A Parent's Guide to Child Development

✨ Ever wondered why some kids repeat words or phrases (echolalia)? It’s not just “copying”—it’s part of gestalt language learning ! 🧩 Children often learn language in big chunks first (like song lyrics or whole sentences) before breaking them down into smaller parts. This is a natural and important way many kids develop communication skills. 💬👶 Contact Andrea Gingras: Instagram: https://www.in...

Sleep is one of the biggest challenges for new parents — and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we sit down with sleep expert Diana Zales to answer the questions parents are asking most about healthy rest for babies, toddlers, and themselves. From understanding how much sleep children really need at each stage, to decoding night wakings, naps, and sleep regressions, Diana shares pract...

😴 Another sleep regression? Yep. At 6 months, sitting skills (or the lack of them) can wreck your baby’s sleep. Growth spurts, solids, and sitting skills (or lack thereof) can throw your baby’s sleep completely off track. 🎧 In this episode,  Sitting on the Job: Why Your Baby’s Lack of Sitting Skills Leads to Sleep Regression , we unpack: ✔️ Why milestones like rolling + sitting can derail sleep...

Ever wonder if what you're feeling is just stress — or something deeper? In this clip, pediatric occupational therapist and parent coach Vanessa Fox breaks down how to tell the difference between everyday parenting stress and full-blown *parental burnout*.She also shares simple ways to recognize when *you* are dysregulated — even in the heat of the moment — so you can stop the spiral and recon...

What does it really mean for a toy to be safe—& how can we balance protecting our kids with letting them take healthy risks? 🎠 In this episode, Dr. Sara Muršić, founder of Toy Scope, introduces her powerful framework for Safe Play, Brave Play, & Dangerous Play. We explore how parents can: • Spot hidden hazards in toys & play spaces • Support kids’ confidence, resilience, & problem...

The postpartum period is more than just sleepless nights and diaper changes—it's a complete transformation of identity, body, and spirit. In this powerful episode of A Parent's Guide to Child Development, host Annamarie von Firley sits down with Gabrielle Rose, a postpartum doula and Ayurvedic practitioner, to uncover the realities of the fourth trimester that no one talks about. From unde...

Parenting isn’t supposed to break you—so why does it feel that way sometimes? In this powerful episode of A Parent's Guide to Child Development, we dive into the often-overlooked reality of parental burnout, especially among families raising neurodivergent children. Timestamps 1:05 What is parental burnout? 4:41 Burnout connected to parents' dysregulated nervous system 5:49 What is dysregu...

Why is play more than just fun and games? In this inspiring conversation with play advocate and therapy expert Kaitlin, we explore how play forms the foundation for child development—especially for neurodivergent children and AAC users. From imaginary play and sensory bins, discover how different types of play support motor skills, emotional regulation, communication, and real-world problem-solvin...

We dive into the often-overlooked reality of parental burnout, especially among families raising neurodivergent children. Our guest, Vanessa Fox, is a neurodivergent pediatric occupational therapist and parent coach with 15+ years of experience—and her own lived journey through burnout. Vanessa shares practical, trauma-informed strategies for burnout. 🔔 Subscribe for more expert tips on child dev...

From imaginary play and sensory bins, discover how different types of play support motor skills, emotional regulation, communication, and real-world problem-solving. We challenge outdated myths about “non-functional” play and explain why open-ended, child-led experiences are essential.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more expert conversations on child development and therapy!#PlayBasedTherapy #Chi...

A short clip from our episode Connect with Your Non-Speaking Child—Guest - Andrea Gingras - A Parent's Guide to Child Development!👉 Don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Join us for this eye-opening episode of A Parent’s Guide to Child Development with expert occupational therapist, Bailey Relford, as we uncover the 3 hidden senses that every parent needs to know about. Everybody knows about the 5 main senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell) but did you know there are actually 3 more?— the ones that help kids balance, stay calm, or know when they’re hungry?...

📚 Boost Early Language Development: Read From Birth Want to support your baby’s brain and speech development? Pediatric speech-language pathologist Sarah Schmidt shares must-know tips for reading with your child—starting from day one. Whether you’ve got a newborn, toddler, or preschooler, you’ll learn: Why early reading builds strong brains Easy routines for busy families How to engage even the m...

Learn all about speech development and what milestones to look out for through the babbling stages of language. Host Annamarie von Firley of Fledglings' Flight sits down and talks with Elizabeth McGuire on speech and language pathology along with her own role and work in helping kids to develop their speaking skills further. 👉 Don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode! CON...

Building Language through Connections: What Parents Need to Know Discover 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 Pathologi...

Toilet and Potty Training: What Parents Need to Know Dive into the glamorous world of pee and poo with us as Tabitha Poole educates us on the importance of continence and gives us tips on how to help potty train your little one! 👉 Don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode! 0:00 Intro 1:45 What got you interested in potty training? 3:00 What does a typical day look like? 5:...

Gross Motor Delays: What Parents Need to Know Gross motor delays can affect children from birth through early childhood, impacting milestones like crawling, standing, and walking. In this episode, pediatric physiotherapist Kasha Pyka breaks down the signs of gross motor delay and shares practical strategies parents can use to support their child’s development over time. 👉 Don’t forget to follow a...

Building Secure Attachments in Early Childhood In this insightful episode of  A Parent’s Guide to Child Development , we sit down with clinical psychologist and parenting expert  Dr. Sarah Mundy  to explore the science of  secure attachment —and how your everyday interactions shape your child’s emotional foundation for life. Secure attachments are the foundation for healthy emotional development....

What Is DMI Therapy—and Why It Matters Understanding DMI (Dynamic Movement Intervention) therapy can make a big difference in supporting a child’s development. In this episode, Kacee Stevens, a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy, walks us through what DMI therapy is, how it works, and why it’s an important tool for helping children reach their milestones. 👉 Follow a...

Feeding Preemies: Tips from a Neonatal Feeding Expert Feeding a preemie or preterm baby can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. In this episode, Ashley Karlin—an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L), and specialist in neonatal feeding and touch—shares expert tips and insights to help you support your baby’s feeding jo...

Understanding Infant Feeding Issues: What to Watch For Infant feeding plays a vital role in early development, and challenges can arise for many different reasons. In this episode, Melissa Murphy and Chandler Edge share their expertise on common feeding issues, how to recognize the signs, and practical ways parents can support their child through them. 👉 Follow and subscribe so you never miss an...