His Name

I’m not really one to follow along with those developmental emails that arrive in my inbox from time to time. I know that my kids will sleep through the night or potty train when they are ready. Sure, they will need help from me (and my husband), but generally we take our cues from the boys. Of course this doesn’t mean that I don’t read those developmental emails. Months ago, as I was reading one of said emails, something struck me. I read that toddlers should start saying their own names by 22 to 24 months. Yeah. Not happening. Xander was not saying his own name.

Xander clearly knew his because he responds to it all the time but he would not say his name. A typical conversation about his name went something like this:

Me: What’s your name?
Xander: ME!
Me: Xander, what’s your name?
Xander: MEEEEEE!!!!!!

I wasn’t overly worried, but I still practiced with him. I got the the point where I would tell him “Say Xander.” At first he would either stay silent or say “ME!” Of course at this point I knew that he was being stubborn. Finally, he started repeating me. He would let out a quiet “Nander” and then look at my shyly. I figured out that it was likely that Z sound at the beginning of his name that was causing his uncertainty. So for several months, I have him repeat his name randomly. We would practice after brushing teeth or just sitting on the couch. Just once or twice to give him confidence.

Well that practice has finally paid off. On Sunday I was changing his clothes and started my usual ritual of asking him to repeat his name. He completely shocked me by yelling “NANDER!!!!!” Now he is constantly saying his name. This morning Jack was gather the binkies on Xander’s bed. Xander looked at him and said “Xander’s binkies!” COMPLETELY UNPROMPTED! The funny part is when he says it, he pretty much growls. It’s hysterical. I know it’s silly, but I’m seriously proud of him too. In his own two year old way, he worked on something that was hard for him and now he can do it.

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