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 speak with confidence and certainly that what we intend to say is what will come out. 
Fluency is one area of speech and language development. Many, many kids stutter when they are rapidly expanding their vocabulary and language skills.  Many parents come to me and ask - what do I do?  Does my child stutter?   Today’s guest discusses fluency issues from a personal perspective.  
So whether you have a toddler with a developmental stutter  or a teen who has been diagnosed with a fluency issue, this episode is for you!   
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
 
ABOUT THE GUEST:   Jason Heffler is an author whose stories help young readers overcome speech disorders and fears around speaking. Drawing from his own childhood experiences growing up with and getting bullied for a stutter, he writes uplifting tales that build confidence in kids who lack self-esteem.
His book 'Tongue Tied' is a resource to illustrate how speech issues do not define children. Doctors, parents and people who stutter have connected with the book’s unique message: that they do not need to be "fixed." Instead of chasing a cure, they’ve shared how liberating it is to embrace the truth that their voice—exactly as it is—can carry them through a life filled with all the same possibilities as others.
CONTACT THE GUEST OR BUY THE BOOK:   https://rebrand.ly/tonguetied
 
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IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
213 Dr. Richelle Whittaker: Raising Boys? What Every Boy-Mom Needs to Know To Build Open Communication And Emotional Connection
212 From Non-verbal To Verbal To Speaking On a Podcast! Sound Advice from Marsh Naidoo About CP and Building Capacity
136 Raja Viadya: Growing Up Stuttering. A Parent’s Impact In the Presence of Speech Impediment & ASD

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. Richelle Whitaker, educational psychologist and host of The Raising Sons Podcast, shares practical strategies for connecting with boys, fostering open communication, and guiding them through emotional growth.  From “windshield time” to movement-based conversations, we explore what really works.
 Plus, the truth about common misconceptions and why middle schoolers need more guidance, not less.
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
 
ABOUT THE GUEST:   Dr. Richelle Whittaker is a speaker, educational psychologist, parent advisor, and host of the Raising Sons podcast.
As a heart-centered leader, she is passionate about helping families win. Her work equips and empowers parents/caregivers with tools to close learning gaps, find work-life harmony, and maintain mental wellness. She enjoys creating a space to help parents/caregivers explore tough topics and navigate solutions.
At its core, Dr. Whittaker’s work is about advocacy – being a voice and creating the space for families to thrive.
CONTACT THE GUEST:   drrichelle@richellewhittaker.com
Podcast: Raising Sons podcast
Website: www.richellewhittaker.com
IG: @dr_richelle
YouTube: @drrichellewhittaker
TikTok: @drwhittaker1
 
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IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
201 Leroy Slanzi: Using Free Play And Structured Play With Intention To Develop Emotional Regulation
189 Your Child Is A Gestalt Language Learner? Uses Echolalia? 4 Tips To Help Expand Interactive Skills
184 Do Your Habits Reduce Your Child’s Need To Speak? 4 Strategies To Build Opportunities For Communication Growth
183 Jeaneen Tang: Play Dumb & Sabotage! An Effective Way To Mindfully Expand Language
181 Gwen: Want Words To Replace Screaming In Your 1 Year Old? Listen To This Success Story!

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 millions of times while raising our kids.  Sometimes- when challenges are significant, we need to dig even deeper to find wins along the way.  
Today’s guest tells her story of raising a child with Cerebral Palsy.  She learned to celebrate along the way, listen to the therapists, and follow the lead of her heart as well as listen to her son.  In doing so, they found success!  Non -verbal to verbal to even speaking on a podcast!  
Remember parents, life is a journey.  Always remember to celebrate!  The little wins are important - and they add up!  I know you will feel so encouraged and enlightened by this conversation. Grab a cup of coffee and relax if you are able.  
CORRECTION!!  In the show I said Marsh earned a PhD.  I was wrong.  She earned a DPT (Doctorate of Physical Therapy) Thank you, Marsh, for calling this mistake to my attention!  And Readers, please join me in congratulating Marsh!  
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
 
ABOUT THE GUEST:   Marsh Naidoo is a physical therapist and parent to Kellan a 12 year old teen with cerebral palsy. She founded a nonprofit digital platform to empower, connect and educate parents raising children with disabilities. She hosts Raising Kellan Podcast and two self-published books.
CONTACT THE GUEST:   Www.raisingkellan@gmail.com
Raising Kellan Podcast  https://open.spotify.com/show/1BwWELnlV4wWlsE35JBA0X
For Kellan’s episode 113 : https://open.spotify.com/show/1BwWELnlV4wWlsE35JBA0X
Episode 2 on the Raising Kellan Podcast: What parents need to know when language and speech development is delayed!  Angie Brasher , SLP  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-2-what-parents-need-to-know-when-language-and/id1480164076?i=1000458440281
 
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** 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:
160 Michael Hingston: Develop Your Child’s Gifts! Whether Or Not A Disability Is Present
197 Michelle Choiary: Our Speech Therapist Became Family. Help for Complex Kids
199 Krista Melanson: Do I Wait or Get Help? My child’s speech is “different.”

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 expressive vs. receptive language— what each one is, how it develops and of course, this knowledge will be paired with ways YOU can support the growth of BOTH receptive and expressive language skills in your kiddos. 
So, whether you're a parent of a toddler or a talkative kindergartener with no signs of delay, this episode is packed with insight for curious parents longing to nurture strong, confident communication.  
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
 
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IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
198  Is Your Child Part of the 40% Who Struggle? The State Of Speech Pathology In The USA
199 Krista Melanson: Do I Wait or Get Help? My child’s speech is “different.”
209 What Is The Difference Between SPEECH and LANGUAGE?
 

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 mom I call a very successful parent!  If you know any Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences, this episode will be particularly helpful and intriguing for you. I am glad you are here. You will enjoy this  raw conversation of vulnerable situations and real life experiences in any KIND Family.  
KIND = Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences. 
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
 
ABOUT THE GUEST:   Kari A. Baker is a former financial services executive and business owner turned author, speaker, and podcaster. She is the founder of KIND Families, a community of people who love Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences and is the host of The KIND Families Podcast. Kari became a KIND mom in 2014 when her son Brady was diagnosed with autism at age three. She started KIND Families to encourage, support, and inspire others to find purpose and promise in KIND-ness.
CONTACT THE GUEST:   The KIND Families Podcast@kariabaker (IG, FB & LI)kariabaker.com, kindfamilies.com kari@kariabaker.comfree intro to book: https://kindfamilies.com/#8371f6f9-af3f-4d01-8a04-72b28b4bbe66
 
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IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
142 Are You Doing Extreme Caregiving Jessica Patay Tells About Being Brave Together
188 Susanna Peace Lovell: Is Your True Self Enough? Lessons Learned In Parenting A Child With Autism
197 Michelle Choiary: Our Speech Therapist Became Family. Help for Complex Kids
199 Krista Melanson: Do I Wait or Get Help? My child’s speech is “different.”
RESOURCES to support you! 
BabyQuip is the #1 baby gear rental service, and a total game changer for families who don’t want to haul bulky gear while traveling! Follow this link for a BabyQuip Provider where you travel:  https://www.babyquip.com?a=7486bd3

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 describe what is going on with your child when you seek guidance!  
Please Share, Like, Subscribe, & Follow!
Also - Sign up for the Newsletter & Freebies below to stay connected to The Language Of Play!
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host with a thought or question:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com 
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MANY EARLY EPISODES GIVE STRATEGIES ON SPEECH & LANGUAGE EXPANSION.  HERE ARE A FEW:
05 Building and Understanding Language Through Our Senses
27 What Good is Mother Goose and Dr. Seuss? 6 Key Reasons to Indulge in These Classics.
40 Helping Your Child Talk About Shared Past Experiences
56 Do You Want Your Child To Speak More Clearly, but Don’t Know How to Teach it? Learn This, and You Can Teach Anything!
 

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 as a special education advocate. And then she had her own child so now she has the dual role of being BOTH the parent and an educator in the special education system.
We talk about the role of language acquisition for her little one and how language delay was the FIRST indicator that something else was going on. 
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
 
ABOUT THE GUEST:   Experienced educator, and autism mama, passionate about my mission to empower parents to become fierce advocates for their children with disabilities. By drawing on my own journey and extensive professional experience, I aspire to guide and inspire others to navigate the challenges of special education with resilience, empathy, and unwavering advocacy.
CONTACT THE GUEST:   https://www.instagram.com/disabilityedpros/
youtube.com/@disabilityedpros
Disability EdPros:  https://www.disabilityedpros.com
YOUR NEXT STEPS:
Information about Costa Rica Retreat:  https://www.speakfeedlead.org/family-talks-retreat.html    Enter Coupon Code LANGUAGEOFPLAY to get 20% OFF!!  
 
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Send Dinalynn a thought or question!  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
**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:
57 Does Your 3-Year-Old Say Sounds Wrong?  Here is How to Help Your Preschooler Talk More Clearly!
68 Do You Know How to Practice Early Reading Skills? Shannon Ali Shares How to Easily Incorporate Play and Practice
128 From Diagnosis To Celebration - Ngoma Shares Triumphs And Struggles of Raising A Child With Autism
188 Susanna Peace Lovell: Is Your True Self Enough? Lessons Learned In Parenting A Child With Autism

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 talk about when your 3 & 4 year-old does not nap.  
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
 
Information about Costa Rica retreat:  https://www.speakfeedlead.org/family-talks-retreat.html
Enter Coupon Code LANGUAGEOFPLAY to get 20% off your cost!  
YOUR NEXT STEPS:
FREEBIES:   
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Send Dinalynn a thought or question!  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
**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:
173 Alicia Mazari: Your Child is Constipated? How Poop impacts sleep, behavior, and learning
107 How Your Internal Dialog Confuses Simple Communication With Your Child
204 A Simple Direction Made Your Child Burst Into Tears? Let’s Look At How The Brain Processed That!
196 I’m always giving in! How do I stop? 2 Examples to support the process

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 highlighting the amazing impact of the Jeremiah Program, in this episode with Ally Hanten Ebert. 
PODCASTHON: "Your platform. Their story. Simultaneously, we amplify causes that matter."
JEREMIAH PROGRAM: "Disrupt the cycle of poverty for single mothers and their children,  TWO Generations at a time." 
Jeremiah Program is a national organization with a mission to Disrupt Generational Poverty.  JP has worked with families across the country for the past 26 years, supporting them on their paths to economic mobility. "Single moms are the architects of their families’ futures. Your support helps make that possible."
You can GIVE to Jeremiah Program here:  https://jeremiahprogram.org/give/
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
 
ABOUT THE GUEST:    Ally Hanten Ebert is the Executive Director of Jeremiah Program-Rochester-SE, MN and has spent her career working to elevate the voices and experiences of young people and their families. She gained her experience working with young parents and homeless youth and moved into administrative leadership as her career evolved. Ally is dedicated to helping families get connected to support services; safe, permanent housing; educational opportunities and disrupting the systems that perpetuate poverty. She holds both a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Human Development & Family Science: Couple and Family Therapy from North Dakota State University.
 
CONTACT THE GUEST:   ahantenebert@jeremiahprogram.org
FB/IG: @jeremiahprogramrochester
www.jeremiahprogram.org
You can GIVE to Jeremiah Program here:  https://jeremiahprogram.org/give/
 
PODCASTHON WEBSITE:  https://podcasthon.org/
 
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** 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:
102 Top 4 Mistakes Parents Make And How to Correct Them!
108 EXPERT: Dewey Kraus Discusses Self-Compassion When Parenting
110 COACH: Angie Ellsworth Helps Parents Know Better, Do Better, and Feel Better - And Discusses Bullying
111 EXPERT: Dr. Ngoma Moghalu: Communicating Race & Cultural Differences to Kids In A Fun and Comfortable Way
123 Trauma EXPERT: Santou Carter: Effectively Using Play In Trauma Recovery
185 Anastasia Arauz Unraveling the Magic of Play Therapy in Child Development
 
 
Support for Traveling with Little Ones: 
BabyQuip is the #1 baby gear rental service, and a total game changer for families who don’t want to haul bulky gear while traveling! Follow this link for a BabyQuip Provider where you travel:  https://www.babyquip.com?a=7486bd3

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 along with hosts Jackie Bailey and Todd Cudaback. 
Away from all your normal daily pressures
Away from the Internet, (mostly…)
Connect on a deeper level and develop your family story.
Build strong relationships with the people you care about most while having fun, amazing shared memories! 
Please share this episode with anyone that might be a fit for this opportunity! 
Jackie is generously giving 20% off to ANYONE who uses the coupon code  LANGUAGEOFPLAY at the checkout.  This discount will be for you and anyone you invite will also get 20% off!!   
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
 
ABOUT THE GUEST:   Jackie Bailey is the founder and director of The Speak Feed Lead Project. She gets kids and adults confidently speaking on stages, podcasts, and books.
She has traveled to Tanzania Africa where over 1000 youth were empowered with a chance to speak their message for the first time.  She runs retreats in Costa Rica for families and adults.
 
CONTACT THE GUEST:  https://www.speakfeedlead.org/
Information about Costa Rica retreat:  https://www.speakfeedlead.org/family-talks-retreat.html
Enter Coupon Code LANGUAGEOFPLAY to get 20% off your cost!  
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** 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:
155 Does Your Language Build Courage In Your Child? Here Are 12 Examples of Courage-Building Phrases!
120 Feeling Disconnected at Home? Coach Ambereen Shares 4 Ways to Build Stronger Family Bonds and Increase Joy
179 Lois Letchford: Dyslexia? Put Away What Is Not Working And Make Learning Fun
201 Leroy Slanzi: Using Free Play And Structured Play With Intention To Develop Emotional Regulation
202 How Is Play Different For You As An Adult? Consider This!
191 Julia Cook: Your Internet-Connected Child Learns Differently. Need Insights?