The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention

Hey Friends~  Babbling is the foundation for first words.  It's a key predictor of later language development AND the strongest early indicator that spoken language is developing on track… and so much more!  Babbling is a very important part of your baby’s development. Maybe you are curious, or possibly concerned. Or.. maybe you just know someone with a baby.  If this is you, Please share this epi...

Hey Friends~  There are many different parenting styles, types, and programs, and the number can vary depending on how they're categorized. Broadly, these can be grouped into Core styles, Modern styles, Therapeutic approaches.  And cultural/philosophies.   you're looking at LOTS of ideas and  many overlap as real-life is real!  And kids and parents need practice and discernment which develops over...

Hey Friends~  Have you ever wanted to listen to the wisdom of someone who has been there?  Today’s guest is that person.  After raising her own kids, she & her family collectively decided to adopt kids and love them.   With those adoptive kids, trauma therapy was needed.  She learned to connect with those kiddos on a deep level.  What she learned in trauma therapy not only helped her build con...

Hey Friends~  When we talk about a lot of stuff with our kids - the stuff that isn’t the important stuff; the stuff that is inconsequential, we develop the habit of interaction.  When 90% of your interactions are wonderful, and then the hard conversations that do necessarily come, won’t be as big of a deal. The Key:  have LOTS of conversations..  Why?  Because the inconsequential conversations hav...

Hey Friends~ You hear child centers and schools claim to have a “Language Rich Environment”.  Do you have a language rich environment at home?  You can!  But what exactly does that mean?  And how do you create that in a way that does NOT add another thing to your to do list?   The trick… is it is all about you, mom and dad.  It is not actually the space or the environment.  It is how YOU use the e...

Hey Friends~  Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to teach your kids while they slept?   Today’s guest says it is possible - especially when it comes to behaviors like bed wetting, and  difficult emotions!   You’ll LOVE this episode if you wish for a way to slide under the radar to teach your kiddo - at least for SOME of the millions of topics we want to teach them!   You’ll be inspired today as you le...

Hey Friends~  I love children’s literature!  It seems that ANYTHING you want to teach, you can find a book on that and use it as a springboard to help kids learn.  This is especially true for social emotional learning.  There is power in using stories!    One mistake parents make is thinking they need to read a book as written!  Today’s guest brings us into her journey into authorship and then sho...

Hey Friends~  Families often how to help their child in the summer.  Since there is no speech therapy with the school in the summer, some families are nervous and wonder what to do!  In this episode, we talk about foundational practices that help your children retain and learn speech sounds, particularly when they are not responding to your attempts to help them.  These strategies, when done well,...

Hey Friends~  The language you use  may be LESS effective  than you want!  When we change HOW and WHAT we say, our communication becomes more effective.  Today’s guest, Polina Shkadron, is a fellow Speech Language Pathologist who has a wealth of knowledge and experience.   She guides us to focus on the LANGUAGE that helps our kids engage in play - and with you - and teaches us how to create a lang...

Hey Friends~ You know in your gut when things are not going right, even if you don’t have the words.  It’s even harder when you tell someone, but you are told that everything is fine… but you know SOMETHING IS UP.   This is the case for today’s guest.  She knew that her son needed more help in his sound development, but was constantly told everything was fine.   Started seeking help when her son w...

Hey Friends~  Speech confidence is important for adults and kids.   Whether you are speaking in public or saying your name in front of a class, we all want to speak with confidence and certainly that what we intend to say is what will come out.  Fluency is one area of speech and language development. Many, many kids stutter when they are rapidly expanding their vocabulary and language skills.  Man...

Hey Friends~  Boys communicate, process emotions, and navigate the world differently—but how can we support them in becoming emotionally healthy men?  Dr. Richelle Whitaker, educational psychologist and host of The Raising Sons Podcast, shares practical strategies for connecting with boys, fostering open communication, and guiding them through emotional growth.  From “windshield time” to movement-...

Hey Friends~  Sometimes it is helpful to hear success stories!  We know that raising kids is a marathon not a sprint, and that means that success stories occur millions of times while raising our kids.  Sometimes- when challenges are significant, we need to dig even deeper to find wins along the way.   Today’s guest tells her story of raising a child with Cerebral Palsy.  She learned to celebrate...

Hey Friends~  Do you Ever feel like your child understands everything but can’t quite put their thoughts into words?  In this episode, I’m breaking down expressive vs. receptive language— what each one is, how it develops and of course, this knowledge will be paired with ways YOU can support the growth of BOTH receptive and expressive language skills in your kiddos.  So, whether you're a parent of...

Hey Friends~  Kids with neurological differences often APPEAR typical  until the invisible becomes visible.  Today’s episode showcases a journey of one mom - a mom I call a very successful parent!  If you know any Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences, this episode will be particularly helpful and intriguing for you. I am glad you are here. You will enjoy this  raw conversation of vulnerabl...

Hey Friends~  What is the difference between speech and language? This common question is today’s topic. Understanding the difference helps you more accurately describe what is going on with your child when you seek guidance!   Please Share, Like, Subscribe, & Follow! Also - Sign up for the Newsletter & Freebies below to stay connected to The Language Of Play! Always cheering you on!  Dina...

Hey Friends~  Today’s guest is a mother of a child who had a language delay at age 3, and then was diagnosed with autism later. She worked in special education as a special education advocate. And then she had her own child so now she has the dual role of being BOTH the parent and an educator in the special education system. We talk about the role of language acquisition for her little one and how...

Hey Friends~  Although it’s true that our children do better when they nap, there is a transition out of naps. And it's usually not a smooth ride. Today we will talk about when your 3 & 4 year-old does not nap.   Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com   Information about Costa Rica retreat:  https://www.speakfeedlead.org/family-talks-retreat....

Hey Friends~  Podcasthon is a global movement of podcasters simultaneously promoting a charities of their choice. The Language of Play joins Podcasthon by highlighting the amazing impact of the Jeremiah Program, in this episode with Ally Hanten Ebert.  PODCASTHON: "Your platform. Their story. Simultaneously, we amplify causes that matter." JEREMIAH PROGRAM: "Disrupt the cycle of poverty for single...

Hey Friend~  In this episode, we talk about Family Talks Retreat for the whole family of kids ages 10+.   I invite you to join me on this adventure in Costa Rica along with hosts Jackie Bailey and Todd Cudaback.  Away from all your normal daily pressures Away from the Internet, (mostly…) Connect on a deeper level and develop your family story. Build strong relationships with the people you care ab...

Hey Friends~  Parents say versions of, “I just asked him to say these words. I am trying to help him speak, but he melted down again.  How do I help him? So common.    But Why?   Today we unpack another reason for this and with that understanding, you will learn where to start in making the changes you want.  Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.co...

Hey Friends~  In today’s world, we are taught to seek answers within ourselves.  But if we stay there, we become self-absorbed or self-conceited and depressed.  We need to also see outside of ourselves, looking for ways to contribute, serve others, and be connected to others.  In having this balance, people become whole and happy.  This foundation begins in the earliest years.  Today, Jill Garner...

Hey Friends~  There are many forms of play.  And, play is different for us as we grow up!   What does play look like for you now?  Many adults wish for more time off from work, more time to rest and play.  However, many of us have the thinking pattern that work comes before play.  Perhaps you were taught that as a child.  I was.   What if…  Your parenting could be PLAY for you - at the same time -...

Hey Friends~  We experience play with our children in a variety of ways. One of those ways is Free Play.  Free Play is completely imaginative and it is entirely directed by the child. Another way we play is Structured Play is when we use play to help our children go in the direction we want them to go. That may be learning, movement, practice, or anything really.  In Structured Play, we have an IN...

Hey Friends~   Whoot!  Surprises Today! We are CELEBRATING 200 Episodes!     To CELEBRATE this milestone, I have gifts and big SAVINGS to give away!     The Prizes:   4 books and 4 coaching slots and 1 Starbucks gift card!  TO PLAY: EMAIL “200” to:   Hello@thelanguageofplay.com   !!   In this episode, you will enjoy learning the TOP 10 Episodes in the past 12 months!   You’ll also hear an update o...