Podcast
Talking Toddlers
Hosted by Erin Hyer · EN
Calm, developmentally grounded guidance for moms of babies and toddlers.
As a mom of a baby or toddler, it can feel like everyone has an opinion - and very few answers that actually make things clearer. The noise is loud. The pressure is real. And the uncertainty can be exhausting.
Talking Toddlers is a podcast for moms who want calm, trustworthy, developmentally grounded guidance - without fear, guilt, or unrealistic expectations.
I’m Erin Hyer, a licensed speech-language pathologist with nearly 35 years of experience supporting young children and their families. I’ve spent my career on the floor with toddlers, partnering with parents, consulting with early educators, and training graduate students to understand how children truly grow, learn, and communicate - through relationships, everyday routines, and meaningful language experiences.
This podcast breaks down how the young brain learns, why certain behaviors or challenges show up, and how parents can gently support development before small concerns become bigger ones. I believe parents are in a powerful position — not to do more, but to understand more.
Each episode offers:
- Practical, real-life strategies you can use during everyday routines
- Gentle explanations of the why behind toddler behavior and development
- Supportive conversations that help you feel less alone and more confident
My goal is simple: to help moms feel empowered and toddlers feel supported - so learning, communication, and connection can grow naturally at home.
New episodes of Talking Toddlers are released weekly.
This is a space for clarity, connection, and courage - where moms come to slow down, trust themselves, and support their child’s development with confidence.
62episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Your Toddler Doesn’t Need a Bigger Christmas - They Need a Calmer One Ep 134
Dec 1600:20:05Summary readySend us a textChristmas can feel heavy for moms of babies and toddlers - full of pressure, expectations, and the fear of getting it wrong.In this episode of Talking Toddlers, we talk about why a simpler, calmer Christmas is often exactly what young children need - and how choosing less can create more connection, regulation, and meaning for your family.You don’t need more information - you need clarity, support, and a simple way forward.Talking Toddlers is here to help you slow down, understand what’s developmentally normal, and focus your energy where it truly matters.If this episode resonated with you, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations designed to support both you and your child. You’re doing more right than you realize.If you’re looking for more personalized support, you’ll find details about Erin’s email community, free resources, and Discovery Calls in the description below.=====Discovery Call — for parents of babies & toddlers If you’re wondering whether you’re overthinking something — or missing something — this short Discovery Call is a place to pause and get oriented.👉 Start here to request a Discovery Call=========🌟 Join the Inside Talking Toddlers community for exclusive deep dives and get Erin’s free guide: Top 10 ESSENTIAL Skills For Talking.CLICK HERE FOR: Building Vocabulary: Single Words to 2-Word PhrasesBecause the little years are the big years.=====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.📩 Questions: contact@HyerLearning.com 🌐 www.HyerLearning.com
SummaryI’ve Seen Hundreds of “Late Talkers.” Here’s What All Parents Miss. Ep 133
Dec 900:44:03Summary readySend us a textIf you want your child to talk well — not just say more words — this episode will change the way you think about early communication.Because here’s the truth:Talking doesn’t just “show up” one day.It grows from the daily experiences underneath it — connection, play, movement, interaction, modeling, as well as sleep, nutrition, and healthy routines.Whether your baby is 6 months old and you want to stay ahead…or your toddler is already showing signs of delay…understanding what’s happening underneath the words is one of the best gifts you can give your child.You’ve probably heard the common lines: “Boys talk later.” “Late talking runs in families.” “Give it time. She’ll talk when she’s ready.”But in 2025, it’s much more nuanced than that — and simply assuming “it’ll all work out” can keep kids stuck longer than they need to be.After 35 years in early intervention, Erin has seen hundreds of so-called “late talkers,” and here’s what most parents (and many professionals) miss:👉 Not all late talkers are the same. Some children are on a simple language-delay path. Others are showing early signs of a broader 'communication' difference. Those two paths need different kinds of support.In this episode, Erin helps you “look more closely” and get curious, as she explains in clear, practical terms:what to notice before the first birthdaythe difference between a language delay and a communication disorderwhy focusing only on “more words” can miss the real issuehow play, sensory needs, emotions, and movement all shape speechsubtle signs parents overlook in the toddler yearsquestions to ask instead of just “waiting and seeing”what you can start doing today to support your child, at any ageIf you’re a parent who doesn’t want to rely on assumptions or old myths, this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence to ask better questions, seek the right kind of help, and support your child’s development from the very beginning.===🌟 Join the Inside Talking Toddlers community for exclusive deep dives and get Erin’s free guide: Top 10 ESSENTIAL Skills For Talking.CLICK HERE FOR: Building Vocabulary: Single Words to 2-Word PhrasesBecause the little years are the big years.===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.📩 Questions: contact@HyerLearning.com 🌐 www.HyerLearning.com
SummaryI’ve Helped Toddlers Talk for 35 Years. If You Want Your Baby to Talk Well, Watch This. Ep 132
Dec 200:44:35Summary readySend us a textIf you want your baby or toddler to talk well — not just say more words — this episode is your starting point.Because IMITATION is the skill that comes before gestures, babbling, understanding, and eventually… real talking.Most parents overlook imitation.Many professionals gloss over it.But after 35 years helping babies and toddlers communicate, I can tell you this with absolute certainty:Toddlers learn to imitate long before they learn to talk — and imitation is one of the strongest predictors of early speech.In today’s episode, I’m walking you through the real building blocks beneath talking and how imitation shapes attention, connection, and communication.You’ll learn:• what imitation actually is (it’s not just copying words!)• the layers of imitation your child moves through• the connection between imitation, gestures, and early language• the simple mistake many parents make without even realizing it • playful, natural ways to spark imitation at home — starting todayWhether your little one is 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, or closer to 2, this episode will help you see communication in a whole new way — long before the words appear.======✨ LIVE WORKSHOP — Dec 6How to Get Your Baby Talking: 3 Daily Routines That Build Real WordsOn Friday, December 6, I’m hosting a LIVE 90-minute workshop where I’ll pull back the curtain and show you exactly how to use three everyday routines to grow your baby’s communication from infancy through 24 months.👉 Click here to see all the details + save your seat.If you want clarity, confidence, and a practical plan to support your child’s communication from infancy through 24 months… you’ll want to be there.=====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.📩 Questions: contact@HyerLearning.com 🌐 www.HyerLearning.com
SummaryThis ALWAYS Happens Before Babies Say Their First Word (Every Parent Misses This One) Ep 131
Nov 2500:49:36Summary readySend us a textThe 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 foundations of communication—what really happens before first words—and why this matters for every child from 6 months to 2½ years and beyond.In this episode, you’ll learn: • the overlooked skill that shows up months before talking • why gestures are symbolic communication (just like words!) • how noisy babies, motor movement, and early imitation shape language • surprising predictors of later vocabulary growth • what the CDC’s “30-month” update got dangerously wrong • how parents can spot healthy communication patterns early on • simple ways to support your baby or toddler todayWhether you have a baby just finding their voice, a toddler who’s slow to talk, or you’re simply a parent who wants to understand your child’s development with confidence—this episode will give you clarity, direction, and peace of mind.Because talking isn’t a milestone… it’s a process.And once you see the path, you’ll never look at communication the same way again.👉 Learn the simple routines that help words emerge naturally — save your spot here: GET YOUR BABY TALKING WORKSHOPFREE Guide: Is My Child On Track? Top 10 Essential Skills For Talking===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.📩 Questions: contact@HyerLearning.com 🌐 www.HyerLearning.com
SummaryWhy Toddlers Won’t Share (And Why You Can Stop Worrying) Ep 130
Nov 1800:48:43Summary readySend us a textAre 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 reveals how early turn-taking builds the foundation for real cooperation — without guilt, begging, or over-coaching.===🌟 Join the Inside Talking Toddlers community for exclusive deep dives and get Erin’s free guide: Top 10 ESSENTIAL Skills For Talking.CLICK HERE FOR: Building Vocabulary: Single Words to 2-Word PhrasesBecause the little years are the big years.===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.📩 Questions: contact@HyerLearning.com 🌐 www.HyerLearning.com
SummaryWhy Your Toddler Does That: The Real Learning Behind Climbing, Dumping & Exploring Ep 129
Nov 1101:10:27Summary readySend us a textIf 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 specialist for 35+ years, breaks down:• Why play is the real work• How modern life gets in the way• The four “play jobs” toddlers must practice• What progress vs plateau vs regression really looks like• How LESS toys = MORE brain development• The simple daily rhythm that builds confidence, attention, and communicationYou’ll walk away knowing exactly what your toddler needs — and why you’re already doing more good than you realize.Something special is coming in early December… stay tuned.=====✨ Join the Inside Talking Toddlers community and get your free guide: Top 10 ESSENTIAL SKILLS for Talking=====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.📩 Questions: contact@HyerLearning.com 🌐 www.HyerLearning.com
SummaryWhat Gets in the Way of Helping Toddlers Talk: Simple Shifts, Big Change Ep 128
Nov 400:41:48Summary readySend us a textYou 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 connection.If you’re ready for real-life encouragement (not perfection), this episode will remind you that it’s never too late to reconnect.Because the little years are the big years — and every small, simple moment counts.---------✨ Join the Inside Talking Toddlers community and get your free guide: Top 10 ESSENTIAL SKILLS for Talking=====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.📩 Questions: contact@HyerLearning.com 🌐 www.HyerLearning.com
SummaryWhat Really Teaches Toddlers to Talk (It’s Not What You Think) Ep 127
Oct 2800:41:17Summary readySend us a textWhat 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 confidence, calm, and conversationForget flashcards and “talk time.” Real language growth happens in the small, shared moments of real life — the ones you’re already living.✨ Join the Inside Talking Toddlers community and get your free guide: Top 5 Daily Habits That Build Your Child’s Connection & Confidence → [link]Because the little years are the big years — and every small, simple moment counts.👉 Join Erin’s free private Inside Talking Toddlers community on Thursdays to get weekly quick-win audios and your Top 10 ESSENTIAL SKILLS for Talking=====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.📩 Questions: contact@HyerLearning.com 🌐 www.HyerLearning.com
SummaryThey Got It WRONG: The Hidden Link Between Feeding and Speech Development Ep 126
Oct 2100:45:38Summary readySend us a textEveryone 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 essential brain-building workoutsHow pouches, purees, and processed foods keep kids stuck in baby patternsThe simple, God-designed rhythm that connects eating, breathing, and talkingPractical ways to strengthen your child’s jaw, tongue, and attention every dayBecause when we understand how kids learn to eat and talk, we can help them thrive — one bite, one word, one day at a time.=====👉 Join Erin’s free private Inside Talking Toddlers community on Thursdays to get weekly quick-win audios and your Top 10 ESSENTIAL SKILLS for Talking=====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.📩 Questions: contact@HyerLearning.com 🌐 www.HyerLearning.com
SummarySTOP Talking When Your Toddler Melts Down: Do This Instead Ep 125
Oct 1400:39:21Summary readySend us a textYou’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 survival responses work together… and what to do instead to bring calm back to the moment.She shares real stories, brain science explained simply, and practical strategies for those everyday meltdown moments — whether it’s a waiting room or aisle five.🎧 In this episode:What’s happening in your toddler’s brain during a meltdownWhy talking often makes things worseHow to respond effectively without escalating the momentReal stories from Erin’s 35+ years of experienceHow to plan ahead for tricky public moments (like grocery shopping!)👉 Join Erin’s free private Inside Talking Toddlers community on Thursdays to get weekly quick-win audios and your Top 10 ESSENTIAL SKILLS for Talking=====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.📩 Questions: contact@HyerLearning.com 🌐 www.HyerLearning.com
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