Talking Toddlers

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 of children, outside pressure, family history and internal voice of "should's" or "could's." 

1. Permissive: No rules; absolute indulgence; "How can I say NO to you?"
2. Authoritarian: High demand & High expectation; Rules, Rules, Rules; I am the Boss
3. Neglectful: Uninvolved; careless; aloof; lack of compassion or warmth; distracted
4. Authoritative: clear boundaries; High expectation with equal reciprocal; "Can we discuss?" Assertive yet compassionate

I encourage you to be OPEN to learning and evaluating  where you are today - knowing we can always make different choices tomorrow. Let our children watch how we are willing to own our mistakes, come back to the relationship, and start again.

This modern life brings many mixed outcomes - which means we all need to be vigilant with how we show up, design and shape our days; and how we create daily habits that either support growth and expansion, or restrict it.

Do you come to the table with an OPEN - or FIXED - mindset?

How do you see your toddler in the future?

Help build his "learning muscles" by providing boundaries, clear expectations, and room to mess up without fear, guilt,  or shame.

Parenting is a learning process. Give yourself room to develop how to nurture, discipline through guidance and practice open communication.

As always, if you get value from this episode, please subscribe so you do not miss out, rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and share with me when you’re listening! Screenshot where you are in the episode, and tag me, @erin.hyer, on Instagram. 

www.HyerLearning.com

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 development fit together can feel confident their toddler stays on track, and feels at peace even when it gets messy!

As always, if you get value from this episode, please subscribe so you do not miss out, rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and share with me when you’re listening! Screenshot where you are in the episode, and tag me, @erin.hyer, on Instagram. 

www.HyerLearning.com

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. Parenting with intention makes the whole family more relaxed. You look forward to meal times, you understand it's a learning process, you are open to being messy, and truly embrace your toddler's growth!

We don't want to rush these beautiful days; we want to slow them down and savor each developmental milestone.  Watching your toddler build a healthy relationship with food, being able to recognize when he's just fussy or tired and not truly hungry - will alleviate many struggles.

SOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Gill Rapley, book: "Baby Led Weaning, Helping Your Baby Love Good Food"
http://www.rapleyweaning.com/

Melanie Potock, Speech Language Pathologist
Pediatric Feeding Expert and Author
https://mymunchbug.com/

Happy listening!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love learning from Erin on Talking Toddlers." <--- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move from questions and self-doubt, to clarity and confidence. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Any questions you'd like me to cover?

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not following , there's a good chance you'll miss out.  Follow now!

www.HyerLearning.com

@erin.hyer

In this episode I share the truth about Fruit & Vegetable Pouches. I cannot speak how eating/chewing and speech development are connected without sharing the truth on pouches…  we’ve been duped!

Babies and toddlers MUST experience a variety of food tastes, textures and consistencies in order to build a healthy relationship with real food - as well as exercise their oral-motor skills, LITERALLY. 

Chewing and speech go hand-in-hand. 

I cover the TOP 3 reasons these abundant food pouches are NOT IN YOUR FAVOR and actually WORKING AGAINST your little guy's development.

Listen with an open mindset.

1.  NO EXPERIENCE with real food - it's  all pureed together! How do you learn the differences between:  broccoli, carrots, chicken, ham, berries, or apples?

- no touching, smelling, tasting, or looking at different foods

- no chewing which starts the digestion process and helps sense when you're satiated or full

- no opportunity to learn how to feed themselves (fists, fingers, spoon) - just suck???

- no texture means NO actual chewing (which stimulates teeth eruption and strengthens jaws - which helps with tongue placement ... leading to better speech sounds!)

Yikes, it's all connected.

2.  MISLEADINGLY SWEET - everything is blended with cheaper and sweeter foods (apples/pears), so the “spinach” or “quinoa” are masked with sugar!

How do they develop a taste between foods such as broccoli and beef?

3.  NO REAL FIBER - do we really wonder why kids have gut/digestion/poop issues?

For example (on average): 

1 pouch has 12-15 grams of sugar and 1 gram of fiber

1 cup of sliced apples has 11 grams of sugar and 3 grams of fiber

1 pouch has 1 tablespoon of sugar!!!! 

Chewing an actual apple gives your child fiber, chewing experience (lips/jaw/tongue workout) and satisfaction! 

Even when parents / consumers pushed-backed against the amount of sugar … the companies diluted the “recipe” with water to decrease the percentage of sugar per pouch… interesting strategy, right?

Bottom line: real food = real development & real learning!

Happy listening!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love learning from Erin on Talking Toddlers." <--- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move from questions and self-doubt, to clarity and confidence. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Any questions you'd like me to cover?

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not following , there's a good chance you'll miss out.  Follow now!

www.HyerLearning.com

@erin.hyer

The human being is an intricate system of systems - and navigating this modern world keeps parents on their toes - or at least it should. Whether you're thinking about having a baby, just became a new parent , or a parent of a first grader - this episode will help shed light on how the developmental parts fit together.  

We often need to step back and get different perspectives to see the whole picture (whole child.)

Here we continue  to review the  remarkable connection between eating and speech development - and even if your little guy is getting ready for 1st grade, reflect back to how you managed those first several years. Is there a connection?  How is his attention, listening, speaking, organization, and engagement? 

Knowledge is empowering and can bring clarity when there's uncertainty. We can meet our kids where they are and support growth and independence  when we ourselves feel supported and understood. 

If you haven't listened to last week's episode - it would be helpful to go back now to #007.

Today's episode covers the 4 - 9 month period and here are some the the highlights:

• when does your baby first start to use jaw, lip, tongue muscles separately?
• when do teeth begin to come in for chewing & biting... how does that relate to speech?
• what kind of "workouts" help to make more room in your baby's mouth for safe eating?
• doesn't a baby just start talking when he/she is ready?
• how do tummy time, high chair sitting, and speech relate?
• are puree foods necessary?
• why do baby's make such a mess eating?
• is chewing with your mouth closed automatic?
• what's grading at this age?
• is Baby-Led Weaning a real thing?
• what about choking?

Happy listening!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love learning from Erin on Talking Toddlers." <--- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move from questions and self-doubt, to clarity and confidence. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Any questions you'd like me to cover?

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not following , there's a good chance you'll miss out.  Follow now!

www.HyerLearning.com

@erin.hyer

This episode topic is SO CRITICAL that I ended up creating a series which will be covered over the next several weeks. You won't want to miss any of them!

This episode is Part 1, and we dive deep into your baby's or toddler's relationship between early eating (sucking and chewing) and speech development. Why? Because we are "hard-wired" to do both AND one feeds the other (pun intended.)

Unfortunately, parents often feel lost or overwhelmed with the amount of information out there, and pediatrician office visits lack the time and honestly, the knowledge to help with specific questions.

Yet, feeding, eating and speech challenges continue to rise. Again, we must ask, Why? Parents are looking for clear information on how best to navigate this modern world, raise healthy eaters, strong communicators, and happily engaged young kids!

I begin by describing critical primitive reflexes which are necessary for survival, then we move into what oral motor structures and functions to observe and monitor in the first three months. I also touch upon two (2) additional areas of development that are KEY to building strength, stability, coordination, and a healthy immune system! These areas cannot be overlooked or under-estimated. You may want to listen to it twice! It's that important.
 
To help you become your child's Number 1 guide and influencer, I also created a "Check List" you will want to download. CLICK HERE to sign up to my email list and  DOWNLOAD  YOUR COPY NOW.

Even if your little guy or gal is a bit older (1-5 years old), this will be very helpful as you may unravel any current issues or questions. This will empower you to  seek appropriate support through a feeding specialist, speech pathologist or other highly specialized professional.

Maybe you're working with a therapist already, and they are focusing on individual sounds your child is struggling with - BUT they aren't addressing the oral-motor (physical) aspects of speech. Hmmm.  Unfortunately, that happens more often than I'd like to admit.

This series will help you generate questions to bring to your speech therapist, teacher or pediatrician. Don't settle with "it takes time" or "he'll speak better when he's ready." Nope. Kids would be clear and understood, IF THEY COULD!

Remember, this is just the beginning. We will continue this discussion over the next several weeks. Stay tuned and share with family, friends, other therapists, your doctor and/or school.

Happy listening!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love learning from Erin on Talking Toddlers." <--- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move from questions and self-doubt, to clarity and confidence. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Any questions you'd like me to cover?

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not following , there's a good chance you'll miss out.  Follow now!

www.HyerLearning.com

@erin.hyer

In this episode I share the importance of understanding how speech skills and language development differ. Parents are pivotal in laying this foundation, especially in the first few years, so you don't ever want to leave it to chance.

When you  know why babbling is an important precursor to his first words - you'll want to sing, read, and giggle all day long with your little one. When you realize YOU are the most important influencer in your young child's life ... you may want to rethink preschool, or perhaps adjust the hours. Either way, this episode will bring clarity and purpose to your everyday activities as you nurture both speech and language development with certainty.

In later episodes we'll dive deep into oral motor (speech & eating) skills, so today it's about recognizing how to nurture your whole child.

We know our modern world provides a lot of wonderful conveniences - BUT if we keep these early years close to home, bring back basics, make it natural and engaging  - your beautiful child will stay on track and thrive!

Being an informed parent helps you understand subtle differences, identify issues early, seek professional help with intention, and prevent life-long challenges. It's all about prevention.

Mindful parenting lets you guide your child's development with confidence, grace, excitement and ease -  you'll still be exhausted, but it'll be because of a full day of playing with purpose!

Happy listening!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love learning from Erin on Talking Toddlers." <--- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move from questions and self-doubt, to clarity and confidence. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Any questions you'd like me to cover?

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not following , there's a good chance you'll miss out.  Follow now!

www.HyerLearning.com

@erin.hyer

Reading To Babies And Beyond - The Top 4 Purposes

In this episode, I share specific purposes behind reading to your baby and beyond. No matter what age you start, reading aloud gives you the best bang for the buck - regarding time, money and effort. It cannot be understated.

Remember what your END GOAL is … build a love for literacy, rich vocabulary, positive attention, imagination and healthy connections, to just name a few. 

Reading and writing skills are two sides of the same coin - and are NOT NATURAL. They are built upon a strong oral language system, i.e., listening and talking. Reading aloud provides so much opportunity - at any age!

Parents can sometimes overlook this rich-language experience, thinking, “babies don’t understand yet, reading to them is more important later.” NOPE … not true. Listen to gain insight into just how remarkable newborns, babies and toddlers are - and how much they rely on you to guide them through this modern world.

Even if you don’t like reading out loud … he’s just a baby, he needs you and your voice! 

Purpose #1:  Connection & Bonding - your voice is their life-line 

Purpose #2:  Books as a Script (facilitating tool) - use everywhere, everyday

Purpose #3:  Create Routines to build self-regulation and independence

Purpose #4:  Language Acquisition takes practice and needs 21,000 words a day (minimum)

Books are your friend - and together build endless opportunities.

HAPPY LISTENING!!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love learning from Erin on Talking Toddlers." <--- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move from questions and self-doubt, to clarity and confidence. 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Any questions you'd like me to cover?

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not following , there's a good chance you'll miss out.  Follow now!

www.HyerLearning.com

@erin.hyer

In this episode, I share that although newborns / babies are designed to acquire speech and language naturally, it takes effort ... by all parties - the caretakers and the baby / toddler.

Human babies are born highly unfinished ... they are still under construction.

We understand better how everyday experiences wire our brains (neuroplasticity) and create neuro-connections and networks (learning), but most kids need to be encouraged and convinced to put in the effort.

We can't forget how much our kids rely on us to guide them, model and practice.

Early development is "natural" BUT it's just the beginning - parents are pivotal in guiding their children and helping the succeed - keep moving forward. Even if it's common in this modern day to "let kids be kids" or to think "they'll figure it all out on their own." 

My mission is to remind parents of the remarkable gift they have, and how to enhance every day activities to benefit growth, build relationships and acquire language processing skills.

Learning is cumulative - and life long, but we humans must override our desire to "just survive another day." Your baby / toddler needs you to show them the way!

Take inventory - how are your interactions; how much do you truly engage with your little guy or gal beyond taking care of personal needs? This modern day world is busy, stressful and overwhelming - especially as a parent. Being mindful is easier said than done, but I want to share what a difference it makes.

Happy listening!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love learning from Erin on Talking Toddlers." <--- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move from questions and self-doubt, to clarity and confidence. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Any questions you'd like me to cover?

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not following , there's a good chance you'll miss out.  Follow now!

www.HyerLearning.com

@erin.hyer