Talking Toddlers

Want to jumpstart your toddler's talking? Want to know the secrets behind peek-a-boo? Want to connect learning to listen and cognitive skills? In this episode we cover all of that - and more. Human communication develops in a predictable pattern and parents who know what those are will stay ahead of the curve ... and your toddler will build his talking skills with ease. Listen and enjoy estab...

In this episode, I share the 5 BASIC rules to support your baby & toddler to eat (and LOVE) a variety of solid foods - by passing the purees - through Baby Led Weaning methods. I cover a few secrets that can alleviate delayed progress, frustration and overwhelm. I bet your pediatrician, daycare provider, nanny or great auntie won't know these basic 'rules' and strategies - and t...

This episode I cover Tummy Time and how best to support your baby with courage, knowledge, and true success. Growth and development are NOT linear. Each child follows their own developmental rhythm, so not all babies will reach these stages at the same time, and sometimes they get bunched together. It's a progression. It's necessary beyond strength and coordination. Listen through and le...

"What we see in the crib is the most powerful learning machine in the universe." New parents often ask … what do I do?  Do I have to entertain??? Does it matter? YES … it matters, but you don’t have to feel overwhelmed or uncertain. Communication starts with that initial (unforgettable) outburst of crying. The first few months crying becomes directed & purposeful - especially as your...

We don't have to over-think toddlers. They are pretty straightforward. Look at their social-emotional growth, their physical development (large and small muscles), then - look at their verbal communication. In this episode, I continue the 4 real-life cases of 'late talkers.' What types of behaviors do I gather during that first session? How can you do the same? Questions to ask your...

Check out these 4 real-life familie s and how I break down the initial evaluation process. Your concerns or questions may resonate with these stories. You will hear how each child "found their voice" and emerged successfully. All parents worry, that goes with the territory. But finding a community of like-minded individuals and guides to help you navigate this often rocky journey - bring...

What makes a Late Talker? Can we determine who will "grow out of it" and who will not? Are you asking, "When should you seek advice?" Many parents (and professionals) misread their toddler simply because they don't know what to look for - you don't know what you don't know! He's an active boy! He's stubborn! She's shy or apprehensive. OK, that migh...

In this episode, I finish diving into the list of 12 Easy Tips to Increase Talking & Listening ... by focusing on what they need the most. It doesn't have to feel overwhelming if we keep it simple and focus on target areas: Language Skills Motor Skills Social Skills Early Learning Skills Imagination Skills Self-Regulating Skills While using everyday experiences to build the above list - Y...

Save during the holidays - everybody wants that! By using the 12 Easy Tips to Increase Talking & Listening everybody wins - your toddlers, your family and your savings! Most importantly YOU reduce stress while increasing family warmth & harmony. Parenting and learning are journeys ... and at this age, your babies & toddlers thrive when you focus less on the "stuff" and more o...

This episode we continue the conversation from last episode on 12 Easy Tips to Teach Your Toddler to Talk at Home Without the Stress through specific everyday routines and how to entice them to talk with you. Remember, your baby and toddler came to you "under construction" so you need to provide natural opportunities to wire his brain, develop language and build relationships in fun, eve...

The most common question I get from new parents is, "How do I help my baby or toddler learn to talk at home?" The key to increasing your child's language skills is simple (not always easy), but it's not complicated: model language, limit technology, and get messy! Children learn best with you ... through play-based interactions that can be embedded in every day activities. You...

Why do you have to repeat something over and over until you find yourself yelling? Why are they tuning us out? Although we need to be mindful of early signs of true developmental issues - MOST kids have LEARNED to not listen ... and the truth is, we kind-of trained them to tune us out. Yep - that's right. You read that correctly. In today's episode I share 5 simple steps to get your chil...

Communication is a two-way street.  So why are so many toddlers struggling at finding their words? Are you uncertain if your toddler is on track developmentally, or are you looking for confirmation? Do you compare to other kids his age ... or hear that voice in your heading, "all kids eventually talk, right?" You are not alone; most new parents are 'guessing' and 'doing th...

Episode 022 PLAY is the WORK of your child … In this episode, I expand on what types of play is best for the 12 - 18 month old AND why they need you to play with them. It’s a very exciting growth period with a lot of Aha moments.  Your toddler is constantly moving, doing, and trying things out … don’t inhibit this exploration. He is busy building his brain circuits! Also - I explain why they need...

Did you know that the lack of play can make us more vulnerable to depression, anxiety, impulsivity and sedentarism? Do you feel pressure to orchestrate your time with your toddler, or perhaps you were told "they figure it out on their own" - let them be kids. As we continue our discussion into the Science of PLAY I share the need for both ... some structure AND free style play... but the...

PLAY is as critical as sleep & nutrition to your child’s healthy development. In this episode, I continue to share the 7 Types of Play identified through Dr. Stuart Brown’s work at the National Institute For Play by exploring #4 SOCIAL PLAY. Social Play - one of the most complex forms of play, helps your child establish social norms, develop interpersonal skills, and helps him create successfu...

In this episode Erin introduces the strong connection between the PRACTICE of PLAY and the emotional and cognitive development of  the brain. PLAY is anything but trivial. It's a biological drive as integral to our health as sleep or nutrition. PLAY SCIENCE is a real thing - and we all need to take note - no matter what age, with or without children, at work and at home. This is the first epi...

In this episode I remind moms to put on your oxygen mask first ... As the summer comes to an end and we start to transition back to school schedules, whatever that may look like for you and your family, change is hard. Give yourself time to adjust. Be patient with yourself. Be patient with your family. Be patient with your little ones. Be realistic. This episode is a reminder that parenting is a j...

Why do some kids persevere, figure it out, or seem to be unflappable? Are some kids just born that way? Can we become more resilient? Can we humans change our perception, develop grit and tenacity - or is it fixed at birth? In this episode, I dive deep into some of the original research behind the FIXED vs GROWTH MINDSET by Dr. Carol Dweck; how we can use her large body of work to benefit our pare...

Can you separate brain facts from brain fiction? In this episode I cover how several brain myths , or neuromyths, won't go away and have led us to ineffective or even counterproductive strategies as parents, teachers, and students. Don't fall for them! Challenge yourself to think logically as I walk you through 5 Neuromyths that persist - even when debunked years ago! So why do misconcep...

I am often asked, "What would you do if you were in my shoes?" If I could take my 35 years of clinical practice,  continued education and training, plus my personal parenting experience - without a doubt, these would be my TOP 10 PARENTING ESSENTIALS. They aren't in any specific order, but they do relate to one another. Parenting through these first three years is often exhausting,...

This episode covers why parents need to step up and be their child's strongest (and best informed) advocate. We can't rely on "systems" such as your pediatricians, early intervention, preschools, or educators. Too many of them take the "wait & see" approach, are spread too thin, or simply don't have the knowledge to inquire further. Parents who have a better...

In this episode we cover the four (4) main parenting styles and how they influence your toddler's learning. I always use "labels" with a word of caution , but they can be helpful when we are learning something new or searching for a better understanding.  The quadrants are on a continuum, a kind of slider ruler. We can change according to the situation, developmental stage, number o...

In this episode we continue to make a strong connection with eating / chewing and speech development from 18 - 24 months of age. Understanding that kids' preferences may wax and wane doesn't change your style of parenting. Parenting with consistency requires us to set the boundaries around healthy choices while allowing exploration. Parents who understand how structure, function and deve...

In this episode we continue the series on the connection between eating and speech development. There is a massive developmental explosion - again - between 9 and 15 months and parents feel better prepared and act with confidence when they know what to expect. Toddlers can be unpredictable at times, yet when families have a plan and are able to develop routines, you find peace more often than not....