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
Stop Repeating Yourself: 4 Keys to Get Your Toddler to Listen the First Time Ep 124
Oct 700:27:01Summary readySend us a textDoes 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’s attention and guiding them with confidence:Face-to-face at their levelLight but firm physical touchCalm, confident energyClear, concrete directionsYou’ll hear real-life stories, practical examples, and tips you can try today. And I’ll give you a sneak peek at next week’s episode, where we’ll go deeper into toddler meltdowns — what’s really happening in the brain and body, and why parents need to stop talking when they happen.You’re not just “managing behavior.” You’re teaching your child life-long skills: attention, cooperation, and trust.=====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 Builds Your Baby’s Brain? 10 Essentials That Matter Most Ep 123
Sep 3000:37:24Summary readySend us a textWhat does your baby really need to grow a healthy brain and body? Spoiler: it’s not the latest gadgets or registry “must-haves.”In this episode of Talking Toddlers, Erin Hyer — speech-language pathologist, toddler specialist, and mom with over 35 years of experience — shares the 10 essentials every baby needs in the early months and years. From skin-to-skin bonding and baby-wearing to tummy time, outdoor rhythms, and calm sleep, these simple practices shape lifelong development.Forget the noise. Forget the pressure. Here’s what matters most — and why you are your baby’s best environment.========CLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun ActivitiesBuilding Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!========= DisclaimerThis 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
SummaryReading Starts at Birth: 10 Foundations Only Parents Can Give Ep 122
Sep 2301:07:06Summary readySend us a textMost 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 worksheets or apps. They’re simple, daily habits that only parents and caregivers can provide through connection, play, and conversation.👉 You’ll learn:Why auditory processing is the hidden key to readingWhy daycare and preschool can’t replace 1:1, real-time interactionsHow board games, pretend play, and family meals SECRETLY prepare your child for literacyThe daily book-reading habit that helped Erin’s daughter “crack the code” at 3½Why handwriting (yes, even cursive!) can shape confidence into adulthoodDownload the free 10 Skills Checklist and put it on your fridge. Because prevention beats remediation every time.✨ If today’s episode encouraged you, please share it with another mom or dad, and don’t forget to leave a review — it helps more families find this support.And I’d love to hear from you — email me your thoughts or questions.CONNECT WITH ERINcontact@HyerLearning.comYouTube: Talking Toddlers ChannelWebsite: www.HyerLearning.comCLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun ActivitiesBuilding Vocabulary Guide - 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.
SummaryEp 121 Is Daycare Really Helping Your Child? What Parents Need To Know
Sep 1600:33:51Summary readySend us a textShould 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 learning still happens at home. Erin Hyer — speech-language pathologist with 35+ years of experience — breaks down what young children really need before age 6. From the science of brain development to the history of kindergarten, and the modern policies pushing earlier institutional care, Erin shows why everyday life at home is often the best classroom. 👣 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 ✨ 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 ERINcontact@HyerLearning.comYouTube: Talking Toddlers ChannelWebsite: www.HyerLearning.comCLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun ActivitiesBuilding Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!✨ If today’s episode encouraged you, please share it with another mom or dad, and don’t forget to leave a review — it helps more families find this support.===============================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.
SummaryThe 7 Stages of Play: Building Your Child’s Brain from Birth to Age 3 Ep 120
Sep 900:31:15Summary readySend us a textMost 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 play and shows how each stage fuels brain growth, language development, and social connection.You’ll learn:The difference between exploratory, functional, and symbolic playWhy gestures, imitation, and pretend games support speech developmentHow play builds critical thinking, imagination, and problem-solving skillsWhat to watch for as your toddler moves from play ➝ phrases ➝ full conversationsThis is your roadmap for supporting communication and confidence from day one.Resources & Links Mentioned📥 Download the 7 Stages of Play Chart → [link here]📥 Hierarchy of Wh- Questions PDF → [ link here]🎧 Listen to related episodes on Talking Toddlers:Hidden Power of PLAY Ep 117Science of PLAY: Vital to Learning Ep 19👣 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 ✨ 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 ERINcontact@HyerLearning.comYouTube: Talking Toddlers ChannelWebsite: www.HyerLearning.comCLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun ActivitiesBuilding Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!✨ If today’s episode encouraged you, please share it with another mom or dad, and don’t forget to leave a review — it helps more families find this support.===============================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.
SummaryWhy Your Baby or Toddler’s Brain Needs THIS: The First Years Explained Ep 119
Sep 200:24:48Summary readySend us a textYour 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 meansHow 100 billion neurons become connected through everyday experiencesWhy talking is an “orchestra” of attention, motor skills, and social connectionThe 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 ✨ 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 ERINcontact@HyerLearning.com👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a mama who needs a reset.====CLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun ActivitiesBuilding Vocabulary Guide - 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.
SummaryThe Truth About Childhood — And Why Moms Are Leaving the Workforce Ep 118
Aug 2600:21:25Summary readySend us a textWhy 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✨ 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 ERINcontact@HyerLearning.com====❤️ Ready for personal, purposeful progress?CLICK HERE NOW - Tiny Challenge for Moms 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a mama who needs a reset.====CLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun ActivitiesBuilding Vocabulary Guide - 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.
SummaryThe Hidden Power of Play: How Toddlers Build Focus, Memory & Thinking Skills Ep 117
Aug 1900:58:52Summary readySend us a textDid 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 parentPlay 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 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a mama who needs a reset.====CLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun ActivitiesBuilding Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!CONNECT WITH ERINcontact@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.
SummaryThe #1 Sleep Mistake Parents Don’t Know They’re Making - And How To Easily Fix It Ep 116
Aug 12, 202500:34:57Summary readySend us a textParents 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 sleepHow blue light disrupts your child’s rest (and yours)Simple, affordable ways to set the right nighttime moodTry 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 MakingYouTube CLICK HERE FOR THIS EPISODE=====Here are three citations mentioned in this episode: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.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.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 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a mama who needs a reset.====CLICK HERE NOW - Screen-Free Fun ActivitiesBuilding Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!CONNECT WITH ERINcontact@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.
SummaryWhy Gentle Parenting Isn’t Working for Toddlers Ep 115
Aug 5, 202500:21:46Summary readySend us a textHas 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 ToddlersEp 98 Why Milestones Matter More Than 'Gentle' Parenting❤️ 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 👉 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 ActivitiesBuilding Vocabulary Guide - get it NOW!CONNECT WITH ERINcontact@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.
Summary