Talking Toddlers

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...

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,...