#asktheexpert my baby is 23 months and has not started talking yet. she calls maa only

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Encouraging language development in a 23-month-old involves creating a supportive environment that stimulates communication. Here are some tips to foster your toddler's language skills:

1. **Provide a Language-Rich Environment:**
   - Surround your child with language. Talk to them about daily activities, describe objects, and engage in conversations. This helps them absorb and understand language.

2. **Read Together:**
   - Read age-appropriate books with colorful pictures and simple text. Encourage your child to point at objects, repeat words, or finish sentences.

3. **Sing Songs and Nursery Rhymes:**
   - Singing exposes your child to rhythm and repetitive sounds. Encourage them to join in or mimic the sounds.

4. **Use Simple and Clear Language:**
   - Speak clearly using simple sentences. Avoid using baby talk excessively, but do use a warm and encouraging tone.

5. **Ask Questions:**
   - Pose open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer. This encourages your child to express themselves.

6. **Repeat and Expand:**
   - Repeat your child's words and expand on them. For example, if your child says "ball," you can respond with "Yes, that's a red ball."

7. **Play Pretend Games:**
   - Pretend play allows your child to use their imagination and practice language skills. Join in and create scenarios that involve talking.

8. **Use Gestures and Pointing:**
   - Encourage your child to point at objects and express what they want. This helps bridge the gap between gestures and words.

9. **Be Patient and Give Wait Time:**
   - Allow your child time to respond. Sometimes, they may need a moment to process and formulate their thoughts.

10. **Expand Vocabulary:**
    - Introduce new words regularly. Use labels for objects, actions, and emotions. Make learning new words fun.

11. **Create Opportunities for Interaction:**
    - Arrange playdates with other children. Social interaction provides more opportunities for language development.

12. **Limit Screen Time:**
    - Minimize screen time, especially for young children. Face-to-face interaction is crucial for language development.

13. **Celebrate Communication Attempts:**
    - Praise your child when they make efforts to communicate, even if the words are not perfectly clear. Positive reinforcement encourages further attempts.

14. **Speech Therapy Evaluation:**
    - If you have concerns about your child's language development, consider consulting with a speech-language pathologist for an evaluation.

Remember that each child develops at their own pace, and some variation in language milestones is normal. If you have specific concerns about your child's language development, it's advisable to consult with a pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist for personalized guidance based on your child's individual needs.