Podcast Summary: Talking Toddlers with Erin Hyer

Episode 132: I’ve Helped Toddlers Talk for 35 Years. If You Want Your Baby to Talk Well, Watch This
Date: December 2, 2025
Host: Erin Hyer, Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the critical, yet often overlooked, foundation of early communication: imitation. Drawing on her 35 years of experience, Erin Hyer dispels common myths about early speech development and provides practical insights for parents to foster true communication skills in their toddlers—long before actual words emerge. Hyer emphasizes that imitation, not words, is the earliest and most reliable predictor of talking, guiding parents in recognizing and encouraging this essential milestone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Challenging the "Word Count" Obsession (01:05)

• Erin addresses the societal pressure to count words and monitor vocal milestones obsessively.
• Quote:

  "Words are one of the last skills that emerge, not the first sign that communication is actually developing." (01:25)

2. The Real First Step: Imitation vs. Words (03:36)

• Imitation is the true early foundation for communication, preceding even gestures and babbling.
• Imitation includes copying actions, gestures, sounds, faces, and routines—long before children speak real words.

3. In-Clinic Story – The Power of Imitation (04:10–15:00)

• Erin shares a typical session with a worried mother and her quiet 16-18 month-old.
  • Child is nervous but observes Erin demonstrating play with classic toys (Mr. Potato Head, toy barn, farm animals).
  • Erin models actions and invites imitation, celebrating small, non-verbal responses (waves, smiles, giggles).
  • The child starts copying actions and sounds, showing social connection and early problem-solving.
• Quote:

  "Before he ever makes a single sound, he's already communicating with me—his eyes, his gentle gestures, looking around, collecting information." (06:15)

• Quote:

  "That's imitation. That's symbolic understanding. That's early problem solving. That's human communication, deep communication, long before words." (10:45)

• The mother realizes her son’s potential, observing his capability and willingness when supported through play.

4. Toys as Tools, Not Entertainers (07:50)

• Erin avoids electronic toys, advocating for no batteries to encourage active engagement and brain development.
• She references her "No Batteries" toy shop to underline the importance of toys as opportunities for interaction, not passive entertainment.
• Quote:

  "Toys aren't there to entertain. They're tools to build a new skill that we call human communication." (08:20)

5. Why Imitation Predicts Talking (17:37)

• Imitation—especially when paired with gestures—highly predicts future language at ages three, four, and five.
• It’s an "invisible skill" often missed by both parents and professionals.
• Quote:

  "Imitation and gestures highly predicts your child's future speech at 3, 4, and 5 than any other milestone that you'll see on that chart." (20:35)

6. The Progression of Early Communication (21:15)

• Early stages: Reflexive cries, vocal play, facial gestures, and cooing.
• Voluntary imitation emerges around 7–10 months: waving, clapping, pointing, copying facial expressions.
• Turn-taking and more advanced play begin at ages 2–4, with true cooperation and sharing developing after three.
• Words emerge after layers of nonverbal imitation are well established.

7. Erin’s "Eight Levels of Imitation" for Toddlers (24:05)

1. Actions with Objects
   (e.g., shaking a rattle, banging blocks)
2. Gestures with Body Movements
   (e.g., animal motions, marching, waving)
3. Facial and Mouth Imitation
   (e.g., wide eyes, fake coughs/sneezes)
4. Vocal Play and Sound Effects
   (e.g., grunts, snorts, "shh-shh" for sleeping)
5. Emotional Exclamations
   (e.g., "yuck!", "hooray!", "uh-oh!")
6. Social Routines & Early Songs
   (e.g., "Peekaboo," "Ring Around the Rosie")
7. Functional Words
   (e.g., "all done," "bye-bye," "mama")
8. Short Phrases / Holistic Phrasing
   ("Where’d it go?", "I got it", "see ya")

• The child in Erin's story was progressing well through levels 2–5, needing more modeling and play rather than pressure to use real words.

8. Practical Guidance for Parents: What to Notice & Do (33:44)

• Look for signs your child is imitating:
  • Copying movements/gestures
  • Mimicking facial expressions
  • Joining rhythm of play and routines
  • Repeating new or unexpected actions
  • Using sound effects and playful noises
• Anticipating routines and seeking confirmation through eye contact or repeated actions.
• Quote:

  "If imitation feels maybe a little inconsistent or weak at this point, it doesn't mean that something is wrong. It simply means this is where you can focus." (37:00)

9. What NOT to Do: Avoid Pressure & Old-School Drills (40:23)

• Parents do not need to chase words, use flashcards, or drill with labeling routines.
• Focus on playful, meaningful interaction—model actions and gestures in daily routines and household life.
• Clean out overstimulating toys and make room for deeper, interactive play.

10. Reassurance & Empowerment for Parents (44:00)

• Playfulness and being present with toddlers are skills to practice, not innate talents.
• Erin confides that this approach did not come naturally at first in her own career—encouraging parents to be patient with themselves.
• Quote:

  "If being playful and present and tuning into your little one doesn't feel natural to you right now, that doesn't make you a bad parent or a bad mom ... You're really at the very beginning of all of this, just like I was." (45:33)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "My sessions start the moment that you walk through that front door. ... How is he understanding and engaging in this world?" (05:40)
• "Imitation helps form the foundation, right alongside gestures ... you truly can't have gestures without imitation showing up first." (18:18)
• "You need to play, you need to be present. You need to model and make it intentional." (40:54)
• "Imitation is a beautiful beginning to spoken language, to human communication. And it's the precursor ... to gestures that then lead into real words." (50:18)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 01:05 — Why words are not the starting point
• 03:36 — Introducing "imitation" as fundamental
• 04:10–15:00 — In-clinic story illustrating imitation in action
• 17:37 — Why imitation predicts future speech
• 21:15 — Step-by-step progression of early communication
• 24:05 — Eight levels of toddler imitation
• 33:44 — Practical ways to identify and foster imitation at home
• 40:23 — What to avoid: overemphasis on words and flashcards
• 44:00–46:00 — Reassurance for parents and Erin’s personal journey

Tone

Erin’s tone throughout is warm, conversational, and empowering, blending practical guidance with deep empathy for new parents. She reassures listeners that they’re not alone and that every parent can learn to foster rich communication in everyday moments.

Takeaways for Parents

• Imitation is the foundation: Focus on actions, gestures, and playful sounds rather than just counting words.
• Be present and playful: Use routine interactions to model and invite imitation; skip the flashcards.
• Follow your child’s lead: Observe, support, and celebrate every small sign of imitation, as it signals deep-rooted learning.
• It’s a skill for everyone: Both parents and children are learning together—patience, play, and connection are key.

Closing

Erin invites listeners to her upcoming workshop for deeper, practical strategies and reiterates that every parent is positioned to lay a language-rich foundation in their toddler’s life. She ends with heartfelt encouragement for the holiday season and a reminder:

"You're not alone in these little years. ... I believe every mom is in the perfect position to hone these skills and make a true difference." (51:00)

Next Steps:

• Observe and celebrate your toddler’s acts of imitation today!
• Check the show notes for Erin's workshop link if you’re eager for structured support.