Not Just Theories

What happens when your child eats nothing but garlic bread for dinner… multiple nights in a row? It might feel worrying, but it’s also a perfect example of how the Division of Responsibility in feeding plays out in real life. In this episode, I break down Ellyn Satter’s Division of Responsibility: what parents are responsible for (the what, when, and where of eating) and what children are responsi...

Parenting comes with plenty of surprises… like opening the washing machine to find a soggy tea bag spinning through the rinse cycle. In this episode, I share the story of “the worst cup of tea I never drank” - and the bigger parenting lessons it sparked. Beyond the funny moment, we also dive into the real-life challenge of managing laundry. I’ll talk about the “one load a day” approach that helps...

Play is one of the most powerful ways children learn - and it’s the perfect space for vocabulary growth. In this final episode of the series, I share how to model and expand vocabulary during play, whether it’s following up on words from books or choosing new words as they come up naturally in play. You’ll hear how to balance guidance with following your child’s lead, and why play-based word learn...

Not all vocabulary teaching needs to be structured - sometimes the richest moments come when you’re simply reading with your child. In this second part of the vocabulary series, I share how to build language naturally through books at home, without preplanning or word lists. You’ll hear how to spot “teachable moments” in everyday reading, model new words in context, and keep the focus on joy and c...

Vocabulary is more than just “knowing words” - it’s a key to communication, learning, and connection. In this first episode of my vocabulary mini-series, I walk you through the basics of robust vocabulary instruction: how we use structured teaching in the clinic, the role of preselected word lists, and how tiers of vocabulary help us decide which words to focus on. We’ll also look at how books, fl...

Kids often say or do things that leave us juggling emotions, expectations, and social rules - like telling a friend they can’t come to their birthday party. In this episode, I share how these moments are opportunities for empathy, without getting locked into power struggles. You’ll hear practical strategies for guiding kids through big feelings, when to be concerned, and when to leave them to work...

The after-daycare transition can be one of the hardest times of the day. Kids are exhausted, parents are juggling dinner prep and family needs, and emotions often boil over into tears and meltdowns. In this episode, I share how a simple after-daycare “fruit snack” became a bridge between daycare and home - helping my child regulate, reset, and transition more calmly. You’ll hear why this small rit...

Bedtime should be a calming, connecting time… but for many families, it can be a battleground. In this episode, I share how we transformed our bedtime book reading routine - making it calmer, more predictable, and more enjoyable for everyone. You’ll hear practical tips for choosing the right books, pacing the reading, and adapting the experience for neurodivergent kids who may find winding down a...

Before we dive into all things parenting, let’s get to know each other. In this episode, I share my story - from becoming a speech-language pathologist to navigating life as a neurodivergent parent - and why I started Not Just Theories. You’ll hear about my passion for giving parents practical scripts, tools, and strategies they can actually use, as well as my goal to make this podcast a space for...

Parenting advice can sound great in theory… but how does it actually work in the chaos of everyday life? Not Just Theories is the podcast where we cut through the noise and share practical, real-world strategies that actually fit into your day - especially for neurodivergent parents and kids. I’m Brittany - speech-language pathologist, neurodivergent parent, and perpetual learner - and I’m here to...