Talking Toddlers
Talking Toddlers offers calm, developmentally grounded guidance for moms of babies and toddlers. Hosted by Erin Hyer, a licensed speech-language pathologist with nearly 35 years of experience, the podcast breaks down how the young brain learns and why certain behaviors or challenges show up. It aims to help parents gently support development through relationships, everyday routines, and meaningful language experiences, without fear or guilt.
Episodes
How to Help Your Toddler Listen and Understand More Ep 173
Does your toddler understand what you're saying? And how can you help him become a better listener - even before he's talking in sentences?Between 12 and 24 months, your toddler is developing important listening and understanding skills. But these skills don't develop simply by memorizing words, colors, or numbers. Real understanding grows through everyday experiences, meaningful in
Should My Toddler Be Talking More? Ep 172
Should my toddler be talking more?It’s an understandable question, but word count alone does not tell you how well your child is communicating.In this episode, I explain the developmental skills sitting underneath talking — including initiation, shared attention, turn-taking, and the different jobs language begins to do in everyday life.You’ll also learn what to watch for instead of only counting
Does Your Toddler Focus on THIS — But Not on You? Ep 171
Does your toddler seem able to focus deeply on a screen, but struggle to stay with a book, sit through a meal, play independently, or listen when you need him to?In this episode, Erin looks beyond the surface and explains what attention actually asks of a developing child. A screen may be very effective at holding attention, but real-world attention is built through movement, participation, repeti
Why Everything Becomes a Battle With Your Toddler Ep 170
When every little thing starts feeling like a battle, the problem may not be the cup, the shoes, the bath, or leaving the park. The final trigger is often only one part of a much bigger developmental picture.In this episode, I’m helping you widen the lens.We’ll talk about why toddler skills are still emerging, why having a skill is not the same as being able to access it under every condition, and
Your Toddler Understands You. So Why Won’t He Listen? Ep 169
“I know he understands me. So why isn’t he listening?”If you’ve ever thought that about your toddler, this episode will help you look at the moment a little differently.Understanding your words and being able to follow through are not the same developmental skill.Before your toddler can respond, he may need to register your voice, shift his attention away from what he is doing, process what you sa
When Should You Help Your Toddler - and When Should You Wait? Ep 168
When your toddler is struggling - with a zipper, a shoe, climbing onto something - how do you know if you should step in or wait?In this episode, early child development specialist and speech-language pathologist Erin Hyer (nearly 40 years working with toddlers and the families raising them) breaks down the difference between productive struggle and genuine overwhelm - and gives you a simple quest
Want Your Toddler to Talk More? Don't Practice Words Ep 167
What if the most important part of your child learning to talk happens before he ever says a single word?Most moms don't start thinking seriously about speech until they're counting words: 18 months, 20 months, two years old. But talking is not the beginning of language development. Words arrive after months of listening, watching, babbling, gesturing, imitating, taking turns, experiment
Are You Accidentally Teaching Your Toddler to Whine? Ep 166
Whining is one of the most common - and frustrating - phases of toddlerhood. But often, it doesn’t become a pattern because a child is “bad” or manipulative. It becomes a pattern because it works.In this episode, Erin Hyer, speech-language pathologist and early child development specialist, explains why toddlers whine, why “use your words” is often too vague for very young children, and how parent
7 Everyday Habits That Interfere With How Your Toddler Learns Ep 165
Do you jump in the second your baby struggles? Wipe her face after every bite? Keep the TV or a podcast running because the house feels too quiet?These are ordinary, loving habits — but sometimes our instinct to help, clean, entertain, or keep things moving can quietly take away the very experiences our babies and toddlers need to grow.In this episode, Erin Hyer, speech-language pathologist and ea
Why Your Toddler Won’t Pay Attention — And What Gets in the Way Ep 164
What is stealing your toddler’s attention?If your child seems constantly distracted, overly active, emotionally reactive, or unable to stay with one activity for very long, the answer may be more complicated than simply “they need to learn to focus.”In this episode of Talking Toddlers, Erin looks at four powerful influences shaping a young child’s developing attention: predictable daily rhythms, r
Stop Telling Your Toddler to Share - Teach This Instead. Ep 163
Your toddler snatches a toy. The daycare flags it. Another mom clocks it at a playdate. And somewhere in the back of your mind, a question starts to form: is something wrong with him?Nothing is. He's just being asked to do something he isn't built for - yet.In this episode, I break down the real difference between turn-taking and sharing — two skills that get talked about like they'
You Already Do the Most Important Thing — You Just Don't Know Why Ep 162
You've been narrating everything. Labeling. Reading. Filling the room with language. And nothing seems to be sticking.That's because your words only land when your child's attention and yours are on the same thing, in the same moment. It's called shared attention — and you're already doing it without knowing how much it matters.In this episode I unpack what shared attentio
Why Your Toddler Hits and Bites — It’s Not a Discipline Problem Ep 161
Why does your toddler hit, bite, or throw things—even when you are trying to parent calmly and consistently? Toddler hitting and biting may look like a discipline problem, but for many young children, it begins as a communication gap.Your toddler is not necessarily choosing to be “bad.” He may be using his body because the language, regulation, and impulse-control skills that should replace the hi
Stop Chasing Words. Here's What Comes First. Ep 160
Your toddler isn't talking yet — or at least not as much as you think he should be. And every piece of advice you've found tells you to do more or wait it out. Neither one is the answer.There's a sequence to how talking develops. It doesn't start with words — it ends with them. And if nobody's handed you that sequence, you're either frozen or doing everything at once
He'll Talk When He's Ready — Why Waiting Isn't a Plan Ep 159
Everyone keeps telling you not to worry. "He'll talk when he's ready." You smile, you nod — but somewhere underneath, your gut isn't buying it.Trust that. Because "ready" is the wrong word — and "wait and see" is not the gentle, neutral choice it pretends to be.After almost forty years with toddlers and the families raising them, Erin Hyer, speech langu
How to Help Your Late Talker — Without More Words Ep 158
You talk to your toddler all day long. You narrate everything. And still — he's not talking, or not very much. So you do what everyone tells you: talk to him even more.After almost forty years with toddlers and the families raising them, here's what Erin Hyer, speech-language pathologist, can tell you: talking more isn't the fix.Language isn't built by the number of words you p
Why "No" Doesn't Work for Toddlers Under 3 — And What to Say Instead Ep 157
If you've ever said "no" to your toddler and watched them do it anyway — you're not failing. You're just missing one piece of information that changes everything.The developing brain under three cannot reliably process negation. "Don't throw" registers as "throw." "No hitting" registers as "hit." And the more you escalate, the m
Is My Child Really a Late Talker? Use This Checklist to Find Out Ep 156
Is your child a late talker? Or is something else going on? After 40 years working with toddlers and their families, I can tell you that the term "late talker" gets thrown around so loosely — by pediatricians, educators, and early intervention teams — that most parents are left more confused than helped.In this episode I'm giving that term its definition back. We walk through a six-
Is My Baby Behind? What Milestones Really Mean Ep 155
Is my baby behind? Should she be crawling, walking, talking, or doing more by now?If you’ve ever found yourself Googling developmental milestones late at night, this episode will help you breathe, think clearly, and know what to watch.In this episode, Erin explains what milestones really are — not rigid deadlines, but guideposts that help parents notice progress, ask better questions, and support
The Problem Isn’t the Meltdown - It’s How You Respond Ep 154
Your baby fusses in the car seat and your chest tightens. Your toddler falls apart when the block tower tumbles. Every instinct says — fix it, fast. But what if rushing in is quietly preventing the very thing you want to build?This week on Talking Toddlers, Erin pulls back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood pieces of early development: resilience.After nearly four decades in private prac
The Baby Gear Mistake Almost Every Parent Makes Ep 153
Your baby didn't ask for a nursery full of gear. She asked for you.In this episode, Erin breaks down three of the most common baby products on the market — containers, weighted blankets, and white noise machines — and explains exactly why, after nearly 40 years of clinical practice, misusing them concerns her deeply.You'll learn:Why babies need movement, not containmentThe connection bet
The Hidden Skills Your Child Needs Before They Talk Ep 152
If you’ve ever wondered, “Should my child be talking by now?” or "Is he talking enough?" -- this episode will give you clarity.Before children use words, they build the skills that make talking possible.In this episode, I walk you through the 7 stages of play in the first three years—and how each one helps your child learn to talk, listen, and engage.You’ll learn: What your child should
Listening Is a Skill - Here’s How It Develops Ep 151
"My toddler isn't listening."If you've said those words - or thought them - this episode is for you.In this episode of Talking Toddlers, speech-language pathologist Erin (with nearly 40 years in early intervention) unpacks one of the most misunderstood parts of toddler development: listening.Spoiler: it's not what you think. And it's probably not what your toddler is
Why Your Toddler’s Behavior Isn’t Really About Them Ep 150
Have you ever reacted to your toddler… and then immediately wondered, “Why did I just do that?”In this episode, we look beneath the surface of toddler behavior and explore a truth that can feel both confronting and freeing: sometimes our reactions have less to do with our child - and more to do with our own history.I share how early patterns, survival strategies, and emotional wiring can quietly s
Your Toddler’s Brain Is Built at Night (Most Parents Miss This) Ep 149
What if the most powerful thing you could do for your toddler's development happened while they were asleep?In this episode, licensed pediatric speech-language pathologist Erin Hyer breaks down the neuroscience of sleep in early childhood — and why it is the most underestimated factor in your child's brain development, language acquisition, and emotional health.Drawing on Dr. Matthew Wal
5 Well-Meaning Habits That Delay Speech - And the Simple Fix (Part 2) Ep 148
Last week I introduced the first two habits quietly getting in the way of your toddler's speech.This week we go deeper.In Part 2 I'm sharing Habits 3, 4, and 5 - and these are the ones that tend to stop parents cold. Not because they're complicated. But because nobody told them these things mattered.We start with the neuroscience - and I mean real neuroscience, the kind that complet
5 Well-Meaning Habits That Delay Speech - And the Simple Fix (Part 1) Ep 147
If you've ever watched your toddler at a playground - wanting to join in, but not quite knowing how - this episode is for you.After nearly 40 years as a speech-language pathologist, I've worked with hundreds of families whose children were bright, loved, and well cared for - and still not talking the way they should be.In most cases, it wasn't a diagnosis that was getting in the way
What Our Kids Lose When We Stop Eating Together - And How to Get It Back Ep 146
What if one of the most powerful things you can do for your child's brain, language, and emotional development isn't a program, a therapy, or a curriculum — it's dinner?In this foundational episode, speech-language pathologist and child development expert Erin Hyer, unpacks the science behind what we lose when family mealtime disappears — and what our children's behavior, atten
The Most Overlooked Disruptor in Your Child’s Development (It’s in Almost Every Home) Ep 145
There's something running in the background of most homes with young children right now. Not something dramatic. Not something you'd even think to question.The TV. Just on. Nobody watching. Life happening around it.And after nearly four decades of clinical work with children and families — I can tell you that this one thing is quietly doing more damage to early development than most pare
Are We Making Toddlerhood Too Complicated? Ep 144
Parents have never had more information about early childhood than they do today. We track sleep, research milestones, optimize toys, and fill our days with activities meant to help our toddlers thrive.And yet - many parents quietly wonder why their child still feels overwhelmed, dysregulated, or unsettled.In this episode, I explore a difficult but hopeful question:Have we made toddlerhood too com
Why Some Kids Cooperate - And Others Struggle Ep 143
Are calm, cooperative kids just born that way?Recently, there’s been growing conversation around Japanese parenting - how children there seem more respectful, more self-disciplined, and more socially aware.But is it cultural magic?Or is it development?In this episode of Talking Toddlers, we walk through seven parenting principles often associated with Japanese culture - and translate them through
When Your Gut Keeps Whispering “Pay Attention” Ep 142
Sometimes it’s not a loud concern.It’s not panic.It’s just a quiet feeling you can’t shake.A whisper that says: pay attention.If your baby or toddler isn’t talking the way you expected — and you’ve been told not to worry, to relax, or that they’ll “catch up” — this episode is for you.Not to scare you.Not to rush you.And not to tell you that something is “wrong.”But to help you understand why that
Why Your Toddler Isn’t Listening Yet (And What Actually Builds It) Ep 141
If you’ve ever wondered “Why won’t my toddler listen?” — this episode is for you.Many parents assume listening is a behavior problem.But developmentally, listening is a brain skill — one that takes time, guidance, and the right conditions to grow.In this episode, Erin Hyer — a speech-language pathologist with over 35 years of early intervention and real-life experience — explains why toddlers ofte
Why Some Toddlers Struggle to Talk (And What Actually Helps) Ep 140
If your toddler isn’t talking much yet, you may feel pressure to do more -talk more, label more, teach more.But after 35 years in early intervention, I’ve learned something important:speech doesn’t grow from more words.It grows from slow moments, shared attention, movement, and being included in everyday life.In this episode, I walk you through 5 common patterns I see over and over again when lang
You’re Not Behind (Yet) — This Matters More Than Words Ep 139
If your toddler isn’t talking much yet, this episode is for you.Many parents worry about words — how many, how clear, how often. But long before speech shows up reliably, something else is being built underneath.In this episode, Erin Hyer — speech-language pathologist with over 35 years of experience — explains what actually matters before words take off, and why so many well-intentioned parents m
Why Asking “What’s This?” Often Backfires With Late Talkers Ep 138
If your toddler isn’t talking much yet, you may have found yourself asking, “What’s this?” — hoping to hear a word.But for many late talkers, that well-intentioned question quietly shuts things down.In this episode, Erin Hyer — speech-language pathologist with over 35 years of clinical and real-life experience — explains why asking for words too early can work against development, and what actuall
Why Parenting Feels Harder Than You Thought (And What Actually Helps) Ep 137
Many parents enter early parenthood expecting exhaustion — but not the constant feeling of being on edge, unsure, or reactive, even when they’re trying their best.In this episode of Talking Toddlers, we take a step back from tips and tactics and look at what often gets missed in conversations about parenting young children: where we place our effort matters just as much as how much effort we give.
What Actually Matters in the First 3 Years (35 Years of Perspective) Ep 136
After more than 35 years of sitting on floors with babies and toddlers - and walking alongside thousands of mothers - I’ve learned something that still surprises people.The children who thrive in the first three years aren’t raised by parents who do everything “right.”They’re raised by adults who stay in sync — who notice, respond, and adjust in real time.In this final episode of the year, I’m not
If Christmas Feels Like Too Much, You’re Not Doing It Wrong Ep 135
If Christmas feels overwhelming - for you or your toddler - you’re not imagining it.And you’re not doing anything wrong.For babies and toddlers, the holiday season brings more noise, more stimulation, more people, more stuff, and disrupted routines - often all at once. Little nervous systems aren’t built to manage that kind of overload, even when everything looks joyful from the outside.In this ep
Your Toddler Doesn’t Need a Bigger Christmas - They Need a Calmer One Ep 134
Christmas can feel heavy for moms of babies and toddlers - full of pressure, expectations, and the fear of getting it wrong.In this episode of Talking Toddlers, we talk about why a simpler, calmer Christmas is often exactly what young children need - and how choosing less can create more connection, regulation, and meaning for your family.You don’t need more information - you need clarity, support
I’ve Seen Hundreds of “Late Talkers.” Here’s What All Parents Miss. Ep 133
If you want your child to talk well — not just say more words — this episode will change the way you think about early communication.Because here’s the truth:Talking doesn’t just “show up” one day.It grows from the daily experiences underneath it — connection, play, movement, interaction, modeling, as well as sleep, nutrition, and healthy routines.Whether your baby is 6 months old and you want to
I’ve Helped Toddlers Talk for 35 Years. If You Want Your Baby to Talk Well, Watch This. Ep 132
If you want your baby or toddler to talk well — not just say more words — this episode is your starting point.Because IMITATION is the skill that comes before gestures, babbling, understanding, and eventually… real talking.Most parents overlook imitation.Many professionals gloss over it.But after 35 years helping babies and toddlers communicate, I can tell you this with absolute certainty:Toddlers
This ALWAYS Happens Before Babies Say Their First Word (Every Parent Misses This One) Ep 131
The Hidden Step Before First Words (Every Parent Misses This One)If your toddler isn’t using many words yet, this episode will change the way you see early communication. Most parents—and honestly, many professionals—focus on the number of words. But talking doesn’t begin with words. It begins with the body, with connection, and with one crucial developmental step that predicts everything that com
Why Toddlers Won’t Share (And Why You Can Stop Worrying) Ep 130
Are you tired of feeling embarrassed when your toddler won’t share?In this episode of Talking Toddlers, Erin Hyer, speech-language pathologist and early development specialist, breaks down what’s really happening inside your child’s brain when they say “mine!”You’ll learn why true sharing isn’t developmentally possible before age 4, how playdates often set toddlers up for stress (and shame), and s
Why Your Toddler Does That: The Real Learning Behind Climbing, Dumping & Exploring Ep 129
If your toddler is constantly climbing, dumping, crawling, pulling things out of cabinets, or wandering from one “project” to another… this episode will make everything click.Between 12 and 18 months, the brain is wiring the foundations for attention, curiosity, emotional regulation, and — yes — first words. And it all happens through play.Not apps.Not fancy toys.Not early lessons.Movement. Repeti
What Gets in the Way of Helping Toddlers Talk: Simple Shifts, Big Change Ep 128
You already know the #1 habit that helps toddlers learn to talk — pulling them into your world and engaging them, out loud, through the rhythm of your day.But staying present isn’t always easy.In this episode, Erin Hyer, speech-language pathologist and toddler specialist, gets personal about what gets in the way — the five barriers that quietly pull parents off course — and how to find your way ba
What Really Teaches Toddlers to Talk (It’s Not What You Think) Ep 127
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) b
They Got It WRONG: The Hidden Link Between Eating and Speech Development Ep 126
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 cou
STOP Talking When Your Toddler Melts Down: Do This Instead Ep 125
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 sys
Don't Repeat Yourself: 4 Keys to Get Your Toddler to Listen the First Time Ep 124
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 wal
10 Essentials to Help Your Baby Thrive — Skip the Gear, Build Connection Ep 123
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
Reading Starts at Birth: 10 Foundations Only Parents Can Give Ep 122
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 ev
Is Daycare Really Helping Your Child? What Parents Need To Know Ep 121
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 so
The 7 Stages of Play: Building Your Child’s Brain from Birth to Age 3 Ep 120
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 toddl
Why Your Toddler’s Brain Needs THIS: The First Years Explained Ep 119
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 experien
The Truth About Childhood — And Why Moms Are Leaving the Workforce Ep 118
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
The Hidden Power of Play: How Toddlers Build Focus, Memory & Thinking Skills Ep 117
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 bot
The #1 Sleep Mistake Parents Don’t Know They’re Making - And How To Easily Fix It Ep 116
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
Why Gentle Parenting Isn’t Working for Toddlers Ep 115
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.
What Your Toddler Needs to Express Themselves Clearly (Part 2) Ep 114
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-SeriesIn Part 1, we covered the first two foundational 'pillars' of speech developmen
Is My Baby’s Development Normal? Understanding Milestones & Red Flags: Part 1 Ep 113
The 4 Building Blocks of Speech Development – Part 1Long 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 s
Why Toddlers Ignore "No" -- and What to Do Instead Ep 112
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 str
How to Get Your Toddler to Listen Without Yelling: 7 Everyday Strategies Ep 111
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 strugglesIn this episode of Talking Toddlers,
What Every Toddler Needs: The Secret to Calmer Days Ep 110
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
Why ‘I’m Bored’ Is a Gift: The Power of Open-Ended Play Ep 109
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 pr
What Can I Do Instead of Screens? Is That Even Possible? Part 3 of 3 - Ep 108
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
Screen Time Struggles: Why Boundaries Are a Gift, Not a Punishment - Ep 107
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
When Screens Take Over: Why It Feels So Hard to Say No (and Why It Matters) Ep 106
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 Jonath
Babbling & Beyond: What No One Told You About Noisy Babies Ep 105
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
Crawling Got Cut—But It’s Still Critical - Here’s Why Ep 104
Part 2 of the “Is My Baby’s Development Normal?” Mini-SeriesWhat 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 w
What's Normal Anyway? Understanding Developmental Milestones Ep 103
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 demo
Is My Child on Track? The 10 Essential Skills For Talking Ep 102
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 awarene
Want Your Toddler to Talk More? Start at the Table (Part 3 of 3) Ep 101
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 opportunit
Food Companies Lied to Parents—Here’s How to Take Back Control (Part 2 of 3) Ep 100
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 bet
Feeding Your Baby Right: The Truth About Real Nutrition (Part 1 of 3) Ep 99
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 in
Why Milestones Matter More Than 'Gentle' Parenting (Part 2) Ep 98
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
"Gentle Parenting" vs. Reality: What Actually Works for Toddlers (Part 1 of 2) Ep 97
Are social media’s parenting trends helping—or hurting—new moms? Over the last few years, parenting trends like ‘Gentle Parenting’ have exploded on social media. While some aspects—like respecting your child and guiding them with empathy—are rooted in good intentions, the reality is that many influencers distort these concepts, leaving parents confused, overwhelmed, and even paralyzed by indecisio
Healthy Habits, Happy Families: 5 Simple Steps for a Thriving 2025 Ep 96
It’s a brand-new year, and there’s no better time to hit the reset button and build habits that support your family’s growth, well-being, and connection. In today’s episode, we’re diving into Healthy Habits for 2025—practical routines and intentional choices that can transform your home life into one that feels balanced, productive, and happy.We’ll explore five key areas... you don't want to
Winning Together: 7 Proven Strategies to Teach Toddlers Cooperation Ep 95
Is your toddler resisting every little request? From cleaning up toys to putting on a hat, cooperation can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. In today’s episode of Talking Toddlers, we’re tackling this common parenting challenge with 7 simple strategies to build cooperation—starting with small, everyday interactions.You’ll learn how to:Use turn-taking to encourage teamwork, even with babies as
The Secret to Helping Your Toddler Cooperate: Part 1 Ep 94
What does cooperate mean?Oxford Dictionary states: - work jointly toward the same end.- assist someone or comply with their requests.Today, we’re diving into a fascinating topic that connects two powerful pillars of early development: language and play. These two skills grow hand-in-hand, forming the foundation for your child’s communication, problem-solving, and social-emotional abilities.This ep
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