Talking Toddlers

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1974663/open_sms] 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’ll cover: * What exterogestation (the “second womb”) really means * How 100 billion neurons become connected through everyday experiences * Why talking is an “orchestra” of attention, motor skills, and social connection * The 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 [https://hyerlearning.myflodesk.com/vldf95o7u2]  ✨ 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 ERIN contact@HyerLearning.com 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a mama who needs a reset. ==== CLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun Activities [https://hyerlearning.myflodesk.com/tgjhgqusi8] Building Vocabulary Guide [https://tr.ee/1Ugfm81_DY] - 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.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1974663/open_sms] 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 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 [https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/08/11/mothers-leaving-workforce-large-numbers/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] ✨ 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 ERIN contact@HyerLearning.com ==== ❤️ Ready for personal, purposeful progress? CLICK HERE NOW - Tiny Challenge for Moms [https://hyerlearning.myflodesk.com/vldf95o7u2]  👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a mama who needs a reset. ==== CLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun Activities [https://hyerlearning.myflodesk.com/tgjhgqusi8] Building Vocabulary Guide [https://tr.ee/1Ugfm81_DY] - 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.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1974663/open_sms] 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 it – Avoid the “wait and see” trap while building confidence as a parent Play 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 [https://hyerlearning.myflodesk.com/vldf95o7u2]  👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a mama who needs a reset. ==== CLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun Activities [https://hyerlearning.myflodesk.com/tgjhgqusi8] Building Vocabulary Guide [https://tr.ee/1Ugfm81_DY] - get it NOW! CONNECT WITH ERIN contact@HyerLearning.com =============================== 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.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1974663/open_sms] 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, Erin Hyer, speech-language pathologist with 35+ years of early intervention experience, shares: * Why warm, dim light triggers melatonin for natural sleep * How blue light disrupts your child’s rest (and yours) * Simple, affordable ways to set the right nighttime mood Try tonight’s challenge: Dim your lights 1 hour before bed and watch the difference tomorrow. ===== The #1 Sleep Mistake Parents Don’t Know They’re Making YouTube CLICK HERE FOR THIS EPISODE [https://youtu.be/ejSEum3DrsM] ===== Here are three citations mentioned in this episode: 1. Warm Light and Sleep Efficiency in Children  Smith, A. L., Johnson, M. K., & Ramirez, Y. (2023). Effects of Evening Warm-Tone Lighting on Sleep Onset and Efficiency in Preschool-Aged Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Pediatric Sleep Health, 12(4), 245–256. 2. Screen Use, Reward Circuits, and Sleep Procrastination  Chen, H., Patel, R., & Gupta, S. (2024). Evening Screen Use, Dopaminergic Activation, and Sleep Procrastination: Behavioral and Neurobiological Correlates in Adults. Behavioral Neuroscience Reviews, 29(1), 1–18. 3. Parental Sleep Disruption and Toddler Emotional Regulation  Martinez, E. J., Li, P., & Anders, T. F. (2023). Maternal Sleep Quality Predicts Toddler Emotional Reactivity and Regulatory Behaviors: A Longitudinal Analysis. Journal of Child Development & Parenting, 18(2), 112–130. ==== ❤️ Ready for personal, purposeful progress? CLICK HERE NOW - Tiny Challenge for Moms [https://hyerlearning.myflodesk.com/vldf95o7u2]  👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a mama who needs a reset. ==== CLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun Activities [https://hyerlearning.myflodesk.com/tgjhgqusi8] Building Vocabulary Guide [https://tr.ee/1Ugfm81_DY] - get it NOW! CONNECT WITH ERIN contact@HyerLearning.com =============================== 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.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1974663/open_sms] 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 Gentle Parenting, Hello F-Around and Find Out,”  Erin offers a grounded, faith-anchored response to today’s parenting confusion. You’ll learn: ✅ Why toddlers don’t really understand “no” the way we think ✅ The difference between gentle guidance and permissiveness ✅ Why natural consequences build character better than explanations ✅ How to raise confident, connected kids—with loving limits --------------------------------- 🎙️ Listen to Erin’s 2-part February series on Gentle Parenting for more insight! Ep 97  Gentle Parenting vs Reality: What Actually Works For Toddlers [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1974663/episodes/16664014] Ep 98  Why Milestones Matter More Than 'Gentle' Parenting [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1974663/episodes/16694076] ❤️ Ready for personal, purposeful progress? Join Erin’s Tiny Challenge — 1:1 support. 1 challenge. 1 week. Momentum begins the moment you say YES. CLICK HERE NOW - Tiny Challenge for Moms [https://hyerlearning.myflodesk.com/vldf95o7u2]  👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a mama who needs a reset. ======== Download the free handout so you can enjoy summer screen-free—and see what’s actually possible when we parent with intention. CLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun Activities [https://hyerlearning.myflodesk.com/tgjhgqusi8] Building Vocabulary Guide [https://tr.ee/1Ugfm81_DY] - get it NOW! CONNECT WITH ERIN contact@HyerLearning.com =============================== 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.