Talking Toddlers

• Ep 121 Is Daycare Really Helping Your Child? What Parents Need To Know

  Send us a textShould 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 [email protected]: Talking Toddlers ChannelWebsite: www.HyerLearning.comCLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun ActivitiesBuilding 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.

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• The 7 Stages of Play: Building Your Child’s Brain from Birth to Age 3 Ep 120

  Send us a textMost 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 playWhy gestures, imitation, and pretend games support speech developmentHow play builds critical thinking, imagination, and problem-solving skillsWhat to watch for as your toddler moves from play ➝ phrases ➝ full conversationsThis 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 117Science 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 [email protected]: Talking Toddlers ChannelWebsite: www.HyerLearning.comCLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun ActivitiesBuilding 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.

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• Why Your Baby or Toddler’s Brain Needs THIS: The First Years Explained Ep 119

  Send us a textYour 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 meansHow 100 billion neurons become connected through everyday experiencesWhy talking is an “orchestra” of attention, motor skills, and social connectionThe 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 [email protected]👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a mama who needs a reset.====CLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun ActivitiesBuilding 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.

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• The Truth About Childhood — And Why Moms Are Leaving the Workforce Ep 118

  Send us a textWhy 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 [email protected]====❤️ 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 ActivitiesBuilding 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.

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• The Hidden Power of Play: How Toddlers Build Focus, Memory & Thinking Skills Ep 117

  Send us a textDid 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 parentPlay 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.====❤️ 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 ActivitiesBuilding Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!CONNECT WITH [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.

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