Are you one of those who obsessively check development charts and compare it against your own child's progress? What if your child isn't keeping up with what they say is normal?

Delay in expressive language is the most obvious. I have seen several mothers' look of worry as they observe other kids communicate while theirs can't seem to go past mama and dada. Even online, this problem seem to be what a lot of parents are asking about.

Do keep in mind that children do not develop at the same rate. However, should you think that your child is way behind the development curve, it would be best to bring him to a specialist for a more detailed assessment.

Parents whose children have speech delay should also check out Talking with Toddlers. It's a website maintained by Rick McKinnon, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, a linguist and speech-language pathologist working in early intervention (birth to three).

Do your homework and, if needed, get help on time.