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PODCAST

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

Dinalynn Rosenbush, SLP | Speech Pathologist, Parent Mentor, Communication with Kids

*** 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

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

25:03

286 How Many Words Should My 2-Year-Old Say?

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech... ·

2026/10/02

Hey Friends~ How many words should your 2-year-old be saying? There are developmental norms - and those numbers matter. But words don’t come out of nowhere. There are foundational communication skills developing underneath spoken language that help those words grow. In this episode, we’ll talk about what’s typical at age two, what actually builds vocabulary, and where to focus when words are slow to come. You’ll leave knowing what to pay attention to and some simple ways to encourage more

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32:35

285 Why Your Child Falls Apart After School: When...

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech... ·

2026/09/25

Hey Friends~ Does your child come home from school and suddenly seem like a different kid? They're whining. Fighting with siblings. Ignoring directions. Melting down over something tiny. And you're thinking, “You know how to do this. Why is everything so hard?” What if that behavior isn't just something you need to stop? What if it's giving you information about what your child needs in order to do the next thing? In this episode, we're going beyond “What is my child's behavior communicating?”

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36:00

283 Your Child is a Reluctant Writer? Why MORE...

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech... ·

2026/09/11

Hey Friends~ What if your child’s wildest, most ridiculous ideas are actually a doorway into learning? In this episode, I talk with Josh Davidson, co-founder of Night Zookeeper, about using imagination, creativity, and play to help children develop reading and writing skills. We explore how drawing, talking, and writing about their ideas gives children multiple ways to express themselves, expand their language, organize their thoughts, and build confidence. Writing isn’t separate from verbal

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30:10

282 Why Are Transitions So Hard for Young Kids? And...

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech... ·

2026/09/03

Hey Friends~ Why does your child fall apart over transitions they know how to do - or do every day? Getting out the door, leaving the playground, turning off the tablet, or getting ready for bed can be a battle. In this episode, you’ll discover why transitions can be so difficult, seven reasons your checklist or visual schedule may not be helping yet, and simple shifts that can make routines easier to understand and follow. Because a visual schedule isn’t just about showing your child what to do

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42:56

279 Do You Want Cooperation or Compliance? What’s the...

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech... ·

2026/08/13

Hey Friends~ Do you want your child to cooperate with you—or simply comply? The difference may be more important than we realize. Katherine Sellery explores what happens when parenting relies on power over children and introduces the 3 R’s: Resistance, Rebellion, and Retaliation—responses that can grow when children feel controlled. This episode offers a different way forward: moving beyond obedience and compliance toward consideration, connection, and understanding. Katherine also shares how

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22:04

278 Using Books to Develop Speech Sounds

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech... ·

2026/08/07

Hey Friends~ What if the books you're already reading with your child could become one of your best speech therapy tools? In this episode, I'll show you simple ways to use story time to help your child hear speech sounds more clearly, try new sounds, and practice the ones they're still learning—all without adding another thing to your day. We'll also talk about why these strategies work for many children but not for all. If you've been trying speech activities without seeing much progress, there

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33:06

277 How to Raise a Child Who Believes They Can Learn...

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech... ·

2026/07/30

Hey Friends~ We all want our kids to become lifelong learners. But what does that actually mean? It isn't about checking boxes or finding the perfect curriculum. It's about raising children who believe they can learn anything, anywhere, anytime. In this conversation with Kami, we explore how to build a family culture that develops curiosity, critical thinking, strong values, and confidence before you ever choose a curriculum. Whether you homeschool or simply want to be more intentional about the

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18:13

276 The Backyard Attention Hack Every Parent Should...

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech... ·

2026/07/24

Hey Friends~ Have you ever called your child's name outside...once...twice...five times...and wondered if they even heard you? Between the wind, the playground, the garden hose, the neighborhood noise, and kids who are completely absorbed in what they're doing, it can feel impossible to get their attention without yelling. What if there were a better way? What if one simple, unique signal could make your child stop, listen, and know, "Mom or Dad want my attention." No repeating. No raising your

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30:50

275 Before You Try to Calm Your Child, Do This First...

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech... ·

2026/07/16

Hey Friends~ What if the fastest way to help your child become calm... is to begin with yourself? In this episode, Ann shares the power of co-regulation and reminds us that our state is contagious. The good news? Calm is contagious, too. You'll discover simple ways to release tension from your own body, use your breath to create a greater sense of peace, and even learn a beautiful visualization that can help settle both you and your child. Ann also guides us through gentle meditations that are

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42:25

274 Self-Regulation for Parents: Why Taking Care of...

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech... ·

2026/07/09

Hey Friends~ Today we are investing in you first, because the healthier you are, the healthier your parenting becomes. With that in mind, the first part of this episode focuses on you as a human being—as an adult. I think that's valuable. After all, before we're parents, we're people. And that's what leads us to an important question: What if becoming a calmer, more regulated version of yourself is one of the greatest gifts you could give your child? Coach Brandon Barber shares practical strategies

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30:36

273 Margot Bevington: Can Music Help Kids Acquire...

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech... ·

2026/07/02

Hey Friends~ Have you ever noticed your child can sing every word of a favorite song but struggles to say those same words in conversation? Or maybe your child isn't talking yet, avoids back-and-forth interaction, has difficulty with rhythm or imitation, or simply learns differently than other children. What if music could become a bridge? In this episode, we explore how music creates a safe space for children to learn. Rhythm, repetition, melody, and predictable patterns slow language down, making

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44:57

272 Want Your Kids To Sleep? Allison Egidi Shares...

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech... ·

2026/06/25

Hey Friends~ Have you ever been so tired you'd try just about anything to get your child to sleep? You're not alone! My guest, pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, knows that feeling firsthand. She spent two years struggling with her own child's sleep before discovering there was an entire field of pediatric sleep support that most parents—and even most pediatricians—never hear about. You'll also hear how simple language shifts with our toddlers can encourage sleep cooperation and help children

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32:49

270 Tracie Rieder: Using Signs As A Bridge To Speaking

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech... ·

2026/06/12

Hey Friends~ Your child hears you say something... but did they actually get the message? Sometimes communication breaks down because children can't fully access language. It may be hearing loss, difficulty processing information, speech delays, or simply not yet having the words they need. In today's episode in the series When Communication is Hard, we're exploring how access impacts communication and why one surprisingly powerful tool—sign language—can help many children, not just those who are

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39:40

267 Luba Patlakh: Snip or Skip? Navigating the Tongue...

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech... ·

2026/05/22

Hey Friends~ If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s mouth breathing, poor sleep, unclear speech, or constant frustration could mean something deeper… this episode is for you. Today, I’m talking with Luba Patlakh about tongue ties, therapy, when parents should seek help, and what real support looks like—whether surgery is involved or not. We also talk about practical communication strategies and how families can advocate for the care their children truly need. This conversation is

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25:37

264 When Communication Is Hard: Downs Syndrome,...

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech... ·

2026/05/02

Hey Friends~ In this episode, we’re talking about communication in children with Down syndrome, genetic syndromes, and learning differences. I’ll share how cognition, memory, and learning style shape language development—and why repetition, consistency, and strength-based support make such a difference. This is about meeting kids where they are and building communication step by step. Always cheering you on! Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay.com WEBSITE:

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50:20

263 Tamara Tuckson & Mckenzie Tuckson: Does AAC ...

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech... ·

2026/04/24

Hey Friends~ “We never limit how she communicates—we grow with her in how she communicates.” ~Tamara Tuckson In this episode, a mom and daughter share their journey with AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). Many parents feel unsure or even afraid of AAC, but this conversation gently reveals how it can uncover who a child truly is when their body makes speech difficult. You’ll hear real-life communication—including McKenzie voice talking to us with her AAC device—as this family invites

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32:24

262 When Communication Is Hard: Does the Body Need...

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech... ·

2026/04/17

Hey Friends~ When the body works harder, communication often does too. In this episode, we’re talking about communication challenges related to low muscle tone, cerebral palsy, and AAC which stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication We’ll look at how effort, fatigue, and positioning impact speech and more importantly, you will hear 3 stories how AAC supported functional communication for kids that did not have spoken communication. Then come back next week so you can hear from a

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31:49

260 Melissa Schulz: Have A Strong-Willed, Highly...

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech... ·

2026/04/02

Hey Friends~ In the last episode, part 5, we talked about ADHD, ASD and processing difficulties. In this episode we support that learning as we listen to a mom and coach talk about parenting some of these kids who are strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodiverse. Our conversation is full of examples of turning daily struggles into calmer, more connected moments. So if you have a child that pushes your buttons or can be difficult, you will feel empowered after listening to this

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46:00

257 When Kids Know More Than They Can Say: Expressive...

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech... ·

2026/03/12

Hey Friends~ “My child understands everything but doesn’t talk much.” “My child talks, but I can’t always tell what they mean.” If those worries sound familiar, this episode is for you! This is Episode 4 in the series When Communication Is Hard, and today we’re exploring expressive and receptive language delays. We’ll untangle what these differences look like so you can better understand what’s happening in your child’s communication, and how everyday moments can become powerful opportunities for

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33:38

256 Melanie Jeffrey: What If Phonics Made Speech Easier?

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech... ·

2026/03/06

Hey Friends~ It's national reading month - or "I love to read" month! So we are taking a quick stop in our series to focus on reading, but not only reading, but how reading can support speech sound development! Is your child learning how to read? Are you a bit puzzled knowing HOW to help them read? If that is you you will love today’s episode as we talk with a reading specialist on the very beginning of reading! You will learn how to get the ball rolling and how to practice in your daily life in

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247 results

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