Talking Toddlers

• I’ve Seen Hundreds of “Late Talkers.” Here’s What All Parents Miss. Ep 133

  Send us a textIf you want your child to talk well — not just say more words — this episode will change the way you think about early communication.Because here’s the truth:Talking doesn’t just “show up” one day.It grows from the daily experiences underneath it — connection, play, movement, interaction, modeling, as well as sleep, nutrition, and healthy routines.Whether your baby is 6 months old and you want to stay ahead…or your toddler is already showing signs of delay…understanding what’s happening underneath the words is one of the best gifts you can give your child.You’ve probably heard the common lines: “Boys talk later.” “Late talking runs in families.” “Give it time. She’ll talk when she’s ready.”But in 2025, it’s much more nuanced than that — and simply assuming “it’ll all work out” can keep kids stuck longer than they need to be.After 35 years in early intervention, Erin has seen hundreds of so-called “late talkers,” and here’s what most parents (and many professionals) miss:👉 Not all late talkers are the same. Some children are on a simple language-delay path. Others are showing early signs of a broader 'communication' difference. Those two paths need different kinds of support.In this episode, Erin helps you “look more closely” and get curious, as she explains in clear, practical terms:what to notice before the first birthdaythe difference between a language delay and a communication disorderwhy focusing only on “more words” can miss the real issuehow play, sensory needs, emotions, and movement all shape speechsubtle signs parents overlook in the toddler yearsquestions to ask instead of just “waiting and seeing”what you can start doing today to support your child, at any ageIf you’re a parent who doesn’t want to rely on assumptions or old myths, this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence to ask better questions, seek the right kind of help, and support your child’s development from the very beginning.===🌟 Join the Inside Talking Toddlers community for exclusive deep dives and get Erin’s free guide: Top 10 ESSENTIAL Skills For Talking.CLICK HERE FOR: Building Vocabulary: Single Words to 2-Word PhrasesBecause the little years are the big years.===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

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• I’ve Helped Toddlers Talk for 35 Years. If You Want Your Baby to Talk Well, Watch This. Ep 132

  Send us a textIf you want your baby or toddler to talk well — not just say more words — this episode is your starting point.Because IMITATION is the skill that comes before gestures, babbling, understanding, and eventually… real talking.Most parents overlook imitation.Many professionals gloss over it.But after 35 years helping babies and toddlers communicate, I can tell you this with absolute certainty:Toddlers learn to imitate long before they learn to talk — and imitation is one of the strongest predictors of early speech.In today’s episode, I’m walking you through the real building blocks beneath talking and how imitation shapes attention, connection, and communication.You’ll learn:• what imitation actually is (it’s not just copying words!)• the layers of imitation your child moves through• the connection between imitation, gestures, and early language• the simple mistake many parents make without even realizing it • playful, natural ways to spark imitation at home — starting todayWhether your little one is 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, or closer to 2, this episode will help you see communication in a whole new way — long before the words appear.======✨  LIVE WORKSHOP — Dec 6How to Get Your Baby Talking: 3 Daily Routines That Build Real WordsOn Friday, December 6, I’m hosting a LIVE 90-minute workshop where I’ll pull back the curtain and show you exactly how to use three everyday routines to grow your baby’s communication from infancy through 24 months.👉 Click here to see all the details + save your seat.If you want clarity, confidence, and a practical plan to support your child’s communication from infancy through 24 months… you’ll want to be there.=====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

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• This ALWAYS Happens Before Babies Say Their First Word (Every Parent Misses This One) Ep 131

  Send us a textThe Hidden Step Before First Words (Every Parent Misses This One)If your toddler isn’t using many words yet, this episode will change the way you see early communication. Most parents—and honestly, many professionals—focus on the number of words. But talking doesn’t begin with words. It begins with the body, with connection, and with one crucial developmental step that predicts everything that comes next.In today’s episode, Erin pulls back the curtain on the hidden foundations of communication—what really happens before first words—and why this matters for every child from 6 months to 2½ years and beyond.In this episode, you’ll learn: • the overlooked skill that shows up months before talking • why gestures are symbolic communication (just like words!) • how noisy babies, motor movement, and early imitation shape language • surprising predictors of later vocabulary growth • what the CDC’s “30-month” update got dangerously wrong • how parents can spot healthy communication patterns early on • simple ways to support your baby or toddler todayWhether you have a baby just finding their voice, a toddler who’s slow to talk, or you’re simply a parent who wants to understand your child’s development with confidence—this episode will give you clarity, direction, and peace of mind.Because talking isn’t a milestone… it’s a process.And once you see the path, you’ll never look at communication the same way again.👉 Learn the simple routines that help words emerge naturally — save your spot here: GET YOUR BABY TALKING WORKSHOPFREE Guide: Is My Child On Track? Top 10 Essential Skills For Talking===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

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• Why Toddlers Won’t Share (And Why You Can Stop Worrying) Ep 130

  Send us a textAre you tired of feeling embarrassed when your toddler won’t share?In this episode of Talking Toddlers, Erin Hyer, speech-language pathologist and early development specialist, breaks down what’s really happening inside your child’s brain when they say “mine!”You’ll learn why true sharing isn’t developmentally possible before age 4, how playdates often set toddlers up for stress (and shame), and simple ways to build calm, language-rich moments of connection at home.Erin also reveals how early turn-taking builds the foundation for real cooperation — without guilt, begging, or over-coaching.===🌟 Join the Inside Talking Toddlers community for exclusive deep dives and get Erin’s free guide: Top 10 ESSENTIAL Skills For Talking.CLICK HERE FOR: Building Vocabulary: Single Words to 2-Word PhrasesBecause the little years are the big years.===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

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• Why Your Toddler Does That: The Real Learning Behind Climbing, Dumping & Exploring Ep 129

  Send us a textIf your toddler is constantly climbing, dumping, crawling, pulling things out of cabinets, or wandering from one “project” to another… this episode will make everything click.Between 12 and 18 months, the brain is wiring the foundations for attention, curiosity, emotional regulation, and — yes — first words. And it all happens through play.Not apps.Not fancy toys.Not early lessons.Movement. Repetition. Real-life exploration.In this episode, Erin Hyer, SLP and toddler specialist for 35+ years, breaks down:• Why play is the real work• How modern life gets in the way• The four “play jobs” toddlers must practice• What progress vs plateau vs regression really looks like• How LESS toys = MORE brain development• The simple daily rhythm that builds confidence, attention, and communicationYou’ll walk away knowing exactly what your toddler needs — and why you’re already doing more good than you realize.Something special is coming in early December… stay tuned.=====✨ Join the Inside Talking Toddlers community and get your free guide:  Top 10 ESSENTIAL SKILLS for Talking=====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

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