Yeah, me too.
With my first-born, I was constantly reading to him. I would sit in the glider before a nap and read a book or two. If we weren’t reading, I was usually speaking to him. I would tell him what food he’s eating, use sign language for common phrases and talk about what we were doing in that moment.
With my second, I’ve noticed I’m so much more quiet when it’s just her and I than I ever was with my son. The difference? I’m now talking to my toddler who can engage in conversation with me ALL DAY. And the only breaks I get are if he’s self-entertaining or sleeping. Don’t get me wrong… I love having conversations with my son. It’s so cool hearing him form complete sentences and see his ability to better understand what I’m communicating. But I think when he’s not around, I am realizing I need a little break from speaking. And then, of course, immediately after that realization I feel the mom guilt creep in because I know how important it is that I also speak to my second.
If you’re feeling similar, I have good news for you. Your child’s birth order will not impact their language skills in the long-run. The research shows it can have an impact on early language development, but the later-born children always catch up. And in some areas they can even be more advanced!
Remember, even if you aren’t constantly speaking to them or reading with them they are experiencing language all around them every day. They are listening to the conversations you’re having with your first-born, a benefit your first never had! These are often different conversations than what you are having with an adult. They will be okay. Invite them to story time with your big kid and take a deep breath, Mama. You are doing great!
Source: The Hanan Centre