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

Dinalynn Rosenbush, SLP | Speech Pathologist, Parent Mentor, Communication with Kids
  • 5.0 (129)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Biweekly

*** 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/

  1. 9h ago

    270 Tracie Rieder: Using Signs As A Bridge To Speaking

    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 deaf or hard of hearing. Join me and special guest Tracie as we talk about reducing frustration, building connection, and giving children more ways to communicate. Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/ Have a QUESTION or COMMENT? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play   👉 Sign up for Speech & Language Support for Preschool Families: https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/store/p/summer-speech-language-support-for-preschool-families    ABOUT THE GUEST:   Tracie Rieder, the owner of Circle of Friends Signing School, LLC, and a parent coach through Time Out Behavior Coaching.  Tracie spent 23 years as a family child care provider, supporting young children and their families through the joys and challenges of early childhood. Prior to that, she worked as a licensed elementary teacher and Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, with a primary focus on children from birth through the early elementary years. As the mother of three grown children, Tracie brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work in SE MN.  CONTACT THE GUEST:   www.cfsigning.com IG:  https://www.instagram.com/circleoffriendssigning/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086598276828   IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 11 Building Deeper connection Through Communication using SIGNS with your Babies 137 STEP 4 - Would You Rather Not Repeat Again? Plan A Visual Summer Calendar For Your Kids 167 Danielle Lindner: Does An Auditory Processing Difficulty Impact Your Child’s Ability To Read?   SPONSORS:  Clever Elly The a car charger that talks to you. Learn more and claim your Special Bonus: https://cleverelly.com/r?id=246rdm Sarah Lascano: RayZen Energy Free Guide: Heal Faster, Live Freer: Find and Clear the Energetic Roots of Symptoms: https://www.rayzenenergy.com/a/2148155983/Z7tWVm2L Penelope Jane Smith: Real Prosperity Inc. Link for FREE financial guide ebook: https://realprosperity.isrefer.com/go/FFF/dinalynn WE’VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU!  Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play

    33 min

  2. Jun 4

    269 When Communication Is Hard: Selective Mutism and Anxiety-Based Speech Challenges, part 9

    Hey Friends~  Some kids can talk—but don’t in certain situations. Maybe they suddenly go silent at school, church, or around other people. In this episode of our When Communication Is Hard series, we’re talking about selective mutism and anxiety-based communication challenges. These children may have the words, know what they want to say, and still feel unable to access their voice in certain situations. We’ll look at what may be happening beneath the silence, why pressure backfires and makes talking harder, and how safety, predictability, and connection gently support speech over time. So, If you’ve ever wondered whether your child is being shy, stubborn, or overwhelmed, this episode will help you see the struggle with fresh eyes—and respond with more understanding and hope. Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com Have a QUESTION or COMMENT? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play 👉 WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/   👉 Sign up for Speech & Language Support for Preschool Families: https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/store/p/summer-speech-language-support-for-preschool-families    IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 259 When Communication Is Hard: Autism, ADHD, and Language Processing Differences, part 5 262 When Communication Is Hard: Does the Body Need Support? CP, Low Tone, AAC, part 6 264 When Communication Is Hard: Downs Syndrome, Genetic Syndromes, Learning Differences, part 7 265 When Communication Is Hard: Brain Injury, Seizures, and Communication Regression, part 8 WE’VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU!  Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play

    24 min

  3. May 28

    268 Emily Cadiz: What If Music Isn’t a Bonus—but the Brain’s Gateway to Reading?

    Hey Friends~  Most of us don’t remember what it felt like to learn language for the very first time as young children. We focus so much on letters, books, and what children see—but are we overtraining eyes while undertraining ears? After experiencing a brain injury that forced her to relearn language from the beginning, today’s guest, Emily Cadiz, gained a life-changing understanding of what it truly feels like to struggle with communication and learning. As a music professional already working in special education, she turned to music during her recovery to help regain movement, speech, language, and reading — ultimately leading her into NIH research exploring music’s impact on children’s language and literacy development. In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between music, the brain, communication, and learning. You’ll hear why music is such a natural pathway for language development and discover simple ways parents can use rhythm, movement, chanting, and song in everyday life to support children’s speech, language, and early literacy skills. Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/ Have a QUESTION or COMMENT? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play   👉 Sign up for Speech & Language Support for Preschool Families: https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/store/p/summer-speech-language-support-for-preschool-families     WE WON!! 🎉 THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTE FOR WOMEN PODCASTERS AWARDS!!  The Language of Play won in the category of “Lifestyle Podcasts.”  Here is the link to the awards presentation: https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards-ceremony-2026?sc=412250821ef30e36edee7e7f6ad9785ad479446a6   ABOUT THE GUEST:  Emily Cadiz is an educator, researcher, and founder of Prelude Early Learning with more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education, language acquisition, and early literacy. She created the Prelude Learning System and Prelude Partners, a music-to-literacy model that helps young children build strong language and reading foundations through play-based, research-informed instruction. Emily’s work has been recognized through an NIH-funded SBIR research grant studying how music-based learning supports early brain and literacy development. She has partnered with Head Start programs, early learning hubs, and multilingual communities to expand access to engaging, equitable learning tools. A Columbia University alumna, Emily is passionate about helping educators and families give children the communication and literacy skills they need to thrive. CONTACT THE GUEST:    @preludeearlylearning - IG prelude early learning - FB @preludeearlylearning - LinkedIn    IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 267 Luba Patlakh: Snip or Skip? Navigating the Tongue Tie Controversy 266 Sarah James: What Do Speech Sounds Have to Do With Reading? 248 Dr. Emily Levy: Effectively Teach Reading with Orton Gillingham & Multi-Sensory Techniques 239 Marsha Familaro Enright: Montessori? Learn how A Curiosity-Led System Works! WE’VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU!  Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play

    43 min

  4. May 22

    267 Luba Patlakh: Snip or Skip? Navigating the Tongue Tie Controversy

    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 eye-opening, hopeful, and full of practical next steps for parents.  Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/ Have a QUESTION or COMMENT? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play   👉 Sign up for Speech & Language Support for Preschool Families: https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/store/p/summer-speech-language-support-for-preschool-families     WE WON!! 🎉 THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTE FOR WOMEN PODCASTERS AWARDS!!  The Language of Play won in the category of “Lifestyle Podcasts.”  Here is the link to the awards presentation: https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards-ceremony-2026?sc=412250821ef30e36edee7e7f6ad9785ad479446a6   ABOUT THE GUEST:   Luba Patlakh is a passionate Speech-Language Pathologist and the founder of Kidology, a thriving pediatric practice that helps children through speech, occupational, physical, and ABA therapy. With over 15 years of experience, she’s known for empowering families to help their kids reach meaningful milestones. As a mom of three, Luba understands both the challenges and joys of parenting, and her innovative, compassionate approach has earned her national recognition and awards. CONTACT THE GUEST:   https://kidologyinc.com/ https://linktr.ee/kidologyinc https://www.facebook.com/Kidologyinc/videos/269808481196906/ Growth Lab Podcast- https://linktr.ee/growthlabpodcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubapatlakh https://www.instagram.com/kidologyinc/?hl=en    IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 242 Dr. Ben Miraglia: Sleep, Behavior & Speech Struggles? What Early Jaw Growth & Mouth Breathing Reveal 247 Misa Pignataro: Picky Eaters? Let’s Change That! 199 Krista Melanson: Do I Wait or Get Help? My child’s speech is “different.” 232 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: What Parents Need to Know   WE’VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU!  Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play

    40 min

  5. May 14

    266 Sarah James: What Do Speech Sounds Have to Do With Reading?

    Hey Friends~  Many parents think reading begins with letters, flashcards, and sounding out words. But the foundation for reading actually begins much earlier—through listening, sound play, hearing sound patterns, understanding language, building vocabulary, and everyday conversation. So whether you have a toddler and want to give them the strongest start possible… or you have an older child who struggles with reading and you’ve wondered, “What are we missing?” …this episode is going to shed light on important skills that might need to be fortified. Today, I’m joined by speech language pathologist, Sarah James as she unpacks the building blocks that support reading success and explains what the research actually shows makes the biggest impacts on a child’s ability to learn to read. You’ll begin to understand how speech and language skills are deeply connected to literacy, and why some struggles may actually begin long before a child ever sits down with a book.   This conversation will likely cause you to see reading through a whole new lens. Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/ Have a question or comment? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play Sign up for Speech & Language Support for Preschool Families: https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/store/p/summer-speech-language-support-for-preschool-families   ABOUT THE GUEST:   Sarah James is an accomplished Speech Language Pathologist, SLP, seminar leader, keynote speaker and consultant. She is experienced working in urban, suburban and rural public schools as both the SLP and as a consultant for school districts around the country where she has offered speech-language pathologists practical and effective strategies for therapy. She served as president of MNSHA, her state’s speech-language hearing association and was awarded the Honors of the Association.  Sarah’s area of specialty is the relationship between speech language skills, literacy and academic development. She has wide-ranging experience helping SLPs to make connections between speech language-literacy skills and classroom expectations, curriculum targets and state standards.  CONTACT THE GUEST:   sarahjamesconsulting@gmail.com   IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 256 Melanie Jeffrey: What If Phonics Made Speech Easier? 248 Dr. Emily Levy: Effectively Teach Reading with Orton Gillingham & Multi-Sensory Techniques 238 Dr. Bibi Pirayesh: How an Educational Therapist Helps Kids with Learning Differences Succeed  230 Daniela Feldhausen: Speech Sounds and Reading Are Linked. Fun Ways Parents and Educators Can Help     WE’VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU!  Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play

    46 min

  6. May 10

    265 When Communication Is Hard: Brain Injury, Seizures, and Communication Regression, part 8

    Hey Friends~  When communication changes or a child suddenly loses words after a seizure, brain injury, pediatric stroke, or regression, it can leave families feeling scared, confused, and unsure what to do next. In this episode, we talk openly about what these communication changes can look like, what helps the brain heal, and how parents can support their child without adding pressure during already difficult moments. You’ll hear why safety, connection, play, and emotional regulation matter so much in helping children rebuild communication and confidence. This episode is part of Better Speech, Language, and Hearing Month, which highlights the powerful role communication plays in connection, learning, behavior, and everyday life. Summer parent support groups are now open for families wanting practical help supporting clearer speech and stronger communication naturally through everyday routines and play. Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/ Have a question or comment? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play Sign up for Speech & Language Support for Preschool Families: https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/store/p/summer-speech-language-support-for-preschool-families     IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 183 Jeaneen Tang: Play Dumb & Sabotage! An Effective Way To Mindfully Expand Language 195 Zorina Pritchett: Using Games To Develop Reading, Writing, Speaking and Comprehension After Brain Injury 226 Constance Lewis: Using Colors To Get Through Big Feelings - Rebuilding after loss of language     WE’VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU!  Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:   https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link:  https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play

    25 min

  7. May 2

    264 When Communication Is Hard: Downs Syndrome, Genetic Syndromes, Learning Differences, part 7

    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:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/ Have a question or comment? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play Sign up for Speech & Language Support for Preschool Families: https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/store/p/summer-speech-language-support-for-preschool-families IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 253 When Communication Is Hard: An Overview for Parents of Children with Speech or Language Struggles, part 1 254 When Communication Is Hard: Childhood Apraxia of Speech CAS & Motor Speech Disorders, part 2 255 When Communication Is Hard: Speech Sound Disorders & Phonological Delays, part 3 257 When Kids Know More Than They Can Say: Expressive & Receptive Language Delays and DLD, part 4 259 When Communication Is Hard: Autism, ADHD, and Language Processing Differences, part 5 262 When Communication Is Hard: Does the Body Need Support? CP, Low Tone, AAC, part 6   WE’VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU!  Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play

    26 min

  8. Apr 24

    263 Tamara Tuckson & Mckenzie Tuckson: Does AAC Replace Their Voice—or Reveal It?

    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 us into their world.  You will hear the growth, how low tech and high tech are both used - still.   Enjoy this empowering story that is sure to open your mind—and your heart—to new possibilities.  Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/ Have a question or comment? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play PLEASE VOTE!!  We are nominated for Women Podcasters Awards!!   This is a VOTER’S CHOICE AWARD. PLEASE VOTE for THE LANGUAGE OF PLAY in the CATEGORY : LIFESTYLE  PODCASTS https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards   ABOUT THE GUEST:   Tamara and Mckenzie Tuckson are advocates, two time authors, and the founder of Mission 2 Advocate. Her journey began when her daughter, McKenzie, was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome at age two. What started as fear turned into purpose. Today, McKenzie is a thriving young adult, student leader, varsity cheerleader, and national trailblazer for inclusion—using AAC to advocate for teens with exceptional needs. Together, Tamara and McKenzie share their lived experience to educate, empower, and amplify voices in the disability community, proving that every person belongs and every voice matters. CONTACT THE GUEST:   mission2advocate@gmail.com Mission2advocate.com   Tamara’s Business on IG;  #mission2advocate   Facebook:  #mckenziecantalk  IG: #Mckenziespeaks21   YouTube Videos:   https://youtu.be/mv8nSJbml8c?si=0SthwUOlHiEl4-Qs. .https://youtu.be/uZCuurWR2pc?si=OgaTXRDMPh4pCV0G. https://youtu.be/vcqGd6KrwqE?si=wyiLroHEMhWla6pY   IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 254 When Communication Is Hard: Childhood Apraxia of Speech CAS & Motor Speech Disorders, part 2 257 When Kids Know More Than They Can Say: Expressive & Receptive Language Delays and DLD, part 4 259 When Communication Is Hard: Autism, ADHD, and Language Processing Differences, part 5 262 When Communication Is Hard: Does the Body Need Support? CP, Low Tone, AAC, part 6   WE’VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU!  Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play

    50 min
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About

*** 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/

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