More than Child's Play

Often times there are roadblocks that get in the way of natural child development.  These roadblocks are sometimes created by adults caring for children and are sometimes biological factors that go undetected.  In this podcast series we will identify eight of the most common roadblocks and share strategies to address them.  In this episode Nicole discusses how undetected vision loss impacts a child's development and Lacy discusses how undetected hearing loss impacts a child's development.  Be sure to listen to the other podcast episodes in this series highlighting other roadblocks to natural development: lack of tummy time, prolonged sucking, media and screen time exposure, missed diagnoses, nutrition and allergies and over-parenting/a faulty sense of what's typical.  To learn more about these Top Roadblocks to Natural Development visit the Milestones & Miracles website, use our discount code to save money and check out our continuing education courses offered through Medbridge Education: https://milestonesandmiracles.com/for-professionals/online-ceus/     

Holiday shopping may be more challenging this year with supply chain issues, and many small businesses are still working hard to survive in the midst of ongoing pandemic challenges. As small business owners, Nicole and Lacy wanted to include and highlight small businesses this year as part of their Holiday Gift Guide. Take a listen as Nicole and Lacy discuss the items they chose for the list this year and why.  They hope you'll enjoy these options and consider shopping local in your corner of the world this year. Blog post with images and links to all of the products mentioned in this episode: https://milestonesandmiracles.com/2021/10/15/2021-shop-local-small-business-centered-holiday-gift-guide/    

Laura Brown, early intervention speech-language pathologist, joins Lacy in a conversation about early communication.  Laura lists skills that we see in children before they begin talking.  She discusses the importance of modeling and using gestures to help develop communication skills in little ones.  Laura and Lacy discuss why introducing sign language as a means of communication is always a good idea and how signs and gestures can be used for a lifetime to communicate.  Lastly, Laura identifies common mistakes parents make that may not encourage their child's communication development as much as they had hoped.  Laura and Lacy's conversation is filled with good information for parents and families of young children to better understand all that must be mastered before first words emerge as well as how best to support preverbal skill development.  For professionals, this conversation will deepen your knowledge and give you great talking points when discussing early communication development with the families you serve.  Be sure to follow Laura's business, Mommy & Me Milestones, on Facebook and Instagram and visit her website for more information about all that she has to offer including her First 50 Words Course: https://www.mommyandmemilestones.com    

Physical and occupational therapists often advocate for children to climb UP the slide, hang from the monkey bars, spin upside, and climb trees. But why? There are many benefits to taking age typical motor risks. Join us for a delightful, fun, and informative conversation with expert Dr. Stacy Menz, PT, DPT, PCS. Stacy is the owner of Starfish Therapies in the San Francisco Bay area and brings her experience as a clinician, professor, and mother of a climbing and bouncing toddler to the table as we tackle why physical risk matters, what constitutes a developing balance system, if seats/containers affect balance for infants, and practical ways to expose children to relatively safe risk taking in daily routines.  Therapists, teachers, students, and parents will all be inspired by this conversation!   Mentioned in this episode: https://starfishtherapies.com/ Playground Ideas    

This episode is for any parent or caregiver with children or teens participating in organized sports, considering venturing into the world of youth sports, or for any coach or therapists working with student athletes. Sports medicine experts Dr Brad Dinklocker, PT, DPT, MS, ATC and Larry Shipley, LPTA, Performance Coach from Pro Physical Therapy join us to provide expert opinions on common questions and concerns in an evidenced based and fascinating conversation. We cover whether young athletes should specialize in one sport or play more than one and why, injury prevention and in and off season training tips, how long single sports seasons should last and how many hours a week of training are safe, when weight training should begin, and we take questions from parents and coaches.  This conversation is one that everyone involved in youth sports needs to hear to ensure not only safety but optimal success and performance for children and teams. You won't want to miss this one! We could have talked to them for hours. 

Lacy is joined by Jeanette Washington, M.Ed., speech-language pathologist and educator.  In this episode Jeanette defines what dyslexia is and how we can appreciate signs of dyslexia in children as young as one year of age.  Jeanette shares common diagnoses that coexist with dyslexia.  She thoroughly explains what executive functioning skills are and how they impact a young child's day to day activities.  Jeanette provides suggestions on how families and professionals can support the development of these skills in children.  In closing, Jeanette shares resources for those who wish to learn more about these topics and references some of her own valuable resources as well.  Please be sure to check out Jeanette's website and follow her on social media to continue to benefit from all of the knowledge she has to offer on dyslexia and executive functioning skills: https://www.bearlyarticulating.com/p/jeannette-washington-med-bearly.html.  You can also check out this resource Jeanette has to offer to help with executive functioning skills: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Daily-Student-Planner-ADHD-Executive-Functioning-Friendly-6564846. Other websites and resources Jeanette mentioned in the episode include: https://www.understood.org/ https://developingchild.harvard.eduhttps://dyslexia.yale.edu http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/    

Michael Powell works with the birth to three population providing evaluations and guidance for families on how to deal with toddler behaviors.  One of the most common topics of discussions he has with families is how to handle tantrums.  Michael views tantrums through a unique lens that will inspire you to do the same.  He explains why toddlers engage in tantrums, what we can do to anticipate them and how best for us to respond to them.  You'll be enlightened by his tips, maybe even surprised.  Tantrums may have more to do with the adult than the child!  Whether you are raising a toddler or work with toddlers, this is a MUST LISTEN TO episode to make your life easier and better support the emotional and behavioral development of the little ones in your life.  He provides tips you can implement immediately and offers resources if you'd like to learn more about this topic. Michael recommends checking out: Bruce Perry: https://www.neurosequential.com/covid-19-resources http://teacher.scholastic.com/professional/bruceperry/index.html   Stuart Shanker:   https://self-reg.ca/ https://selfregulationinstitute.org/about-2/dr-stuart-shanker/  

This is the episode all about PLAY!  Emily Cohen, M.A, CCC/SLP, speech-language pathologist and author of Playing With Purpose, joins Lacy in a conversation about the importance of play in the developing child's life. Emily defines what play is and how it benefits children. She explains the five stages of play and at what ages they each emerge and also lists and describes the three types of play. Emily explains what purposeful play is and offers tips on how parents and providers can engage children in purposeful play to target skills.  Lastly, she gives recommendations of resources where you can go to learn more about play.     Find Emily's book and resources here: https://www.tandemspeechtherapy.com/playingwithpurposebook/.     Other resources Emily recommended include: https://www.scanlonspeech.com ,   https://teachmetotalk.com and https://www.hanen.org/Home.aspx .    

1 in 10 infants in the United States will spend time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) each year. NICU admissions and NICU staff save countless lives a year but the experiences can be traumatic, emotional, exhausting, and yes, even inspiring and hopeful. Join us as we welcome NICU veteran mom Patrice Guzman as she shares her honest and brave story and that of her miracle daughter Vivianne. Patrice shares what she has learned, tips for other NICU parents, and what she wishes NICU professionals and pediatric therapists understood from a parents' unique perspective. Most importantly, Patrice shares the tools she has found helpful for self care so that she can ensure well being and health for herself and her daughter. We hope this conversation will be supportive, healing, and hopeful for anyone anticipating or experiencing a NICU stay or for those who have spent time or work with NICU babies. 

Meg Lico, speech-language pathologist, is a member of the cleft palate and craniofacial team at NYU Langone Health.  In this episode she joins Lacy to discuss what cleft lip/palate is and how early it can be be diagnosed.  Meg shares statistics regarding cleft lip/palate incidence and some of the most common syndromes this diagnosis is associated with.  Meg discusses the implications for feeding and speech/language development resulting from cleft lip/palate and surgical options for children to repair their cleft lip/palate.  Lastly Meg offers her advice to families on how best to advocate for their child and recommends resources for families and professionals to deepen their understanding of a cleft lip/palate diagnosis. Connect with Meg on Instagram @thecraniofacialslp and learn more about cleft lip/palate here: https://www.smiletrain.org https://www.leadersproject.org/ https://acpa-cpf.org https://www.myface.org    

Amy Graham, speech-language pathologist, joins Lacy in this episode to talk all about speech sound disorders.  Amy defines what a speech sound disorder is and what diagnoses fall under the SSD umbrella.  Amy and Lacy discuss how much spoken language a child should have before a speech sound disorder can be diagnosed.  Amy explains why diagnosing SSDs early is so important and what we can do as early intervention therapists to help children and their families know when the right time is for an SSD evaluation.  Amy shares tips for a thorough oral mechanism exam and SSD evaluation and offers resource suggestions to better understand, diagnose and treat speech sound disorders.  A great episode for parents who are concerned with their child's speech sound development and for professionals to assist and support families with their little talkers.   You can reach out to Amy with questions and comments on her website: https://www.grahamspeechtherapy.com . You can also access Amy's resources for download from her website: https://www.grahamspeechtherapy.com/store/c4/Downloads.html  As well as her recommended resources for continuing education on SSDs:  https://www.grahamspeechtherapy.com/resources.html    

In this episode Kimberly Scanlon, speech-language pathologist and author, joins Lacy to answer the following questions:  When should baby say their first word? How many words should a baby say at 12 months of age?  What counts as a word?  How can parents support their little one before those first words are spoken?  What words are most important to model for baby?  Kimberly references her books and how they support families in helping their child learn to talk.  She references her Common First Words list and why those words are considered power words for little ones.  Kimberly offers advice to families that are concerned with their child's communication skills and her top tips for supporting language development at home.  This episode is full of practical information and creative suggestions to support early language learners for both practitioners and families! Connect with Kimberly on her websites: https://www.scanlonspeech.com and https://www.mytoddlertalks.com Purchase Kimberly's books including My Toddler Talks and My Toddler's First Words: https://www.scanlonspeech.com/my-books/ Free resources from Kimberly including the Common First Words list: https://www.mytoddlertalks.com/resources-2

Pediatric toe walking is an atypical movement pattern that is poorly understood but can have a wide range of short and long term consequences for children. In this episode, we are thrilled to bring you THE expert in this area of physical therapy practice, Dr. Liesa Ritchie-Persaud. Through her business, Know To Change, Liesa brings years of clinical expertise, global work in continuing education, and her own technique for assessment and treatment of idiopathic toe walking. In this episode we cover why children toe walk, why toe walking should be treated and the risks of not treating it, common diagnoses associated with toe walking, and how vision affects toe walking. Liesa answers common questions about the use of saucers and walkers, shoes, botox, casting, and surgery and provides detailed guidelines of when children should be referred and treated for toe walking by a skilled therapist. Finally, she explains the differences in the courses she offers for therapists who want to learn more. Whether you are a parent or a therapist facing this often pesky and persistent diagnoses, this conversation is sure to further your knowledge and understanding and inspire your work. Resources Mentioned: Leisa's website, courses, and resources: www.KnowToChange.com Nancy Dilger study: https://footprintspediatrictherapy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Dilger_ITW.pdf College of Optometrists in Vision Development: https://www.covd.org/? Eye Can Learn: https://eyecanlearn.com/ Seeing Through New Eyes Book: https://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Through-New-Eyes-Developmental/dp/1843108003 Medbridge Parent Guide: http://orlafoley.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AParentsGuidetoPediatricToeWalking.pdf    

In this episode Jen Leroux, M.A., CCC/SLP, school based speech-language pathologist, joins Lacy to talk about how to support school aged kids over the summer with their speech and language skills.  Jen has 12 years of experience supporting families in helping their kids over the summer months and it doesn't involve worksheets!  Jen gives practical tips and strategies on how to approach families about practice over the summer and what might work best for them.  She shares ideas on how to implement skills into daily routines and family vacations.  She suggests simple activities to support practice and discusses how book reading can support speech and language skill practice also.  We talk about how to best collaborate with private speech-language pathologists and how for some kids and families, taking a break might be the best recommendation.  This is great episode for parents looking for ways to support their kids over the summer months and for professionals to learn new, creative, practical ways to support families!  To access Jen's materials look for "Simplified Speech" on Teachers Pay Teachers and Boom Learning.  You can also find Jen on Instagram @simplified_speechie.

In this episode Lila Griffith, M.S. CCC/SLP, speech-language pathologist, joins Lacy to discuss pediatric voice disorders.  Lila explains what a voice disorder is and the signs and symptoms of when a voice disorder may be present.  She gives tips on what to listen for to know when to refer children for evaluation and shares preventative tips to keep our children's voices at their best.  Lila describes what therapy for voice disorders looks like and how it is effective in remediation.  This episode will help SLPs refresh their knowledge about voice disorders and prepare other therapists and early intervention providers to better recognize possible voice disorders in pediatrics.  For parents, this episode helps you better understand what a voice disorder is and when you should seek further evaluation and treatment for your child.

Join us in this episode as Stacey Landberg, M.S., CCC/SLP, speech-language pathologist, describes what adult learning principles are and how understanding them can help you deliver more effective early intervention.  She shares the acronym she uses to help her remember the principles as well as how she ensures she follows the acronym, SCRAPP, in her practice.  Stacey lists resources to help you further your knowledge of adult learning principles and explains how she is supporting colleagues in the field by leading a community of practice called Coach to Coach.  This episode challenges early interventionists to examine how they are delivering coaching services and how they might improve upon that to optimize adult/caregiver/parental learning and assists families in thinking about their own learning styles and how they can best impact their child's development in positive ways.  Stacey mentions the following websites and resources:  @ei.coaching on Instagram,  http://fgrbi.com, https://staceylandberg.com/subscribe/.

We are thrilled to welcome to More Than Child’s Play two very special parents, Sheri and Jeremy Mills. They are the parents of a delightful, sweet, smart, and spunky almost 3 year old who happens to have Prader Willi Syndrome. In honor of PWS Awareness month, Sheri and Jeremy join us to share their journey as a way to educate and support other families and medical providers serving people with this rare disease. We discuss what learning their child had PWS was like for them, how they navigated and continue to navigate medical and support services for their daughter, and exciting upcoming and hopeful news in PWS research. They explain hyperphagia and the wholistic and healthy approach their family has implemented to set life long habits for their child. We discussed what they’d like medical providers and other parents to know and had a real conversation about maintaining parental mental health. If you are a family member or friend of someone with PWS or a healthcare provider, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Hearing their story will give you needed insight and inspiration.     Links based on discussion: For donations to Prader-Willi Association USA: https://www.pwsausa.org/join-now/chapters/florida/ Donate button is at top right corner. Email Sheri screen shot of your donation to be entered in raffle:  momofmoonandmountains@gmail.com  

In this episode Lacy and Cari Ebert, M.S., CCC/SLP discuss coaching in the early intervention setting.  Cari defines what coaching is, how it is different from consultation and why coaching is an important component in early intervention.  She shares how she discusses this service delivery model to parents and caregivers and gains their buy in as the person most responsible for their child's progress and success.  Cari shares resources she has available to deepen your understanding and implementation of coaching as an early intervention provider as well as inspiration to continue the work you do as an early interventionist.  You do not want to miss this episode!  Cari's message is inspiring and motivational!

Listen in as we discuss early identification and treatment of hearing loss in infants and toddlers.  Sydney lists signs and symptoms to look for in infants and toddlers that could indicate possible hearing loss and how to advocate for your child if you have concerns about your child's hearing.  Sydney shares when hearing first develops (it's sooner than you think!) and why and what to do if baby fails the initial hearing screenings.  We talk about early amplification options and the recommended ages baby can access them along with the impact too many ear infections may have on hearing.  This podcast episode if full of information great for parents of littles but also professionals in the field to stay abreast of what to look for and educate families on when it comes to hearing.

We don’t know a parent who hasn’t expressed concerns about their children’s mental health over the past year.  The amount of unpredictability, fear, change, and interruption to daily life and stress they have experienced in their homes has affected them all in some way. Join us as we learn from Melissa Swartz, LPC, Trauma Therapist. Melissa has extensive training in neuroscience, evolutionary biology, stress science, nutrition, and acupuncture. She graciously shares her expertise as we bring to her questions from our listeners and ourselves around mental health for adolescents and teens during the Covid-19 global pandemic. We talk about how Covid has affected our children. We touch on recognizing signs and symptoms for younger children and teens and knowing when our children and teens may need help and how to approach them and access it with them. Melissa provides meaningful education and resources around identity issues and development, social and educational re-acclimation stress, and secondary mental health concerns such as eating disorders, cutting, and other dangerous behaviors.  She shares thoughtful resources on coping, improving sleep and general health, and wholistic and targeted interventions to support therapy interventions. Melissa also answers questions adult and teen listeners shared. This may be the most impactful podcast episode we’ve shared to date. As the need for mental healthcare for children and teens grows, we hope this conversation will empower you to better care for yourself and your family. 

Often times there are roadblocks that get in the way of natural child development.  These roadblocks are sometimes created by adults caring for children and are sometimes biological factors that go undetected.  In this podcast series we will identify eight of the most common roadblocks and share strategies to address them.  In this episode Lacy and Nicole discuss why babies suck and the recommended ages for weaning baby from the bottle and pacifier.  Risks for not weaning baby when recommended are mentioned along with strategies on how to wean baby from the bottle and pacifier.  When to introduce open cup and straw drinking is discussed along with why drinking from a sippy cup is not a developmental milestone.  Be sure to listen to the first episode in this series, Roadblock #1 Lack of Tummy Time and look for the next six podcast episodes highlighting the other roadblocks to natural development: media and screen time exposure, missed diagnoses, undetected vision loss, undetected hearing loss, nutrition and allergies and over-parenting/a faulty sense of what's typical.  To learn more about these Top Roadblocks to Natural Development visit the Milestones & Miracles website (www.milestonesandmiracles.com) and take our continuing education course offered through Medbridge Education

Often times there are roadblocks that get in the way of natural child development.  These roadblocks are sometimes created by adults caring for children and are sometimes biological factors that go undetected.  In this podcast series we will identify eight of the most common roadblocks and share strategies to address them.  First up is lack of tummy time.  Listen in as Nicole Sergent, pediatric physical therapist, discusses why tummy time is so important for infants, when and how to incorporate it into baby's daily routines and solutions if baby doesn't care much for tummy time.  Nicole also shares implications for baby if not enough tummy time is offered.  Be sure to look for the next seven podcast episodes in this series highlighting the other roadblocks to natural development: prolonged bottle/sippy/pacifier use, media and screen time exposure, missed diagnoses, undetected vision loss, undetected hearing loss, nutrition and allergies and over-parenting/a faulty sense of what's typical.  To learn more about these Top Roadblocks to Natural Development visit the Milestones & Miracles website (www.milestonesandmiracles.com) and take our continuing education course offered through Medbridge Education.

Laura Smith, MA, CCC/SLP, is a speech-language pathologist who specializes in Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).  Laura is also the person behind SLP Mommy of Apraxia.  After Laura's daughter was diagnosed with CAS, her passion to learn as much as possible about apraxia began.  In this podcast episode Laura shares her and her daughter's story from before diagnosis to treatment.  She identifies early signs and symptoms of CAS that can be identified before the age of 2.  We discuss some of the more common diagnoses that often coexist with CAS and Laura offers advice to parents on what type of therapy and treatment is best for a child with CAS.  Lastly, Laura describes at-home strategies for parents of children with CAS to help support their communication skills.  This podcast benefits early intervention providers, furthering their knowledge of CAS and how to better identify it in the birth to three population and parents as they work to better understand CAS and more effectively help their child.  Feel free to reach out to Laura at lauraslpmommy@gmail.com, find her on Facebook at SLP mommy of Apraxia/Dyspraxia/Dyslexia and on Instagram @slpmommyofapraxia.

In this episode Kelly Benson-Vogt, M.A., CCC-SLP, COM, certified Orofacial Myologist, defines orofacial myology and describes the characteristics of a myofunctional disorder.  She explains what to expect in orofacial myofunctional therapy and at what age she recommends it.  From this episode you will learn what to look for that may indicate your child or the children you serve have an OMD (orofacial myofunctional disorder).  Prevention and mitigation strategies for early intervention therapists are mentioned and there’s even a brief discussion about pacifier weaning!  Listen in to learn from Kelly’s expertise.  If you’d like to reach out to Kelly following this episode you can email her at kelly@pediatricfeedingandspeech.com or visit her website at www.pediatricfeedingandspeech.com.

In this episode Tabi Jones-Wohleber, M.S., CCC-SLP, AAC specialist and early intervention provider, defines what AAC is and it’s importance for all children as they learn to communicate.  Tabi debunks the top three myths surrounding AAC and explains why and when to introduce AAC with the early intervention population.  She defines what “core vocabulary” and a “robust” AAC system are and gives her recommendations for furthering your knowledge about AAC.  Tabi’s passion for AAC shines through in her knowledge and excitement in discussing this topic.  As a parent this episode will leave you understanding how you can better support your child’s developing communication skills and as a therapist you will deepen your understanding of AAC, build your confidence in discussing it’s importance with families and leave you excitedly wondering which of your clients may benefit from introducing AAC.  Tabi can be reached at tabi@communicationaactualized.com or you can find her on facebook.

Creating their annual Holiday Gift Guide is one of Lacy's and Nicole's favorite and most fun things to do. Take these pediatric therapists and play advocates shopping with you this year as they highlight and link favorite baby toys, gross and fine motor toys, language toys, and toys for teens and families. New this year are fun finds for learning at home since so many children are doing just that in 2020. Join in this jolly and informative chat with Lacy and Nicole (and a few of their own children) so that your selections for the children in your life this year are meaningful and enjoyed for years to come! 

Stressed about making decisions involving your child’s education, activities, and your family’s safety during the pandemic? Join us as we speak with Dr. Lisa Costello, MD, MPH, FAAP.     "Dr. Lisa" is an experienced pediatrician and public health expert, a dedicated community servant, and an advocate for children's health and wellness in local and national arenas with a LONG and DISTINGUISHED list of accolades and work in pediatrics and public health (see linked bio). She has spent a great deal of time this year working on the Covid pandemic and it's impact on public health and the pediatric population working with the Bureau of Public Health on their Covid pandemic response. .  Dr. Lisa skillfully answers our questions and those of our listeners relating to navigating, living, parenting, and educating in the time Covid. Episode Highlights: Questions regarding general virus info: 7:34 Questions related to sports and activities: 19:37 Questions related to family interactions: 33:35 Questions related to masks and hygiene:  42:56 Questions related to immunity and regression of pediatric development in times of stress: 56:34 Questions regarding school reentry: 1:01 Physical and mental health considerations around Covid and children: 1:10

In today's episode, we welcome Nicole's cousin Tania C. Tania lives in the south of France and while here in the US visiting family she joined our podcast! Tania is the mother to a 6 year old daughter who is a bilingual learner (French & English). In this conversation, she discusses her experience of introducing and living life in two languages. We compare and contrast motherhood in France and America including pregnancy and delivery, maternity and childcare options, school experiences, and cultural similarities and differences in parenting. A la prochaine fois pour un nouveau épisode!

In one of our most personal and helpful conversations yet, we are joined by Megan Dodd. Megan, a seasoned educator, reading specialist, and administrator took on a new role as Mom when her amazing son Alex entered the world. Megan takes us on an intimate, honest, and real conversation about parenting a child who happens to have Down Syndrome.  She shares her story of learning of Alex's diagnosis, struggles of finding early connections to other parents with similar experiences, tales of medical diagnoses, hospitalizations, procedures, and therapy along with triumphs and many victories for her bright and beautiful son. In her unique position as an administrator and a parent, Megan shares advice on advocating for inclusion and navigating the public school system. Through Alex's experience with a co-diagnoses of leukemia, Megan has learned and shares valuable lessons that can help every listener. She has turned her pain into power by co-founding the Down Syndrome Cancer Coalition and is an advocate and administrator of the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (The Rockin' Moms). In our part of the world and for many across the globe, Megan has become a "go-to mom" for those first learning about their child's diagnosis with Down Syndrome and/or Leukemia. Parents and family members of children with and without these diagnoses, therapists, and educators can all learn something to make the world a better and more inclusive place to be from listening to Megan share her story. 

Preschool is often a child’s first step into the world of education. How do we support that step being a positive one? And one that associates school with a love of learning? Morgan Academy's Melanie Zajicek, known to us as a Pre-K goddess, joins us to answer questions we find most parents have when exploring Pre-K in general and Pre-K options. With a background in early childhood and psychology, and armed with years of experience not only teaching young children, but really living inside a child's world, Melanie discusses what parents should look for when visiting or researching potential schools. We talk about the many options available in terms of type/style of Pre-K programs and what really matters. We dive into what real learning look likes, why outdoor play is essential, and if worksheets are appropriate for preschoolers. Melanie touches on an situation too common in today’s world - the anxious child - and what is recommended to avoid this and keep children healthy and happy. She shares her thoughts on reading readiness, technology appropriateness, and her favorite resources for the Pre-K population.  Melanie is smart and funny and will help any parent feeling concerned about this step to feel empowered and excited. Enjoy!

One of the universal themes a parent with a school age child can relate to is feelings toward math. Whether the child's feelings toward math are those of anxiety or excitement, frustration is often experienced as families try to tackle nightly math homework around the dinner table. Join us as we welcome Nationally Board Certified, Presidential Award Winner for Excellence in Science and Mathematics, and veteran educator and curriculum consulter, Cindy Evarts. Cindy explains how "new" math is actually OLD and answers questions and provides tips for parents who often seem confused about why the student can't do math the way "I was taught." She also supports fellow educators with suggestions in teaching parents and students alike about the math methods shared in today's classrooms. She compares and contrasts how math is taught in the US and how that is shaped by legislation and political influence and compares and contrasts this to how math is taught around the world. We have an important discussion about age old beliefs and practices surrounding how girls are taught math and discuss gender differences in math education. Cindy shares her experiences with Lego Robotics and how using this and other practical examples of real problems solved with math excite her students. She also answers our questions about the best ways early math concepts are introduced to young children, whether basic math fact memorization is important, if we should care about finger counting, and if she thinks we push higher math concepts too early. Most importantly, she shares tips and resources for parents, students, and educators that will hopefully help to turn math anxiety into math excitement. Don't miss this episode. It will make your life easier! 

Join us as we welcome to the table reading specialist and educator Sarah Poland in our first episode of our Back To School Education Series. Sarah shares with us what we know about the young brain and how it learns to read. She discusses early literacy tips and components for successful reading. As an expert in the field of dyslexia she details what parents and educators should be looking for to identify and decipher between a challenged reader/learner and a child with dyslexia. Lacy shares her personal experience navigating educational supports as a parent of a child with dyslexia. We discuss the Orton Gillingham method and how it’s sensory rich approach can be helpful to any teacher or parent. She answers common questions about letter reversals, guided reading, and more! Our conversation was rich with detail and resources helpful to us all! We hope you’ll enjoy!

This episode is not to be missed! We welcome Behavor Science Specialist Chrissy Keller to our table for information EVERYONE needs to have. Chrisy expertly breaks down what behavior actually is (it's not ALL bad), and how it is affected by our culture, changing play trends, and nutrition. We opened up your questions to Chrissy and she covers all the big ones - biting, tantruming, meltdowns, transition struggles, listening the first time our children are asked to do things, and power struggles...and she shares suggestions to shape these behaviors! We discuss instilling empathy and understanding fairness within families. And we loved hearing her thoughts on balancing inclusion vs. safety in schools in terms of behavior. This information is fascinating and more importantly will be helpful to you TODAY! 

If you have a brain, you have a sensory system. Is it working efficiently to help you function and succeed every day? Is the same happening for your child or one your work with? The term "sensory issues" is a common one these days, but what does this actual mean? In this episode with OT and sensory specialist, Terin Morton Fetty, we dive right into what our sensory systems are and what their job is within our bodies. We explore how we can all identify our own unique sensory needs and use that information to enhance our daily experiences.  We discuss the rising rates of children with sensory processing disorders and challenges and other co-diagnoses, including what parents may be experiencing, red flags, and how and when to seek help. Terin expertly shares how a regulated sensory system serves as the absolute foundation for educational learning with tips every parent and teacher should hear. We have an important discussion about Autism and what we are seeing happen with more and more children in our world and why. And finally, we answer our listeners questions about their own sensory challenges with their children and together learn more about how we can be better teachers, therapists, friends, family members, and neighbors to the growing number of families experiencing challenges centered around sensory processing. Pull up a chair and join on conversation as we make sense out of the complex topic of sensory integration. 

Pull up a seat at our table and join us for this insightful conversation about eating! We proudly welcome feeding expert, Speech Language Pathologist, Kelly Benson-Vogt. Kelly is the owner of Pediatrc Feeding & Speech Solutions and we ask her everything we want to know ourselves as both therapists AND moms. Why do children suddenly become picky and how can parents prevent it from being a permanent behavior? How do we know the difference between picky eaters and problem feeders? Binkies, sippy cups, pouch eating and more. EVERY parent we know has at one point or time had questions about their children and food. So this podcast is for EVERYONE! Parents and therapists alike, join us as we learn SO MUCH from Kelly's experience and advice! 

Join Speech-Language Pathologist Lacy Morise and Physical Therapist Nicole Sergent as they host warm and helpful conversations around their table where the early childhood world and daily parenting life meet. The friends and professionals from their village will inspire, challenge, and support you in your own journey as a parent, early childhood professional, or therapist. In Episode 1, we share our story and journey including how our worlds as therapists and mothers collided to spark an idea of a company and a product that we wished we had access to. We chat about the unexpected and often humorous ride we went on (and are still on) as medical professionals learning to navigate a business and publishing world. There were some very unexpected and unusual mountains to climb! And we discuss why we wanted to add a podcast to the mix and what we hope it brings to our community.