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Is Repeating Sentences While Speaking A Cause For Concern?

Posted on Wed, 19 Apr 2017

Question: My 34 month old has a habit of repeating himself a lot . Is this normal . He has a lot of words and can make sentences and his speech is easy to understand e.g. He will say what are you doing 3 times even after I answer him . Also sometimes he talks to himself e.g. Repeats something like I'm a boy and my sisters a girl over and over in a whisper or I'm a good boy . He may repeat this for a few minutes . If I distract him , he moves on to something else . He is meeting al his developmental milestones .

Answered by Dr. Eric Goldstein (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Repeating

Detailed Answer:
Hello. I just read through your question..
The behavior you describe is normal for an almost 3 year old.. it typically continues until about 4-5 years of age.
You can be reassured. there is nothing to be concerned about.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Eric Goldstein (4 hours later)

Thank you for the reply ! He occasionally hums to himself aswell and sometimes blinks his eyes excessively even though they don't appear to be sore and his vision seems fine . I assume this are all just little habits ! He is my first born so have nothing to compare with .
Thanks again

Answered by Dr. Eric Goldstein (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Yes, these are all considered to be self soothing behaviors that resolve with time.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Eric Goldstein (46 hours later)

Another small thing . If I stop my son from doing something e.g. Climbing on the table by saying " don't climb on the table , you might fall and hurt yourself "!
He could repeat this at another stage out of context and repeat it over and over . Again I assume this is normal , happens very frequently when I correct him .

Thanks for your help , this is my last question !!!'

Answered by Dr. Eric Goldstein (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
No problem.

And yes, at this age this would still be considered normal.

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar