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Expert Q&A
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| By Keath Castelloe Low child and adolescent psychologist | ||
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My son is 15 years old and for the past 5 years he has developed a habit of "baby talk," in which he talks like a baby. He does this mainly around me, but sometimes around the rest of the family. He never does this around people outside of the family though, and I really have no idea why he does this. Any thoughts? He never does this around people outside of the family though, and I really have no idea why he does this. Any thoughts?
You have a nice laid back approach to your son's baby talk. The fact that he does not engage in this kind of talk outside the family shows that he understands when it is OK and when it is not OK to talk like a baby.
You do not express other concerns about your son's behavior, so it may simply be that his talk is a loving, childlike way he relates to you and other close family members. I am assuming he interacts with you at other times in a more age appropriate way.
Sometimes preteens and teens engage in regressed behaviors when they are experiencing anxiety about growing up. You indicate that your son began this baby talk around age 10. For boys puberty generally begins within the ages of 9 and 14. Puberty marks a major transition in a child's life as he starts to move from childhood into adulthood.
In addition to all the physiological changes that occur, puberty also brings about a wide range of emotional changes. It is not unusual for a child to feel insecure and uncertain during this period. Regressed behaviors may indicate a need for extra reassurance and nurturing as a child moves through puberty and adolescence towards adulthood and independence.
Talk openly with your son about his behaviors and help him to explore and label any feelings. Continue to have an easy going and nonjudgmental approach with him.
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