As a pediatrician AND a mom, I know how badly we want to hear our little ones say their first words. But sometimes, the way we try to help can actually make it harder for them! 😬 Here are some common mistakes I see and some easy tweaks to get them talking sooner: ❌ Constantly saying “Say Mama! Say Mama!” ✅I get it—we’re eager! But constant prompting can feel like pressure and doesn’t teach real communication. Babies learn best when we model language in a natural way. Instead, try statements with expression: “It’s Mama!”—this helps them hear the word in context. ❌ Rapid-fire questions like “What does the dog say? What does the cow say?” ✅ Too many questions back-to-back don’t give little brains time to process! Instead, pause and wait: “The dog goes… woof!” This builds anticipation and invites them to participate. ❌ Speaking in a flat, unengaging tone ✅ Monotone speech isn’t interesting to babies. But exaggerated tone “parentese” (that sing-songy, animated way we naturally talk to babies), and big facial expressions? That grabs their attention and makes words more meaningful! ❌ Skipping gestures and expressions ✅ Words are more than just sounds—they come alive with movement and emotion! When we act out words, like doing a big rolling motion with our hands for “The wheels on the bus go round and… (pause)” we make language fun, engaging, and easier to remember. ❌ Overcorrecting their words ✅ If your toddler says “wawa,” responding with “No, it’s water” can feel discouraging. Instead, naturally model the correct pronunciation with enthusiasm: “Yes! Water! Let’s drink some water!” This keeps the conversation positive and keeps them trying. Want to learn even more ways to encourage speech? Comment or DM “TODDLER TALKS” and I’ll send you my YouTube video with more tips! 🎥💬 If you found this helpful, make sure to share it, save it, and follow @pedsdoctalk