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
229 What You Allow, You Approve: Here Is How Communication Is Impacted
Hey Friends~ Ever wonder what your child is really learning when you give in to whining or ignore a mispronounced word? Every response—big or small—teaches…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
228 Sherinata Pollock:Raising Happy, Healthy Kids in a Digital Age: EMFs & Brain Health
Hey Friends~ You may have heard about the dangers of EMF radiations that comes from screens, Wi-Fi, and phones. Today, I have a guest with me to talk about how…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
227 Child Not Doing As Told? Change Their Response With Concept Words
Hey Friends~ When we talk to our kids, we use words that represent whole concepts all the time. We do it so spontaneously that it’s difficult to communicate…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
226 Constance Lewis: Using Colors To Get Through Big Feelings
Hey Friends~ BIG Feelings are so hard! It’s confusing! And sometimes really disruptive. Give yourself grace parents, become curious. What if we could…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
225 Anna Maria DiDio: When Kids Don’t Have The Words. How To Understand Behavior As Communication in Adoption Trauma
Hey Friends~ You’ve heard many times that a child’s behavior IS communication. How do you deal with that when you are trying to create a thriving family? How…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
224 Did Your Child Babble? When It Begins, What It Means, And Why It Matters
Hey Friends~ Babbling is the foundation for first words. It's a key predictor of later language development AND the strongest early indicator that spoken…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
223 Too Many Parenting Voices Talking? Critique the “7-7-7 Rule”
Hey Friends~ There are many different parenting styles, types, and programs, and the number can vary depending on how they're categorized. Broadly, these can…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
222 Tricia Goyer: 3 Keys To Connect With Your Kids And Improve Behavior Along The Way
Hey Friends~ Have you ever wanted to listen to the wisdom of someone who has been there? Today’s guest is that person. After raising her own kids, she & her…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
221 Gina Prosch: Have You Built a Habit Of Interaction With Your Kids? How Do It And Why It’s Important
Hey Friends~ When we talk about a lot of stuff with our kids - the stuff that isn’t the important stuff; the stuff that is inconsequential, we develop the…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
220 What Does “A Language Rich Environment” Really Mean?
Hey Friends~ You hear child centers and schools claim to have a “Language Rich Environment”. Do you have a language rich environment at home? You can! But what…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
219 Kerre Burley: Bedtime Resistance A Problem? SleepTalk Helps With Cooperation
Hey Friends~ Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to teach your kids while they slept? Today’s guest says it is possible - especially when it comes to behaviors like…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
218 Terri Lilga: Why Is Rhyme So Important? Using Literature To Teach Beyond The Words
Hey Friends~ I love children’s literature! It seems that ANYTHING you want to teach, you can find a book on that and use it as a springboard to help kids…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
217 You Want To Encourage Speech This Summer? Here’s Where To Start!
Hey Friends~ Families often how to help their child in the summer. Since there is no speech therapy with the school in the summer, some families are nervous…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
216 Polina Shkadron: Language-Rich Environments That Match Your Child’s Play Skills
Hey Friends~ The language you use may be LESS effective than you want! When we change HOW and WHAT we say, our communication becomes more effective. Today’s…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
215 Suzanne Culberg: Downplayed and Dismissed? Seeking Help For Your Child
Hey Friends~ You know in your gut when things are not going right, even if you don’t have the words. It’s even harder when you tell someone, but you are told…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
214 Wonder About Stuttering and Fluency? Jason Heffler Shares What Is Helpful From Personal Experience
Hey Friends~ Speech confidence is important for adults and kids. Whether you are speaking in public or saying your name in front of a class, we all want to…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
213 Dr. Richelle Whittaker: Raising Boys? What Every Boy-Mom Needs to Know To Build Open Communication And Emotional Connection
Hey Friends~ Boys communicate, process emotions, and navigate the world differently—but how can we support them in becoming emotionally healthy men? Dr…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
212 From Non-verbal To Verbal To Speaking On a Podcast! Sound Advice from Marsh Naidoo About CP and Building Capacity
Hey Friends~ Sometimes it is helpful to hear success stories! We know that raising kids is a marathon not a sprint, and that means that success stories occur…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
211 Receptive or Expressive Language - What’s The Difference?
Hey Friends~ Do you Ever feel like your child understands everything but can’t quite put their thoughts into words? In this episode, I’m breaking down…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
210 Kari A. Baker: Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences
Hey Friends~ Kids with neurological differences often APPEAR typical until the invisible becomes visible. Today’s episode showcases a journey of one mom - a…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
209 What Is The Difference Between SPEECH and LANGUAGE?
Hey Friends~ What is the difference between speech and language? This common question is today’s topic. Understanding the difference helps you more accurately…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
208 Diana Fannon: Insights From A Special Education Teacher Whose Child Receives Speech Therapy + Special Education. Sitting On Both Sides Of The Table
Hey Friends~ Today’s guest is a mother of a child who had a language delay at age 3, and then was diagnosed with autism later. She worked in special education…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
207 Preschooler Need A Nap, But Doesn’t Nap? Making This Transition Positive
Hey Friends~ Although it’s true that our children do better when they nap, there is a transition out of naps. And it's usually not a smooth ride. Today we will…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
206 Jeremiah Program: Disrupting Poverty Two Generations At A Time A PODCASTHON SPECIAL EPISODE with Ally Hanten Ebert
Hey Friends~ Podcasthon is a global movement of podcasters simultaneously promoting a charities of their choice. The Language of Play joins Podcasthon by…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
205 Jackie Bailey: Your Vacation Is An Education - Let’s Maximize it in Costa Rica!
Hey Friend~ In this episode, we talk about Family Talks Retreat for the whole family of kids ages 10+. I invite you to join me on this adventure in Costa Rica…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
204 A Simple Direction Made Your Child Burst Into Tears? Let’s Look At How The Brain Processed That!
Hey Friends~ Parents say versions of, “I just asked him to say these words. I am trying to help him speak, but he melted down again. How do I help him? So…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
203 Jill Garner: Building Respect & Security. It Happens Earlier Than You Think!
Hey Friends~ In today’s world, we are taught to seek answers within ourselves. But if we stay there, we become self-absorbed or self-conceited and depressed…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
202 How Is Play Different For You As An Adult? Consider This!
Hey Friends~ There are many forms of play. And, play is different for us as we grow up! What does play look like for you now? Many adults wish for more time…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
201 Leroy Slanzi: Using Free Play And Structured Play With Intention To Develop Emotional Regulation
Hey Friends~ We experience play with our children in a variety of ways. One of those ways is Free Play. Free Play is completely imaginative and it is entirely…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
Episode #200! The Top 10 Topics You Listened To + FREE GIFTS to Celebrate #200 !
Hey Friends~ Whoot! Surprises Today! We are CELEBRATING 200 Episodes! To CELEBRATE this milestone, I have gifts and big SAVINGS to give away! The Prizes: 4…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
199 Krista Melanson: Do I Wait or Get Help? My child’s speech is “different.”
Hey Friends~ Have you ever thought my child’s speech is “different” and you wonder if it’s normal or possibly delayed? How do you develop your child through…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
198 Is Your Child Part of the 40% Who Struggle? The State Of Speech Pathology In The USA
Hey Friends~ Many of you have acknowledged how much of a struggle it is to get Speech Therapy services - either enough or at all. Today, I will address what is…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
197 Michelle Choairy: Our Speech Therapist Became Family. Help for Complex Kids
Hey Friends~ Do you have a complex kid? If you do, you know how much of a struggle it is to find help and get help that gives you confidence in the future. Are…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
196 I’m always giving in! How do I stop? 2 Examples to support the process
Hey Friends~ Your kids whine … and after a while, you doubt your resolve. “Maybe I am being too harsh.” “Maybe one more cookie doesn’t matter.” “Maybe they…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
195 Zorina Pritchett: Using Games To Develop Reading, Writing, Speaking and Comprehension After Brain Injury
Hey Friends~ How do you re-teach language to someone who has had a brain injury and lost their language? Today’s guest does a fantastic job to describe how she…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
194 Just What IS Your Child’s Behavior Communicating?!?
Hey Friends~ IF Behavior IS Communication, then WHAT are they communicating??! This is a common question parents ask! Today we will dig into some common ways…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
193 DJ Stutz: Are Your Traditions Working For You? Which Ones To Get Out Of!
Hey Friends~ The holidays are here! This means high stress for some, while it’s a lot of joy and fun for others! Which one is you? Perhaps both! In this…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
192 Getting Kids Involved In Family Activities, Without The Fuss!
Hey Friends~ It is Holiday time of the year!! No matter where you are in the world, you are quite possibly celebrating SOMETHING during these shortest days of…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
191 Julia Cook: Your Internet-Connected Child Learns Differently. Need Insights?
Hey Friends~ Have you ever had a book that changes how you communicate with your child? Maybe the book showed a new way to handle a problem - and you think, I…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
190 Bob Hastings: Using Storytelling to Help Kids Listen & Imagine
Hey Friends~ Holidays are a time that we create stories. Stories have the power to draw our families together and we can weave into those stories the lessons…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
189 Your Child Is A Gestalt Language Learner? Uses Echolalia? 4 Tips To Help Expand Interactive Skills
Hey Friends~ Are you wondering why your child echoes you? Do they not really answer the question, but actually repeat what you say, back to you? This pattern…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
188 Susanna Peace Lovell: Is Your True Self Enough? Lessons Learned In Parenting A Child With Autism
Hey Friends~ Walking the road of parenting is hard. It is filled with joy and struggles. We are okay to feel the way we feel. No matter what you feel about it…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
187 Gary Chapman: Wrap Your Discipline In Their Love Language. Here's How!
Hey Friends~ Everyone has some type of dysfunction in their upbringing, but these days MANY people are unsure what a healthy family looks like! Parents often…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
186 4 Strategies To Help Young Kids Overcome Monster Fears This Halloween
Hey Friends~ The question comes up often this time of year, “How do you explain Halloween & monsters to a toddler, especially a toddler struggling with fears?”…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
185 Anastasia Arauz Unraveling the Magic of Play Therapy in Child Development
Hey Friends~ How we communicate with our kids determines how well they understand us, Communication is key! Developmentally, we know our kids are at different…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
184 Do Your Habits Reduce Your Child’s Need To Speak? 4 Strategies To Build Opportunities For Communication Growth
Hey Friends~ Our parenting and communication habits set up our children to have habits of responding. In general… If we habitually require them to interact…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
183 Jeaneen Tang: Play Dumb & Sabotage! An Effective Way To Mindfully Expand Language
Hey Friends~ Play Dumb & Sabotage! To the SLP, this sounds creative, loving, and intentional for making progress. To others, it might sound mean or…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
182 Tell Me The Truth Whether I Like It Or Not! 6 Questions To Guide The Process.
Hey Friends~ Have you been cultured to be quiet? Have you grown up NOT telling what is actually true for you? Perhaps you know that if you tell what you…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
181 Gwen: Want Words To Replace Screaming In Your 1 Year Old? Listen To This Success Story!
Hey Friends~ This is a follow up to Episode 42 about teaching very young children to use the toilet. However, we also learn that Gwen inadvertently taught her…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
180 Child Stuck On Past Tense Mistakes? How To Help In 4 Steps!
Hey Friends~ Is your child using past tense mistakes like “I maked it,” instead of “I made it” ? Do they use present tense instead of past: “I cook,” when it…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
179 Lois Letchford: Dyslexia? Put Away What Is Not Working And Make Learning Fun
Hey Friends~ Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a communication disorder that interferes with learning, understanding, and using language. The National…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
178 Time Out Not Effective? A Strategy To Make It Work
Hey Friends~ We hear, “Give your child a time out! Then we hear, “No! Make it a Time-IN!” The Washington Post says that timeout is outdated. So what is the…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
177 Keep Getting Stuck When You Try To Reinforce Rules? 3 Steps To Get You On Track!
Hey Friends~ Do you find yourself having a plan… and then you run out of gas or focus to keep that plan going? Maybe your kids are not doing what you rehearsed…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
176 Markus Higgs: Kids Yelling At You? Here's A Better Way To Handle it
Hey Friends~ Words have power! Sometimes our children say things TO US that are painful. It is difficult to know how to handle it! We want to be gracious but…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
175 Do Your Kids Ask Uncomfortable Questions? Here's Help To Answer Well!
Hey Friends~ Today we are talking about QUESTIONS! Some of our children don’t ask questions easily. Some ask question, after question, after question! And…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
174 Gina Prosch: Children Learn Best When They Don’t Know They Are Learning At All. See How!
Hey Friends~ Author Gina Prosch was homeschooling when she realized her son “learned best when he didn’t know he was learning at all.” In this episode, you…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
173 Alicia Mazari: Your Child is Constipated? How Poop impacts sleep, behavior, and learning
Hey Friends~ Kids love talking about POOP! Adults often feel uncomfortable with this topic. We are not afraid to talk about poop on The Language of Play -…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
172 Dealing With Big Feelings About Back To School. What Emotions Are Your Children Experiencing?
Hey Friends~ When it’s time for you to think about back-to-school. How do you feel? Relief, joy, dread, support, sadness, frustration, fear… so Many Feelings!…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
171 Wendy McNiel: An Adoption Story. When Gratitude and Grief coexist
Hey Friends~ Today on "The Language of Play," we have Wendy McNiel with us. Wendy was adopted at the age of 12, and she has a fascinating story to share. She…
- The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
170 Back to School? 4 tips for speedy acquisition of language
Hey Friends~ There are many ways to teach just about anything. Parents often want ways to speed up their child's acquisition of language. Today, I will help…