My daughter is starting to speak at 18 months and she has picked up many words recently but she is refusing to acknowledge me. She can say YeYe (Grandfather), Ah Ma (Grandmother), apple, orange, yellow, baba (Daddy), Elmo and can repeat many words after us but she is just refusing to say 'Mama' (Mother) which I'm asking her to call me that. I am so upset and affected because I spent the most time with her. Is she doing this on purpose and does this happen to any other mums?

i dont think an 18 mth old child will do it on purpose! can she say words that start with the 'm' sound? if she cant, it could be that she is not ready. what about trying this- create opportunities where lo calls for u. ignore lo when she wants u or trying to get ur attention, pretend not to notice- to see if it would motivate her into calling u 'mama' to finally get ur attention. keep trying this for short periods of time (not too long). if at first it does not wrk, pretend to finally notice her and say 'oh you wanted Mama?' and point to yourself. gradually lengthen the time and she will get the idea. hopefully