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As a new mom, don’t you wish you had someone whispering in your ear with practical and trustworthy guidance? Finding clarity can be challenging these days, and the uncertainty seems almost deafening. Talking Toddlers breaks down how our children grow, learn & develop - by building relationships, human connections, and learning through language. I’m Erin Hyer, a licensed speech-language pathologist - and for nearly 35 years I’ve played with kids on the floor, inspired parents to use everyday routines for learning, consulted with early educators, and trained graduate students to move beyond the classroom and “think outside the box.” My purpose is clear - understand how the brain learns to learn, bridge any gaps before they turn into life-long challenges, and keep kids moving forward. I don’t believe in “taking anything for granted” or “leaving it to chance.” Nor do I subscribe to accepting the increasing “new normal.” Parents are in a very special position to create a language-rich home environment & truly guide kids to thrive, to learn through everyday activities, while building confidence, flexibility and a true curiosity for learning. Episodes will bring practical ideas, as well as, some deep dives to help you understand why there are roadblocks? I believe we are more likely to implement strategies and activities or make changes if we know the reasoning behind them. My goal - to help moms feel empowered and toddlers happier. Please join me every Tuesday, Talking Toddlers where moms come for clarity, connection and courage. Stay tuned for amazing interviews, discussions & practical guidance on how Talking Toddlers learn to thrive - at home - with their moms!
122 Episodes
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Send us a text Most parents think reading starts with letters and phonics. But the truth is — literacy is a man-made skill, layered on top of speech and language. If your child doesn’t get the right foundations at home, they may struggle later, even in the best schools. In this episode of Talking Toddlers, Erin Hyer — speech-language pathologist with 35+ years of experience — reveals the 10 foundational skills every baby, toddler, and preschooler needs before school. These aren’t ...
1Send us a text Should 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 l...
Send us a text Most 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 pl...
Send us a text Your 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’...
Send us a text Why 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 an...
Send us a text Did 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 ...
Send us a text Parents of babies and toddlers—you’re exhausted. But here’s the good news: one small evening habit can change that, starting tonight. Learn the science of how light affects melatonin, why it matters for your toddler’s brain development, and how to create a bedtime environment that works for the whole family. Discover how one simple change—dimming your lights an hour before bedtime—can help your baby, toddler, and you fall asleep faster and sleep deeper. In this episode, E...
Send us a text Has gentle parenting gone too far? Many well-meaning moms are finding themselves burned out, confused, and constantly negotiating with toddlers who seem to need more structure—not less. In this episode, Erin Hyer, speech-language pathologist and toddler development specialist, breaks down what toddlers actually need—and why a firmer, more faithful approach is gaining traction among modern parents. (Yippeeee) Drawing from the viral Wall Street Journal article “Goodbye Gent...
Send us a text Explore how speech develops after the first words — and what to do if your toddler can’t express themselves clearly. Erin explains how to recognize delays in expression and speech sounds and gives practical, empowering strategies to support your child at home. 🎙 Part 2 of 2 in the “Building Blocks” Mini-Series In Part 1, we covered the first two foundational 'pillars' of speech development: 1️⃣ Social Interaction – how connection fuels communication 2️⃣ Unde...
Send us a text The 4 Building Blocks of Speech Development – Part 1 Long before your toddler says their first real word, two powerful foundations (milestones) must already be in place: interaction and understanding. These aren’t “nice to have” skills — they are non-negotiable building blocks for speech, language, connection, and future learning. Yet so many parents are told to wait and see, when in fact, there’s so much YOU can do now. In this episode, Erin shares: The first two buildin...
Send us a text 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 un...
Send us a text 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 ...
Send us a text 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 r...
Send us a text 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 succ...
Send us a text 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 ...
Send us a text 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...
Send us a text 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—start...
Send us a text 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 ma...
Send us a text 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 int...
Send us a text 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...
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