hi, I'm a mom of 18 months n my concern is my child is not speaking anything other than dadda, mumma, di, birdy, doggy. my older

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It sounds like your child is at an early stage of language development, which is completely normal. Children develop speech and language skills at their own pace. Here are some strategies to encourage and support your child's language development:

### Tips to Encourage Language Development

1. **Talk Frequently:**
   - **Narrate Daily Activities:** Talk to your child about what you are doing throughout the day. Describe your actions, objects, and surroundings.
   - **Ask Questions:** Even if your child doesn't respond, asking questions encourages them to think and try to form responses.

2. **Read Together:**
   - **Books:** Read age-appropriate books daily. Point to pictures and name objects, characters, and actions.
   - **Interactive Reading:** Ask your child to point to pictures or repeat words after you.

3. **Sing Songs and Nursery Rhymes:**
   - Singing songs and nursery rhymes helps with rhythm and vocabulary. Encourage your child to sing along or do actions that go with the songs.

4. **Play and Engage:**
   - **Interactive Play:** Use toys and games that encourage talking. Pretend play with dolls, animals, or cars can stimulate conversation.
   - **Word Games:** Simple word games like naming objects in a room or describing what you see can be fun and educational.

5. **Expand on Their Speech:**
   - **Modeling:** When your child says a word, expand on it. For example, if they say "doggy," you can say, "Yes, that's a big brown doggy."

6. **Limit Screen Time:**
   - Engage in more face-to-face interactions and reduce time spent on screens, which can limit opportunities for language practice.

7. **Encourage Social Interaction:**
   - Playdates with other children can provide opportunities for your child to hear and practice new words.

### Monitoring Progress
- **Consistency:** Consistency is key. Keep practicing daily and be patient with your child’s progress.
- **Celebrate Small Successes:** Praise your child for their efforts and progress, no matter how small.

### When to Seek Help
- If you notice significant delays or have concerns about your child’s language development, consult your pediatrician. They may refer you to a speech-language therapist for a professional evaluation.

Every child develops at their own pace, but with continued support and encouragement, your child's language skills should continue to grow and improve.