Talking Toddlers

Learning how to discipline a toddler without totally loosing your cool is possible. Here are a few concepts I cover in today's episode ... YOU'VE GOT THIS: Praise your child’s good behavior, but do so without giving external rewards. Start labeling how he feels instead of putting him in a timeout or giving empty threats and warnings.  Make sure his needs are met, making him less likely t...

Guess what, our toddler doesn't really understand all that much ... yet! When we say, "don't throw your food on the floor!" All they hear is THROW - FOOD ! They love it when we yell, get excited and move our hands up and down as we run to pick up, intervene, or recover our mess. Guess what, you just reinforced their "naughty" behavior! YIKES ... what do we do instead?...

Toddlers are just starting out. Know the behaviors that are "telling you" his ability to wire-up and regulate is a bit different, unique and perhaps challenging. Does it interfere with learning, social connection, and engagement? We need to understand & respect differences - and at the same time create environments where all kids can blossom into their BEST VERSION. These are MOST CO...

Today’s episode is about limiting beliefs - how they may influence how we parent our children, how focusing on behavior can create power struggles, and how we can alter our parenting style to parent with our kids instead of over them. Typically we take on limiting beliefs unconsciously, often in childhood. Relationships with primary caretakers, teachers, coaches influence us as we are dependent on...

Watching your baby grow is one of the best parts of parenting: first smiles, words, and steps are moments many of us remember for the rest of our lives.  There are also subtler baby milestones, like when your baby begins reacting to music or uses their tongue to move food around in their mouth.  All milestones, big and small, are important to your child’s development Milestones are meant as guides...

Just 15 minutes of PLAY can spark millions of brain connections. The more present you are… the more you understand your baby/child. Slow is usually always better than fast. Let your baby / toddler linger AND practice at the level she is working through, even if it seems slow to you…  Babies / toddlers will move along to the next level when they are ready - given the opportunities. In this episode...

You want to know the secret relationship between tummy time, jaw development and vowels sounds. The fear of gagging or choking is real; however, as you begin to understand how to best support physical and cognitive development, it melts away.  Vowel sounds require a strong and stable jaw ... and you want to know the secrets behind helping your baby master these 22 delightful sounds by his 2nd birt...

Can I avoid meltdowns with my toddler? We can certainly manage them better when we understand where they are coming from or what might be the precipice. You'll see how to navigate different situations when you get into the juicy details around these 3 HIDDEN Sensory Systems ... which most pediatricians don't even recognize. In this episode, I'm sharing what they are and how best to...

Wondering if there's a way to prevent your kids from becoming picky eaters? Or how to get a fussy eater to actually eat and try new foods? Put these 15 STRATEGIES into immediate action to prevent AND repair picky eating all together.  No parent wants their child to be a picky eater. Just imagine feeding them the same three things day after day, cooking  separate meals, and battling through br...

In this episode we continue the conversation of how to Stop Picky Eaters in their tracks - essential strategies and mindset shift. Between six and nine months of age, we are setting the stage. It's an INTRODUCTION to solid foods, but plan you must! Although it's a learning process with some trial and error, there are very specific strategies that keep you and your baby on track. You neve...

In this episode, we discuss strategies to PREVENT picky eating habits with babies and young children. Today we cover five PROVEN STRATEGIES that can help with introducing solid foods.  HINT: this is just the beginning… take advantage of Mother Nature ,  introduce a wide variety of flavors,  make mealtime enjoyable (make is MESSY) be a good role model involve your child in meal planning and prepara...

In this episode Erin discusses how: Nutrition plays a crucial role in your child's development. Food can be both medicine and an energy source for the body  Investigating food intake and absorption can help identify potential obstacles to development. Important to look beyond just the symptoms of speech and language disorders and consider other aspects of a child's health and behavior Pa...

In this episode we walk through 5 common, everyday items that could delay development and WHY you need to be more thoughtful before you jump in. Becoming a new mom in this modern world is challenging enough, we can avoid unnecessary traps, when we are better informed. Stay focused on your goal … healthy and unencumbered development for your baby!  You are b uilding neuro-connections ---> neuro-...

We continue the conversation on the four central pillars which support strong verbal communication skills, which developed through every day experiences. In this episode, I present how parents who understand why playing peek-a-boo is so critical to brain development can jumpstart talking, understanding and learning more naturally. What red-flag to look for and how to enhance your everyday activiti...

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...