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 Dinalynn Rosenbush—mom, grandma, Speech-Language Pathologist, parent coach, and host of a top-ranked parenting podcast helping overwhelmed parents build calmer homes, stronger relationships, and better communication with their children.

This podcast helps parents understand behavior as communication so they can support listening, emotional regulation, speech, and connection in everyday life.

In each episode, you’ll learn practical, brain-based strategies to:
• Help kids listen without constant power struggles
• Support speech and language development naturally
• Reduce tantrums, whining, and communication frustration
• Build connection, emotional safety, and confidence
• Understand speech delays, language processing, and child behavior
• Use simple communication tools that work in everyday moments

These strategies support typically developing children, late talkers, dual-language learners, neurodivergent children, and kids with speech or language delays.

Each episode is filled with simple, playful tools you can start using right away—because communication growth happens best through connection, play, and everyday interaction.

If you’re longing for calmer parenting, deeper connection, more listening, and a home filled with confidence, curiosity, and communication, you’re in the right place.

So grab a cup of coffee, bring your real-life parenting questions, and come explore The Language of Play with me. 

Contact: hello@thelanguageofplay.com
https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/

Episodes

May 1, 2025

36 min

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
 
YOUR NEXT STEPS:
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Sign up for the Newsletter:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin
5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91
21 Days of Encouragement:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup
To discuss how we can work together:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session
 
Love this podcast?  Leave a Review:  https://lovethepodcast.com/play
Follow & subscribe in 1-Click: https://followthepodcast.com/play
Leave a Voice Message:  https://castfeedback.com/play
 
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:
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.”

May 1, 2025

36 min

Apr 24, 2025

20 min

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
 
YOUR NEXT STEPS:
FREEBIES:   
Sign up for the Newsletter:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin
5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91
21 Days of Encouragement:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup
To discuss how we can work together:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session
 
Love this podcast?  Leave a Review:  https://lovethepodcast.com/play
Follow & subscribe in 1-Click: https://followthepodcast.com/play
Leave a Voice Message:  https://castfeedback.com/play
 
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:
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?
 

Apr 24, 2025

20 min

Apr 17, 2025

31 min

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
 
YOUR NEXT STEPS:
FREEBIES:   
Sign up for the Newsletter:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin
5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91
21 Days of Encouragement:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup
To discuss how we can work together:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session
 
For Workshops, Speaking Events, or Partnerships:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
 
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

Apr 17, 2025

31 min

Apr 10, 2025

15 min

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 
YOUR NEXT STEPS:
FREEBIES:   
Sign up for the Newsletter:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin
5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91
21 Days of Encouragement:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup
To discuss how we can work together:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session
 
For Workshops, Speaking Events, or Partnerships:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session
 
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!
 

Apr 10, 2025

15 min

Apr 3, 2025

30 min

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!!  
 
FREEBIES:   
5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91
21 Days of Encouragement:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup
Sign up for the Newsletter:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin
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

Apr 3, 2025

30 min

Mar 27, 2025

18 min

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:   
5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91
21 Days of Encouragement:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup
Sign up for the Newsletter:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin
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

Mar 27, 2025

18 min

Mar 20, 2025

35 min

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/
 
YOUR NEXT STEPS with THE LANGUAGE OF PLAY:
I welcome your thoughts or questions!  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
FREEBIES:   
5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91
21 Days of Encouragement:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup
Sign up for the Newsletter:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin
 
** 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

Mar 20, 2025

35 min

Mar 13, 2025

28 min

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!  
YOUR NEXT STEPS:
Send Dinalynn a thought or question!  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
FREEBIES:   
21 Days of Encouragement:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup
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
** 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?

Mar 13, 2025

28 min

Mar 8, 2025

29 min

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 common.   
But Why?  
Today we unpack another reason for this and with that understanding, you will learn where to start in making the changes you want. 
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
 
YOUR NEXT STEPS:
Sign up for the Newsletter:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin
Freebie:   21 Days of Encouragement:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup
Freebie:   5 Ways To Get Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91
Send Dinalynn a thought or question!  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
** For Speaking Engagements or For 1:1 or Group Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at hello@thelanguageofplay.com
 
 If You Liked This Episode, You Will Want To Listen To These Episodes:
36 Tantrum Vs Meltdown. Know the Difference and Respond Effectively
37 How To Teach Sharing Happily and Effectively
41 Can You Hear What Your Child Is NOT Saying? 4 Strategies to Help Young Kids With BIG Adjustments
49 Why Did My Child Do That?! and How To Ask. The Answer May Not Be What You Think!

Mar 8, 2025

29 min

Feb 27, 2025

37 min

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.  We need to also see outside of ourselves, looking for ways to contribute, serve others, and be connected to others.  In having this balance, people become whole and happy.  This foundation begins in the earliest years. 
Today, Jill Garner shares how SECURITY is learned, at what ages, and with examples of how it happens and how this links to our kids RESPECTING us as parents, respecting themselves, and  others.   
Today’s episode is a power packed conversation with LOTS of concepts. Grab your pen and paper. You might want to take notes! 
Always cheering you on! 
Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
 
ABOUT THE GUEST:   JILL GARNER is an accomplished speaker, advocate, and founder of Manners of the Heart, a nonprofit reawakening respect in our society for the sake of the next generation. She is the author of the award-winning Raising Respectful Children in a Disrespectful World, Raising Unselfish Children in a Self-Absorbed World, and Manners of the Heart, an elementary school curriculum that helps children see beyond themselves to become all God created them to be. Her work is endorsed by Focus on the Family, FamilyLife Today, Dr. Kevin Leman, and many others. Jill and her husband reside in Baton Rouge, LA.
CONTACT THE GUEST:   https://mannersoftheheart.org/
https://jillgarnercontent.org/
 
YOUR NEXT STEPS:
FREEBIES:   
5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91
21 Days of Encouragement:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup
Send Dinalynn a thought or question!  hello@thelanguageofplay.com
Sign up for the Newsletter:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin
** 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:
97 Nellie Hardin: Building Worth, Esteem And Confidence In Kids. A Must Listen!
141 How Do You Inadvertently Build Doubt Into Your Child?  Here’s One Way To Change Doubt Into Confidence! 
155 Does Your Language Build Courage In Your Child? Here Are 12 Examples of Courage-Building Phrases!
 
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

Feb 27, 2025

37 min

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