Not Just Theories

Not Just Theories
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Not Just Theories Parenting and therapy beyond the textbooks. Tired of parenting advice that sounds good but doesn’t work? This podcast is about real-life solutions you can actually use. I’m Brittany, a speech pathologist and parent. Here, we go beyond ideas and theories. I share honest stories, practical tips, and clear examples from my experience. Each episode breaks down parenting, therapy, and household strategies into easy, real-world steps. No jargon, no fluff - just useful advice that fits your busy life. If you want help that feels doable and honest, this podcast is for you. Let’s make parenting and supporting your family simpler and more real. Because life doesn't follow a theory- here's what I actually do.

  1. Sep 28

    E38 The Best Book for Your Child: Making Reading Fun (Even for Reluctant Readers)

    What’s the best book to read to your child? The one they want you to read! In Episode 38 of Not Just Theories, I’m talking about making books enjoyable, accessible, and part of everyday family life (without turning reading into another task for our kids) We’ll explore the “broccoli effect”: how making children read because it’s good for them can sometimes backfire, and why enjoyment and connection matter. I’ll share practical ideas for encouraging reluctant readers, from interactive books and funny voices to following your child’s interests, letting them choose their own books, and making stories available beyond formal story time. We’ll also chat about why picture books, graphic novels, audiobooks, and even the same favourite story on repeat all count. Because reading doesn’t have to look one particular way (and it doesn’t need to become a battle) In this episode: Why the best book is the one your child enjoys The “broccoli effect” and avoiding pressure around reading Choosing books around your child’s interests Interactive books, illustrations, graphic novels, and audiobooks Making stories fun with sound effects, silly voices, and play Encouraging reluctant readers without forcing them to sit still Letting children choose, explore, and revisit favourite books Supporting communication through shared reading without turning it into a therapy session Whether your child devours books, prefers to look at pictures, or isn’t interested in sitting down for a story, there are lots of ways to make books part of your everyday life. Resources mentioned: The Informed SLP: Shared Book Reading: Start Here https://www.theinformedslp.com/review/Shared-Book-Reading-Start-Here

  2. Sep 21

    E37 Milestones vs Averages: When “Wait and See” Isn’t Enough

    “Every child develops at their own pace.” It’s something we hear all the time, and there’s truth in it. But sometimes this message gets used to explain away something that actually deserves a closer look. In this episode, we’re unpacking the difference between a communication milestone and a communication average, because they aren't interchangeable. An average tells us where the middle of a population sits. Children naturally fall above and below that point, so being outside an average doesn't automatically mean there is a problem. A milestone is different, it represents a skill that we expect children to have achieved by a particular age. If a child isn't reaching that milestone, that is a reason to seek assessment or professional guidance. It is not a reason to panic, but also not something that should automatically be met with “let's just wait and see.” We’ll look at examples from the Speech Pathology Australia communication milestones, and connect this back to my earlier Early Communication episodes about serve and return, waiting, and creating opportunities for children to communicate. Previous Early Communication episode Serve and Return - The Foundation for Connection Previous Early Communication episode: Stop Asking, Start Connecting Speech Pathology Australia Communication Milestones Because “on their own timeline” and “let’s get some professional guidance” aren't mutually exclusive.

  3. Sep 14

    E36 What Bluey Can Teach Us: The Power of Waiting

    Sometimes, the most helpful thing we can do when we’re communicating with our children is… nothing. In this episode of Not Just Theories, we’re heading to the Bluey universe to look at the power of waiting, using the Hairdressers episode as a jumping-off point. When we’re eager to help our children communicate, it can be tempting to fill every silence: asking another question, offering a word, or jumping in to keep the interaction moving. But sometimes our children just need a little more time. We’ll look at why waiting can be such a powerful part of early communication, how it gives children opportunities to initiate and respond, and what this can look like in everyday interactions and play. This episode also connects back to my earlier episode on serve and return, where we explored the foundations of those back-and-forth interactions. Listen to the earlier Early Communication episode: Early Communication Part 1: Serve and Return And if you haven't seen Hairdressers, don't worry. I'll walk you through the moments that got me thinking about waiting in the first place. (But also, what are you waiting for?!? Bluey is amazing and you should definitely check out this episode) Because sometimes supporting communication isn't about finding the perfect thing to say. Sometimes it's about leaving enough space for your child to say something themselves.

  4. Sep 7

    E35 Toothbrushing Battles: Using Your Communication Toolkit in Real Life

    If toothbrushing feels like a daily battle in your house, you’re not alone. In this episode of Not Just Theories, I take a very real, very common parenting challenge (toothbrushing resistance) and walk through how I used my communication toolkit (from the previous episode) in practice. Because the truth is, no single strategy magically fixes these moments. Instead, I share how different tools can be used flexibly over time, including: playfulness and silliness offering choices acknowledging feelings setting clear limits and adjusting expectations depending on the day This episode builds directly on the idea that parenting isn’t about finding the right script. Instead, it’s about having multiple strategies you can draw on when things aren’t going to plan.  If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a power struggle over something as simple (and necessary!) as brushing teeth, this episode will help you think about those moments differently, and give you practical ways to respond.

  5. May 4

    E34 The Communication Toolkit: Real-Life Strategies That Actually Work

    When it comes to parenting and communication, it’s easy to go searching for the strategy that will fix everything. But in real life, one strategy is rarely enough. In this episode of Not Just Theories, I talk about the idea of a communication toolkit. A collection of strategies you can draw on flexibly, depending on your child, the situation, and the moment you’re in. Inspired by the book How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen, this episode explores how tools like: acknowledging feelings offering choices using playfulness setting limits with empathy and adjusting your expectations can all work together (rather than in isolation) I also share a real-life example of navigating a tricky phase with my own child, where I found myself using multiple tools across days and weeks, not because I was doing it “wrong,” but because that’s what responsive parenting actually looks like. This episode is about moving away from perfection and toward flexibility, reflection, and having more than one way to respond.

  6. Apr 27

    E33 Infant Sleep (Part 8): Bringing It All Together

    In this final episode of the infant sleep series, we bring together the key ideas from the previous episodes. We revisit: • how circadian rhythms and sleep pressure shape sleep • why babies have different sleep needs • biological and medical barriers to sleep • allergies and gut discomfort • sensory processing differences • temperament and individual variation • strategies for protecting parent sleep The goal of this series has never been to provide a single “right” way to manage infant sleep. Instead, it’s about understanding the many factors that influence sleep, so families can make decisions that work for their child and their lives.

  7. Apr 20

    E32 Infant Sleep (Part 7): Orchid or Dandelion?

    This episode is part of the Not Just Theories Infant Sleep Series, exploring the many factors that influence baby sleep, from circadian rhythms and temperament to medical and sensory differences. Some babies seem to sleep easily almost anywhere. Others are far more sensitive to stimulation, change, or discomfort. In this episode we explore how temperament can shape infant sleep, using the concept of dandelion and orchid children. We talk about how some babies are naturally more adaptable, while others are more sensitive to their environment. We discuss why these differences can make certain sleep approaches work well for some families but not others. This episode is about reducing parental guilt and recognising that sleep differences between babies are often rooted in temperament, not parenting choices.

  8. Apr 13

    E31 Infant Sleep (Part 6): Maximising Parent Sleep When Your Baby Wakes Often

    This episode is part of the Not Just Theories Infant Sleep Series, exploring the many factors that influence baby sleep, from circadian rhythms and temperament to medical and sensory differences.   When babies wake frequently, the question many parents are really asking is: How do I survive the sleep deprivation? In this episode we shift the focus from “fixing” baby sleep to protecting parent sleep. We talk about practical strategies for maximising adult rest, including sharing overnight responsibilities, managing sleep windows for adults, and rethinking the often-unhelpful advice to “sleep when the baby sleeps.” This episode is about realistic ways families can protect their own sleep and wellbeing during a stage of life that is naturally demanding.

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About

Not Just Theories Parenting and therapy beyond the textbooks. Tired of parenting advice that sounds good but doesn’t work? This podcast is about real-life solutions you can actually use. I’m Brittany, a speech pathologist and parent. Here, we go beyond ideas and theories. I share honest stories, practical tips, and clear examples from my experience. Each episode breaks down parenting, therapy, and household strategies into easy, real-world steps. No jargon, no fluff - just useful advice that fits your busy life. If you want help that feels doable and honest, this podcast is for you. Let’s make parenting and supporting your family simpler and more real. Because life doesn't follow a theory- here's what I actually do.

Information

  • Creator
    Not Just Theories
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Not Just Theories

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