Shows / The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
*** WINNER of the 2026 Lifestyle Podcast Award! ***
***Top 1.5% Parenting Podcast Worldwide***
Getting Kids to Listen | Speech Therapy | Child Communication | Parenting Strategies
Are you tired of repeating yourself, dealing with meltdowns, or wondering why your child still isn’t listening? Are you worried about speech delays, language development, behavior challenges, or communication struggles?
Welcome to The Language of Play podcast—where speech therapy meets real-life parenting.
I’m…
Episodes
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
289 When Your 4-Year-Old is Non-Verbal and Resistant
Hey Friends~ You ask your child to do something simple, and you are confident they understand, but everything becomes a struggle. Is it stubbornness?…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
288 She Screamed, Kicked and was Called a “Little Tyrant.”Now Shraddha Oza Explains What She Needed
Hey Friends~ You’ve told your child what comes next, but they’re still not moving. Then the tears start, and a simple morning routine becomes a struggle -…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
287 Forget the Alphabet. Start With What Your Child Cares About | Lindsey Carleton, SLP
Hey Friends~ Would you love for your child to learn another language, but wonder how to help when you don’t speak it yourself? You can begin learning together…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
286 How Many Words Should My 2-Year-Old Say?
Hey Friends~ How many words should your 2-year-old be saying? There are developmental norms - and those numbers matter. But words don’t come out of nowhere…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
285 Why Your Child Falls Apart After School: When “Not Listening” Is Actually Overload
Hey Friends~ Does your child come home from school and suddenly seem like a different kid? They're whining. Fighting with siblings. Ignoring directions…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
284 Homeschooling: What Does It Really Take to Do It Well? Amanda Schenkenberger shares her experience
Hey Friends~ Homeschooling is a choice more families are considering, and it opens up some interesting conversations about how children learn best. In this…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
283 Your Child is a Reluctant Writer? Why MORE Ridiculous Ideas Might Help: Night Zookeeper with Josh Davidson
Hey Friends~ What if your child’s wildest, most ridiculous ideas are actually a doorway into learning? In this episode, I talk with Josh Davidson, co-founder…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
282 Why Are Transitions So Hard for Young Kids? And How To Create A Visual Schedule That Works!
Hey Friends~ Why does your child fall apart over transitions they know how to do - or do every day? Getting out the door, leaving the playground, turning off…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
281 Could a Song Calm Your Child Like a Pacifier? The Surprising Power of Music & Emotional Regulation with Vered
Hey Friends~ Have you ever thought about what your baby is actually experiencing when you sing to them? Because it turns out, your baby doesn’t care whether…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
280 My Child KNOWS How to Do This!” So Why Won’t They Listen? 3 Ways to Help Them Follow Directions
Hey Friends~ Back-to-school season brings a lot of change—and sometimes, a lot more meltdowns, “NOs,” and moments when your child suddenly seems unable to do…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
279 Do You Want Cooperation or Compliance? What’s the Difference—and Why Does It Matter? with Katherine Sellery
Hey Friends~ Do you want your child to cooperate with you—or simply comply? The difference may be more important than we realize. Katherine Sellery explores…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
278 Using Books to Develop Speech Sounds
Hey Friends~ What if the books you're already reading with your child could become one of your best speech therapy tools? In this episode, I'll show you simple…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
277 How to Raise a Child Who Believes They Can Learn Anything with Kami Wanous
Hey Friends~ We all want our kids to become lifelong learners. But what does that actually mean? It isn't about checking boxes or finding the perfect…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
276 The Backyard Attention Hack Every Parent Should Steal
Hey Friends~ Have you ever called your child's name outside...once...twice...five times...and wondered if they even heard you? Between the wind, the…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
275 Before You Try to Calm Your Child, Do This First with Ann Swanson
Hey Friends~ What if the fastest way to help your child become calm... is to begin with yourself? In this episode, Ann shares the power of co-regulation and…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
274 Self-Regulation for Parents: Why Taking Care of Yourself Isn't Selfish, with Coach Brandon Barber
Hey Friends~ Today we are investing in you first, because the healthier you are, the healthier your parenting becomes. With that in mind, the first part of…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
273 Margot Bevington: Can Music Help Kids Acquire Language?
Hey Friends~ Have you ever noticed your child can sing every word of a favorite song but struggles to say those same words in conversation? Or maybe your child…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
272 Want Your Kids To Sleep? Allison Egidi Shares Amazingly Effective Advice!
Hey Friends~ Have you ever been so tired you'd try just about anything to get your child to sleep? You're not alone! My guest, pediatric sleep coach Allison…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
271 When Communication Is Hard: Seeing Your Child Differently - Series Summary, part 10
Hey Friends~ Have you ever found yourself thinking, "Why isn't my child listening?" Or wondering why they can do something one day but seem completely unable…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
270 Tracie Rieder: Using Signs As A Bridge To Speaking
Hey Friends~ Your child hears you say something... but did they actually get the message? Sometimes communication breaks down because children can't fully…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
269 When Communication Is Hard: Selective Mutism and Anxiety-Based Speech Challenges, part 9
Hey Friends~ Some kids can talk—but don’t in certain situations. Maybe they suddenly go silent at school, church, or around other people. In this episode of…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
268 Emily Cadiz: What If Music Isn’t a Bonus—but the Brain’s Gateway to Reading?
Hey Friends~ Most of us don’t remember what it felt like to learn language for the very first time as young children. We focus so much on letters, books, and…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
267 Luba Patlakh: Snip or Skip? Navigating the Tongue Tie Controversy
Hey Friends~ If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s mouth breathing, poor sleep, unclear speech, or constant frustration could mean something deeper……
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
266 Sarah James: What Do Speech Sounds Have to Do With Reading?
Hey Friends~ Many parents think reading begins with letters, flashcards, and sounding out words. But the foundation for reading actually begins much…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
265 When Communication Is Hard: Brain Injury, Seizures, and Communication Regression, part 8
Hey Friends~ When communication changes or a child suddenly loses words after a seizure, brain injury, pediatric stroke, or regression, it can leave families…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
264 When Communication Is Hard: Downs Syndrome, Genetic Syndromes, Learning Differences, part 7
Hey Friends~ In this episode, we’re talking about communication in children with Down syndrome, genetic syndromes, and learning differences. I’ll share how…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
263 Tamara Tuckson & Mckenzie Tuckson: Does AAC Replace Their Voice—or Reveal It?
Hey Friends~ “We never limit how she communicates—we grow with her in how she communicates.” ~Tamara Tuckson In this episode, a mom and daughter share their…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
262 When Communication Is Hard: Does the Body Need Support? CP, Low Tone, AAC
Hey Friends~ When the body works harder, communication often does too. In this episode, we’re talking about communication challenges related to low muscle…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
261 Jan Talen: Struggling Kids, Stressed Marriage. Where Do You Start?
Hey Friends~ We are in the middle of the series “When Communication is hard” to discuss a topic that is just as important and impacts our kids. That is—the…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
260 Melissa Schulz: Have A Strong-Willed, Highly Sensitive, or Neurodiverse Child?
Hey Friends~ In the last episode, part 5, we talked about ADHD, ASD and processing difficulties. In this episode we support that learning as we listen to a mom…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
259 When Communication Is Hard: Autism, ADHD, and Language Processing Differences, part 5
Hey Friends~ If communication with your child feels confusing, exhausting, or like you’re missing something important, this episode is for you. Today we’re…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
258 Need Funding For Speech Therapy? Podcasthon Charity Highlight: Small Steps in Speech with Amanda Berardi
Hey Friends~ *SPECIAL EPISODE* Podcasthon Highlighted Charity: Small Steps in Speech with Amanda Charney-Berardi. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
257 When Communication is Hard: Kids Know More Than They Can Say: Expressive & Receptive Language Delays, DLD
Hey Friends~ “My child understands everything but doesn’t talk much.” “My child talks, but I can’t always tell what they mean.” If those worries sound…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
256 Melanie Jeffrey: What If Phonics Made Speech Easier?
Hey Friends~ It's national reading month - or "I love to read" month! So we are taking a quick stop in our series to focus on reading, but not only reading…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
255 When Communication Is Hard: Speech Sound Disorders & Phonological Delays, part 3
Hey Friends~ If your child’s speech is hard to understand, uses unusual patterns, or sounds younger than their age, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
254 When Communication Is Hard: Childhood Apraxia of Speech CAS & Motor Speech Disorders, part 2
Hey Friends~ This episode is part 2 of the series “When Communication is Hard.” Today we’re talking about childhood apraxia of speech and other motor speech…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
253 When Communication Is Hard: An Overview for Parents of Children with Speech or Language Struggles, part 1
Hey Friends~ If you’ve ever wondered why communication feels hard for your child—and confusing for you—this series is for you. In this opening conversation…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
252 Rella B: You Get the Work Done, They Think It’s Play - Turning Chores Into Connection
Hey Friends~ This week is Children’s Authors and Illustrators Week! And on TLOP, we’re celebrating an imaginative storyteller who helps kids grow brave…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
251 | Myths Busted! 6 Common Beliefs Loving Parents Mistakenly Think Are True
Hey Friends~ Have you ever thought, “I understand my child just fine… so maybe their speech isn’t really a problem” ? Or wondered, “Maybe they’ll just grow out…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
250 What I Have Learned After 250 Episodes!
Hey Friends~ This episode is about the journey of podcasting and coaching and what I have learned after 250 episodes. I invite you to email “congratulations”…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
249 Lisa Johnson: High-Conflict Divorce, Coercive Control, & Children in Between
Hey Friends~ Today’s conversation is unusual for this podcast, but an important one. Over half of marriages end in divorce, and about 30% of those become…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
248 Dr. Emily Levy: Effectively Teach Reading with Orton Gillingham & Multi-Sensory Techniques
Hey Friends~ What’s really happening when kids struggle in school? “Trying harder” just doesn’t work! Many kids benefit from a multi-sensory approach to learn…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
247 Misa Pignataro: Picky Eaters? Let’s Change That!
Hey Friends~ The kitchen isn’t just about food. It’s about connection. Some of the most meaningful conversations happen while hands are busy - pulling grapes…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
246 Dr. Marcus: Are you a soothing presence for your child?
Hey Friends~ Are you a soothing presence for your kids? According to today’s guest, a soothing presence is someone who is okay when you are not okay. Usually…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
245 Toys That Create Calm: Helping Toddlers With Transitions and Meltdowns During the Holidays
Hey Friends~ The holidays can be exciting, but for many kids they are overwhelming. Travel, loud gatherings, new routines, and unfamiliar people can push…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
244 SLP Gift Guide: The Top 10 Language-Building Toys for Toddlers And Preschoolers
Hey Friends~ If you’ve been leaning on screens to help your little one talk, you’re not alone. It often feels like the easiest option — and with all the…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
243 Claire Miller: The Power of Storytelling to Build Confidence & Connection
Hey Friends~ When your children start telling you stories, have you ever wondered how to keep that creativity going? How about when what they tell is…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
242 Dr. Ben Miraglia: Sleep, Behavior & Speech Struggles? What Early Jaw Growth & Mouth Breathing Reveal
Hey Friends~ What if mouth breathing isn’t just a habit… but a symptom? In today’s episode, I’m joined by a guest who revealed something I hadn’t fully…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
241 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: 2 Languages, 1 Young Brain: What’s Normal and What’s Not
Hey Friends~ Recently, I got a written message from a listener who wrote, ‘My husband is Serbian and speaks Serbian to our son. I speak English, but I don’t…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
240 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: Therapy & Intervention Options for Parents
Hey Friends~ Today is the next in the SERIES: Speech & Language Delays, and we’re diving into therapy and intervention options for parents - and looking…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
239 Marsha Familaro Enright: Montessori? Learn how A Curiosity-Led System Works!
Hey Friends~ Have you ever wondered what Montessori is and how it is different from traditional education? In this episode, we dive deep into a description of…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
238 Dr. Bibi Pirayesh: How an Educational Therapist Helps Kids with Learning Differences Succeed
Hey Friends~ Have you ever felt like your child is struggling, but not “enough” to qualify for help? They’re bright, they’re trying, but school still feels…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
237 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: “My Child Did Not “Qualify” for Speech Therapy. What Does That Mean?”
Hey Friends~ Welcome back to this SERIES: Speech & Language Delays. In this series, I am answering some commonly asked questions and you, dear listeners, are…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
236 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: What Is The Cause?
Hey Friends~ “What caused this language delay?” That’s a deeply important question, and one that parents ask often, sometimes with worry or guilt. The truth…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
235 Kristina Heagh-Avritt: How Homeschool Families Thrive: Flexibility, Play & Joyful Learning
Hey Friends~ Have you ever wondered what it takes for a homeschooling family to thrive? Today we’re diving into it—flexibility, intentionality, and the courage…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
234 Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown: Is SLEEP A Struggle? Practical Guidance From A Sleep Physician
Hey Friends~ Do you struggle to get your kids to sleep? How about when it is still daylight at bedtime? What about when your child has ADHD? Sleep can be…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
233 Series: Speech & Language Delays: Do Boys Really Talk Later Than Girls?
Hey Friends~ There is a long held belief that boys lag behind girls, but researchers now say there’s no real difference. Do boys actually lag behind girls? In…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
232 Series: Speech & Language Delays: What Parents Need to Know
Hey Friends~ “Is my child behind in speech? When should my toddler be talking? Should I wait and see, or do I need to worry right now? If you’ve ever asked…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
231 Dr. Candace Holmes: NeuroFeedback: An ADHD Brain Re-Organized!
Hey Friends~ Do you have a child with ADHD? Are you open to do something entirely different than the norm? Today, Dr. Candace Holmes talks about Neurofeedback…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
230 Daniela Feldhausen: Speech Sounds and Reading Are Linked. Fun Ways Parents and Educators Can Help
Hey Friends~ Do your kids hate reading? Wouldn’t you love it if they LOVED READING? Or… better yet, what if you knew how to teach them… from the start… to LOVE…