Talking Toddlers

• The Hidden Power of Play: How Toddlers Build Focus, Memory & Thinking Skills Ep 117

  Send us a textDid 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– Support both structured and unstructured play without overcomplicating it– Avoid the “wait and see” trap while building confidence as a parentPlay isn’t optional — it’s the secret to raising confident, capable kids. Tune in and discover how to make the most of these everyday moments.====❤️ Ready for personal, purposeful progress?CLICK HERE NOW - Tiny Challenge for Moms 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a mama who needs a reset.====CLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun ActivitiesBuilding Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!CONNECT WITH [email protected]===============================Podcast Disclaimer:This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your pediatrician or a qualified health provider with questions about your child’s development or health. The views shared are based on Erin Hyer’s professional experience and are intended to support informed parenting, not to replace individual consultation or care. Every child and family is unique—please use your discretion and consult trusted professionals when making decisions for your child.

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• The #1 Sleep Mistake Parents Don’t Know They’re Making - And How To Easily Fix It Ep 116

  Send us a textParents 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 baby, toddler, and you fall asleep faster and sleep deeper.In this episode, Erin Hyer, speech-language pathologist with 35+ years of early intervention experience, shares:Why warm, dim light triggers melatonin for natural sleepHow blue light disrupts your child’s rest (and yours)Simple, affordable ways to set the right nighttime moodTry tonight’s challenge: Dim your lights 1 hour before bed and watch the difference tomorrow.=====The #1 Sleep Mistake Parents Don’t Know They’re MakingYouTube CLICK HERE FOR THIS EPISODE=====Here are three citations mentioned in this episode:Warm Light and Sleep Efficiency in Children Smith, A. L., Johnson, M. K., & Ramirez, Y. (2023). Effects of Evening Warm-Tone Lighting on Sleep Onset and Efficiency in Preschool-Aged Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Pediatric Sleep Health, 12(4), 245–256.Screen Use, Reward Circuits, and Sleep Procrastination Chen, H., Patel, R., & Gupta, S. (2024). Evening Screen Use, Dopaminergic Activation, and Sleep Procrastination: Behavioral and Neurobiological Correlates in Adults. Behavioral Neuroscience Reviews, 29(1), 1–18.Parental Sleep Disruption and Toddler Emotional Regulation Martinez, E. J., Li, P., & Anders, T. F. (2023). Maternal Sleep Quality Predicts Toddler Emotional Reactivity and Regulatory Behaviors: A Longitudinal Analysis. Journal of Child Development & Parenting, 18(2), 112–130.====❤️ Ready for personal, purposeful progress?CLICK HERE NOW - Tiny Challenge for Moms 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a mama who needs a reset.====CLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun ActivitiesBuilding Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!CONNECT WITH [email protected]===============================Podcast Disclaimer:This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your pediatrician or a qualified health provider with questions about your child’s development or health. The views shared are based on Erin Hyer’s professional experience and are intended to support informed parenting, not to replace individual consultation or care. Every child and family is unique—please use your discretion and consult trusted professionals when making decisions for your child.

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• Why Gentle Parenting Isn’t Working for Toddlers Ep 115

  Send us a textHas 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. (Yippeeee)Drawing from the viral Wall Street Journal article “Goodbye Gentle Parenting, Hello F-Around and Find Out,”  Erin offers a grounded, faith-anchored response to today’s parenting confusion.You’ll learn:✅ Why toddlers don’t really understand “no” the way we think✅ The difference between gentle guidance and permissiveness✅ Why natural consequences build character better than explanations✅ How to raise confident, connected kids—with loving limits---------------------------------🎙️ Listen to Erin’s 2-part February series on Gentle Parenting for more insight!Ep 97  Gentle Parenting vs Reality: What Actually Works For ToddlersEp 98  Why Milestones Matter More Than 'Gentle' Parenting❤️ Ready for personal, purposeful progress?Join Erin’s Tiny Challenge — 1:1 support. 1 challenge. 1 week.Momentum begins the moment you say YES.CLICK HERE NOW - Tiny Challenge for Moms 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a mama who needs a reset.========Download the free handout so you can enjoy summer screen-free—and see what’s actually possible when we parent with intention.CLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun ActivitiesBuilding Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!CONNECT WITH [email protected]===============================Podcast Disclaimer:This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your pediatrician or a qualified health provider with questions about your child’s development or health. The views shared are based on Erin Hyer’s professional experience and are intended to support informed parenting, not to replace individual consultation or care. Every child and family is unique—please use your discretion and consult trusted professionals when making decisions for your child.

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• What Your Toddler Needs to Express Themselves Clearly (Part 2) Ep 114

  Send us a textExplore 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-SeriesIn Part 1, we covered the first two foundational 'pillars' of speech development: 1️⃣ Social Interaction – how connection fuels communication 2️⃣ Understanding Language – why comprehension must come before expressionToday in Part 2, we’re diving into: 3️⃣ Expressive Language Skills – why pointing, babbling, and even grunting matter 4️⃣ Speech Sound Development – what to expect, when to worry, and how to helpYou’ll learn:What real expressive progress looks like (and the red flags to know)Why gestures are often the secret sauce to early talkingHow to build clarity and confidence in your toddler’s speech — at homeWhen “he has his own language” is more than just a cute phaseThis episode will equip you with practical tips, developmental insight, and encouragement to support your toddler right where they are — even if words aren’t flowing yet.If you're a mom, dad, or caregiver wondering “Should my child be talking more?” — this is the conversation you need.👉 Tune in now — and don’t forget to share with a friend who’s walking the same parenting path.❤️ Ready for personal, purposeful progress?Join Erin’s Tiny Challenge — 1:1 support. 1 challenge. 1 week.Momentum begins the moment you say YES.CLICK HERE NOW - Tiny Challenge for Moms 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a mama who needs a reset.========Download the free handout so you can enjoy summer screen-free—and see what’s actually possible when we parent with intention.🎁 Free handout CLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun ActivitiesBuilding Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!CONNECT WITH [email protected]===============================Podcast Disclaimer:This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your pediatrician or a qualified health provider with questions about your child’s development or health. The views shared are based on Erin Hyer’s professional experience and are intended to support informed parenting, not to replace individual consultation or care. Every child and family is unique—please use your discretion and consult trusted professionals when making decisions for your child.

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• Is My Baby’s Development Normal? Understanding Milestones & Red Flags: Part 1 Ep 113

  Send us a textThe 4 Building Blocks of Speech Development – Part 1Long 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’s so much YOU can do now.In this episode, Erin shares:The first two building blocks of speech developmentWhy interaction (shared attention) is the starting lineHow understanding language comes before using itHow development is dynamic (not linear!)The red flags parents often missWhat to change at home right now if you’re noticing signs of delay (or just want to keep him on track)And how to recognize real progress — even before words appearYou’ll leave feeling more empowered, more aware, and ready to take action — not out of fear, but from a place of clarity and confidence.❤️ Ready for personal, purposeful progress? Join Erin’s Tiny Challenge — 1:1 support. 1 challenge. 1 week. Momentum begins the moment you say yes.CLICK HERE NOW - Tiny Challenge for Moms 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a mama who needs a reset.========Download the free handout so you can enjoy summer screen-free—and see what’s actually possible when we parent with intention.🎁 Free handout CLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun ActivitiesBuilding Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!CONNECT WITH [email protected]===============================Podcast Disclaimer:This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your pediatrician or a qualified health provider with questions about your child’s development or health. The views shared are based on Erin Hyer’s professional experience and are intended to support informed parenting, not to replace individual consultation or care. Every child and family is unique—please use your discretion and consult trusted professionals when making decisions for your child.

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