A Parent's Guide to Child Development

Annamarie von Firley

Let's face it—nobody ever went to college to learn how to raise a baby. Everyone is just making it up as they go along. "A Parent's Guide to Child Development" is your lifeline to expert wisdom. Learn about the most important information that you didn't know existed. Hosted by Annamarie von Firley from Fledglings' Flight, this podcast gathers insights from experts in child development such as pediatric OTs, speech language pathologists, child psychologists, lactation consultants, & more, delivering practical tips & actionable advice to help optimize your child's development.

  1. HACE 1 DÍA · CONTENIDO EXTRA

    How do meltdowns differ in children with autism and ADHD | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode with Gabriele Nicolet, parents will learn what meltdowns look like, especially for neurodivergent kids. It explains that while behavior can be similar across children, the intensity, frequency, and duration of meltdowns vary. Kids with autism and ADHD may have reactions that feel bigger and last longer because of their nervous system responses. It guides parents in understanding their children's behavior by explaining how their nervous systems work and offers strategies for responding to their kids’ reactions with compassion. Timestamps:00:39 How do children with autism and ADHD melt down differently?00:59 Why do neurodivergent children have longer and more intense meltdowns than neurotypical children?01:25 Why do the parents have to pay attention to the kids' nervous system?02:00 How to help neurodivergent children regulate during meltdowns?Contact Gabriele Nicolethttps://www.instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet https://www.facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet https://www.gabrielenicolet.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/complicated-kids/id1674232166Follow us:Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.comApp: https://app.FledglingsFlight.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflightTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings.FlightFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlightLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flightPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/Music: Purple Planet Music

    3 min
  2. HACE 6 DÍAS

    Easy ways to support your child’s language development | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode with Sholeh Shahinfer, parents will learn the key aspects of early language development and the different ways children communicate. You'll understand the importance of repetition, making connections, and acknowledging feelings. Discover why slowing down matters, how honoring a child’s voice builds confidence and trust, and gain a neurodiversity-affirming perspective that shifts the focus from "fixing" to truly understanding your child. Timestamps 01:16 Easy ways to support your child’s language development? 01: 51 How to make daily routines into language development opportunities for your child? 02:41 Why is repetition the key for kids learning to communicate? 02:52 Common missed communication opportunities to support your child’s language development? 03:35 Why you shouldn't overcorrect your child?05: 29 Language development tips for new parents?06:30 Why trying to interpret what your child is communicating to you is important to their language development 08: 35 How can parents release the pressure to teach, instead focus on connecting? 10:25 Why is spending time with kids enough for parents to communicate ? 12:44 Why does narrating everything to your kids help their communication development? 15:19 Difference between analytical language processing and Gestalt language processing 19:18 Why predictability is good in kids, especially in neodivergent kids? 23:59 Why is it important for parents to know about their kids' attention spans? 28:11 How does a neurodiversity-affirming approach change how we think about communication development? 29:00 Why is it important to honor the way your child is communicating? 32:41 What is Echolalia? 35:06 Why is it important for your child to feel safe and have their feelings acknowledged to build a connection? 36:00 Why do some kids get afraid to participate in conversations because of the punishment? 42: 04 Why may applying rules to the neodivergent kids lead to masking and burnout for them?43: 03 What is masking? Contact Sholeh Shanifer Website: www.valuedvoices.com Instagram & Facebook: @valuedvoices Email: sholeh@valuedvoices.com Phone: 949-929-9248 Shop & Resources: www.valuedvoices.com/shop About Sholeh Shanifer Sholeh Shahinfar is a speech-language pathologist, certified oral-motor therapist, and Founder and CEO of Valued Voices. Since 2009, she has supported children and families using a neurodiversity-affirming, family-centered, and strengths-based approach, helping children connect with their authentic voices. About Annamarie von Firley: After 20 years of owning and running her own fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie von Firley returned to her toy design roots. With a BA in Wooden Toy Design and Construction and a BFA in Furniture Design, she took her knowledge of child development and expertise in play to found Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016. About Fledglings' Flight: At Fledglings Flight, we understand that every child is unique and deserves the best opportunities for growth and learning. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of play-based exercises designed for children from birth to age 3. These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development.With our user-friendly app, parents and caregivers can access a library of engaging exercises that update monthly. You can customize your daily routine by selecting exercises that align with your child's developmental needs. As a Basic Member, you can track your child's milestones and receive insights into their progress. For even more personalized guidance, our Premium Members gain access to a developmental profile. Follow us: Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com Instagram: / fledglingsflight TikTok: / fledglings.flight Facebook: / fledglingsflight LinkedIn: / fledglings-flight Pinterest: / fledglingsflight Music: Purple Planet Music

    49 min
  3. 20/12/2025 · CONTENIDO EXTRA

    How can battery-powered toys be dangerous for your kids | A Parent's Guide to Child's Development

    In this podcast episode with Dr. Sara Muršić, you will learn how common toys and household objects, such as electric candles, can harm children. It highlights injuries that can result from certain types of toy batteries, including choking, and explains how certain age groups can hurt themselves because of the risks some toys pose. In addition to choking, button batteries and small magnets found in light-up toys, remotes, and household decor can cause severe injuries if swallowed. In this podcast, you will learn tips on how to be aware of the things that can really hurt your child, how to prevent these dangers, and how to use battery compartments with screws and keep unsafe items out of children’s reach. Time Stamps 00:16 What are some injury risks for 5-year-old kids due to small objects? 00:45 How can you check the toy's size to ensure it's safe for your children? 01:21 Why are small button batteries and magnet toys dangerous for kids? 01:58 Tips to prevent the dangers of battery toys? 02:07 How important is it to keep household objects out of kids' reach? Contact Dr. Sara Muršić: Website: www.toyscope.org Instagram: @toy.scope Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/ToyScope/61571729882938/ YouTube: @ToyScopeUK Follow us: Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/ App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com Instagram: / fledglingsflight TikTok: / fledglings.flight Facebook: / fledglingsflight LinkedIn: / fledglings-flight Pinterest: / fledglingsflight Music: Purple Planet Music

    3 min

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Let's face it—nobody ever went to college to learn how to raise a baby. Everyone is just making it up as they go along. "A Parent's Guide to Child Development" is your lifeline to expert wisdom. Learn about the most important information that you didn't know existed. Hosted by Annamarie von Firley from Fledglings' Flight, this podcast gathers insights from experts in child development such as pediatric OTs, speech language pathologists, child psychologists, lactation consultants, & more, delivering practical tips & actionable advice to help optimize your child's development.