Silly Question Involving Speech!

I had the same thing with my daughter. She said many things before she said mommy. She just wouldnt say it and I am also a SAHM and asked my ped. and he told me it's because I probably meet all her needs so she doesnt feel like she has to say it. I dont think that was true but she didnt say it until she was about 15 months. Now she say it all the time and I love it! Its really cute too because she says mommy and not mama. My husband is now jealous because he wants to hear daddy and she will only call him dada. I just love the sound of her . Good things come to those who wait. : )

Hi H.,

Lots of moms ask me how to get their child to say, "Mama!" I am a speech pathologist and work with preschoolers. You should be thrilled that your son is saying so many words at 13 months. That is great. If you are yearning to hear him call you "mama", then refer to yourself as Mommy now and then besides me or I. Whatever you do, don't be direct in trying to get him to imitate you saying "mama" or put pressure on him. Kids can detect that and can clam up. Always talk to your children the way you would talk to an adult. You wouldn't go up to a friend and say, "Say what I say!"
I have a website with a blog, articles and toy and book reviews all about building your child's language through play: http://www.playonwords.com
Good luck! S. Artemenko

I wouldn't worry about it. I think my husband and I both were called "da da" until my sone was about 15 months old. It'll work out. Lot's of luck!

I wish there was. My son's first word was Mom at about 8 mos old. He said tons of other stuff before daddy. This included the dog Zoe and his uncle Gee Gee. But no daddy, until he was almost 1. My son started talking very early (I'm still waiting for him to stop), but it was forever before he said daddy. Just wait it will come.

H., Don't take it personally, it's just easier to say the "D" sound than the "M" sound. Most children do say Daddy first, it has nothing to do with who he favors.(You could try Eema). Try putting his hand on your mouth as you say "Mama---mmmm". Another thing, if you speak more than one language in the house, it's common to have a slight delay in speaking, although your boy seems perfect!