First time mothers
You’re a first time mom, which is like going on an exciting journey with no roadmap whatsoever. You’re in a constant state of both buoyant joy and crushing exhaustion.
That’s why you appreciate the advice from your mom, your sister, all the moms in your life who love you and want you to succeed. Even though you’ve read all the books, done all the online research and then some, it’s reassuring to see what people you know have actually gone through.
The changes are coming so fast. Constant crying turns to gurgling and sometimes laughter. Erratic sleep, to snatches of sleep, to sleep training…eventually. Breastfeeding becomes bottle feeding and then eating solids.
I don’t understand
And when it comes to communication, random sounds become gurgling, then babbling, then…nonsense? The books didn’t mention this! And come to think of it, your circle of moms didn’t either. What’s going on?
What is jargon?
Your toddler is using jargon. Jargon is when kids say a string of nonsensical syllables or pretend words that make no sense, or maybe with only one word that makes sense. In other words it’s gibberish.
From birth your child is attempting to communicate. Crying is your child’s way of trying to get you to understand their wants and needs. Gurgling and cooing is their attempt at making different sounds. Babbling, or repeating syllables (mama, dada), comes next. And then comes jargon. It’s part of a natural process.
Jargon is your child’s way of imitating the speech patterns they hear all around them. That’s why when you listen in, or better yet, listen from a little far away, it sounds like they are speaking in actual sentences. Don’t get discouraged, because the more your child uses jargon, the closer they get to using real words.
Jargon is normal
The use of jargon is absolutely normal. Here’s a little snapshot of when and for how long your child may use jargon:
- 12 to 18 months: beginnings of jargon
- 18 to 22 months: uses jargon well
- 22 to 24 months: masters jargon
In the following year or two, your child goes from using and learning single words to talking nonstop. Also, by four years of age, much of what they say should be understood, even by strangers.
It’s amazing, isn’t it? To think that your tiny baby will one day be a bouncing ball of energy that won’t stop talking or moving. One day, sooner than you think, you might miss the days when your child was just a precious baby, silent except for the crying and the wailing. And the use of jargon is a crucial part in that process.
Blessings to you guys for this article!! I’ve been literally losing sleep for months now because my nearly 21 month-old son just doesn’t speak yet. Over the past month or so thou I have noticed the increasing of what now I know is jargon. It’s non stop now, over the past few days. I’ve been stressing so much over it, going from blaming our tri-lingual environment to dreading red flags for speech delay or even autism. This article helped me a lot. I look forward to finally hearing his first few words!! Thanks! 😊
I’m so glad to hear that it’s been helpful for you!
Thank you so much for the article. Like the poster above, I have been stressing about my 27 month old son who is behind with his speech but since 24 months has started to use jargon more and more. Although he is delayed, your article has given me hope that he is on the right path and it feels like a sign I have been praying for today. Thank you. God Bless.
I’m so glad that this article was a blessing to you and your son! It warms my heart that you found hope through this resource, and I will be praying that you find the support you need at every step in his communication journey.