Talking Toddlers

When should my baby be talking? 

Crawling? 

Walking?”

If you’ve ever typed those words into Google at 2 a.m., you’re not alone.

In this episode of Talking Toddlers, Erin tackles one of the most common fears new parents have: Is my baby falling behind? 

With 35+ years in early intervention, she breaks down what developmental milestones really mean, why PROGRESS matters more than perfection.

Research demonstrates that proactive parenting can truly shape your child’s future.

You’ll learn:

• What milestones are—and what they’re NOT
  
  
  
• Why “normal” is a range, not a deadline
  
  
  
• What it means to be a proactive parent (hint: it’s not about perfection)
  
  
  
• The “3 P’s” approach: Present, Purposeful, Playful
  
  
  
• Why small daily habits are more powerful than weekly ‘sessions’
  
  
  
• What to do when progress stalls—and what to avoid
  
  

Whether you’re a first-time mom or just looking for clarity and confidence, this episode will help you understand your child’s development without the overwhelm.

I know it can feel overwhelming—especially in a world full of charts, apps, and social media noise.

But you don’t need to know everything. 

You just need to know what matters most.

You’re learning on the job. That’s okay.
You’re asking questions. That’s powerful.
You’re showing up. And that’s what your child needs more than anything.

You are not behind—you’re right on time.

You’ve got this. And I’m here to help you every step of the way.

👉 Follow the show, and share this episode with another new mom who needs to hear it.

🔔 Subscribe to the channel and follow the series so you don’t miss future episodes on screen time, speech development, and creating a connected, healthy home for your toddler.

=====

Building Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!

CONNECT WITH ERIN
[email protected]

www.HyerLearning.com

Join the Waitlist CLICK HERE

Did you know that talking doesn’t start with words? 

Before a child ever says “mama” or “dada,” they go through critical developmental stages that pave the way for speech. 

In this episode of Talking Toddlers, we’re diving into the Top 10 Essential Skills For Talking —the must-know skills that indicate a child is on the right track for language development.

We’ll cover everything from sensory awareness and social connection to gestures, turn-taking, and play—all fundamental to helping your baby or toddler communicate. 

Whether you’re wondering “Is my child on track?” or looking for ways to encourage early language skills, this episode will give you practical insights to support your little one’s journey to talking.

🎧 Tune in now and learn how to set the stage for your child’s first words!

=====

Building Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!

CONNECT WITH ERIN
[email protected]

www.HyerLearning.com

Join the Waitlist CLICK HERE

If you’re wondering how to help your toddler talk more, you might be overlooking one of the most powerful (and simplest) tools you already have—mealtime!

In this episode of Talking Toddlers, we’re diving into why shared meals aren’t just about food—they’re about connection, conversation, and building the foundation for strong communication skills.

I’ll break down:

• Why mealtime is a natural opportunity for boosting language development.

• How eating together fosters attention, listening, and social engagement.

• The hidden ways distractions (like screens) can interfere with speech and connection.

• Simple, realistic ways to create a mealtime routine that encourages talking—without stress.

Whether your little one is just starting to babble or already putting words together, how you share meals can make a lasting impact. 

Tune in and discover how this one simple habit can help your toddler thrive!

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

Building Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!

CONNECT WITH ERIN
[email protected]

www.HyerLearning.com

Join the Waitlist CLICK HERE

Feeding your family should be simple—but today, food companies have made it confusing on purpose. 

Nearly 70% of toddlers’ food and 73% of grocery store products are ultra-processed. 

And it’s not by accident—it’s by design, for profit.

In this episode, we’ll pull back the curtain on how we got here, revealing the six ways the baby food industry manipulate parents into thinking convenience equals better nutrition. 

We’ll review the real impact of ultra-processed foods on your child’s brain, gut health, and long-term eating habits.

But here’s the good news: You can take back control! 

I’ll share simple strategies for batch cooking, making one meal the whole family can enjoy (yes, even for babies!), and small steps to break free from the trap of processed convenience foods.

You don’t have to be perfect—just start making small changes today! 

🎧 Tune in now and take the FIRST step toward a healthier, stress-free approach to feeding your family.

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

Shelburne Farms, Vermont: Cheese Making

The Dorito Effect, by Mark Schatzker

Building Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!

CONNECT WITH ERIN
[email protected]

www.HyerLearning.com

Join the Waitlist CLICK HERE - a lot is coming in the next few months!

What if everything you thought you had to feed your baby was actually just clever marketing? 

For decades, parents have been told that rice cereal and packaged baby food are essential first foods. 

But the truth? 

Ultra-processed foods do nothing to support your baby’s rapidly growing brain, gut health, or real-time learning.

This is Part 1 of a 3-part series where we unpack the real science behind infant nutrition and practical ways to build healthy eating habits from the start. 

In this episode, we’re diving into:

 ✅ The real impact of ultra-processed foods on brain and gut health

 ✅ Which whole foods provide the best nutrients for learning, focus, and mood

 ✅ How to make feeding your baby easier (and healthier!)—without spending hours in the kitchen

 ✅ Why involving your little one in meal planning, shopping, and cooking builds lifelong healthy habits

It’s time to ditch the baby food industry’s outdated playbook and take back control of what’s on your child’s plate. 

Ready to make the switch to smarter first foods? Hit play and let’s dive in!

👉 Don’t miss Part 2, where we break down time-saving meal prep strategies for busy parents! 

Make sure to SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss it. 

And if this episode resonated with you, SHARE it with another mama who needs the REAL facts!

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

Building Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!

CONNECT WITH ERIN
[email protected]

www.HyerLearning.com

Join the Waitlist CLICK HERE

This episode is Part 2 of our deep dive into ‘Gentle Parenting Trends’—and why social media doesn’t always model the best examples for real-life parenting. 

If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, I highly recommend starting there first! 

In that episode, I covered the first two key developmental stages:

✅ 12-18 months – The early stages of independence, how cause-and-effect learning is still concrete, and why emotional development starts with attunement from infancy... but it's up to us to shape it.

✅ 18-24 months – The beginning of boundary testing, the emerging nature of language, and why expecting toddlers to understand ‘why’ or ‘how’ questions is unrealistic.

👉 Listen to Part 1 here: CLICK NOW

Now, in Part 2, we’re tackling the third stage—ages 2 to 3 years—when social and emotional awareness starts to develop. 

This is when impulse control begins to emerge as the prefrontal cortex slowly comes online.

But here’s the reality: this part of the brain won’t fully mature until adulthood, so expecting self-regulation at this stage is not realistic.

However, there are things we can do to support—or unintentionally inhibit—this process. 

In this episode, I’ll break down:

✔️ How to guide your toddler through impulse control challenges
✔️ What lifestyle changes can strengthen (or weaken) self-regulation
✔️ Why social media ‘gentle parenting’ scripts often set parents up for frustration

Let’s cut through the confusion and focus on what truly helps your toddler thrive!

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

Building Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!

CONNECT WITH ERIN
[email protected]

www.HyerLearning.com

Join the Waitlist CLICK HERE

Are social media’s parenting trends helping—or hurting—new moms? 

Over the last few years, parenting trends like ‘Gentle Parenting’ have exploded on social media. 

While some aspects—like respecting your child and guiding them with empathy—are rooted in good intentions, the reality is that many influencers distort these concepts, leaving parents confused, overwhelmed, and even paralyzed by indecision.

Many moms today are questioning:
🌀 “Should I never say no?”

🌀 “If my toddler melts down, am I supposed to just sit with them forever?”

🌀 “If I set a boundary, will that harm our connection?”

🚨 The truth is: Parenting isn’t a program. It’s a relationship. 🚨

And that’s why we need to keep it simple.

In this episode of Talking Toddlers, we cut through the noise of Gentle Parenting and get back to what really matters: understanding child development. 

We break down the toddler years (12 months to 3 years) and why milestones are more than just checkboxes—they’re the foundation for setting healthy boundaries, guiding behavior, and building emotional resilience. 

No gimmicks, no rigid programs—just real-life, research-backed wisdom to help you trust your instincts and lead with confidence.

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

Building Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!

CONNECT WITH ERIN
[email protected]

www.HyerLearning.com

Join the Waitlist CLICK HERE

It’s a brand-new year, and there’s no better time to hit the reset button and build habits that support your family’s growth, well-being, and connection.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into Healthy Habits for 2025—practical routines and intentional choices that can transform your home life into one that feels balanced, productive, and happy.

We’ll explore five key areas... you don't want to miss them!

Building healthy habits isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making small, intentional changes that bring more flow and ease into your daily life. 

When we cultivate these habits, we reduce stress, improve health, boost productivity, and create a positive environment that nurtures everyone’s emotional and physical development.

So, grab your favorite cup of coffee or tea, and let’s start the new year with purpose.

Together, we’ll set you and your family up for a fulfilling and vibrant 2025.

==========
If you love this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to Talking Toddlers so you never miss an actionable tip for raising confident, connected kids.

And if you haven’t already, grab one of my free parenting guides by signing up for my email list. You don’t want to miss out—these resources are packed with tools to help you navigate the early years with intention and ease.

Let’s start winning together—one turn at a time!

==========

LIGHT BULBS Mentioned in this episode.
Himalayan Night Lights.

Building Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!

CONNECT WITH ERIN
[email protected]

www.HyerLearning.com

Join the Waitlist CLICK HERE

Is your toddler resisting every little request?

From cleaning up toys to putting on a hat, cooperation can sometimes feel like an uphill battle.

In today’s episode of Talking Toddlers, we’re tackling this common parenting challenge with 7 simple strategies to build cooperation—starting with small, everyday interactions.

You’ll learn how to:

• Use turn-taking to encourage teamwork, even with babies as young as 6 months.
• Make chores fun and rewarding for little hands.
• Offer choices that empower your toddler while maintaining family rules.
• Problem-solve together to prevent power struggles.
• Celebrate their contributions in ways that build confidence and connection.

The truth is, cooperation isn’t about forcing compliance—it’s about teaching toddlers to work with you through respect, trust, and clear communication. 

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you’ll see your little one not only follow along but take pride in being part of the team.

If you love this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to Talking Toddlers so you never miss an actionable tip for raising confident, connected kids.

And if you haven’t already, grab one of my free parenting guides by signing up for my email list. You don’t want to miss out—these resources are packed with tools to help you navigate the early years with intention and ease.

Let’s start winning together—one turn at a time!

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

Building Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!

CONNECT WITH ERIN
www.HyerLearning.com

[email protected]

Join the Waitlist CLICK HERE

What does cooperate mean?

Oxford Dictionary states:

- work jointly toward the same end.
- assist someone or comply with their requests.

Today, we’re diving into a fascinating topic that connects two powerful pillars of early development: language and play.

These two skills grow hand-in-hand, forming the foundation for your child’s communication, problem-solving, and social-emotional abilities.

This episode kicks off a 3-part series where we’ll explore how PLAY skills and LANGUAGE development not only enhance learning but also improve cooperation in toddlers.

In this first episode, we’ll outline the DISTINCT TYPES of PLAY and their connection to language, cognition, and behavior.

You’ll walk away with insights into how fostering these skills can help your toddler feel understood, manage their emotions, and engage in more cooperative interactions.

So, grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s start building those bridges between play, language, and a more connected parent-child relationship!

You've got this and I'm here to help.

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

Building Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!

CONNECT WITH ERIN
www.HyerLearning.com

[email protected]

Join the Waitlist CLICK HERE