"My toddler isn't listening."

If you've said those words - or thought them - this episode is for you.

In this episode of Talking Toddlers, speech-language pathologist Erin (with nearly 40 years in early intervention) unpacks one of the most misunderstood parts of toddler development: 

listening.

Spoiler: it's not what you think. And it's probably not what your toddler is lacking.

Erin breaks down why following directions is one of the most cognitively complex things we ask of young children - what's actually happening in their developing brain when we give a simple direction like "go get your shoes" - and why inconsistency is not defiance. It's development.

You'll also hear a story Erin tells on herself - the night she gave her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter a full lecture about "blessed language skills" and "remarkable comprehension"... and was met with a look of pure bewilderment. Because even the expert gets it wrong sometimes.

In this episode:

→  Why listening is a skill, not a behavior — and what that changes

→  What the developing prefrontal cortex actually means for your daily life

→  10 practical, daily habits that genuinely build listening (backed by 40 years on the therapy floor)

→  Why "fewer words" works better than any explanation

→  How routines and repetition build understanding from the inside out

→  The difference between "won't" and "can't" — and why it matters deeply

Whether your child is 18 months or 4 years old, this episode will change the way you see those moments when they just… don't listen.

And if you find yourself wanting more personalized support - Erin offers Discovery Calls for families who want clarity on where their child is and what they actually need right now. 

Not therapy. Not a diagnosis. Just a real conversation with someone who has been in this field for decades.

You're not alone in this.

🎧 Subscribe to Talking Toddlers wherever you listen to podcasts.

📥 Free resource:
The Top 10 Essential Skills Every Baby Needs Before Talking

👉 Book a Discovery Call 

These are FREE, one-to-one conversations designed to help determine what to focus on first - and whether a focused 6-week parent coaching format would be helpful for your family at this time. Not evaluations, not therapy - just space to reflect and be heard.

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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.

📩 Questions: [email protected]
 🌐 www.HyerLearning.com