Which statement from a parent may suggest a possible language delay in a preschool student?

The statement from the parent that indicates a possible language delay in a preschool student is the one referring to Joey not talking like his older brother did at the same age. This comparison to an older sibling provides a clear benchmark against typical developmental milestones, highlighting that Joey may not be meeting expected language skills for his age. Developmental norms for language acquisition can vary, but if a child is significantly behind where their siblings were, it raises a flag for potential assessment and intervention.

In contrast, the other statements do not directly relate to language production or comprehension. For example, observing others (the first statement) can be indicative of social learning rather than a language delay, while being a picky eater (the third statement) does not connect to language abilities at all. The last statement about crying when he doesn't get what he wants relates to emotional expression and behavior, which, although important in a child's overall development, does not specifically point to language skills. Therefore, the focus on a sibling’s language abilities makes the second statement particularly relevant when assessing a child's language development.