Talking Toddlers - podcast cover

Talking Toddlers

As a new mom, don’t you wish you had someone whispering in your ear with practical and trustworthy guidance? Finding clarity can be challenging these days, and the uncertainty seems almost deafening. Talking Toddlers breaks down how our children grow, learn & develop - by building relationships, human connections, and learning through language. I’m Erin Hyer, a licensed speech-language pathologist - and for nearly 35 years I’ve played with kids on the floor, inspired parents to use everyday routines for learning, consulted with early educators, and trained graduate students to move beyond the classroom and “think outside the box.” My purpose is clear - understand how the brain learns to learn, bridge any gaps before they turn into life-long challenges, and keep kids moving forward. I don’t believe in “taking anything for granted” or “leaving it to chance.” Nor do I subscribe to accepting the increasing “new normal.” Parents are in a very special position to create a language-rich home environment & truly guide kids to thrive, to learn through everyday activities, while building confidence, flexibility and a true curiosity for learning. Episodes will bring practical ideas, as well as, some deep dives to help you understand why there are roadblocks? I believe we are more likely to implement strategies and activities or make changes if we know the reasoning behind them. My goal - to help moms feel empowered and toddlers happier. Please join me every Tuesday, Talking Toddlers where moms come for clarity, connection and courage. Stay tuned for amazing interviews, discussions & practical guidance on how Talking Toddlers learn to thrive - at home - with their moms!

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Episodes

When Do Toddlers Understand "NO" and How Can Parents Help Them Without Yelling! Ep 67

Send us a text Understanding the concept of “NO” is a hard one to grasp for most toddlers! How can we help them learn to listen, follow directions, STOP when I ask him? When is it developmentally APPROPRIATE to expect such understanding? In this week’s episode we cover these questions AND provide 10 Established Strategies To Avoid Meltdowns Our goal is to help your toddler develop independence, curiosity AND cooperation. Your desire is to establish kind and firm parenting-style. Let's do this! E...

Nov 15, 20231 hr 6 minSeason 2Ep. 67

The Secret Key To Unlocking Your Toddler's Talking Ep 66

Send us a text Toddlers love to move. Toddlers need to move. We need toddlers to move. While it's no secret that kids love to move, what might surprise you is just how crucial movement is for their overall development - especially in the realm of speech AND language. In this episode, I explore the wonderful world where MOVEMENT and SPEECH meet, and discover the proactive steps you can take to nurture your child's healthy development. What you might not realize is that every jump, twist and turn,...

Nov 08, 20231 hr 5 minSeason 2Ep. 66

Drooling & Teething With Toddlers Ep 65

Send us a text Teething & drooling with toddlers can be a messy and frustrating period! But it doesn't have to be that way ... and there are A LOT of fun ways to minimize the slimy drool all together. In this episode I delve deep into the fascinating world of drooling and teething, dispelling common misconceptions and shedding light on their intricate connections to your baby and toddler’s vital development. I explore how drooling and teething are often misunderstood markers of a child's dev...

Oct 31, 202353 minSeason 2Ep. 65

Fussy Babies & Pacifiers (Part 2) Ep 64

Send us a text Fussy babies, pacifiers, self-soothing, and self-regulation… We continue the conversation in this week’s episode as there seems to be a lot of nuances we can’t overlook. oral motor development (how your baby’s mouth is shaped) speech sounds and eating skills breathing and upper respiratory health sleep, rest and recovery Remember, my purpose is to demonstrate how EVERYTHING is related - especially in those first three years … Our PRIMARY GOAL - help your baby / toddler develop int...

Oct 24, 202327 minSeason 2Ep. 64

Fussy Babies & Pacifiers: (Part 1) Ep 63

Send us a text It's a common 'go to' and has been around for centuries, so why are there so many questions? Do ALL babies use pacifiers? Are there possible risks or side effects? What can I do INSTEAD to help my fussy baby? In this episode I cover these questions and strategies to build your understanding, make a plan and create a strategy for each stage of your baby's first year. All babies are not equal ... you know that, so we have to sometimes step back and look at a variety of possibilities...

Oct 17, 202345 minSeason 2Ep. 63

Stop Your Toddler From Grazing All Day Ep 62

Send us a text Kids and snacks go together like peanut butter and jelly, but for parents, the non-stop requests for more food can leave you frustrated and burnt-out…and perhaps wondering why? The truth is that toddlers' bodies need plenty of healthy, nutrient-dense calories to support growth and development. But kids also need boundaries to help them make smart, healthy choices when it comes to what (and when) they eat. By using 5 Simple Steps like meal schedules and open discussion about hunger...

Oct 10, 202346 minSeason 2Ep. 62

How To Raise Successful Kids Without Over Parenting? Ep 61

Send us a text Success can look different to each of us ... but I bet you have some 'idea' of how you see your toddler in the future ... confident, curious, helpful, kind, creative? How can we help him or her achieve that? Well it starts with PLAY ... to explore their environment, try new things, and solve problems (through play) they build confidence, social competence, and emotional stability. Listen to this week's episode to hone your understanding of the best form of PLAY! OPEN-ENDED PLAY .....

Oct 03, 202334 minSeason 2Ep. 61

Can you prevent Autism or Language Delay? Ep 60

Send us a text In this episode I cover some exciting NEW SCIENCE that helps us understand developmental risk factors and how much influence we have on our babies and toddlers. If Autism is genetic, can we do anything to minimize its impact? Are we stuck with what we have inherited, or can our environment influence how our genes unfold? What about the Nature vs Nurture debate? Does it matter? I love to question science, because I was taught science is never settled. This seems especially true wit...

Sep 21, 202331 minSeason 2Ep. 60

How Listening Skills Build Strong Readers, and It Starts NOW Ep 59

Send us a text Don't worry ... be happy! How can you be sure your toddler will be ready for reading? Wait ... he can barely speak in sentences!! The answer rests in what you DO together in those first three years... right now! In this episode, I share how the current reading 'methods' are changing once AGAIN, and how you can stay ahead of it - without worry or self-doubt. You build strong reading skills through nursery rhymes, Simon Says, books, routines and dancing ... really? YEP! Listen up (n...

Sep 12, 202335 minSeason 2Ep. 59

Take Ownership of Your Toddler's Growth: 5 Morning Routines Ep 58

Send us a text Mornings can be a difficult period OR a brilliant opportunity. It may often feel like a time crunch ... or is it? In this episode, I challenge you to re-think your morning routine. Let's walk through a healthy, effective and efficient MORNING ROUTINE that supports engagement, language learning, and fosters growth ... no matter what age your baby/toddler is... every morning is a new beginning. Here we cover 5 Basic Morning Routines with 2 Bonus strategies that give your little one ...

Sep 04, 202349 minSeason 2Ep. 58

Avoid Delays - Tips For Toddler Success

Send us a text Many of you have asked, so I am answering... This episode I cover specific tips to focus on if you think your toddler may be "slow to talk" and you're unsure of next steps. Always speak with your primary healthcare provider, but also call private practices in your area; ask friends and relatives for referrals. MOST IMPORTANT take inventory of your quality time together. How can you upgrade your daily routines, play time, and everyday activities to pull him into communication. I'm ...

Aug 30, 202357 minSeason 2Ep. 57

Strong Possibility Why Toddlers Are Grumpy AND How To Address It Ep 56

Send us a text - Terrible two's is a COMMON phrase we hear over and over again ... but is it true? - Toddlers ALWAYS get runny noses, colds, or congestion ... but is it true? - Babies and toddlers often get up during the night ... but is it true? - Toddlers are just picky ... but is it true? I think we hear statements like these so often, we just believe them and take it as fact, but are they REALLY true? My responsibility is to ask questions and be a 'truth teller.' It's not always what we want...

Aug 22, 202342 minSeason 2Ep. 56

The #1 Secret To Avoid Having A Picker Eater Ep 55

Send us a text Why does my baby / toddler stuff his mouth? Is it normal to just swallow without chewing? He spits out more than he swallows. How can I help her? These concerns are becoming more and more common - and many parents are either baffled or assume it's just part of being a toddler. BUT the truth is NONE of this is "typical" or "healthy" and can be avoided ... you just need a few secrets Inside today's episode I cover the health implications associated with poor chewing, eating, swallow...

Aug 15, 202354 minSeason 2Ep. 55

Which Path Will You Take? You Get To Decide Ep 54

Send us a text Episode 54 Decisions over which foods to eat, which products to purchase, whose ideas or methods to follow, and how to implement endless parenting suggestions... It all culminates in DECISION FATIGUE! Then, as a natural consequence of decision fatigue is to DO NOTHING and maintain the status quo. In this episode I share some truths about our modern developmental challenges - and at the same time, encourage new moms and dads to know YOU GET TO CHOOSE how to proceed. Listen to the f...

Aug 08, 202339 minSeason 2Ep. 54

Six Core Strategies to Get Your Toddler Talking Better Ep 53

Send us a text Toddlers want to talk. They want to be engaged. They want to be good listeners. They just don't know how, yet. They learn best through their life experiences .... with you! This episode provides 6 strategies that positively influence learning to talk. You'll be able to apply them naturally, everyday, with your little one and build his or her verbal speech ... and understanding. QUESTIONS: Email: erin@HyerLearning.com Share with your friends and family and help me reach more new pa...

Aug 01, 202347 minSeason 2Ep. 53

Stages of Early Play From Birth through 36 Months Ep 52

Send us a text Many parents intuitively know the importance of play in child development, but despite its many benefits, we rarely associate play with LEARNING . For most people, learning involves acquiring a specific new skill, such as memorizing alphabets, counting, or colors and shapes. They often believe that playing is only for fun and involves no "actual learning." However, according to studies, playing is learning . Children learn through everyday experiences - that are playful, interesti...

Jul 25, 202332 minSeason 2Ep. 52

Take It Outside: Why Can't My Toddler Sit Still? Ep 51

Send us a text In this episode I discuss how UNRESTRICTED OUTDOOR PLAY makes for strong, confident, and capable children. Current research strongly suggests that over 54% of children under 10 years of age have a chronic condition. YET ... new research indicates 50% of developmental challenges are preventable! Our modern day lifestyle can be tricky to navigate, but there are better choices out there. I want to challenge you to step into your own light, ask some hard questions and ** I must prefac...

Jul 18, 202346 minSeason 2Ep. 51

3 Mistakes That Delay Toddlers Learning To Talk Ep 50

Send us a text In this episode I cover three main mistakes many parents, therapists and teachers unknowingly fall into that makes it harder for toddlers to learn how to speak. I've learned over the years in private practice, that once your toddler starts using words, we often forget they are still in the "process" of developing phrases and sentences. Learning to "listen" and learning to "understand" are two different processes. We may assume they can "keep up" with our rapid speech rate, and whe...

Jul 11, 202332 minSeason 2Ep. 50

How To Discipline Your Toddler With Ease & Confidence Ep 49

Send us a text Learning how to discipline a toddler without totally loosing your cool is possible. Here are a few concepts I cover in today's episode ... YOU'VE GOT THIS: Praise your child’s good behavior, but do so without giving external rewards. Start labeling how he feels instead of putting him in a timeout or giving empty threats and warnings. Make sure his needs are met, making him less likely to throw a fit. Set boundaries and establish your expectations about how you treat one another. F...

Jul 04, 202350 minSeason 2Ep. 49

Get Your Baby & Toddler To Listen - Without Yelling

Send us a text Guess what, our toddler doesn't really understand all that much ... yet! When we say, "don't throw your food on the floor!" All they hear is THROW - FOOD ! They love it when we yell, get excited and move our hands up and down as we run to pick up, intervene, or recover our mess. Guess what, you just reinforced their "naughty" behavior! YIKES ... what do we do instead? How can we teach them "to behave" or to share, table manners, and waiting their turn???? Listen to this week's epi...

Jun 27, 202329 minSeason 2Ep. 48

7 Early Signs of Autism Every Parent Should Know

Send us a text Toddlers are just starting out. Know the behaviors that are "telling you" his ability to wire-up and regulate is a bit different, unique and perhaps challenging. Does it interfere with learning, social connection, and engagement? We need to understand & respect differences - and at the same time create environments where all kids can blossom into their BEST VERSION. These are MOST COMMON "red flags" that ALL PARENTS should be aware of ... the more informed you are, the better ...

Jun 21, 202353 minSeason 2Ep. 47

What Are Limiting Beliefs and How Do We Rewrite Them So Our Children Can Thrive?

Send us a text Today’s episode is about limiting beliefs - how they may influence how we parent our children, how focusing on behavior can create power struggles, and how we can alter our parenting style to parent with our kids instead of over them. Typically we take on limiting beliefs unconsciously, often in childhood. Relationships with primary caretakers, teachers, coaches influence us as we are dependent on these people when we’re young. Erin encourages each of us to be open to pay attentio...

Jun 13, 202347 minSeason 2Ep. 46

Toddler Milestones: What To Expect Between 18-24 Months Ep 45

Send us a text Watching your baby grow is one of the best parts of parenting: first smiles, words, and steps are moments many of us remember for the rest of our lives. There are also subtler baby milestones, like when your baby begins reacting to music or uses their tongue to move food around in their mouth. All milestones, big and small, are important to your child’s development Milestones are meant as guides rather than strict barometers of developmental “success.” Developmental windows—period...

May 30, 20231 hr 4 minSeason 2Ep. 45

Milestones To Watch Out For: Don't Let Him Fall Behind Ep 44

Send us a text Just 15 minutes of PLAY can spark millions of brain connections. The more present you are… the more you understand your baby/child. Slow is usually always better than fast. Let your baby / toddler linger AND practice at the level she is working through, even if it seems slow to you… Babies / toddlers will move along to the next level when they are ready - given the opportunities. In this episode we review the 5 KEY developmental milestones areas and more. SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL LA...

May 23, 20231 hr 10 minSeason 2Ep. 44

The Secrets Between Tummy Time, Jaws, and Vowels

Send us a text You want to know the secret relationship between tummy time, jaw development and vowels sounds. The fear of gagging or choking is real; however, as you begin to understand how to best support physical and cognitive development, it melts away. Vowel sounds require a strong and stable jaw ... and you want to know the secrets behind helping your baby master these 22 delightful sounds by his 2nd birthday. (SECRET: Did you know we have 22 vowel sounds in English???) Listen and learn. G...

May 17, 202334 minSeason 2Ep. 43

Reduce Meltdowns by Unlocking The 3 Hidden Sensory Systems

Send us a text Can I avoid meltdowns with my toddler? We can certainly manage them better when we understand where they are coming from or what might be the precipice. You'll see how to navigate different situations when you get into the juicy details around these 3 HIDDEN Sensory Systems ... which most pediatricians don't even recognize. In this episode, I'm sharing what they are and how best to support their integration in your toddler. Let me share my secrets to avoiding many meltdowns as you...

May 09, 20231 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 42

Stop Picky Eaters - PART THREE

Send us a text Wondering if there's a way to prevent your kids from becoming picky eaters? Or how to get a fussy eater to actually eat and try new foods? Put these 15 STRATEGIES into immediate action to prevent AND repair picky eating all together. No parent wants their child to be a picky eater. Just imagine feeding them the same three things day after day, cooking separate meals, and battling through breakfast, lunch and dinner - for YEARS!! NO PARENTS WANTS THAT ... And yet, almost 50% of par...

May 03, 202346 minSeason 1Ep. 41

Stop Picky Eaters - PART TWO

Send us a text In this episode we continue the conversation of how to Stop Picky Eaters in their tracks - essential strategies and mindset shift. Between six and nine months of age, we are setting the stage. It's an INTRODUCTION to solid foods, but plan you must! Although it's a learning process with some trial and error, there are very specific strategies that keep you and your baby on track. You never want to turn into a "short order cook" or "prepackaged family" --- you strive for healthy eat...

Apr 27, 202359 minSeason 1Ep. 40

Stop Picky Eaters In Their Tracks: 15 Proven Strategies For Your Baby: (Part1) Ep 39

Send us a text In this episode, we discuss strategies to PREVENT picky eating habits with babies and young children. Today we cover five PROVEN STRATEGIES that can help with introducing solid foods. HINT: this is just the beginning… take advantage of Mother Nature , introduce a wide variety of flavors, make mealtime enjoyable (make is MESSY) be a good role model involve your child in meal planning and preparation These strategies help you build a strong foundation for healthy eating habits and A...

Apr 19, 202341 minSeason 1Ep. 39

Unlock Your Toddler's Potential: Brain Health Insight

Send us a text In this episode Erin discusses how: Nutrition plays a crucial role in your child's development. Food can be both medicine and an energy source for the body Investigating food intake and absorption can help identify potential obstacles to development. Important to look beyond just the symptoms of speech and language disorders and consider other aspects of a child's health and behavior Parents can take an active role in supporting their child's development by being observant, collec...

Apr 12, 202340 minSeason 1Ep. 38
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