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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!
131 Episodes
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Send us a text 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 foun...
Send us a text 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...
Send us a text 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 spec...
Send us a text 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 connectio...
Send us a text What if the best way to help your toddler talk isn’t about doing more — but noticing more? If you’ve ever wondered how to build your child’s language without feeling like you’re teaching a class, this episode will give you the clarity and calm you’ve been craving. You’ll discover: • Why connection—not correction—drives true communication • How everyday routines (yes, even laundry and grocery runs) become language lessons • A simple daily rhythm that builds con...
Send us a text Everyone talks about “speech milestones,” but few realize that clear talking starts long before the first word. It begins with sucking, swallowing, mouthing, and chewing real food. In this episode, Erin Hyer — pediatric speech-language pathologist and host of Talking Toddlers — unpacks how modern feeding habits are quietly undermining children’s oral-motor development and what parents can do to course-correct with confidence. You’ll discover: Why mouthing and chewing are essent...
Send us a text You’re in the grocery store. Your toddler is whining, tugging, then screaming, and finally — full-body flop in the aisle. People are watching. Your chest tightens. You start explaining, reasoning, pleading… and it just gets worse. Why? In this episode, Erin Hyer breaks down what’s actually happening inside your toddler’s brain during a meltdown — and why talking doesn’t work when their emotional system is in charge. You’ll learn how the right hemisphere, limbic system, and surv...
Send us a text Does your toddler ignore you when you’ve asked the same thing six times? Or do you feel that sting of embarrassment when they melt down in the store or refuse to listen at the park? Here’s the truth: your child isn’t being “bad.” They’re showing you where they are developmentally — and the good news is, you can absolutely teach them how to listen, focus, and follow through. In this episode, I’ll walk you through 4 simple, science-backed keys to getting your toddler’...
Send us a text Want to raise a healthy, thriving baby — without all the gadgets and overwhelm? In this episode, I’m sharing 10 powerful essentials that help your baby thrive by focusing on what truly matters: connection, rhythm, and presence. Drawing on over 35 years as a speech-language pathologist, toddler specialist, and mom, I walk you through ten simple, science-backed ways to support your baby’s development — from skin-to-skin bonding and baby-wearing to tummy time, outdoor rhythms, min...
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 ...
Send 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...
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