frustrated-mom/
- Published: 2007-06-19T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-25T00:16:36.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

Dear Dorie, I’m having difficulty understanding some of the words my toddler says. He’ll put two or more words together but sometimes I can’t figure out what he’s trying to say. He answers questions and his hearing is fine. I want to know if there is a certain age range where I should be able to understand everything he says? Thanks.

Mumbles at Mama Dear Mama, Your son’s development of language and other communication skills is an ongoing process that begins in utero and continues through life. His range of development will vary based on his unique abilities and environmental exposure. Whether you’ll ever understand everything he says is a tough question, but there are a few things you can do to observe and encourage his efforts.

I’ll assume your son is around two years of age in which case you should be able to identify about twenty words. These don’t have to be perfectly pronounced (e.g. “ba” for “ball”) but they should be recognizable to you. Make a list throughout the day of words that he regularly uses to get a rough count.

As he’s already putting two or more words together spontaneously (a very important milestone), you can support him by continuing to use words to express his needs or wants. If he points at something, gently persuade him to say what it is. Also, I would support picture or object identification during reading or conversation. He should be able to identify around 10 objects or pictures. Finally, watch for regression of abilities. Language and communication skills should increase over time (gradually or dramatically). If there is a decline in his abilities, notify your pediatrician immediately and ask for an assessment.

Perfect comprehension is not typical for any relationship (my mother still doesn’t understand me all the time) but your son should be able to let you know the basics of what’s going on in his young life. Good luck.

DORIE MEEK is director of the Infant & Family Support Program, provided by Saint John’s Health Center in partnership with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Submit your questions to

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 19, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/061907.pdf?ref=smdp.com)