Talking Toddlers

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 behin...

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 conc...

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 inde...

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 t...

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...

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. Th...

Did you know teaching your baby or toddler how to bite and chew is a cornerstone of their healthy development?  It’s more than just mealtime manners—it impacts eating habits, speech and language skills, and even their ability to self-regulate (yes, that means fewer tantrums and meltdowns!). In this episode of Talking Toddlers , we’re uncovering the fascinating ways biting and chewing shape your ch...

In this week’s episode of Talking Toddlers , I open up about a deeply personal belief: that each of us has been blessed with unique gifts to share with the world, and those gifts are part of a greater plan.  I share how I discovered mine—and how it has become my life’s mission to support and empower new mamas on their journey to nurture the next generation. Parenting is the most important learning...

In this episode of Talking Toddlers , we explore why creating predictable routines for your little one is the key to reducing anxiety, tantrums, and stress in your home. Did you know that the rhythm of daily life directly impacts your baby’s brain development, emotional regulation, and even their language skills? We’ll dive into how simple, consistent routines can help your child feel secure, conf...

Two-word phrases are a significant milestone in language development, typically emerging around 18 to 24 months. This period, often referred to as the "language explosion," is crucial as it marks a child’s ability to combine words to express more complex ideas, demonstrating an understanding of syntax and the beginnings of grammar. Many new parents are indeed concerned about their toddle...

In this episode of Talking Toddlers , we dive into a powerful strategy developed by the Hanen Centre, known as the 4 S’s, that can effortlessly support your child’s early language development.  Designed with new parents in mind, this episode explores how you can make words stand out during everyday activities, turning simple moments into rich learning opportunities. The 4 S’s—Say Less, Stress, Go...

In this episode of Talking Toddlers, we examine a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of early child development: YOU.  Yes, that's right—this conversation focuses on YOU - the mama, the parent, and grandparent.  While much of the dialogue around toddler development centers on the child, it’s essential to recognize the SIGNIFICANT role you play in shaping their progress. We'll explore WH...

Are you tired of mealtime meltdowns and battles over broccoli? In this episode of Talking Toddlers , we delve into the heart of the picky eating epidemic affecting over 60% of families today.  Join me, Erin, with over 35 years of clinical practice and real-life experience, as I share 10 PROVEN strategies to transform dinner time from a battleground into a peaceful, enjoyable family experience. Dis...

Is your toddler ignoring you? Does he have a short attention span? Is she just distracted? Should I be worried? How can you help your little one truly master listening, understanding and engagement? In Part 2 of our in-depth exploration of RECEPTIVE language development we ,   continue to guide you through the crucial listening milestones for 24-36 month-olds.  Building on our previous discussion,...

Today's episode we kick off a two-part series on developing ESSENTIAL listening and understanding skills in your toddler.  I guide you through the first five milestones crucial for fostering amazing listening abilities in your little ones. Key Takeaways: Follow NOVEL Commands: Encouraging your toddler to understand and act on new instructions. Follow 2-Step Directions Related to Objects: Help...

CLICK HERE - JOIN THE WAITLIST In this episode let's dive into the art of creating a peaceful bedtime routine that helps your toddler transition into sleep without stress or power struggles.  I draw on over three decades of clinical practice and real-life experience as I share  expert insights on starting young and fostering independence in your little one’s sleep habits. Learn how to establi...

Today I'm thrilled to share 10 of my favorite summer activities to do with your toddler. These activities are designed to get your little one moving, boost engagement, build language skills, and create excitement for everyone involved. As a seasoned speech language pathologist with over 35 years of experience, I've seen firsthand how toddlers learn best by doing.  They need moms and dads...

Welcome back, new moms! In today's episode, we're diving deeper into one of the essential skills for toddlers: LISTENING. As we know, mastering this skill takes time, but fear not, we're here to guide you through it. Every parent wants their toddler to listen - to understand, right? Are there any secrets to helping your toddler develop these listening skills? Yes there are ... and w...

Children who don't understand words can't USE words to talk. In this episode I introduce what's behind LISTENING SKILLS, so you can support your toddler during everyday activities.  There are AUDITORY ASPECTS that are being "honed" with every interaction - building his capacity to understand and learn through his toddlerhood. Some aspects include:  Auditory Attention Audit...

CLICK HERE - JOIN THE WAITLIST In this episode, we're thrilled to introduce a new resource by Laura Mize, a renowned speech pathologist and creator of "Teach Me To Talk." Laura has just released her latest resource titled "The Late Talker Workbook," designed specifically to assist parents in nurturing language skills in their late-talking toddlers. Laura Mize's expert...

🍼   Picture this: your little bundle of joy taking those first sips of independence. But before you reach for that colorful cup, hold on a sec! In this episode, I'm uncovering the TOP 5 REASONS why ditching the sippy cup might just be the best decision for your tiny tot. 🚫   From dental woes to speech delays, I'm separating fact from fiction and shedding light on the hidden concerns th...

You don't need to interact with and entertain your baby during every waking moment.  Babies need time on their own, too, so they can gradually start to understand that they're independent from you.  Slowing life down a bit and letting your child be bored can have lots of benefits.  One of the first things you may notice - even in very young babies - is that it allows them to explore on t...

Pretend play is the ultimate brain builder.  I t's the magic potion that sparks language, supercharges social skills, and boosts emotional intelligence. The 3 top benefits of pretend play. Language Leaps: Pretend play acts as a secret language workshop for your little one.  As they engage in imaginative scenarios, they're not just playing – they're experimenting with words, tones, a...

In this week's episode, we continue our exploration of the vital stages of babbling with your baby, delving even deeper into the intricacies that shape their cognitive and communicative abilities. CLICK HERE TO ACCESS YOUR ESSENTIAL CHECKLIST Building on last week's discussion, we unravel the significance of cooing and babbling as precursors to language development, offering valuable ins...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the fascinating world into the crucial stages of babbling with your baby. To ensure a thorough understanding of the subtle distinctions between each stage and how best to gauge your baby’s or toddler’s growth, I've split this remarkable exploration into two episodes. CLICK HERE TO GRAB ESSENTIAL CHECKLIST We explore the significance of both cooing and...