The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
*** A Top 1.5% Podcast! *** Getting Kids to Listen, Speech Therapy, IEP, Communication with Kids, Parent Mentor
Are you tired of repeating yourself and wondering why your child still doesn’t listen?
Are you worried you might be missing something important when it comes to your child’s speech, language, or behavior?
Do arguments, whining, or meltdowns leave you feeling exhausted and unsure what to do next?
Hey parents—you don’t have to stay overwhelmed, worn down, or triggered by the daily fuss.
I’m Dinalynn Rosenbush, a mom, grandma, and Speech-Language Pathologist for over 30 years. I’ve worked with hundreds of children with speech and language challenges and navigated parenting struggles of my own. Through both training and lived experience, I learned how using specific language in intentional ways builds safety, trust, and growth. Communication isn’t just about words, it’s about how children feel when we speak to them.
I’m here to help you understand what your child is really communicating and respond in ways that build listening, speech, and connection. You’ll learn how to support communication—even with speech or language delays—set boundaries that truly help kids, and strengthen your relationship at the same time. My mission is to help busy, worried parents learn to read behavior as communication. When we understand what children are telling us, we begin to communicate differently.
These ideas work for typically developing children, kids in dual-language homes, and children with delays. When your language invites discovery, curiosity, and exploration, connection is born. Connected kids are more courageous. They listen better. They have fewer meltdowns.
In this podcast, you’ll find simple, empowering strategies you can use right away. My hope is to give you small, practical nuggets in each episode to build your communication toolbox—because what works for children with speech and language challenges, simply works! And all parents deserve access to these skills, not just the specialists.
If you’re ready to build deeper connection and create a more peaceful, confident home, listen in! Let’s interrupt old patterns—so you can become the parent you want to be, and your child knows is on their team.
I am glad you are here!
Dinalynn
Contact: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
https://linktr.ee/thelanguageofplay
Listen on:
Episodes
22 minutes ago
22 minutes ago
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 high-conflict - deeply impacting children.
This week, I’m joined by Lisa Johnson, a high-conflict divorce coach, to unpack the often-misunderstood topic of coercive control. We talk about what it is, the red flags within relationships, how it shows up during divorce and custody battles.
We also explore Jennifer’s Law. We discuss how it recognizes the many non-physical forms of abuse. Lisa shares how children are victims, used as weapons in adult conflict, along with ways parents can begin rebuilding secure bonds after trauma.
⚠️ Listener Advisory: This episode covers sensitive material and is intended for a mature audience. Parents should use discretion with younger listeners.
I still hope you TUNE IN! Because understanding coercive control could make a life-changing difference for you or someone you love.
Always cheering you on!
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
ABOUT THE GUEST: Lisa Johnson is the co-founder of Been There Got Out, a high conflict divorce strategist and certified domestic violence advocate who has successfully represented herself through scores of court appearances. Her case, published in the Connecticut Law Journal, is being used as legal precedent. Her live testimony helped pass Jennifers’ Law in Connecticut, the third state in America to expand its legal definition of domestic violence to include “coercive control.” She and her partner, Chris coach people in high-conflict relationships, divorce, custody battles, and co-parenting hell so they have the chance of the best outcome in family court and beyond. They also offer a weekly Legal Abuse Support Group for those dealing with narcissistic opponents in legal matters. Their book, "Been There Got Out: Toxic Relationships, High-Conflict Divorce, and How to Stay Sane Under Insane Circumstances'' was released in March 2023. Their first course, “How to Communicate with Your Ex Without Destroying Your Case or Losing Your Mind” is out now!
CONTACT THE GUEST:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/been_there_got_out/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeenThereGotOut
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeenThereGotOut
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@been_there_got_out
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/been-there-got-out/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenThereGotOut
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Been_There_Got_Out/
Podcast: https://beentheregotout.buzzsprout.com/
YOUR NEXT STEPS:
5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91
Sign up for the Newsletter: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin
21 Days of Encouragement: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup
To discuss working together: https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session
For Workshops, Speaking Events, or Partnerships: https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
** For Speaking Engagements, Workshops, or Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
IF THIS EPISODE WAS HELPFUL, HERE ARE RELATED TOPICS:
246 Dr. Marcus: Are you a soothing presence for your child?
226 Constance Lewis: Using Colors To Get Through Big Feelings
188 Susanna Peace Lovell: Is Your True Self Enough? Lessons Learned In Parenting A Child With Autism
185 Anastasia Arauz Unraveling the Magic of Play Therapy in Child Development
Love this podcast? Leave a Review: https://lovethepodcast.com/play
Follow & subscribe in 1-click! https://followthepodcast.com/play
To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here: https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR!
Cindy Howard Lightening Admin VA cindy@lightningadminva.com
Thursday Jan 08, 2026
Thursday Jan 08, 2026
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 reading. It works because this actually matches how the young brain works.
If your child is bright but frustrated, resistant, or falling behind despite everyone’s best efforts, this episode with Dr. Emily Levy, will help you see those struggles through a new lens. You will come away with clarity, compassion, and hope that you can share with other parents and educators of young readers.
Always cheering you on!
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Have a question? Topic you want addressed? Leave a voice message! https://castfeedback.com/play
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Emily Levy is the founder and director of EBL Coaching, a specialized tutoring program that offers individualized one-on-one home, virtual, and on-site instruction using research-based, multi-sensory techniques. She is also the author of Strategies for Study Success, a 22-part student workbook series that teaches students strategies for test taking, note taking, reading comprehension, writing, summarizing, and executive functioning, along with the Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham student workbook series, which helps students develop their fundamental decoding and spelling skills. Additionally, she is the author of Flags and Stars Multi-Sensory Math, a multi-sensory math program that helps students develop a stronger understanding of core math concepts.
Dr. Levy graduated from Brown University and received her Master's Degree in Special Education from Nova University in Florida.
CONTACT THE GUEST: www.eblcoaching.com
https://www.facebook.com/EBLCoaching
https://www.instagram.com/ebl_coaching/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-emily-levy-79b1728/
YOUR NEXT STEPS:
5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91
To discuss working together: https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session
Sign up for the Newsletter: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin
21 Days of Encouragement: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup
For Workshops, Speaking Events, or Partnerships: https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
** For Speaking Engagements, Workshops, or Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
238 Dr. Bibi Pirayesh: How an Educational Therapist Helps Kids with Learning Differences Succeed
239 Marsha Familaro Enright: Montessori? Learn how A Curiosity-Led System Works!
231 Dr. Candace Holmes: NeuroFeedback: An ADHD Brain Re-Organized!
230 Daniela Feldhausen: Speech Sounds and Reading Are Linked. Fun Ways Parents and Educators Can Help
Love this podcast? Leave a Review here: https://lovethepodcast.com/play
Follow & subscribe in 1-click! https://followthepodcast.com/play
To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here: https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR!
Cindy Howard Lightening Admin VA cindy@lightningadminva.com
Thursday Jan 01, 2026
Thursday Jan 01, 2026
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 off stems, chopping, stirring. That’s often when kids open up about friendships, worries, or their day. The kitchen becomes the heart of the home.
In this episode, Misa, helps families navigate the kitchen in a way that builds skills and relationships, especially when picky eating is part of the story! We talk about how to move beyond power struggles, how to invite kids into the kitchen without pressure, and how to grow communication, confidence, and nutrition together.
And even if picky eating isn’t your main concern, this conversation will help you see how the kitchen can become a place of connection for every member of your family.
Always cheering you on!
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Have a question? Topic you want addressed? Leave a voice message! https://castfeedback.com/play
ABOUT THE GUEST: Misa is a Certified Health Coach, Culinary Nutritionist, and the founder of Misa’s Clean Kitchen. After navigating her own journey with a picky eater, who was diagnosed with Failure to Thrive, she became passionate about helping parents raise adventurous eaters without the mealtime battles. With 10 years of teaching experience, she shares practical tips, easy recipes, and real-life strategies to help you cook one meal the whole family will enjoy.
CONTACT THE GUEST: misascleankitchen4@gmail.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/misascleankitchen/
Website: https://www.misascleankitchen.com
Get the Taste-O-Meter here: https://misascleankitchen.myflodesk.com/tasteometer
YOUR NEXT STEPS:
5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91
Sign up for the Newsletter: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin
21 Days of Encouragement: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup
To discuss working together: https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session
For Workshops, Speaking Events, or Partnerships: https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
** For Speaking Engagements, Workshops, or Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
95 Do You Have A Picky Eater? Have a Holiday Plan! Join For A Success Story with Everyday Parent, Kristi!
115 - 3 Ways To Ensure Travel With Kids Is Enjoyable!
118 Diann Alexander: Does The Chaos Of Your Home Life Feel Like “A Theater Of Little People”?
122 Is Your Spouse Your Best Parenting Partner? Tips For Getting The Support You Need
Love this podcast? Let us know! https://lovethepodcast.com/play
Follow & subscribe in 1-click! https://followthepodcast.com/play
To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here: https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR!
Cindy Howard Lightening Admin VA cindy@lightningadminva.com
Thursday Dec 25, 2025
Thursday Dec 25, 2025
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 these are specific people. You can probably know who your person is. Who will be okay when you are not?
As parents we want to be a soothing presence for our children. Fortunately, it is simply a skill to learn. So, if you did not have that from your parents growing up, you can learn it now!
Our natural instincts are to want to make our kids feel better. When you learn to be a soothing presence, you allow your child to experience and express what is happening without you being triggered by it. Today’s guest beautifully explains how this happens in plain language.
Always cheering you on!
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Have a Question or Comment? Leave a voice message! https://castfeedback.com/play
Book a ZOOM call to discuss working together: https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Marcus is a highly respected figure in Clinical Psychology known for his expertise in improving the lives of individuals and families. He specializes in families under stress. Dr. Marcus advises parents on how to provide a soothing, safe environment for their children and how parents can help children in developing an emotional language. Dr. Marcus is author of the forthcoming book “Parent Rx: Prescriptive Wisdom, Tips and Strategies for Communication with Your Child.
CONTACT THE GUEST: parentrx.org
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
Cindy Howard Lightening Admin VA cindy@lightningadminva.com
YOUR NEXT STEPS:
5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91
Sign up for the Newsletter: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin
21 Days of Encouragement: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup
For Workshops, Speaking Events, or Partnerships: https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
** For Speaking Engagements, Workshops, or Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
232 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: What Parents Need to Know
244 SLP Gift Guide: The Top 10 Language-Building Toys for Toddlers And Preschoolers
245 Toys That Create Calm: Helping Toddlers With Transitions and Meltdowns During the Holidays
LOVE THIS PODCAST? Leave a Review! https://lovethepodcast.com/play
FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE IN 1-CLICK! https://followthepodcast.com/play
To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule here: https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
Hey Friends~
The holidays can be exciting, but for many kids they are overwhelming. Travel, loud gatherings, new routines, and unfamiliar people can push children into meltdown mode, especially when language shuts down under stress. In this episode, we talk about how to use simple toys to prepare kids for upcoming changes, help them calm during holiday chaos, and create a sense of safety when words don’t work. If your child struggles with transitions or language delays, or is very young, this episode will help you understand why play communicates when language doesn’t, and how to use toys to bring calm, connection, and confidence during the holidays.
Always cheering you on!
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Have a question? Leave a voice message! https://castfeedback.com/play
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR!
Cindy Howard Lightening Admin VA cindy@lightningadminva.com
YOUR NEXT STEPS:
To discuss working together: https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session
5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91
Sign up for the Newsletter: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin
21 Days of Encouragement: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup
For Workshops, Speaking Events, or Partnerships: https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
** For Speaking Engagements, Workshops, or Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
MORE EPISODES ON TOPICS LIKE THIS:
244 SLP Gift Guide: The Top 10 Language-Building Toys for Toddlers And Preschoolers
243 Claire Miller: The Power of Storytelling to Build Confidence & Connection
232 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: What Parents Need to Know
227 Child Not Doing As Told? Change Their Response With Concept Words
Love this podcast? Let us know! https://lovethepodcast.com/play
Follow & subscribe in 1-click! https://followthepodcast.com/play
To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here: https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
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 advertising, it can even seem like the smartest choice when you’re worried. But real language grows through real play.
With Christmas coming up, I’m sharing ten toys and games that you can suggest to gift-giving friends and family - so you get gifts that provide powerful, communication-building opportunities. These ideas are fun, practical, and designed to work with how your child’s brain naturally learns. Your little one is wired for human connection. Speech and language grow best through back-and-forth interaction with you.
Those screens that promise to teach your child? They can’t hold a candle to the power of parent–child engagement. If you want to help your toddler say more, understand more, and connect more, this is a beautiful place to start.
And after listening, you’ll understand why your everyday interactions are more powerful than any app — which is incredibly empowering for you as a parent.
Always cheering you on!
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
As mentioned: 5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91
Other NEXT STEPS:
Sign up for the Newsletter: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin
21 Days of Encouragement: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup
To discuss working together: https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session
For Workshops, Speaking Events, or Partnerships: https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
** For Speaking Engagements, Workshops, or Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR!
Cindy Howard Lightening Admin VA cindy@lightningadminva.com
IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
185 Anastasia Arauz Unraveling the Magic of Play Therapy in Child Development
104 How Does This Gift Develop Language? 4 Tips To Quickly Evaluate A Toy
243 Claire Miller: The Power of Storytelling to Build Confidence & Connection232 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: What Parents Need to Know
Love this podcast? Let us know! https://lovethepodcast.com/play
Follow & subscribe in 1-click! https://followthepodcast.com/play
Leave a voice message! https://castfeedback.com/play
To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here: https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play
Thursday Dec 04, 2025
Thursday Dec 04, 2025
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 outlandish, imaginative, and there is no logic at all, have you been concerned you should stop it? It’s easy to shut them down in our fast-paced analytical, task-oriented mind.
How do you engage your children in a way that expands their ideas and expression when you can’t really relate to WHAT they are saying but you want to relate to THEM!
Today’s guest does a fabulous job to demonstrate HOW she uses story creation with kids. She exemplifies how to be curious and validate your child’s creativity, even when your kids are a bit too silly for your liking. She gives us a format, an example, and a description, which gives you intention for letting your interaction build your child’s language, confidence, and connection.
If you have a child with big ideas or struggles with confidence or language, this episode is for you!
Always cheering you on!
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
ABOUT THE GUEST: The Story Creator. I guide children and adults to gain self-confidence through playing with their imagination, creating stories with my published books, Story Creating Calendars and Story Creating workshops and having fun, with cuddly toys.
CONTACT THE GUEST: www.clairemillerauthor.co.uk Get Free downloadable worksheets on her website!
Linkedin, Facebook and Instagram: search Claire Miller Story Creator
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
Cindy Howard Lightening Admin VA cindy@lightningadminva.com Make life lighter and get for yourself, a personal Virtual Assistant!
Toothpillow.com use the promo code Language of Play to waive the online evaluation fee and get $200 off treatment! Full Episode about Jaw & Airway - listen to Episode 242.
YOUR NEXT STEPS:
Book a call to discuss your concerns: https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session
Have a Question or Comment? Leave a voice message! https://castfeedback.com/play
5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91
Sign up for the Newsletter: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin
21 Days of Encouragement: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup
For Workshops, Speaking Events, or Partnerships: https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
** For Speaking Engagements, Workshops, or Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
95 Do You Have A Picky Eater? Have a Holiday Plan! Join For A Success Story with Everyday Parent, Kristi!
104 How Does This Gift Develop Language? 4 Tips To Quickly Evaluate A Toy
101 Need to De-Stress? Why A Return to Play Works!
126 Your Child Has Imaginary Friends? Deborah Greenhut Tells A Parent’s Story To Use These Friends For Healing And Learning
242 Dr. Ben Miraglia: Sleep, Behavior & Speech Struggles? What Early Jaw Growth & Mouth Breathing Reveal
Love this podcast? Let us know! https://lovethepodcast.com/play
Follow & subscribe in 1-click: https://followthepodcast.com/play
To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here: https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play
Thursday Nov 27, 2025
Thursday Nov 27, 2025
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 understood in all my years in this field: crooked teeth, small jaws, restless behavior, trouble with focus, even lingering speech sound errors can ALL be connected to how well a child is BREATHING.
You’ll hear how an under-developed airway affects far more than speech and behavior. When a child is mouth breathing, they don’t get the deep, restorative sleep their growing brain desperately needs. And deep sleep and proper oxygenation, everything from attention to learning can suffer.
And make sure you listen through to the end, as we have something special for you!! Podcast listeners get access to a free online airway evaluation - a simple way to find out whether breathing might be part of your child’s (or your own) challenges. Also, if you are from MN, WI, or IA, you have an exclusive discount for in-person clinic visits. So, if mouth breathing, snoring, focus struggles, or stubborn speech sound issues feel familiar… this might be the insight you’ve been missing.
If you or your child snores, mouth breathes, struggles with focus, wrestles with behavior, or has speech sound challenges, this might be the missing piece you’ve been searching for.
There is help for adults, so the listener discounts and freebies work for YOU, too! This episode might change everything for you and your child!!
Always cheering you on!
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Ben Miraglia graduated from SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 1993. Dr. Miraglia is the VP of Clinical Education with CandidPro. He is the Chief Clinical Officer at Airway Health Solutions and Toothpillow. Dr. Miraglia is widely recognized for his lectures and continuing education courses focusing on clear aligner therapy and early craniofacial growth and development related to sleep disordered breathing.
CONTACT THE GUEST:
Toothpillow Website: www.toothpillow.com
Toothpillow Instagram: Follow Toothpillow
Our friends at Toothpillow are offering a free video assessment with a licensed Airway Dentist in your state in addition to $200 off treatment. Here’s how to claim your free consultation:
Visit Toothpillow’s Website
Select “Is my child a candidate?” and fill out the online assessment form.
When asked, “Who can we thank for referring you?”, be sure to list Language of Play to receive $200 off treatment.
Check the box for a $50 virtual assessment and use the promo code Language of Play to waive the fee!
A BIG THANK YOU TO RESPIRA FOR SPONSORING THIS EPISODE!
If you live in MN, IZ WI, and you are tired of struggling with sleep apnea, Respira offers real CPAP alternatives! Call Respira or go to RespiraWell.com to schedule your IN-PERSON appointment for you or your child! When you mention The Language of Play, you will receive a lovely discount! Thank you, Respira, for bringing hope and healing to adults and children all across the Rochester, MN and surrounding areas
Phone number: +1 (507) 701-1127Website: Respirawell.com
TO CONNECT WITH DINALYNN OR THE LANGUAGE OF PLAY:
Leave a voice message thought or question! https://castfeedback.com/play
5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91
Sign up for the Newsletter: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin
21 Days of Encouragement: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup
To discuss working together: https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session
For Workshops, Speaking Events, or Partnerships: https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
** For Speaking Engagements, Workshops, or Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
232 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: What Parents Need to Know
233 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: Do Boys Really Talk Later Than Girls?
234 Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown: Is Sleep A Struggle? Practical Guidance From A Sleep Physician
237 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: “My Child Did Not “Qualify” for Speech Therapy. What Does That Mean?”
Love this podcast? Let us know! https://lovethepodcast.com/play
Follow & subscribe in 1-click! https://followthepodcast.com/play
Thursday Nov 20, 2025
Thursday Nov 20, 2025
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 speak Serbian well. Our little one is just 17 months and very vocal — but in my expat group, parents worry their bilingual kids might be confused. How young is too young for two languages? And how old is too old for 2 languages?”
It’s such a good question — and one that so many families wonder about. In this episode, we’ll look at how babies process two languages, the benefits, milestones, red flags, and what you can do - all geared for the multilingual home.
If you would like to send your question, you can email me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com or Leave a voice message here: https://castfeedback.com/play . I may just highlight your question on the show! And remember, when you have the question, it means hundreds of other listeners have the same question, too! You will help many by asking.
Always cheering you on!
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR!
Cindy Howard Lightening Admin VA cindy@lightningadminva.comLet Cindy help you with your inbox management, so you can focus on other things!
YOUR NEXT STEPS:
Book a call to discuss your concerns: https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session
FREEBIES:
5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91
Sign up for the Newsletter: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin
21 Days of Encouragement: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup
For Workshops, Speaking Events, or Partnerships: https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
** For Speaking Engagements, Workshops, or Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
07 How Language is Learned in a Dual Language Home
08 Bilingual Kids and Speaking Delays in Multi-Language Households
38 Cheyanne Cleyman: Dual-Language Living Across Cultures in a Step Family, part 1
39 Cheyanne Cleyman: Dual-Language Living Across Cultures in a Step Family, part 2
220 What Does “A Language Rich Environment” Really Mean?
224 Did Your Child Babble? When It Begins, What It Means, And Why It Matters
227 Child Not Doing As Told? Change Their Response With Concept Words
Here are OTHER EPISODES in the ongoing SERIES: SPEECH & LANGUAGE DELAYS:
232 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: What Parents Need to Know
233 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: Do Boys Really Talk Later Than Girls?
236 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: What Is The Cause?
237 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: “My Child Did Not “Qualify” for Speech Therapy. What Does That Mean?”
240 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: Therapy & Intervention Options for Parents
WE’VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU!
Love this podcast? Let us know! https://lovethepodcast.com/play
Follow & subscribe in 1-click! https://followthepodcast.com/play
Leave a voice message! https://castfeedback.com/play
To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here: https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play
Recommended resources / further reading:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) — articles on bilingualism and SLP guidance. (Leader)
“Young Children Learning Multiple Languages: Parent FAQs” (HealthyChildren.org / AAP) — practical myths vs facts. (HealthyChildren.org)
Review on infant bilingual perception (Werker) and phonetic learning (Kuhl) — explains how infants separate languages. (infantstudies-psych.sites.olt.ubc.ca)
Research on vocabulary measurement in bilingual infants (Byers-Heinlein et al., 2023) — useful if parents want evidence for how to track vocabulary. (PMC)
Critical period / age effects review (Hartshorne et al. & reviews) — context on age and accent/nativeness. (PMC)
Thursday Nov 13, 2025
Thursday Nov 13, 2025
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 closely at two main groups of kids. 1) The first group includes children who have been tested and qualify for speech therapy, but the help available just doesn’t feel like enough. and
2) The second group is often the largest - and sometimes the most frustrated. Maybe your child was tested but didn’t score low enough to qualify, or maybe you’ve never pursued testing, yet you know they’re struggling. You might be homeschooling, caring for a very young child, or waiting because others have said, “Let’s just give it time,” yet, deep down, you feel something more is needed.
If that resonates with you, you’re not alone, this episode is here to guide and encourage you.
For parents in both groups, we’ll explore 6 practical, parent-led approaches to help your child make real progress, whether you’re working alongside a therapist or leading the learning yourself. I’m so glad you’re here!
Always cheering you on!
Dinalynn
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR!
Cindy Howard Lightening Admin VA cindy@lightningadminva.comLet Cindy help with the paperwork, so you can focus on the heart work!
YOUR NEXT STEPS:
Book a call to discuss working together: https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session
FREEBIES:
5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91
Sign up for the Newsletter: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin
21 Days of Encouragement: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup
For Workshops, Speaking Events, or Partnerships: https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
** For Speaking Engagements, Workshops, or Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Here are OTHER EPISODES in the ongoing SERIES: SPEECH & LANGUAGE DELAYS:
232 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: What Parents Need to Know
233 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: Do Boys Really Talk Later Than Girls?
236 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: What Is The Cause?
237 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: “My Child Did Not “Qualify” for Speech Therapy. What Does That Mean?”
WE’VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU!
Love this podcast? Let us know! https://lovethepodcast.com/play
Follow & subscribe in 1-click! https://followthepodcast.com/play
Leave a voice message! https://castfeedback.com/play
To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here: https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play