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
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Hey Friends~
What would it be like to KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER and FEEL BETTER in your parenting journey? Today’s guest, Angela Ellsworth, discusses her strategy for this in a kind, clear, and sincere way. Topics include Coaching Parents, Teaching Teachers, and then, BULLYING and what you can do to help your child.
This is a must listen episode. I know you will get so much out of it!
Always cheering you on!
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
ABOUT THE GUEST: Angie Ellsworth, MS, LSW, LSC, spent over 20 years in education working with students with academic, behavioral, and mental health challenges and supporting school staff in helping them succeed. After seeing the longer-term effects of COVID-19 on her students and their families and hearing parents asking for more help, she left public education to share her experience and expertise in homes just like yours! With research-based strategies, she has trained and coached hundreds of staff and parents across the region as a faculty member with Southeast Service Cooperative and through her business, Timeout Behavior Coaching, LLC. Her passion is to help others know better, do better, and feel better. Angie lives in Rochester, MN with her husband Brian, three emerging young adults, and two black labs.
CONTACT THE GUEST: ANGIE ELLSWORTH
www.timeoutbehavior.comhttps://www.instagram.com/timeoutbehavior/https://www.facebook.com/timeoutbehavior/https://twitter.com/timeoutbehavior
Click HERE for an upcoming Online Class with Angie!
RESOURCES from The Language Of Play
Sign up for my newsletter!
Join my new FREE Facebook Community HERE! to join a new community where you are free to ask questions, make friends, and we learn from each other!
Sign up for a 15 min zoom Session! ("Let's Meet Session")
For Speaking Engagements or For 1:1 or Group Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Related or Mentioned Episodes:
24 ”NO!” Six Possible Responses To Get Cooperation
26 Four Strategies to Create Frustration Tolerance in Children
32 Series: “Why Won’t the Kids Listen!?” part 5: Are You Making Their Listening Worse? 4 strategies to change that
33 Series: “Why Won’t the Kids Listen!?” part 6: BiG EMoTioNS! 4 things to ask yourself before you respond
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Hey Friends~
When your child speaks, do you hear, “her” when the correct pronoun is “she” ? Lots of children do this. Parents wonder… Should I ignore it or let the child correct it in their own time? By the end of today’s episode, you will know how to intervene in a simple, fun, and effective way! … and when NOT to intervene.
Always cheering you on!
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
RESOURCES from The Language Of Play
Sign up for my newsletter!
Join my new FREE Facebook Community HERE! to join a new community where you are free to ask questions, make friends, and we learn from each other!
Sign up for a 15 min zoom Session! ("Let's Meet Session")
For Speaking Engagements or For 1:1 or Group Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Related or Mentioned Episodes:
04 One-Year-Old Language Learning with a Book
27 What Good is Mother Goose and Dr. Seuss? 6 Key Reasons to Indulge in These Classics.
30 Series: “Why Won’t the Kids Listen!?” part3: Tools For When Language Processing is Difficult
40 Helping Your Child Talk About Shared Past Experiences
99 Helping Your Child Talk About Things That Recently Happened Using Past Tense
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Hey Friends~
Welcome back! Today’s topic: SELF-COMPASSION is addressed by EXPERT; Dewina Kraus,
Some people have a way of dropping the most important and magnificent information into your life. And, they do it with ease, grace, and a gentleness that lets you know you are loved. The guest I have on the show is one such person. Join for a conversation with Dewina for a conversation about Self compassion and why it matters.
Always cheering you on!
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host: Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
ABOUT THE GUEST: Dewina started her clinical career in the early 1990’s as a music therapist. Her interest in pursuing graduate work was spurred by the desire to gain expertise in a broader range of treatment modalities as well as her strong interest in clinical psychology. Her advanced study of marriage and family therapy has strengthened her skills and passion for seeing patients in the context of their family system, and she believes in the power that relationships have in the healing process. She has worked in long term care, inpatient mental and chemical health care, corrections, dual disorders day treatment, school-based mental health care, and outpatient mental health care. She currently works at Prairie Care, providing hope and healing through psychiatric care, in Rochester MN.
Visit Prairie Care's website here: https://prairie-care.com/
RESOURCES from The Language Of Play
Sign up for my newsletter!
Join my new FREE Facebook Community HERE! to join a new community where you are free to ask questions, make friends, and we learn from each other!
Sign up for a 15 min zoom Session! ("Let's Meet Session")
For Speaking Engagements or For 1:1 or Group Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Related or Mentioned Episodes:
107 How Your Internal Dialog Confuses Simple Communication With Your Child
47 EXPERT: Jaci Finneman: Helping Kids Make Apology with the “Make It Right” Technique
69 Can You Really Reparent Yourself? And When You Should Consider It
72 Do You Give a Good Examples Of Managing Your Own Voices? 4 Strategies to Manage Being Disappointment with Yourself
Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
Hey Friends ~
According to research a small amount of our communication is actually the words that we say. Our tone, gestures, and our internal emotions communicated a vast amount to our children.
Children pick up on our internal energy when we speak. If inside, you are full of self-criticism, while your words say, I love you , the kids can feel confusion. They get a mixed message.
!! And they react to the confusion !!
Today we’re going to talk about our mixed messages that create communication confusion, simply due to the energy you bring to the interaction. Then strategies to help both you and your child.
Note: If you like this this episode, you will LOVE Thursday's episode with Expert: Dewey Kraus giving us strategies on Self-Compassion in parenting.
Always cheering you on!
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
RESOURCES from The Language Of Play
Sign up for my newsletter!
Join my new FREE Facebook Community HERE! to join a new community where you are free to ask questions, make friends, and we learn from each other!
Sign up for a 15 min zoom Session! ("Let's Meet Session")
For Speaking Engagements or For 1:1 or Group Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Related or Mentioned Episodes:
06 Helping Kids Share Thoughts, Feelings and Ideas
26 Four Strategies to Create Frustration Tolerance in Children
33 Series: “Why Won’t the Kids Listen!?” part 6: BiG EMoTioNS! 4 things to ask yourself before you respond
Thursday Dec 28, 2023
Thursday Dec 28, 2023
Hey Friends,
Last time we talked about using the Christmas story as a way to enhance imagination. Today we add to that story with practical tips where and how you build language during the role-play of a complex story.
Children have great imaginations. Their imaginations aid them in social emotional development, cognitive development, physical development, and more! Sometimes that imaginary place seems silly like it doesn’t really have meaning and other times we really see them act out what it is that they’re learning.
This role-play activity can be done at all ages, so your family can do it together. Later, you can use this strategy for role-playing other situations to help your child understand what to expect.
Getting ready to have fun and copy what you heard!
Always cheering you on!
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
RESOURCES from The Language Of Play
Sign up for my newsletter!
Join my new FREE Facebook Community HERE! to join a new community where you are free to ask questions, make friends, and we learn from each other!
Sign up for a 15 min zoom Session! ("Let's Meet Session")
For Speaking Engagements or For 1:1 or Group Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Related or Mentioned Episodes:
Episode 105!
04 One-Year-Old Language Learning with a Book
22 Do You Know How to Expand Your Child’s Language Skills? Here’s a Picture Book Example
30 Series: “Why Won’t the Kids Listen!?” part3: Tools For When Language Processing is Difficult
67 Do You Know How to Teach Language and Behavior Using Games You Already Have at Home? Here are 6 Examples from the Game: Chutes and Ladders
Monday Dec 25, 2023
Monday Dec 25, 2023
Hey Friends~
A Very Merry & Happy Christmas to you!!
Children have great imaginations. Their imaginations aid them in social emotional development, cognitive development, physical development, and more!
Sometimes that imaginary place seems silly like it doesn’t really have meaning and other times we really see them act out what it is that they’re learning.
Today will use the Christmas Story to teach you how to allow and let that imagination flow along with a story, where you are encouraging their imagination to build and grow. This is very important as we want our children to be able to cast a vision in their future life, set goals, and even comprehend stories they hear and stories they read!
Join in for a "Let's Imagine" lesson that builds foundations, gives choice, and without even focusing on it, you are teaching language, building connection, and cognitive development!! We focus on HOW to move through the story with them.
Watch for next episode when I explain how the language development happens when we use imagination!
Always cheering you on!
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
RESOURCES from The Language Of Play
Sign up for my newsletter!
Join my new FREE Facebook Community HERE! to join a new community where you are free to ask questions, make friends, and we learn from each other!
Sign up for a 15 min zoom Session! ("Let's Meet Session")
For Speaking Engagements or For 1:1 or Group Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Related or Mentioned Episodes: Episode 106 - coming soon!
04 One-Year-Old Language Learning with a Book
22 Do You Know How to Expand Your Child’s Language Skills? Here’s a Picture Book Example
30 Series: “Why Won’t the Kids Listen!?” part3: Tools For When Language Processing is Difficult
67 Do You Know How to Teach Language and Behavior Using Games You Already Have at Home? Here are 6 Examples from the Game: Chutes and Ladders
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
Hey Friends~
When it comes to gift giving, How do you know what gifts will help your child’s brain develop in the areas of Language, Communication and Connection ?
Today will talk about how YOU CAN know if the toy, game, or activity actually promotes development in these key areas! Grab a sticky note and pen! You will leave with a quick refrigerator reference that you can glance at when you are playing with your child or seeing your child play.
If these things are indeed happening, You will KNOW, you are indeed, building language, communication and connection.
Always cheering you on!
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
RESOURCES from The Language Of Play
Sign up for my newsletter!
Join my new FREE Facebook Community HERE! to join a new community where you are free to ask questions, make friends, and we learn from each other!
Sign up for a 15 min zoom Session! ("Let's Meet Session")
For Speaking Engagements or For 1:1 or Group Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Related or Mentioned Episodes:
88 Why Is Imaginary Play So Important?
90 What Does Improv Have To Do With Parenting? EVERYTHING!!
71 Have You Ever Wondered How to Best Teach a NEW Skill to Your Child? Here are 6 things to remember!
46 How To Build Language Through Planting Seeds in a Cup. 4 Communication Benefits!
02. What is Play ? and Why is it so important?
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Hey Friends,
Are you traveling with children this holiday season? Traveling with kids has its challenges!
It can also be a delightful experience where you build bonds, memories, and connection.
Today we will discuss 3 Magic Ways that you can help your child! Especially if you have an anxious child or a fearful child. You will hear examples of how to communicate with your child on feelings, the unknown, and handling disappointment.
All the difficult things come up during travel. Sleep, toileting, eating, sitting, listening, interruptions, meltdowns, tantrums, you name it! I encourage you to look through the episodes for your topic of interest!
And, I'd be delighted if you sent me a question! I am glad you are here!
Always cheering you on,
Dinalynn
CONTACT DINALYNN, HOST: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
RESOURCES from The Language Of Play
Sign up for my newsletter!
Join my new FREE Facebook Community HERE! to join a new community where you are free to ask questions, make friends, and we learn from each other!
Sign up for a 15 min zoom Session! ("Let's Meet Session")
For Speaking Engagements or For 1:1 or Group Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Related Episodes:
102 Top 4 Mistakes Parents Make And How to Correct Them!
101 Need to De-Stress? Why A Return to Play Works!
99 Helping Your Child Talk About Things That Recently Happened Using Past Tense
95 Do You Have A Picky Eater? Have a Holiday Plan! Join For A Success Story with Everyday Parent, Kristi!
93 Teaching Kids To Express Gratitude In 2 Easy Steps!
Think past Halloween and learn about calming a fearful in a child in Episode 92:
92 Do You Have A Fearful Child? 4 Steps To Calm Your Child This Halloween
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Hey Friends,
There are some simple communication mistakes that I see parents regularly make with their kiddos. It's true. When you understand what these 4 mistakes are, you can turn them around and change the mood in your home.
This might be very helpful this holiday season!
Always cheering you on!
Dinalynn
CONTACT DINALYNN, HOST: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
RESOURCES from The Language Of Play
Sign up for my newsletter!
Join my new FREE Facebook Community HERE! to join a new community where you are free to ask questions, make friends, and we learn from each other!
Sign up for a 15 min zoom Session! ("Let's Meet Session")
For Speaking Engagements or For 1:1 or Group Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Related or Mentioned Episodes:
01 An introduction to The Language of Play
02 What is Play? and Why is it so important?
36 Tantrum Vs Meltdown. Know the Difference and Respond Effectively
34 BONUS: 3 Tips for Working Together -as a Family- for Holiday Prep!
Monday Dec 11, 2023
Monday Dec 11, 2023
Hey Friends,
Play it’s not just for children. It is actually an integral part of our life being human!
It's broadly know now that children MUST be able to play in order to be able to learn. But, do you realize that YOU also learn when you play?
Play enhances adult learning and helps us destress! In this episode we talk about how play opens your mind, lowers your Holiday Stress, and helps you learn faster with more enjoyment.
Always cheering you on!
Dinalynn
CONTACT DINALYNN, HOST: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
RESOURCES from The Language Of Play
Sign up for my newsletter!
Join my new FREE Facebook Community HERE! to join a new community where you are free to ask questions, make friends, and we learn from each other!
Sign up for a 15 min zoom Session! ("Let's Meet Session")
For Speaking Engagements or For 1:1 or Group Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Related or Mentioned Episodes:
01 An introduction to The Language of Play
02 What is Play? and Why is it so important?
36 Tantrum Vs Meltdown. Know the Difference and Respond Effectively
34 BONUS: 3 Tips for Working Together -as a Family- for Holiday Prep!