A Parent's Guide to Child Development

In this episode, Sholeh Shahinfer emphasizes why honoring a child’s authentic voice matters and recognizing all forms of their communication, even when they don’t seem typical. She discusses how kids with autism communicate and how ignoring echolalia and scripting in the past was problematic. She also shares a real-life example of a child experiencing overwhelming moments. Instead of ignoring or c...

In this episode, Luba Patlakh Kaplun talks about when parents should seek help from a myotherapist. The best age to start is after 3 years old, as children begin to remember and need regular reminders to build muscle memory, which develops after age 3. This enables them to use what they learn more effectively and strengthen their muscle memory. While early experiences with skills are still importa...

In this episode, we explore misconceptions about childbirth education, the appropriate timing for family education, and why childbirth classes are essential for expecting parents. Guest Susan Barrett Finnazo emphasizes the importance of classes to understand labor duration, interventions, and to set realistic expectations. Benefits include managing anxiety, discussing risks and options with caregi...

In this episode, Diana Zales explains why nap durations can vary and what parents should observe when their baby wakes. She discusses the difference between fussing and crying and suggests actions for each situation. Sometimes babies simply fuss and may fall back asleep if given a few minutes. She also covers different types of naps, such as contact naps and stroller naps, and explains why having...

In this episode, Andrea Gingras breaks down what strength-based speech therapy is and what it focuses on. According to her explanation, pay attention to the alternative ways that your child may be trying to communicate through eye contact, gestures, and behaviors, such as handing you a toy. Then be a “detective” to decipher what they are trying to communicate to you.” She emphasized the importance...

In this episode, Bailey Relford discusses how kids’ sensory development begins as early as eight weeks in the womb. Bailey also discusses how important it is for parents, kids, and caregivers to take care of themselves to support their neuroconnection, as vision and hearing are rapidly developing. The first three months after birth are called the “fourth trimester” because development continues at...

In this episode, Guest Melanie Batista explains that parental screen habits during small moments like feeding or playtime can go unnoticed by parents, even though these moments matter. One of the most important aspects of child behavior is that children learn by watching their parents and what's going on in the moment. Melanie explains that our habits create models for our kids, which is essen...

In this episode, Sarah Schmidt offers tips for parents to practice during story time and highlights the importance of slowing down while reading rather than rushing through the book. The episode emphasizes that slowing down, pointing to pictures, repeating words, and using pauses while reading can significantly impact a child’s language development, as children can quickly observe these actions. S...

In this episode, Sholeh Shahinfer discusses why it's more important to embrace how your child communicates than to constantly correct them. It highlights how parents' attempts to correct their child's communication may cause them to miss important moments of connection. It also emphasizes the importance of modeling behavior while respecting the child's current developmental level,...

In this episode, guest Kasha Pyka explains what gross motor delays are, how to monitor progress at home, and why a lack of improvement over 6–8 weeks may signal it’s time to seek support from a therapist. She also discusses how motor development relates to brain development and gross motor patterns, and why early intervention can be highly effective. This is about guidance, not labels — and about...

In this episode, Celine Moore explains that between 12 and 18 months, parents will notice incredible growth in their child's social, motor, and cognitive abilities. As social cognition develops, curiosity increases, and parents will learn about joint attention. Gross motor skills advance through walking, climbing, and continuous exploration. Fine motor skills also improve as hand-eye coordinat...

In this podcast, Ashley Karlin discusses how preterm babies can switch between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, highlighting key positioning and flow rates. She emphasizes growth and development as top priorities and advises when to contact a pediatrician or specialist. The episode reminds families that they are experts on their babies and that support is available at every stage. Whether in the...

In this episode with Gabriele Nicolet, parents will learn what meltdowns look like, especially for neurodivergent kids. It explains that while behavior can be similar across children, the intensity, frequency, and duration of meltdowns vary. Kids with autism and ADHD may have reactions that feel bigger and last longer because of their nervous system responses. It guides parents in understanding th...

In this episode with Sholeh Shahinfer, parents will learn the key aspects of early language development and the different ways children communicate. You'll understand the importance of repetition, making connections, and acknowledging feelings. Discover why slowing down matters, how honoring a child’s voice builds confidence and trust, and gain a neurodiversity-affirming perspective that shift...

Parent support plays a crucial role in a child’s progress outside of therapy sessions. In this episode, we explain why continuing to work with your child at home is essential to the skills a child has been taught in therapy. A child's progress can only happen when therapists and families work together as a team, and consistency with plans is also important. Learn practical examples of how ever...

Feeding a child is one of the earliest and most important aspects of infant development. In this episode with Melissa Murphy and Chandler Edge, you will learn what typical feeding looks like from birth through six months, including skin-to-skin contact, feeding frequency, and the transition to solids. You’ll learn how different types of reflexes, such as rooting, sucking, and palmar grasp, support...

This episode with Elizabeth McGuire explains why parents should focus on teaching their kids a second language when they are young, if they have a fluent speaker in their household, because it's easier for the child. Early brains are more flexible and naturally absorb sounds, words, and grammar without much effort. It also explains why waiting until ages 7 or 8 can make language learning harde...

In this episode with Vanessa Fox, you will learn how to identify fight, flight, and freeze responses in your child as they happen and understand that these behaviors are stress responses. It also explains how a child’s nervous system responds to everyday challenges such as transitions or limits, and why these moments can feel overwhelming to children. Most importantly, it underscores the need to h...

In this episode with Gabrielle Rose, explains what Ayurvedic medicine is and how it focuses on overall healing, beyond birth and postpartum care. It also explains how Ayurveda works across the body’s systems to identify problems, such as those in the digestive system. The podcast further explains how Ayurveda focuses on nutrition, daily routines, and gentle practices that support overall well-bein...

In this podcast episode with Dr. Sara Muršić, you will learn how common toys and household objects, such as electric candles, can harm children. It highlights injuries that can result from certain types of toy batteries, including choking, and explains how certain age groups can hurt themselves because of the risks some toys pose. In addition to choking, button batteries and small magnets found in...

In this podcast, parents will learn how shame can hinder a child’s emotional growth and why it is important to understand the difference between shame and guilt. It explains how shame can overwhelm a child’s mind, leading to negative feelings like anger, low self-esteem, and silence, and discusses how trauma can intensify these reactions. Time stamps: 00:20 What does shame mean? 00:35 What kinds o...

🔥 Your child melting down? Try THIS. Physical play isn’t just fun — it’s their SECRET brain reset button! 🧠⚡ From jumping like a kangaroo to “pillow mountain,” these quick movement tricks help kids regulate FAST.➡️ Parents, try these today and thank me later! 💛 Timestamps: 0:08 Cognitive Play Activities 0:37 Physical Play Activities About Donna: Donna Kleyman is a pediatric Doctor of Physical...

Building Language through Connections: What Parents Need to KnowDiscover powerful, connection-based strategies for building language skills in non-speaking children with Autism or genetic conditions in this insightful episode of "A Parent's Guide to Child Development." Host Annamarie von Firley of Fledglings' Flight welcomes guest expert Andrea Gingras, Speech-Language Pathologis...

In this podcast, you will learn about your toddler’s nasal and oral health, tips to identify if your child is breathing correctly, and the warning signs that newborns may show due to constant congestion, especially since their nasal passages are tiny. This podcast also explains how to tell if your toddler is tongue-tied and when to seek help from a pediatrician, speech pathologist or dentist. Time...

Feeling way too tired to parent? You’re not alone. In this quick 1-minute episode, we break down simple, realistic strategies working parents can use when both partners are exhausted but still need to safely care for their child. From managing sleep shifts to knowing when to call in support, this video gives you practical tips you can use right now to stay safe, stay sane, and stay connected as a...