The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention

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...

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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 t...

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 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...

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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...

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 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...

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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, t...

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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 st...

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Have you ever wondered what Montessori is and how it is different from traditional education?
In this episode, we dive deep into a description of what Montessori is, where this educational model came from,  how language and communication is naturally promoted within the structure, and the benefits of Montessori with  Marsha Familaro Enright, a Montessori expert.
So if you have ever been curious about Montessori, this is just the episode for you! 

Always cheering you on! 

~ Dinalynn
CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com

ABOUT THE GU...

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Have you ever felt like your child is struggling, but not “enough” to qualify for help?
They’re bright, they’re trying, but school still feels like a battle…

What if the problem isn’t your child… but the system?  For decades, schools have measured every kid against one “ideal learner” or “the norm.”  

But what happens when your child’s amazing brain learns differently?

When your child struggles in school, the first instinct is often tutoring.  What if the issue isn’t the lesson - it’s the learning process itself? 

Hey Friends~ 

Welcome back to this SERIES: Speech & Language Delays.  In this series, I am answering some commonly asked questions and you, dear listeners, are encouraged to send your questions!  Remember if you wonder, hundreds of others wonder the same thing! 

This episode revolves around the question,  “My Child Did Not “Qualify” for Speech Therapy. What Does That Mean?” Special Education and qualification is complicated. Today, you will understand what is meant by “qualifying,” what the criteria is, and what you can do if your child does not get services even though they need help with speech...

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“What caused this language delay?”   That’s a deeply important question, and one that parents ask often, sometimes with worry or guilt. The truth is, speech and language delays are common, and they have many possible causes, not just one.

 Most experts today agree that it’s rarely a single factor, but rather a combination of influences that shape how communication develops. Today we will unpack some causes and more importantly, how you can make a difference in the lives of those who need the gift of communication. 

Always cheering you on! 

D...

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Have you ever wondered what it takes for a homeschooling family to thrive?
Today we’re diving into  it—flexibility, intentionality, and the courage to learn differently.

Research shows homeschooling is growing across America, and more parents are discovering that when learning fits the child, confidence blooms.  

In this episode, we talk about the parent who feels not qualified, flexibility that brings freedom, blending academics into everyday life, and how learning together builds connection.
We’ll also dig into the role of play—what it can look like in a homeschool...

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Do you struggle to get your kids to sleep?  How about when it is still daylight at bedtime?   What about when your child has ADHD?  Sleep can be particularly difficult for kids due to the environment as well as their own body!   

If you have needed help with sleep,  you are in luck!  Today we have a sleep expert in the house! 

Join in for strategies to get your kids to sleep better so YOU can sleep better!!   

Share  this episode with anyone who needs to sleep better.  

Always cheerin...

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There is a long held belief that boys lag behind girls, but researchers now say there’s no real difference.  Do boys actually lag behind girls?  In this episode, we unpack both ideas, explain why the confusion exists, and give practical strategies for boys, girls, and all children.  

 If you’ve ever asked this question, you’re not alone. This episode is the SECOND IN A SERIES as we talk about speech and language delays in young children, focusing on ages 1-5.  Parents all over the world,  every single day - search Google  with questions...

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“Is my child behind in speech? When should my toddler be talking? Should I wait and see, or do I need to worry right now?

If you’ve ever asked yourself those questions, you’re not alone. Parents all over the world type those exact words into Google every single day — because watching your child struggle to talk, or not knowing if they’re on track, can feel overwhelming.

This is the FIRST EPISODE IN THIS SERIES as we talk about speech and language delays in young children, focusing on ages 1-5.  

Hey Friends~ 

Do you have a child with ADHD?  Are you open to do something entirely different than the norm?  

Today, Dr. Candace Holmes talks about Neurofeedback and it’s impact on kids with Autism, ADHD, TBI, concussions, and other neurological issue.  Anxiety decreases and the brain gets re-ordered, so it is functioning better.  

But just what is Neurofeedback? And how does it work?  

Dr. Candace Holmes shares a fascinating book that enhances your understanding of mental health challenges, offering both hope and inspiration, while equipping you with practical strategies to navigate li...

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Do your kids hate reading?  Wouldn’t you love it if they LOVED READING?   Or… better yet, what if you knew how to teach them… from the start…  to LOVE READING?   

In this episode, we talk about the foundations that give the confidence and skills needed to build strong reading early on.  This episode is targeted towards both parents of struggling readers and early readers.  You will have amazing insights into what the connection is between reading and speaking.  We will talk about the foundational threads that connect them both… which means…  being strong in these strateg...

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Ever wonder what your child is really learning when you give in to whining or ignore a mispronounced word? Every response—big or small—teaches kids what’s acceptable in their speech, behavior, and even their thinking. In this episode, discover how to guide communication and character by approving what helps them grow and redirecting what holds them back.

Always cheering you on! 

Dinalynn

CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com

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You may have heard about the dangers of EMF radiations that comes from screens, Wi-Fi, and phones.  Today, I have a guest with me to talk about how we protect ourselves and our children from these invisible dangers.  

With school just around the corner, this is an especially important topic!

Always cheering you on! 

Dinalynn

CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com

ABOUT THE GUEST:   After losing her husband to brain cancer and then surviving a brain tumor herself, Sherinata, Founder and CEO of Kareli...

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When we talk to our kids, we use words that represent whole concepts all the time.  We do it so spontaneously that it’s difficult to communicate without using such words.  When our kids don’t have a good repertoire of concept - type words, it makes it difficult for them to do as told, express themselves, or deliver a message, accurately.  

Today we discuss what concept words are, why they are important  AND what you can do to increase understanding at home!  This is  the fun part!  You don’t need flashcards. You don’t need...

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BIG Feelings are so hard!  It’s confusing! And sometimes really disruptive. 

Give yourself grace parents, become curious.  

What if we could understand how our child felt by looking at the color that they chose to wear?  Wouldn’t that be amazing and helpful?!!
Today’s guest decided to combine her child’s interests with colors to create a way to help him communicate better after an acquired language loss.  You will learn her story and how she helped her little one regain a way to communicate better again. 

Many times we...

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You’ve heard many times that a child’s behavior IS communication.  How do you deal with that when you are trying to create a thriving family?

How does that work when you are dealing with adoption trauma, a second language and resistance to change?  

Anna Maria Didio shares her story of growth and learning that can apply to blended families of all sorts. 

Always cheering you on! 

Dinalynn

CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com

ABOUT THE GUEST:   Anna Maria DiDio is an ad...

Hey Friends~ 

Babbling is the foundation for first words.  It's a key predictor of later language development AND the strongest early indicator that spoken language is developing on track… and so much more!  Babbling is a very important part of your baby’s development.

Maybe you are curious, or possibly concerned. Or.. maybe you just know someone with a baby.  If this is you, Please share this episode with them!  

Today,  Let’s talk about babble … when it begins, what it means, and why it matters.

Always cheering you on! 

Dinalynn

Hey Friends~ 

There are many different parenting styles, types, and programs, and the number can vary depending on how they're categorized. Broadly, these can be grouped into Core styles, Modern styles, Therapeutic approaches.  And cultural/philosophies.  

you're looking at LOTS of ideas and  many overlap as real-life is real!  And kids and parents need practice and discernment which develops over time. 

When you are faced with raising kids and don’t know what to do … the internet can be an information overload!  In this episode we look at the 7-7-7 Rule.  We will acknowle...

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Have you ever wanted to listen to the wisdom of someone who has been there?  Today’s guest is that person.  After raising her own kids, she & her family collectively decided to adopt kids and love them.  

With those adoptive kids, trauma therapy was needed.  She learned to connect with those kiddos on a deep level.  What she learned in trauma therapy not only helped her build connection with her adoptive kids, she learned it was useful in all her relationships. 

Thank you for joining us in this heartwarming and encouraging show!  

Hey Friends~ 

When we talk about a lot of stuff with our kids - the stuff that isn’t the important stuff; the stuff that is inconsequential, we develop the habit of interaction.  When 90% of your interactions are wonderful, and then the hard conversations that do necessarily come, won’t be as big of a deal. The Key:  have LOTS of conversations..  Why?  Because the inconsequential conversations have created a pathway to communicate.  You have cut a bedrock so that you can talk about the important stuff, too.  

This is just one concept that you will  hear i...

Hey Friends~

You hear child centers and schools claim to have a “Language Rich Environment”.  Do you have a language rich environment at home?  You can!  But what exactly does that mean?  And how do you create that in a way that does NOT add another thing to your to do list?  

The trick… is it is all about you, mom and dad.  It is not actually the space or the environment.  It is how YOU use the environment as a tool to expand their exposure to language.  Today, I will tell you how its done!  And you...

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Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to teach your kids while they slept?  

Today’s guest says it is possible - especially when it comes to behaviors like bed wetting, and  difficult emotions!  

You’ll LOVE this episode if you wish for a way to slide under the radar to teach your kiddo - at least for SOME of the millions of topics we want to teach them!   You’ll be inspired today as you learn about “SleepTalk!”

Always cheering you on! 

Dinalynn

CONTACT the Host, Di...

Hey Friends~ 

I love children’s literature!  It seems that ANYTHING you want to teach, you can find a book on that and use it as a springboard to help kids learn.  This is especially true for social emotional learning.  There is power in using stories!    One mistake parents make is thinking they need to read a book as written!  Today’s guest brings us into her journey into authorship and then shows us …. how to take the story beyond the book!  If you wonder how to use a piece of literature to enhance learning, listen in!  Terri Lilga sha...

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Families often how to help their child in the summer.  Since there is no speech therapy with the school in the summer, some families are nervous and wonder what to do! 

In this episode, we talk about foundational practices that help your children retain and learn speech sounds, particularly when they are not responding to your attempts to help them. 

These strategies, when done well, especially with very young children can change the trajectory of how your child is growing in their speech sound development.  Let’s teach you some of these f...

Hey Friends~ 

The language you use  may be LESS effective  than you want!  When we change HOW and WHAT we say, our communication becomes more effective.  Today’s guest, Polina Shkadron, is a fellow Speech Language Pathologist who has a wealth of knowledge and experience.   She guides us to focus on the LANGUAGE that helps our kids engage in play - and with you - and teaches us how to create a language-rich environment naturally, and at home. 

No matter the age or skills of you or your child, the information in this episode will be fun an...

Hey Friends~

You know in your gut when things are not going right, even if you don’t have the words. 

It’s even harder when you tell someone, but you are told that everything is fine… but you know SOMETHING IS UP.  

This is the case for today’s guest.  She knew that her son needed more help in his sound development, but was constantly told everything was fine.  

Started seeking help when her son was 18 months old, asking doctors, friends, family members, and more  and finally… when her son was 4, the school...

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 wheth...

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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

 ...

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! ...

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...

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@thelan...

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!  

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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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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! 

Din...

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!  

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