Hey Friends~ There are many different parenting styles, types, and programs, and the number can vary depending on how they're categorized. Broadly, these can be grouped into Core styles, Modern styles, Therapeutic approaches. And cultural/philosophies. you're looking at LOTS of ideas and many overlap as real-life is real! And kids and parents need practice and discernment which develops over time. When you are faced with raising kids and don’t know what to do … the internet can be an information...
Jul 17, 2025•23 min
Hey Friends~ Have you ever wanted to listen to the wisdom of someone who has been there? Today’s guest is that person. After raising her own kids, she & her family collectively decided to adopt kids and love them. With those adoptive kids, trauma therapy was needed. She learned to connect with those kiddos on a deep level. What she learned in trauma therapy not only helped her build connection with her adoptive kids, she learned it was useful in all her relationships. Thank you for joining u...
Jul 10, 2025•26 min
Hey Friends~ When we talk about a lot of stuff with our kids - the stuff that isn’t the important stuff; the stuff that is inconsequential, we develop the habit of interaction. When 90% of your interactions are wonderful, and then the hard conversations that do necessarily come, won’t be as big of a deal. The Key: have LOTS of conversations.. Why? Because the inconsequential conversations have created a pathway to communicate. You have cut a bedrock so that you can talk about the important stuff...
Jul 03, 2025•28 min
Hey Friends~ You hear child centers and schools claim to have a “Language Rich Environment”. Do you have a language rich environment at home? You can! But what exactly does that mean? And how do you create that in a way that does NOT add another thing to your to do list? The trick… is it is all about you, mom and dad. It is not actually the space or the environment. It is how YOU use the environment as a tool to expand their exposure to language. Today, I will tell you how its done! And you will...
Jun 26, 2025•25 min
Hey Friends~ Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to teach your kids while they slept? Today’s guest says it is possible - especially when it comes to behaviors like bed wetting, and difficult emotions! You’ll LOVE this episode if you wish for a way to slide under the radar to teach your kiddo - at least for SOME of the millions of topics we want to teach them! You’ll be inspired today as you learn about “SleepTalk!” Always cheering you on! Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay....
Jun 19, 2025•39 min
Hey Friends~ I love children’s literature! It seems that ANYTHING you want to teach, you can find a book on that and use it as a springboard to help kids learn. This is especially true for social emotional learning. There is power in using stories! One mistake parents make is thinking they need to read a book as written! Today’s guest brings us into her journey into authorship and then shows us …. how to take the story beyond the book! If you wonder how to use a piece of literature to enhance le...
Jun 12, 2025•21 min
Hey Friends~ Families often how to help their child in the summer. Since there is no speech therapy with the school in the summer, some families are nervous and wonder what to do! In this episode, we talk about foundational practices that help your children retain and learn speech sounds, particularly when they are not responding to your attempts to help them. These strategies, when done well, especially with very young children can change the trajectory of how your child is growing in their spe...
Jun 05, 2025•17 min
Hey Friends~ The language you use may be LESS effective than you want! When we change HOW and WHAT we say, our communication becomes more effective. Today’s guest, Polina Shkadron, is a fellow Speech Language Pathologist who has a wealth of knowledge and experience. She guides us to focus on the LANGUAGE that helps our kids engage in play - and with you - and teaches us how to create a language-rich environment naturally, and at home. No matter the age or skills of you or your child, the informa...
May 29, 2025•40 min
Hey Friends~ You know in your gut when things are not going right, even if you don’t have the words. It’s even harder when you tell someone, but you are told that everything is fine… but you know SOMETHING IS UP. This is the case for today’s guest. She knew that her son needed more help in his sound development, but was constantly told everything was fine. Started seeking help when her son was 18 months old, asking doctors, friends, family members, and more and finally… when her son was 4, the s...
May 22, 2025•47 min
Hey Friends~ Speech confidence is important for adults and kids. Whether you are speaking in public or saying your name in front of a class, we all want to speak with confidence and certainly that what we intend to say is what will come out. Fluency is one area of speech and language development. Many, many kids stutter when they are rapidly expanding their vocabulary and language skills. Many parents come to me and ask - what do I do? Does my child stutter? Today’s guest discusses fluency issue...
May 15, 2025•30 min
Hey Friends~ Boys communicate, process emotions, and navigate the world differently—but how can we support them in becoming emotionally healthy men? Dr. Richelle Whitaker, educational psychologist and host of The Raising Sons Podcast, shares practical strategies for connecting with boys, fostering open communication, and guiding them through emotional growth. From “windshield time” to movement-based conversations, we explore what really works. Plus, the truth about common misconceptions and why ...
May 08, 2025•33 min
Hey Friends~ Sometimes it is helpful to hear success stories! We know that raising kids is a marathon not a sprint, and that means that success stories occur millions of times while raising our kids. Sometimes- when challenges are significant, we need to dig even deeper to find wins along the way. Today’s guest tells her story of raising a child with Cerebral Palsy. She learned to celebrate along the way, listen to the therapists, and follow the lead of her heart as well as listen to her son. In...
May 01, 2025•37 min
Hey Friends~ Do you Ever feel like your child understands everything but can’t quite put their thoughts into words? In this episode, I’m breaking down expressive vs. receptive language— what each one is, how it develops and of course, this knowledge will be paired with ways YOU can support the growth of BOTH receptive and expressive language skills in your kiddos. So, whether you're a parent of a toddler or a talkative kindergartener with no signs of delay, this episode is packed with insight fo...
Apr 24, 2025•20 min
Hey Friends~ Kids with neurological differences often APPEAR typical until the invisible becomes visible. Today’s episode showcases a journey of one mom - a mom I call a very successful parent! If you know any Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences, this episode will be particularly helpful and intriguing for you. I am glad you are here. You will enjoy this raw conversation of vulnerable situations and real life experiences in any KIND Family. KIND = Kids with Invisible Neurological Differ...
Apr 17, 2025•32 min
Hey Friends~ What is the difference between speech and language? This common question is today’s topic. Understanding the difference helps you more accurately describe what is going on with your child when you seek guidance! Please Share, Like, Subscribe, & Follow! Also - Sign up for the Newsletter & Freebies below to stay connected to The Language Of Play! Always cheering you on! Dinalynn CONTACT the Host with a thought or question: hello@thelanguageofplay.com YOUR NEXT STEPS: FREEBIES:...
Apr 10, 2025•15 min
Hey Friends~ Today’s guest is a mother of a child who had a language delay at age 3, and then was diagnosed with autism later. She worked in special education as a special education advocate. And then she had her own child so now she has the dual role of being BOTH the parent and an educator in the special education system. We talk about the role of language acquisition for her little one and how language delay was the FIRST indicator that something else was going on. Always cheering you on! Din...
Apr 03, 2025•31 min
Hey Friends~ Although it’s true that our children do better when they nap, there is a transition out of naps. And it's usually not a smooth ride. Today we will talk about when your 3 & 4 year-old does not nap. Always cheering you on! Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay.com Information about Costa Rica retreat: https://www.speakfeedlead.org/family-talks-retreat.html Enter Coupon Code LANGUAGEOFPLAY to get 20% off your cost! YOUR NEXT STEPS: FREEBIES: 5 Ways To Get You...
Mar 27, 2025•18 min
Hey Friends~ Podcasthon is a global movement of podcasters simultaneously promoting a charities of their choice. The Language of Play joins Podcasthon by highlighting the amazing impact of the Jeremiah Program, in this episode with Ally Hanten Ebert. PODCASTHON: "Your platform. Their story. Simultaneously, we amplify causes that matter." JEREMIAH PROGRAM: "Disrupt the cycle of poverty for single mothers and their children, TWO Generations at a time." Jeremiah Program is a national organization w...
Mar 20, 2025•36 min
Hey Friend~ In this episode, we talk about Family Talks Retreat for the whole family of kids ages 10+. I invite you to join me on this adventure in Costa Rica along with hosts Jackie Bailey and Todd Cudaback. Away from all your normal daily pressures Away from the Internet, (mostly…) Connect on a deeper level and develop your family story. Build strong relationships with the people you care about most while having fun, amazing shared memories! Please share this episode with anyone that might be ...
Mar 13, 2025•28 min
Hey Friends~ Parents say versions of, “I just asked him to say these words. I am trying to help him speak, but he melted down again. How do I help him? So common. But Why? Today we unpack another reason for this and with that understanding, you will learn where to start in making the changes you want. Always cheering you on! Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay.com YOUR NEXT STEPS: Sign up for the Newsletter: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin Freebie: 21 Days ...
Mar 08, 2025•30 min
Hey Friends~ In today’s world, we are taught to seek answers within ourselves. But if we stay there, we become self-absorbed or self-conceited and depressed. We need to also see outside of ourselves, looking for ways to contribute, serve others, and be connected to others. In having this balance, people become whole and happy. This foundation begins in the earliest years. Today, Jill Garner shares how SECURITY is learned, at what ages, and with examples of how it happens and how this links to ou...
Feb 28, 2025•37 min
Hey Friends~ There are many forms of play. And, play is different for us as we grow up! What does play look like for you now? Many adults wish for more time off from work, more time to rest and play. However, many of us have the thinking pattern that work comes before play. Perhaps you were taught that as a child. I was. What if… Your parenting could be PLAY for you - at the same time - as you parent well! Is that possible? I believe it is possible more we think. I would love to hear what you th...
Feb 20, 2025•14 min
Hey Friends~ We experience play with our children in a variety of ways. One of those ways is Free Play. Free Play is completely imaginative and it is entirely directed by the child. Another way we play is Structured Play is when we use play to help our children go in the direction we want them to go. That may be learning, movement, practice, or anything really. In Structured Play, we have an INTENTION for our kids. That is why sometimes people call it Intentional Play. Kids need both to develop ...
Feb 13, 2025•32 min
Hey Friends~ Whoot! Surprises Today! We are CELEBRATING 200 Episodes! To CELEBRATE this milestone, I have gifts and big SAVINGS to give away! The Prizes: 4 books and 4 coaching slots and 1 Starbucks gift card! TO PLAY: EMAIL “200” to: Hello@thelanguageofplay.com !! In this episode, you will enjoy learning the TOP 10 Episodes in the past 12 months! You’ll also hear an update on the global reach of The Language of Play! And of course.. Celebrate with us! : EMAIL “200” to: Hello@thelanguageofplay.c...
Feb 06, 2025•19 min
Hey Friends~ Have you ever thought my child’s speech is “different” and you wonder if it’s normal or possibly delayed? How do you develop your child through their issues when you aren’t sure if they are actually issues? How do you push for what you think your child might need, when you aren’t sure? Today’s guest will share her journey of being brave to find out what was going on with her son and what she did in the presence of her school being busy and over-burdened. Her learned wisdom and guida...
Jan 31, 2025•33 min
Hey Friends~ Many of you have acknowledged how much of a struggle it is to get Speech Therapy services - either enough or at all. Today, I will address what is going on in speech pathology, how this impacts you, and what you can do to help your kids. According to the National Institute of Health, 40% of our children ages 3-10 are struggling to develop good communication skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job opening projected for SLPs is 19% over the next decade. The shorta...
Jan 23, 2025•17 min
Hey Friends~ Do you have a complex kid? If you do, you know how much of a struggle it is to find help and get help that gives you confidence in the future. Are you struggling with Mom Guilt? You are not alone! Today’s guest shares her journey with having a complex kid and her journey with speech therapy. Michelle Choairy’s child has Childhood Apraxia of Speech among other complex issues. She is uplifting. She is encouraging and she sets your feet on the right path! Always cheering you on! Dinaly...
Jan 16, 2025•28 min
Hey Friends~ Your kids whine … and after a while, you doubt your resolve. “Maybe I am being too harsh.” “Maybe one more cookie doesn’t matter.” “Maybe they aren’t tired enough to go to sleep.” Then, as time goes on, you resent the situation. You resent that you got yourself in this situation AGAIN. And, in those moments, you even resent your child… When these feelings happen, it’s easy to think we are bad parents. Why is this so hard? Today, we talk about one strategy to get out of that cycle! A...
Jan 09, 2025•29 min
Hey Friends~ How do you re-teach language to someone who has had a brain injury and lost their language? Today’s guest does a fantastic job to describe how she taught her brother to speak , read, write, and comprehend again after a stroke. This episode is inspiring and educational on how you can build confidence and encourage as well as build in joy. For anyone learning to speak, read, write, and comprehend, you will be enlightened how these methods work for first time learners, too! Zorina Prit...
Jan 02, 2025•29 min
Hey Friends~ IF Behavior IS Communication, then WHAT are they communicating??! This is a common question parents ask! Today we will dig into some common ways that kids communicate with us - IN WAYS THAT WE DON’T LIKE! When we learn how to interpret well, we can give words to our littles so that they have other ways to communicate. When a tantrum works, it’s because we allowed it to work. There is no reason for the child to change the method. ... Unless of course, YOU SET UP A REASON TO CHANGE TH...
Dec 26, 2024•17 min