Play Dumb & Sabotage: Simple Speech Therapy Strategies Every Parent Can Use with Jeaneen Tang

Play Dumb & Sabotage: Simple Speech Therapy Strategies Every Parent Can Use with Jeaneen Tang

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2562914/fan_mail/new] What if one of the best ways to help your child communicate was to do a little less? In this eye-opening episode of Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain, Kayla sits down with Jeaneen Tang, certified Speech-Language Pathologist, author, and early language development expert, to discuss how parents can support their child's communication skills through everyday interactions. With more than 20 years of experience working with children and adults, Jeaneen shares practical, easy-to-implement strategies that help children build language skills naturally through play, conversation, and daily routines. She also opens up about her personal journey as the mother of a son who experienced a traumatic brain injury and stroke as a toddler, and how faith, persistence, and communication-focused parenting helped him defy the odds. Jeaneen explains the philosophy behind her book, Play Dumb & Sabotage, and why "mindfully under-anticipating" your child's needs can create valuable opportunities for language growth. In This Episode We Discuss: * Key speech and language milestones parents should watch for * How adults influence a child's language development * The difference between speech delays and typical development * Why reading, singing, and play are critical for communication growth * What "Play Dumb & Sabotage" means and how to use it at home * Easy ways to encourage language during meals, playtime, and daily routines * Why offering choices can boost communication skills * The role of screen time and technology in language development * Supporting children with speech delays, developmental differences, and special needs * How technology and AAC devices can help nonverbal children communicate * Why early intervention matters and how to navigate speech therapy services * How parents can build communication skills without feeling overwhelmed A Powerful Reminder ✨ You don't know what you don't know ✨ Asking for help is a sign of strength, not failure ✨ Small daily interactions have a huge impact on your child's communication skills ✨ Early support can make a lifelong difference Key Takeaway You don't need to be a speech therapist to help your child develop strong communication skills. By slowing down, creating opportunities for interaction, and being intentional with everyday moments, parents can make a tremendous impact on their child's language development. Guest Information Jeaneen Tang Certified Speech-Language Pathologist 📘 Author of: Play Dumb & Sabotage: Mindfully Under-Anticipating the Child's Needs and Creating Opportunities to Practice Language 🌐 Website: https://www.playdumbandsabotage.com/ [https://www.playdumbandsabotage.com/] Show Information Follow the show: 📱 @momsbrainisacoffeestain Support the podcast: https://Momsbrainisacoffeestain.Buzzsprout.com [https://momsbrainisacoffeestain.buzzsprout.com/] Want to be a guest on Mom's Brain Is A Coffee Stain | Parenting Teens, Mom Life & Real Conversations? Send Kayla a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/momsbrainisacoffeestain [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/momsbrainisacoffeestain]

AI, Math Anxiety & Personalized Learning: How Vimi Is Changing the Way Kids Learn Math with Liora Schocken

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2562914/fan_mail/new] Why do so many kids grow up believing they’re “just bad at math”? In this fascinating episode of Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain, Kayla sits down with Liora Schocken, creator of Vimi, an AI-powered adaptive math tutor designed to help kids learn in a way that actually works for their brains. Together, they dive into the growing problem of math anxiety, post-pandemic learning gaps, ADHD and learning differences, school absenteeism, and the pressure families feel when kids struggle academically. Liora explains how Vimi goes beyond simply giving easier or harder math problems. Instead, the platform adapts to how a child learns—whether they need visual guidance, step-by-step support, confidence-building, or a completely different approach altogether. This conversation is especially powerful for parents who have ever sat at the kitchen table feeling helpless while trying to help their child with homework. In This Episode We Discuss: * Why math confidence and self-esteem are deeply connected * How the pandemic created lasting math learning gaps * The rise in student absenteeism and learning struggles * Why traditional classrooms often fail kids who learn differently * The connection between ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and math struggles * How AI can personalize learning for each student * Why short, consistent learning sessions work better than cramming * The emotional toll math struggles can have on both kids and parents * Why tutoring sessions sometimes increase frustration instead of confidence * How Vimi acts as a “study buddy” instead of just giving answers A Powerful Reminder: ✨ Struggling with math does not mean your child isn’t smart ✨ Kids don’t all learn the same way—and they shouldn’t be expected to ✨ Confidence grows when kids experience small, consistent wins Key Takeaway: The problem isn’t always that a child is “bad at math.” Sometimes the problem is simply that they were taught in a way their brain doesn’t connect with. And when learning adapts to the child instead of forcing the child to adapt to the system… everything changes. Guest Information Liora Schocken Creator of Vimi 🌐 Website: https://heyvimi.com [https://heyvimi.com/] Show Information Follow the show: 📱 @momsbrainisacoffeestain Support the podcast: https://Momsbrainisacoffeestain.Buzzsprout.com [https://momsbrainisacoffeestain.buzzsprout.com/] Want to be a guest on Mom’s Brain Is A Coffee Stain | Parenting Teens, Mom Life & Real Conversations? Send Kayla a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/momsbrainisacoffeestain [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/momsbrainisacoffeestain]

Faith, Healing & Solo Motherhood: Finding Courage Through Life’s Hardest Seasons with J. Rosemarie Francis

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2562914/fan_mail/new] What happens when life completely falls apart… and you’re left trying to rebuild while raising children on your own? In this deeply emotional and faith-filled episode of Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain, Kayla sits down with J. Rosemarie Francis, host of SoloMoms Talk and author of Courage to Believe, to talk about single motherhood, abandonment, healing trauma, faith during hard seasons, and rebuilding your identity in Christ. J. Rosemarie shares the heartbreaking moment she came home to discover her husband had abandoned her and their two young sons—leaving her to navigate motherhood, survival, and healing completely alone.  From moving 900 miles with her children on faith alone to eventually creating a platform that supports solo moms around the world, her story is one of resilience, honesty, and spiritual growth. This conversation is packed with powerful reminders for moms who feel overwhelmed, unseen, abandoned, or emotionally exhausted. In This Episode We Discuss: * The emotional reality of solo motherhood and abandonment * Breaking the harmful stereotypes surrounding single moms * Why many solo moms secretly believe they must “do it all alone” * How to rebuild trust in God after heartbreak and disappointment * Anchoring your identity in Christ instead of circumstances * Why storytelling can become a powerful tool for healing * Teaching children emotional intelligence through difficult seasons * The role of therapy, journaling, prayer, and self-reflection in healing trauma * How faith can carry you through overwhelming parenting seasons * Why asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness A Powerful Reminder: ✨ God is not surprised by your struggles ✨ You are not invisible or forgotten ✨ Healing doesn’t happen overnight—but you do not have to walk through it alone Key Takeaway: Sometimes healing starts with simply asking yourself: “What’s really going on inside of me?” And having the courage to bring those answers to God. About J. Rosemarie Francis J. Rosemarie Francis Host of SoloMoms Talk 📘 Author of: * Courage to Believe: A 21 Day Christian Devotional for Single Moms * Healing Hem: The Minine Miller Story * The Solo Mom Manifesto 🌐 Website: https://jrosemarie.com [https://jrosemarie.com/] 🎙️ Podcast: SoloMoms Talk Show Information Follow the show: 📱 @momsbrainisacoffeestain Support the podcast: https://Momsbrainisacoffeestain.Buzzsprout.com [https://momsbrainisacoffeestain.buzzsprout.com/] Want to be a guest on Mom’s Brain Is A Coffee Stain | Parenting Teens, Mom Life & Real Conversations? Send Kayla a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/momsbrainisacoffeestain [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/momsbrainisacoffeestain]

Emotional Eating, ADHD & Kids: Understanding the Root of Food Struggles with Kamy Moussavi

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2562914/fan_mail/new] Why do kids say they’re “starving”… even right after they just ate? In this eye-opening episode of Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain, Kayla sits down with Kamy Moussavi, founder of Step Together, to unpack what’s really behind emotional eating in kids, ADHD, and unhealthy food habits. Drawing from his own personal journey of struggling with excess weight as a child, Kamy explains why traditional approaches to dieting and food control often fail—and why the real issue goes much deeper than just “what” kids are eating.  This conversation dives into the powerful connection between dopamine, emotional regulation, and food, helping parents understand why kids turn to food for comfort—and what to do instead. In This Episode We Discuss: * What emotional eating in children actually looks like * Why kids feel “hungry” even when they’re not physically hungry * The connection between ADHD, dopamine, and food cravings * How boredom, anxiety, and stress show up as eating habits * Why traditional diets fail 96% of kids long-term * How to help kids find healthy sources of dopamine * The role parents play in shaping their child’s relationship with food * Why modeling behavior matters more than what we say * How to reduce reliance on snacks, junk food, and convenience eating * Simple ways to build a healthier home environment without shame A Powerful Mindset Shift: ✨ Your child isn’t lacking discipline—they’re trying to solve a problem ✨ Food is often a symptom, not the root cause ✨ When we understand the “why,” we can finally create lasting change Key Takeaway: If we stop focusing only on food—and start focusing on what’s driving the behavior—we can help our kids build a healthier relationship with food for life. Guest Information Kamy Moussavi Founder of Step Together 🌐 Website: https://steptogether.us [https://steptogether.us/] Show Information Follow the show: 📱 @momsbrainisacoffeestain Support the podcast: https://Momsbrainisacoffeestain.Buzzsprout.com [https://momsbrainisacoffeestain.buzzsprout.com/] Want to Be a Guest? Want to be a guest on Mom’s Brain Is A Coffee Stain | Parenting Teens, Mom Life & Real Conversations? Send Kayla a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/momsbrainisacoffeestain [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/momsbrainisacoffeestain]

From Overwhelmed to Regulated: Breaking the Cycle of Mom Burnout with Kristin Cogan

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2562914/fan_mail/new] Why do so many moms feel like they’re constantly overwhelmed… even when life “looks good on paper”? In this honest and relatable episode of Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain, Kayla sits down with Kristin Cogan, licensed therapist, coach, and mom of five, to talk about the real struggles behind mom burnout, emotional overwhelm, and the pressure to do it all perfectly. Kristin shares her own experience of raising four kids in four years and hitting a breaking point that forced her to rethink how she was showing up—not just as a mom, but as a person.  This conversation dives deep into the cycle so many moms know all too well: guilt, frustration, snapping, and then feeling like you’re failing. But the truth? You’re not failing—you’re overwhelmed. In This Episode We Discuss: * Why moms feel overwhelmed and burned out (even when life looks “perfect”) * The cycle of mom guilt, self-doubt, and frustration * What’s actually happening in your brain during emotional overwhelm * How to build emotional regulation skills in real life * Simple ways to practice mindfulness without needing extra time * The importance of self-care and emotional hygiene * Why comparing yourself to other moms is hurting your mental health * How to stay present with your kids—even in chaos * The power of small wins and daily mindset shifts * Why you don’t have to be a perfect mom to be a good one A Powerful Reminder: ✨ You’re not failing—you’re overwhelmed ✨ Small changes can create big shifts ✨ Taking care of yourself helps you show up better for your kids Key Takeaway: You don’t need a complete life overhaul— sometimes it starts with something as simple as one deep breath. Connect with Kristin Kristin Cogan Licensed Therapist | Coach | Mom of 5 📱 Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/imperfectlywonderfulmotherhood Show Information Follow the show: 📱 @momsbrainisacoffeestain Support the podcast: https://Momsbrainisacoffeestain.Buzzsprout.com [https://momsbrainisacoffeestain.buzzsprout.com/] Want to Be a Guest? Want to be a guest on Mom’s Brain Is A Coffee Stain | Parenting Teens, Mom Life & Real Conversations? Send Kayla a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/momsbrainisacoffeestain [https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/momsbrainisacoffeestain]