Talking Toddlers

Want to raise a healthy, thriving baby — without all the gadgets and overwhelm? In this episode, I’m sharing 10 powerful essentials that help your baby thrive by focusing on what truly matters: connection, rhythm, and presence.

Drawing on over 35 years as a speech-language pathologist, toddler specialist, and mom, I walk you through ten simple, science-backed ways to support your baby’s development — from skin-to-skin bonding and baby-wearing to tummy time, outdoor rhythms, mindful feeding, and calm sleep.

Forget the noise. 

Forget the pressure. 

Here’s what matters most — and why you are your baby’s best environment.

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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

Most parents think reading starts with letters and phonics. But the truth is — literacy is a man-made skill, layered on top of speech and language. 

If your child doesn’t get the right foundations at home, they may struggle later, even in the best schools.

In this episode of Talking Toddlers, Erin Hyer — speech-language pathologist with 35+ years of experience — reveals the 10 foundational skills every baby, toddler, and preschooler needs before school. 

These aren’t worksheets or apps. They’re simple, daily habits that only parents and caregivers can provide through connection, play, and conversation.

👉 You’ll learn:

• Why auditory processing is the hidden key to reading
  
  
  
• Why daycare and preschool can’t replace 1:1, real-time interactions
  
  
  
• How board games, pretend play, and family meals SECRETLY prepare your child for literacy
  
  
  
• The daily book-reading habit that helped Erin’s daughter “crack the code” at 3½
  
  
  
• Why handwriting (yes, even cursive!) can shape confidence into adulthood

Download the free 10 Skills Checklist and put it on your fridge. Because prevention beats remediation every time.

✨ If today’s episode encouraged you, please share it with another mom or dad, and don’t forget to leave a review — it helps more families find this support.

And I’d love to hear from you — email me your thoughts or questions.

CONNECT WITH ERIN
[email protected]

• YouTube: Talking Toddlers Channel
  
  
• Website: www.HyerLearning.com

CLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun Activities

Building Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!

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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.

Should you homeschool through kindergarten or send your child to preschool? 

You’ll discover the truth about “socialization,” what’s actually happening in many early childhood programs, and how to confidently decide what’s right for your family — without guilt, pressure, or fear of “falling behind.”

From overworked teachers "managing" behavior, to the loss of play-based learning, to the social-emotional gaps that show up years later, you’ll learn why the most powerful learning still happens at home. 

Erin Hyer — speech-language pathologist with 35+ years of experience — breaks down what young children really need before age 6. 

From the science of brain development to the history of kindergarten, and the modern policies pushing earlier institutional care, Erin shows why everyday life at home is often the best classroom. 

👣 Next Step: Ready for more? Start small with The Tiny Challenge — a personalized way to create a learning-rich lifestyle for your child. Link in the show notes.

CLICK HERE NOW - Tiny Challenge for Moms 

✨ If this episode gave you something to think about, share it with a mom who needs encouragement today. 

And I’d love to hear from you — email me your thoughts or questions.

CONNECT WITH ERIN
[email protected]

• YouTube: Talking Toddlers Channel
  
  
• Website: www.HyerLearning.com

CLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun Activities

Building Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!

✨ If today’s episode encouraged you, please share it with another mom or dad, and don’t forget to leave a review — it helps more families find this support.

===============================

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.

Most parents think play begins with dolls and pretend kitchens — but the earliest stages of play start long before that… and missing them could mean missing crucial communication growth.

From nibbling on their fists, to peekaboo and pretend play -- your child’s first three years are full of small moments that build a BIG foundation. 

In this episode, Erin Hyer — speech-language pathologist and toddler specialist with 35+ years of experience — breaks down the 7 stages of play and shows how each stage fuels brain growth, language development, and social connection.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between exploratory, functional, and symbolic play
• Why gestures, imitation, and pretend games support speech development
• How play builds critical thinking, imagination, and problem-solving skills
• What to watch for as your toddler moves from play ➝ phrases ➝ full conversations

This is your roadmap for supporting communication and confidence from day one.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• 📥 Download the 7 Stages of Play Chart → [link here]
• 📥 Hierarchy of Wh- Questions PDF → [ link here]
• 🎧 Listen to related episodes on Talking Toddlers:
  • Hidden Power of PLAY Ep 117
  • Science of PLAY: Vital to Learning Ep 19

👣 Next Step: Ready for more? Start small with The Tiny Challenge — a personalized way to create a learning-rich lifestyle for your child. Link in the show notes.

CLICK HERE NOW - Tiny Challenge for Moms 

✨ If this episode gave you something to think about, share it with a mom who needs encouragement today. 

And I’d love to hear from you — email me your thoughts or questions.

CONNECT WITH ERIN
[email protected]

• YouTube: Talking Toddlers Channel
  
  
• Website: www.HyerLearning.com

CLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun Activities

Building Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!

✨ If today’s episode encouraged you, please share it with another mom or dad, and don’t forget to leave a review — it helps more families find this support.

===============================

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.

Your child’s brain isn’t finished at birth — it’s built day by day, through you.

Whether you have a baby or a toddler, this episode will help you understand the “why” behind sleep struggles, sensitivities, and attention challenges — and remind you that brains are built through responsive parenting.

In this episode of Talking Toddlers, Erin Hyer, speech-language pathologist with 35+ years of experience, explains why the first years matter so much for brain development. 

We’ll cover:

• What exterogestation (the “second womb”) really means
  
  
  
• How 100 billion neurons become connected through everyday experiences
  
  
  
• Why talking is an “orchestra” of attention, motor skills, and social connection
  
  
  
• The myths that hold parents back (“he’ll catch up,” “kids develop at their own pace”)
  
  
  
• What you can do today to build your child’s foundation for learning and thriving
  
  

✨ Action Step: Turn one daily routine (bath time, meals, diapering) into a rich language and connection moment.

👣 Next Step: Ready for more? Start small with The Tiny Challenge — a personalized way to create a learning-rich lifestyle for your child. Link in the show notes.

CLICK HERE NOW - Tiny Challenge for Moms 

✨ If this episode gave you something to think about, share it with a mom who needs encouragement today. 

And I’d love to hear from you — email me your thoughts or questions.

CONNECT WITH ERIN
[email protected]

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a mama who needs a reset.

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CLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun Activities

Building Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!

===============================

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.

Why are so many mothers leaving the workforce — and what does it mean for our children?

The Washington Post calls it “erasing pandemic gains.” 

But after 35+ years as a speech-language pathologist working with hundreds of families, I see something deeper: maybe these mothers are choosing to reclaim what matters most.

In this episode, I share two powerful family stories that illustrate the difference presence makes — one stretched thin and overwhelmed, the other grounded and intentional — plus the science that backs it up:

• Erica Komisar’s research on the first three years as a critical window for brain and emotional development.
• Head Start’s long-term studies showing short-term academic gains faded by third grade, while the strongest benefits were relational.
• Hart & Risley’s “30 million word gap” study — not just about word counts, but the quality of interaction, proving that presence and tone matter more than quantity.

We’ll talk about identity, vocation, and why women can have it all — just NOT all at the same time. And why childhood is too precious to rush.

👉 Read the original Washington Post article here: Mothers are leaving the workforce, erasing pandemic gains

✨ If this episode gave you something to think about, share it with a mom who needs encouragement today. 

And I’d love to hear from you — email me your thoughts or questions.

CONNECT WITH ERIN
[email protected]

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❤️ 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 Activities

Building Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!

===============================

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.

Did 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 parent

Play 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.

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❤️ 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 Activities

Building Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!

CONNECT WITH ERIN
[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.

Parents 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 sleep
• How blue light disrupts your child’s rest (and yours)
• Simple, affordable ways to set the right nighttime mood

Try tonight’s challenge: Dim your lights 1 hour before bed and watch the difference tomorrow.

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The #1 Sleep Mistake Parents Don’t Know They’re Making

YouTube CLICK HERE FOR THIS EPISODE

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Here are three citations mentioned in this episode:

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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.

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❤️ 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 Activities

Building Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!

CONNECT WITH ERIN
[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.

Has 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

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🎙️ Listen to Erin’s 2-part February series on Gentle Parenting for more insight!

Ep 97  Gentle Parenting vs Reality: What Actually Works For Toddlers

Ep 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 Activities

Building Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!

CONNECT WITH ERIN
[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.

Explore 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-Series

In 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 expression

Today 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 help

You’ll learn:

• What real expressive progress looks like (and the red flags to know)
• Why gestures are often the secret sauce to early talking
• How to build clarity and confidence in your toddler’s speech — at home
• When “he has his own language” is more than just a cute phase

This 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 Activities

Building Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!

CONNECT WITH ERIN
[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.