Talking Toddlers

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...

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 developmen...

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 skill...

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...

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 tod...

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 experi...

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 differen...

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 – Suppor...

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 b...

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...

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-Series In Part 1, we covered the first two foundational 'pillars' of speech develop...

The 4 Building Blocks of Speech Development – Part 1 Long 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...

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...

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 struggles In this episode of Talking Tod...

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 lea...

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 t...

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 onli...

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...

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 Jon...

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 ne...

Part 2 of the “Is My Baby’s Development Normal?” Mini-Series What 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 thro...

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. Resea...

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 aw...

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 opport...

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...