Speech development with a single mother

Mason&Mama

Ok. Maybe I am being paranoid, but as a newly single mother, everything is stressing me out. I spend my days thinking about how this could impact my son (5 months old). my newest worry is his speech development. I am the only person around him about 95% of the time, if not more. I try to talk to him, narrate what I am doing, and read to him. However, he is almost never around people having a conversation. I try to talk like an adult to him so that he picks up on the language, but most of conversation ends up being about stinky feet, tickle belly, and making any random sounds that makes him laugh (chugga chugga choo choo is his new fave). Am I over-thinking this? Have any of you single parents (that were single with young babies) had any issues with language development? We see family and friends occasionally, but for the most part, it's just the two of us. On top of that, I am setting myself up for extreme separation anxiety because I am the only one that cares for him? Maybe 10 diapers have been changed by other people since birth. I just don't have the help from family/friends ... support yes, but physical help, not so much. Everyone has their own life. Need to stop thinking!!!

Sweet face 82

For the first 7 months of my son's life, even though I was still with my ex I was home by myself 95% of the time...he didn't hear a lot of conversation between 2 adults unless we went out to the grocery store, etc and the conversations he DID hear consisted of my ex screaming at me and throwing things.  Children learn language by hearing it, so talking to him or just talking, singing, etc will get the job done just fine.  Plus, as he gets older and things get a little easier and you are able to take him to more places, he will be exposed to more and more.  Don't stress yourself out too much...although I know as moms we worry about everything.  Sounds like you are doing a great job!  As far as separation anxiety, I went back to work after 7 months of being DS's primary care giver and he adjusted very quickly.  If you're worried, maybe you could have someone you would consider watching him when you go to work come over for a few hours a week so he is familiar with them?  Just a thought!  Good luck!

kirbear

Sounds like you are doing all the right things by talking to him, narrating what you are doing etc...  I think he will be fine

Are you going to have to go back to work and put him in daycare?  It will probably be harder on you than him, but then you will settle into your new norm.  Maybe you can slowly transition him to spending more and more time away from you if you end up having to use daycare.  I did a few half days with my dd before I started her full time.  

Hang in there- it does get easier.... 

jandb2011

Sounds like you're doing great!  No need to worry. 

 From the day my son was born, I was a single parent.  Not only did my DS not have any speech development problems, but he began speaking early and clearly.  Some in my family believe it was because he was with adults and rarely around other kids.  When he was around more people than just me, it was usually my family, and since he was the first grandchild, there were no other kids around.

Just listening to you speak (to him, to yourself, to someone on the phone, etc.)  is all he needs.  You have nothing to worry about, in that regard.