Why does your toddler seem to completely ignore you when you say “no”? Are they just testing limits—or is something deeper going on? In this episode of Talking Toddlers, Erin breaks down what “no” actually means to children under three—and why their response is less about defiance and more about development. You’ll learn how to guide your toddler through this critical stage with firm but loving strategies that really work. Inside this episode: What toddlers truly understand about ...

Is your toddler always pushing back, melting down, or refusing to help? From messy playtime to getting out the door, you’ll learn how to: – Encourage turn-taking, even with babies – Turn cleanup into connection – Use routines and rules to reduce drama – Make transitions smoother – And raise a child who wants to help — without bribes, yelling, or power struggles In this episode of Talking Toddlers, Erin Hyer — speech-language pathologist with over 35 years o...

What do toddlers really need? It’s not more toys, more stimulation, or more screen time. It’s something simple, powerful, and often overlooked: a predictable daily routine. In this episode of Talking Toddlers, Erin—SLP, early intervention expert, and prevention-first parent coach—explains why consistent routines are the foundation for calm, cooperation, and healthy brain development. You’ll learn: Why routines reduce tantrums and improve sleep The brain science behind rhythm and regul...

Is your toddler bouncing between toys with little focus? Wondering what kind of play actually matters in these early years? In this episode, Erin Hyer, a seasoned speech-language pathologist and early intervention expert, breaks down the importance of open-ended play—and WHY it’s a game-changer for your child's brain, body, and emotional development. You'll learn what types of toys to prioritize, why less is more, and how play sets the foundation for true success. Instead of...

Tired of feeling stuck when your toddler reaches for a screen? Erin introduces a list of 10 screen-free activities that are practical, low-cost, and beneficial for cognitive, motor, and emotional development. Additionally, Erin provides 9 interactive games that can be played WITHOUT any tools, such as 'Name That Tune' and 'I Spy.' These are what’s trending among parents online and her go-to games from decades of real-life early intervention. These setups are simp...

The screen time struggle is real—but boundaries aren’t punishment - they’re protection. And they’re a gift your child will grow into. What if one of the hardest choices you make today becomes the one your child thanks you for a decade from now? In Part 2 of our screen time mini-series, we’re talking boundaries—the kind that feel tough in the moment but protect your child’s development for years to come. If you’ve ever wondered, "Am I being too strict?" or "Is this really su...

Why is it so hard to set screen time boundaries with toddlers? Is it just modern parenting—or is there something bigger going on? In this powerful first episode of our screen time mini-series, Erin walks you through the cultural shifts, industry influence, and developmental concerns that make screens a bigger issue than most parents realize. Drawing on insights from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, Erin challenges moms to be bold, clear, and proactive—starting now. 🎧 In t...

Is babbling just a cute stage—or a sign of something deeper? In this episode of Talking Toddlers, Erin dives into the often-overlooked world of prelinguistic development during your baby’s first year. Drawing on 35+ years of clinical experience, Erin explains how babbling builds the foundation for speech, how movement (yes, even tummy time!) connects to oral motor skills, and why quiet babies need your attention—not just patience. You’ll learn why consonants and vowels matter, how feedi...

Part 2 of the “Is My Baby’s Development Normal?” Mini-Series What happens when a milestone disappears from the checklist? In this episode, we’re digging into a surprising decision: the CDC no longer considers crawling a core developmental milestone. But does that mean it’s no longer important? Absolutely not. With 35+ years of clinical experience in early childhood development, I’ll walk you through why crawling still plays a crucial role in brain development, sensory integration, coord...

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’...

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 helpi...

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 so...

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 c...

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 star...

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 t...

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 melt...

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...

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...

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 devel...

Did you know teaching your baby or toddler how to bite and chew is a cornerstone of their healthy development? It’s more than just mealtime manners—it impacts eating habits, speech and language skills, and even their ability to self-regulate (yes, that means fewer tantrums and meltdowns!). In this episode of Talking Toddlers, we’re uncovering the fascinating ways biting and chewing shape your child’s overall wellbeing. From building essential oral motor skills to supporting emotional b...