Send us a text What if the best way to help your toddler talk isn’t about doing more — but noticing more? If you’ve ever wondered how to build your child’s language without feeling like you’re teaching a class, this episode will give you the clarity and calm you’ve been craving. You’ll discover: • Why connection—not correction—drives true communication • How everyday routines (yes, even laundry and grocery runs) become language lessons • A simple daily rhythm that builds confidence, calm, and co...
Oct 28, 2025•41 min
Send us a text Everyone talks about “speech milestones,” but few realize that clear talking starts long before the first word. It begins with sucking, swallowing, mouthing, and chewing real food. In this episode, Erin Hyer — pediatric speech-language pathologist and host of Talking Toddlers — unpacks how modern feeding habits are quietly undermining children’s oral-motor development and what parents can do to course-correct with confidence. You’ll discover: Why mouthing and chewing are essential...
Oct 21, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 126
Send us a text You’re in the grocery store. Your toddler is whining, tugging, then screaming, and finally — full-body flop in the aisle. People are watching. Your chest tightens. You start explaining, reasoning, pleading… and it just gets worse. Why? In this episode, Erin Hyer breaks down what’s actually happening inside your toddler’s brain during a meltdown — and why talking doesn’t work when their emotional system is in charge. You’ll learn how the right hemisphere, limbic system, and surviva...
Oct 14, 2025•39 min•Season 4Ep. 125
Send us a text Does your toddler ignore you when you’ve asked the same thing six times? Or do you feel that sting of embarrassment when they melt down in the store or refuse to listen at the park? Here’s the truth: your child isn’t being “bad.” They’re showing you where they are developmentally — and the good news is, you can absolutely teach them how to listen, focus, and follow through. In this episode, I’ll walk you through 4 simple, science-backed keys to getting your toddler’s attention and...
Oct 07, 2025•27 min•Season 4Ep. 124
Send us a text Want to raise a healthy, thriving baby — without all the gadgets and overwhelm? In this episode, I’m sharing 10 powerful essentials that help your baby thrive by focusing on what truly matters: connection, rhythm, and presence. Drawing on over 35 years as a speech-language pathologist, toddler specialist, and mom, I walk you through ten simple, science-backed ways to support your baby’s development — from skin-to-skin bonding and baby-wearing to tummy time, outdoor rhythms, mindfu...
Sep 30, 2025•37 min•Season 4Ep. 123
Send us a text Most parents think reading starts with letters and phonics. But the truth is — literacy is a man-made skill, layered on top of speech and language. If your child doesn’t get the right foundations at home , they may struggle later, even in the best schools. In this episode of Talking Toddlers , Erin Hyer — speech-language pathologist with 35+ years of experience — reveals the 10 foundational skills every baby, toddler, and preschooler needs before school. These aren’t worksheets or...
Sep 23, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 4Ep. 122
Send us a text Should you homeschool through kindergarten or send your child to preschool? You’ll discover the truth about “socialization,” what’s actually happening in many early childhood programs, and how to confidently decide what’s right for your family — without guilt, pressure, or fear of “falling behind.” From overworked teachers "managing" behavior, to the loss of play-based learning, to the social-emotional gaps that show up years later, you’ll learn why the most powerful learning stil...
Sep 16, 2025•34 min•Season 4Ep. 121
Send us a text Most parents think play begins with dolls and pretend kitchens — but the earliest stages of play start long before that… and missing them could mean missing crucial communication growth. From nibbling on their fists, to peekaboo and pretend play -- your child’s first three years are full of small moments that build a BIG foundation. In this episode, Erin Hyer — speech-language pathologist and toddler specialist with 35+ years of experience — breaks down the 7 stages of play and sh...
Sep 09, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 120
Send us a text Your child’s brain isn’t finished at birth — it’s built day by day, through you. Whether you have a baby or a toddler, this episode will help you understand the “why” behind sleep struggles, sensitivities, and attention challenges — and remind you that brains are built through responsive parenting. In this episode of Talking Toddlers, Erin Hyer, speech-language pathologist with 35+ years of experience, explains why the first years matter so much for brain development. We’ll cover:...
Sep 02, 2025•25 min•Season 4Ep. 119
Send us a text Why are so many mothers leaving the workforce — and what does it mean for our children? The Washington Post calls it “erasing pandemic gains.” But after 35+ years as a speech-language pathologist working with hundreds of families, I see something deeper: maybe these mothers are choosing to reclaim what matters most. In this episode, I share two powerful family stories that illustrate the difference presence makes — one stretched thin and overwhelmed, the other grounded and intenti...
Aug 26, 2025•21 min•Season 4Ep. 118
Send us a text Did you know your toddler’s playtime is more than just fun? Between 12 and 18 months, play is the engine driving their memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. In this episode, Erin Hyer — speech-language pathologist with over 35 years of experience — unpacks why play is the true work of childhood. You’ll learn how to: – Spot the signs that your toddler’s play is building real skills – Support both structured and unstructured play without overcomplicating it – Avoid the “wait an...
Aug 19, 2025•59 min•Season 4Ep. 117
Send us a text Parents of babies and toddlers—you’re exhausted. But here’s the good news: one small evening habit can change that, starting tonight. Learn the science of how light affects melatonin, why it matters for your toddler’s brain development, and how to create a bedtime environment that works for the whole family. Discover how one simple change—dimming your lights an hour before bedtime—can help your baby, toddler, and you fall asleep faster and sleep deeper. In this episode, Erin Hyer,...
Aug 12, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 116
Send us a text Has gentle parenting gone too far? Many well-meaning moms are finding themselves burned out, confused, and constantly negotiating with toddlers who seem to need more structure—not less. In this episode, Erin Hyer, speech-language pathologist and toddler development specialist, breaks down what toddlers actually need—and why a firmer, more faithful approach is gaining traction among modern parents. (Yippeeee) Drawing from the viral Wall Street Journal article “Goodbye Gentle Parent...
Aug 05, 2025•22 min•Season 4Ep. 115
Send us a text Explore how speech develops after the first words — and what to do if your toddler can’t express themselves clearly. Erin explains how to recognize delays in expression and speech sounds and gives practical, empowering strategies to support your child at home. 🎙 Part 2 of 2 in the “Building Blocks” Mini-Series In Part 1, we covered the first two foundational 'pillars' of speech development: 1️⃣ Social Interaction – how connection fuels communication 2️⃣ Understanding Language – w...
Jul 29, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 114
Send us a text The 4 Building Blocks of Speech Development – Part 1 Long before your toddler says their first real word, two powerful foundations (milestones) must already be in place: interaction and understanding . These aren’t “nice to have” skills — they are non-negotiable building blocks for speech, language, connection, and future learning. Yet so many parents are told to wait and see, when in fact, there’s so much YOU can do now. In this episode, Erin shares: The first two building blocks...
Jul 22, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 113
Send us a text Why does your toddler seem to completely ignore you when you say “no”? Are they just testing limits—or is something deeper going on? In this episode of Talking Toddlers , Erin breaks down what “no” actually means to children under three—and why their response is less about defiance and more about development. You’ll learn how to guide your toddler through this critical stage with firm but loving strategies that really work. Inside this episode: What toddlers truly understand about...
Jul 15, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 112
Send us a text Is your toddler always pushing back, melting down, or refusing to help? From messy playtime to getting out the door, you’ll learn how to: – Encourage turn-taking, even with babies – Turn cleanup into connection – Use routines and rules to reduce drama – Make transitions smoother – And raise a child who wants to help — without bribes, yelling, or power struggles In this episode of Talking Toddlers , Erin Hyer — speech-language pathologist with over 35 years of real-life experience ...
Jul 08, 2025•41 min•Season 4Ep. 111
Send us a text What do toddlers really need? It’s not more toys, more stimulation, or more screen time. It’s something simple, powerful, and often overlooked: a predictable daily routine . In this episode of Talking Toddlers , Erin—SLP, early intervention expert, and prevention-first parent coach—explains why consistent routines are the foundation for calm, cooperation, and healthy brain development. You’ll learn: Why routines reduce tantrums and improve sleep The brain science behind rhythm and...
Jul 01, 2025•56 min•Season 4Ep. 110
Send us a text Is your toddler bouncing between toys with little focus? Wondering what kind of play actually matters in these early years? In this episode, Erin Hyer, a seasoned speech-language pathologist and early intervention expert, breaks down the importance of open-ended play —and WHY it’s a game-changer for your child's brain, body, and emotional development. You'll learn what types of toys to prioritize, why less is more, and how play sets the foundation for true success. Instead of hand...
Jun 24, 2025•42 min•Season 4Ep. 109
Send us a text Tired of feeling stuck when your toddler reaches for a screen? Erin introduces a list of 10 screen-free activities that are practical, low-cost, and beneficial for cognitive, motor, and emotional development. Additionally, Erin provides 9 interactive games that can be played WITHOUT any tools, such as 'Name That Tune' and 'I Spy.' These are what’s trending among parents online and her go-to games from decades of real-life early intervention. These setups are simple, sensory-rich, ...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Season 4Ep. 108
Send us a text The screen time struggle is real—but boundaries aren’t punishment - they’re protection. And they’re a gift your child will grow into. What if one of the hardest choices you make today becomes the one your child thanks you for a decade from now? In Part 2 of our screen time mini-series, we’re talking boundaries —the kind that feel tough in the moment but protect your child’s development for years to come. If you’ve ever wondered, "Am I being too strict?" or "Is this really such a b...
Jun 10, 2025•58 min•Season 4Ep. 107
Send us a text Why is it so hard to set screen time boundaries with toddlers? Is it just modern parenting—or is there something bigger going on? In this powerful first episode of our screen time mini-series, Erin walks you through the cultural shifts, industry influence, and developmental concerns that make screens a bigger issue than most parents realize. Drawing on insights from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, Erin challenges moms to be bold, clear, and proactive—starting now. 🎧 In ...
May 28, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 106
Send us a text Is babbling just a cute stage—or a sign of something deeper? In this episode of Talking Toddlers , Erin dives into the often-overlooked world of prelinguistic development during your baby’s first year. Drawing on 35+ years of clinical experience, Erin explains how babbling builds the foundation for speech, how movement (yes, even tummy time!) connects to oral motor skills, and why quiet babies need your attention —not just patience. You’ll learn why consonants and vowels matter, h...
May 06, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 105
Send us a text Part 2 of the “Is My Baby’s Development Normal?” Mini-Series What happens when a milestone disappears from the checklist? In this episode, we’re digging into a surprising decision: the CDC no longer considers crawling a core developmental milestone. But does that mean it’s no longer important? Absolutely not. With 35+ years of clinical experience in early childhood development, I’ll walk you through why crawling still plays a crucial role in brain development, sensory integration,...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 104
Send us a text When should my baby be talking? Crawling? Walking?” If you’ve ever typed those words into Google at 2 a.m., you’re not alone. In this episode of Talking Toddlers , Erin tackles one of the most common fears new parents have: Is my baby falling behind? With 35+ years in early intervention, she breaks down what developmental milestones really mean, why PROGRESS matters more than perfection. Research demonstrates that proactive parenting can truly shape your child’s future. You’ll lea...
Apr 09, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 103
Send us a text Did you know that talking doesn’t start with words? Before a child ever says “mama” or “dada,” they go through critical developmental stages that pave the way for speech. In this episode of Talking Toddlers , we’re diving into the Top 10 Essential Skills For Talking —the must-know skills that indicate a child is on the right track for language development. We’ll cover everything from sensory awareness and social connection to gestures, turn-taking, and play—all fundamental to help...
Apr 01, 2025•52 min•Season 3Ep. 102
Send us a text If you’re wondering how to help your toddler talk more, you might be overlooking one of the most powerful (and simplest) tools you already have—mealtime! In this episode of Talking Toddlers , we’re diving into why shared meals aren’t just about food—they’re about connection, conversation, and building the foundation for strong communication skills. I’ll break down: Why mealtime is a natural opportunity for boosting language development. How eating together fosters attention, liste...
Mar 26, 2025•42 min•Season 3Ep. 101
Send us a text Feeding your family should be simple—but today, food companies have made it confusing on purpose. Nearly 70% of toddlers’ food and 73% of grocery store products are ultra-processed. And it’s not by accident—it’s by design, for profit. In this episode, we’ll pull back the curtain on how we got here, revealing the six ways the baby food industry manipulate parents into thinking convenience equals better nutrition. We’ll review the real impact of ultra-processed foods on your child’s...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 3Ep. 100
Send us a text What if everything you thought you had to feed your baby was actually just clever marketing? For decades, parents have been told that rice cereal and packaged baby food are essential first foods. But the truth? Ultra-processed foods do nothing to support your baby’s rapidly growing brain, gut health, or real-time learning. This is Part 1 of a 3-part series where we unpack the real science behind infant nutrition and practical ways to build healthy eating habits from the start. In ...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 99
Send us a text This episode is Part 2 of our deep dive into ‘Gentle Parenting Trends’—and why social media doesn’t always model the best examples for real-life parenting. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, I highly recommend starting there first! In that episode, I covered the first two key developmental stages: ✅ 12-18 months – The early stages of independence, how cause-and-effect learning is still concrete, and why emotional development starts with attunement from infancy... but it's up t...
Feb 26, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 98
