Talking Toddlers

If you've ever watched your toddler at a playground - wanting to join in, but not quite knowing how - this episode is for you. After nearly 40 years as a speech-language pathologist, I've worked with hundreds of families whose children were bright, loved, and well cared for - and still not talking the way they should be. In most cases, it wasn't a diagnosis that was getting in the way. It was a handful of everyday habits. Common ones. Well-meaning ones. The kind that develop naturally in busy, loving homes - and quietly remove a child's felt need to reach toward language. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, I walk you through the first two habits - including one that will surprise almost every parent who hears it. This episode is not about blame. It's about clarity. Because once you see these patterns, you can't unsee them. And the moment you start making small shifts - something opens up. In this episode: Why being too helpful can silence your toddler's speech Why 200 words is not the finish line - and what happens when parents think it is The snack table story that still stops me cold Part 2 drops next week - or join my email list for early access. Link below. -------------------------- 🔗 Join Talking Toddlers email list to get early access to part 2. 👉 Book a Discovery Call These are FREE, one-to-one conversations designed to help determine what to focus on first - and whether a focused 6-week parent coaching format would be helpful for your family at this time. Not evaluations, not therapy - just space to reflect and be heard. 📥 Free resource: The Top 10 Essential Skills Every Baby Needs Before 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.

What if one of the most powerful things you can do for your child's brain, language, and emotional development isn't a program, a therapy, or a curriculum — it's dinner? In this foundational episode, speech-language pathologist and child development expert Erin Hyer, unpacks the science behind what we lose when family mealtime disappears — and what our children's behavior, attention, and language are quietly telling us about it. After 40 years working with young children, Erin connects dots that most parents have never had connected for them: nutrition, regulation, shared attention, and language are not separate systems. They are one system. And the family table sits at the center of all of it. This episode is part of an ongoing series on using your home environment intentionally to support healthy development in children 0–3. You'll hear: why blood sugar crashes look like behavior problems, what shared attention actually is and why mealtime creates it naturally, the story of a child who couldn't bear to sit at the family table — and what changed when her brain finally could, and one simple shift you can make tonight. This is not about perfect meals. It's about intentional ones. 🎙 New episodes every Tuesday -------------------------- 👉 Book a Discovery Call These are FREE, one-to-one conversations designed to help determine what to focus on first - and whether a focused 6-week parent coaching format would be helpful for your family at this time. Not evaluations, not therapy - just space to reflect and be heard. 📥 Free resource: The Top 10 Essential Skills Every Baby Needs Before 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.

There's something running in the background of most homes with young children right now. Not something dramatic. Not something you'd even think to question. The TV. Just on. Nobody watching. Life happening around it. And after nearly four decades of clinical work with children and families — I can tell you that this one thing is quietly doing more damage to early development than most parents have ever been told. In this episode I walk you through five things the research tells us about background TV — and every single finding is specifically about ambient noise, not a child sitting and watching a screen. What you'll hear in this episode: The word gap — how background TV drops the words your child hears by nearly 70% per hour, and why that matters more than you think. Why it's not just quantity of language that drops — but quality. And what that means for your child's developing brain. What deep play actually looks like in a nine-month-old — and why background noise is quietly stealing it from your child without you ever noticing. The executive function connection — including what the research says about background TV, sleep, and the rising rates of ADHD in young children. Sensory processing — the history of how we got here, why "sensory kids" were never meant to be this common, and what I believe we owe these children. Plus — what about music? I answer the question I get asked most often, and give you real conditions for when it helps and when it doesn't. This is the episode I've wanted to record for years. I hope it changes how you hear your home. 🎙 New episodes every Tuesday -------------------------- If you’d like support identifying where your family is in this journey, I invite you to schedule a Discovery Call. We’ll look at what’s already working - and what small, intentional shifts could make the biggest difference right now. 👉 Book a Discovery Call These are FREE, one-to-one conversations designed to help determine what to focus on first - and whether a focused 6-week parent coaching format would be helpful for your family at this time. Not evaluations, not therapy - just space to reflect and be heard. 📥 Free resource: The Top 10 Essential Skills Every Baby Needs Before 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.

Parents have never had more information about early childhood than they do today. We track sleep, research milestones, optimize toys, and fill our days with activities meant to help our toddlers thrive. And yet - many parents quietly wonder why their child still feels overwhelmed, dysregulated, or unsettled. In this episode, I explore a difficult but hopeful question: Have we made toddlerhood too complicated? Drawing from nearly four decades of clinical experience, I unpack how environment shapes a developing nervous system — and why connection, rhythm, and presence matter more than programs or products. We’ll look at: • The rising normalization of dysregulation • How overstimulation impacts language and behavior • Why waiting and presence are biologically powerful • What to begin noticing before changing anything This episode is not about doing more. It’s about noticing more. If you’ve been wondering whether something in your home rhythm feels “off,” this conversation will help you see more clearly — and more calmly. -------------------------- If you’d like support identifying where your family is in this journey, I invite you to schedule a Discovery Call. We’ll look at what’s already working - and what small, intentional shifts could make the biggest difference right now. 👉 Book a Discovery Call These are FREE, one-to-one conversations designed to help determine what to focus on first - and whether a focused 6-week parent coaching format would be helpful for your family at this time. Not evaluations, not therapy - just space to reflect and be heard. 📥 Free resource: The Top 10 Essential Skills Every Baby Needs Before 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.

Are calm, cooperative kids just born that way? Recently, there’s been growing conversation around Japanese parenting - how children there seem more respectful, more self-disciplined, and more socially aware. But is it cultural magic? Or is it development? In this episode of Talking Toddlers, we walk through seven parenting principles often associated with Japanese culture - and translate them through the lens of brain development, attachment research, language growth, and nervous system regulation. You’ll learn: • Why attachment must come before independence • Why modeling works better than lecturing for toddlers • How belonging inside the family builds cooperation • Why daily responsibilities wire competence (and language!) • How natural consequences teach cause and effect • Why steady boundaries reduce power struggles • And how emotional regulation becomes internalized over time This isn’t about copying another culture. It’s about understanding the developmental sequence that builds self-discipline. Security → Modeling → Belonging → Responsibility → Cause & Effect → Steady Boundaries → Internal Regulation That’s not a list. That’s how the toddler brain grows. If you’ve ever wondered: “Why isn’t my toddler listening?” “Am I too strict… or too gentle?” “Where do I even start?” This episode will help you step back and see the bigger picture. Because toddlers don’t need more strategies. They need more regulated adults. -------------------------- If you’d like support identifying where your family is in this sequence, I invite you to schedule a Discovery Call. We’ll look at what’s already working - and what small, intentional shifts could make the biggest difference right now. 👉 Book a Discovery Call These are FREE, one-to-one conversations designed to help determine what to focus on first - and whether a focused 6-week parent coaching format would be helpful for your family at this time. Not evaluations, not therapy - just space to reflect and be heard. 📥 Free resource: The Top 10 Essential Skills Every Baby Needs Before 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.

Sometimes it’s not a loud concern. It’s not panic. It’s just a quiet feeling you can’t shake. A whisper that says: pay attention. If your baby or toddler isn’t talking the way you expected — and you’ve been told not to worry, to relax, or that they’ll “catch up” — this episode is for you. Not to scare you. Not to rush you. And not to tell you that something is “wrong.” But to help you understand why that inner nudge matters — and how early communication actually develops in the first three years of life. In this episode, I explain: Why loving, attentive parents can still feel unsure Why more talking, more questions, or more pressure isn’t always the answer What brain development really requires before words can flourish How to support communication in a way that feels nurturing, preventative, and purposeful — not performative or stressful You are wired to notice your child. You are wired to protect and steward their growth. And paying attention early is not overreacting — it’s how we create the conditions for connection to blossom. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- How to Get Your Toddler Talking: 3 Daily Routines That Build Real Words ✨ LIVE PARENT WORKSHOP — February 13, 2026 If you’ve ever wondered “Am I doing enough?” or “Am I missing something important?” — this workshop will help you feel more grounded and confident. 👉 Learn more and register here: [Workshop] If you want clarity, confidence, and a practical plan to support your child’s communication from infancy through 30 months… you’ll want to be there. 📥 Free resource: The Top 10 Essential Skills Every Baby Needs Before 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.

If you’ve ever wondered “Why won’t my toddler listen?” — this episode is for you. Many parents assume listening is a behavior problem. But developmentally, listening is a brain skill — one that takes time, guidance, and the right conditions to grow. In this episode, Erin Hyer — a speech-language pathologist with over 35 years of early intervention and real-life experience — explains why toddlers often can’t listen yet, even when they seem capable in other ways. And why yelling, repeating, or getting firmer usually backfires. You’ll learn: Why listening is not the same as obedience How regulation, receptive language, and shared attention all affect listening Why cooperation comes before talking — not the other way around What parents often miss when toddlers appear “defiant” How everyday moments (not techniques) build listening skills over time Erin also walks through practical, brain-based strategies that support listening and understanding, including: Turn-taking and shared engagement Including toddlers in everyday chores Explaining the “why” to build comprehension Using simple choices to reduce overwhelm and increase cooperation This episode isn’t about quick fixes or lowering expectations. It’s about understanding what your toddler’s brain is capable of right now — and how to guide them toward what comes next. Because listening is built. Understanding comes first. And parenting was never meant to be done alone. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- How to Get Your Toddler Talking: 3 Daily Routines That Build Real Words ✨ LIVE PARENT WORKSHOP — February 13, 2026 If you’ve ever wondered “Am I doing enough?” or “Am I missing something important?” — this workshop will help you feel more grounded and confident. 👉 Learn more and register here: [Workshop Link Here] If you want clarity, confidence, and a practical plan to support your child’s communication from infancy through 30 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.

If your toddler isn’t talking much yet, you may feel pressure to do more - talk more, label more, teach more. But after 35 years in early intervention, I’ve learned something important: speech doesn’t grow from more words. It grows from slow moments, shared attention, movement, and being included in everyday life. In this episode, I walk you through 5 common patterns I see over and over again when language is slow to emerge - not to create fear or blame, but to help you see what’s been hiding in plain sight. We’ll talk about: Why passive input doesn’t replace real interaction The difference between parentese and silly baby talk How over-reliance on “helpful” tools can quietly limit development Why understanding matters more than words at first And why waiting too long can change a child’s developmental trajectory This conversation isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness, timing, and making small, meaningful shifts while the brain is still wide open to change. You’re not just filling time - you’re shaping a brain, body, and nervous system every day. 📥 Free resource: 🌟 The Top 10 Essential Skills Every Baby Needs Before Talking 🌟 Building Vocabulary: Single Words to 2-Word Phrases If you’re ready to move beyond milestones and into meaningful support, you’re in the right place. 👉 Book a Discovery Call These are FREE, one-to-one conversations designed to help determine what to focus on first - and whether a focused 6-week parent coaching format would be helpful for your family at this time. Not evaluations, not therapy - just space to reflect and be heard. There’s no pressure and no obligation. email: contact@HyerLearning.com 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.

If your toddler isn’t talking much yet, this episode is for you. Many parents worry about words — how many, how clear, how often. But long before speech shows up reliably, something else is being built underneath. In this episode, Erin Hyer — speech-language pathologist with over 35 years of experience — explains what actually matters before words take off, and why so many well-intentioned parents miss it in today’s busy, overstimulating world. You’ll learn: Why talking and understanding develop together — but don’t always show up evenly What’s really happening in your child’s brain when language feels “slow” How listening, regulation, rhythm, and play create the conditions speech grows out of Why modern life quietly works against development — and what parents can do upstream How to support strong foundations without pressure, panic, or labels This episode isn’t about diagnosing your child. It’s about helping you see what matters first — so you don’t wait too long, and you don’t worry too soon. If you’re ready to move beyond milestones and into meaningful support, you’re in the right place. 👉 Book a Discovery Call 📥 Free resource: The Top 10 Essential Skills Every Baby Needs Before 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.

If your toddler isn’t talking much yet, you may have found yourself asking, “What’s this?” — hoping to hear a word. But for many late talkers, that well-intentioned question quietly shuts things down. In this episode, Erin Hyer — speech-language pathologist with over 35 years of clinical and real-life experience — explains why asking for words too early can work against development, and what actually helps toddlers feel ready to communicate. You’ll learn: Why silence doesn’t mean your child won’t talk — just that the foundations are still forming The difference between ' testing' and participating in early communication The five key areas that support speech before words appear How attention, imitation, play, daily rhythms, and nervous system regulation all shape language development This episode isn’t about doing more or pushing harder. It’s about creating the conditions that make communication feel safe, comfortable, interesting, and worth the effort. 🎧 You’ll also hear a simple metaphor that reframes speech development — and reminds parents why patience, presence, and trust matter more than pressure. 📥 Free resource mentioned: The Top 10 Essential Skills Every Baby Needs Before Talking 🔗 Discovery Calls: Looking ahead As we move into the new year, I offer Discovery Calls for parents of babies & toddlers. These are free, one-to-one conversations designed to help determine whether a focused 6-week parent coaching format would be helpful for your family at this time. Not evaluations, not therapy - just space to reflect and be heard. There’s no pressure and no obligation. January is now open, and you’ll find the details here: 👉 Start here to request a Discovery Call CLICK HERE FOR: Building Vocabulary: Single Words to 2-Word Phrases Because 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.

Many parents enter early parenthood expecting exhaustion — but not the constant feeling of being on edge, unsure, or reactive, even when they’re trying their best. In this episode of Talking Toddlers, we take a step back from tips and tactics and look at what often gets missed in conversations about parenting young children: where we place our effort matters just as much as how much effort we give. Through real-life stories and a prevention-first lens, Erin explores how everyday rhythms — including sleep, food, play, movement, and pace — quietly shape a child’s behavior, attention, learning, and emotional regulation. Rather than encouraging parents to do more, this conversation focuses on becoming more intentional — starting in the places that support a child’s nervous system and create steadiness for the whole family. If parenting feels harder than you expected, this episode is designed to help you understand why — and to offer a calmer, clearer starting place. 🔗 Discovery Calls: Looking ahead As we move into the new year, I offer Discovery Calls for parents of babies & toddlers. These are free, one-to-one conversations designed to help determine whether a focused 6-week parent coaching format would be helpful for your family at this time. Not evaluations, not therapy - just space to reflect and be heard. There’s no pressure and no obligation. January is now open, and you’ll find all the details here: 👉 Start here to request a Discovery Call 🌟 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 Phrases Because 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: contact@HyerLearning.com 🌐 www.HyerLearning.com Thank you for being here — and for caring so deeply about your child’s well-being.

After more than 35 years of sitting on floors with babies and toddlers - and walking alongside thousands of mothers - I’ve learned something that still surprises people. The children who thrive in the first three years aren’t raised by parents who do everything “right.” They’re raised by adults who stay in sync — who notice, respond, and adjust in real time. In this final episode of the year, I’m not offering a checklist or another set of milestones to track. I’m sharing three anchors that have held steady across decades of real families and real development — long before social media, parenting trends, or performance pressure entered the picture. In this episode, we explore: Why attunement and rhythm matter more than rigid schedules How language grows best inside real life, not through testing or pressure Why the brain grows through the body, and how movement and sensory integration shape regulation, attention, and speech What stress, cortisol, and nervous-system overload actually look like in babies and toddlers Why looking away can help a child listen better - and what we’ve misunderstood for years If you’re feeling overwhelmed by noise, advice, or expectations - this episode is an invitation to slow down, zoom out, and reconnect with what truly supports your child’s growth. You’re not behind. You’re just surrounded by noise. 🔗 Discovery Calls: Looking ahead As we move toward the new year, I offer Discovery Calls for parents of babies & toddlers. These are free, one-to-one conversations designed to help determine whether a focused six-week parent coaching format would be helpful for your family at this time. Not evaluations, not therapy - just space to reflect and be heard. There’s no pressure and no obligation. January is now open, and you’ll find all the details here: 👉 Start here to request a Discovery Call 🌟 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 Phrases Because 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: contact@HyerLearning.com 🌐 www.HyerLearning.com Thank you for being here — and for caring so deeply about your child’s well-being.

If Christmas feels overwhelming - for you or your toddler - you’re not imagining it. And you’re not doing anything wrong. For babies and toddlers, the holiday season brings more noise, more stimulation, more people, more stuff, and disrupted routines - often all at once. Little nervous systems aren’t built to manage that kind of overload, even when everything looks joyful from the outside. In this episode, I explain why Christmas can feel like “too much” for young children, and how understanding early brain development can help you release guilt, lower expectations, and protect what matters most. We’ll talk about how toddlers actually process experiences, what they truly remember, and why simplicity and rhythm are not only enough - they’re protective. You’ll also hear real-life stories from my clinical work and motherhood, along with gentle permission to keep Christmas simple for your little ones while still enjoying meaningful connection as a family. This episode isn’t about doing more. It’s about understanding what your child needs — and giving yourself permission to rest there. In this episode, we cover: Why Christmas can overwhelm babies and toddlers How young children’s brains process stimulation and memory What toddlers actually remember from holidays (and what they don’t) Why fewer toys and simpler routines support regulation How to prevent post-holiday dysregulation and sleep disruption Permission to give your child a touch of Christmas - without the layers and pressure Looking ahead: Discovery Call - for parents of babies & toddlers As we move toward the new year, I also share a brief note about Discovery Calls - free, one-to-one conversations designed to help determine whether a focused six-week parent coaching format would be helpful for your family at this time. There’s no pressure and no obligation. January is now open, and you’ll find all the details here: 👉 Start here to request a Discovery Call -------------------- 🌟 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 Phrases Because 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: contact@HyerLearning.com 🌐 www.HyerLearning.com Thank you for being here — and for caring so deeply about your child’s well-being.

Christmas can feel heavy for moms of babies and toddlers - full of pressure, expectations, and the fear of getting it wrong. In this episode of Talking Toddlers, we talk about why a simpler, calmer Christmas is often exactly what young children need - and how choosing less can create more connection, regulation, and meaning for your family. You don’t need more information - you need clarity, support, and a simple way forward. Talking Toddlers is here to help you slow down, understand what’s developmentally normal, and focus your energy where it truly matters. If this episode resonated with you, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations designed to support both you and your child. You’re doing more right than you realize. If you’re looking for more personalized support, you’ll find details about Erin’s email community, free resources, and Discovery Calls in the description below. ===== Discovery Call — for parents of babies & toddlers If you’re wondering whether you’re overthinking something — or missing something — this short Discovery Call is a place to pause and get oriented. 👉 Start here to request a Discovery Call ========= 🌟 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 Phrases Because 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.

If 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 birthday the difference between a language delay and a communication disorder why focusing only on “more words” can miss the real issue how play, sensory needs, emotions, and movement all shape speech subtle signs parents overlook in the toddler years questions to ask instead of just “waiting and seeing” what you can start doing today to support your child, at any age If 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 Phrases Because 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.

If 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 today Whether 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 6 How to Get Your Baby Talking: 3 Daily Routines That Build Real Words On 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.

The 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 today Whether 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 WORKSHOP FREE 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.

Are 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 Phrases Because 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.

If 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 communication You’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.

You already know the #1 habit that helps toddlers learn to talk — pulling them into your world and engaging them, out loud, through the rhythm of your day. But staying present isn’t always easy. In this episode, Erin Hyer, speech-language pathologist and toddler specialist, gets personal about what gets in the way — the five barriers that quietly pull parents off course — and how to find your way back with small, meaningful shifts that bring more calm, confidence, and connection. If you’re ready for real-life encouragement (not perfection), this episode will remind you that it’s never too late to reconnect. Because the little years are the big years — and every small, simple moment counts. --------- ✨ 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.