A Parent's Guide to Child Development

Annamarie von Firley
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  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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. 9H AGO

    Childbirth Education Matters. Here's why? | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode, we explore misconceptions about childbirth education, the appropriate timing for family education, and why childbirth classes are essential for expecting parents.Guest Susan Barrett Finnazo emphasizes the importance of classes to understand labor duration, interventions, and to set realistic expectations. Benefits include managing anxiety, discussing risks and options with caregivers, and asking vital questions. She explains medical induction, birth plans, interventions, partner involvement, and breathing challenges during labor.The episode also covers doulas, disparities in treatment for women of color in the U.S., and compares how hospital and birth center education impacts postpartum recovery. Time Stamps: 01:25 Common misconceptions about childbirth education 03:20 When families start their childbirth education 06:58 How childbirth education helps to understand interventions 09:14 How can childbirth education create realistic expectations 10:10 How to deal with anxiety during childbirth 12:29 Important questions to ask your providers 14:21 What is induction treatment 15:57 Common interventions parents should understand during labor 18:21 Why is partner involvement needed in labor & birth? 21:38 Why address breathing issues in the labor room? 24:00 Truth about maternal condition in USA healthcare 26:03 Differences in hospitals and birthing centers 27:28 How does childbirth education impact the postpartum and recovery? 31:15 How does a doula support throughout the postpartum period? Contact Susan’s Barrett FinnazoContact info: Susan@mybabylady.com or simplysusan411@gmail.com Http://www.mybabylady.com https://www.facebook.com/mybabyladyinc/ @mybabylady407-973-4620Coupon for Listeners: $250 off virtual doula support package, mention coupon code "Fledgling250.”About Susan Barrett FinnazoSusan Barrett Finazzo is the founder of My Baby Lady and a national advocate for labor, birth, and postpartum education and support. She works as a virtual childbirth educator and birth and postpartum doula serving families nationwide. She is also authoring the upcoming book "My Baby Lady: Exposing the Worst Place to Give Birth. Susan focuses on preparing families not only for labor but also for the crucial early months that influence lifelong development, which aims to help parents become educated, supported, and emotionally regulated because supported, educated parents are better able to raise secure, educated, and emotionally regulated children.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.comApp: https://app.FledglingsFlight.comInstagram: / fledglingsflight TikTok: / fledglings.flight Facebook: / fledglingsflight LinkedIn: / fledglings-flight Pinterest: / fledglingsflight Music: Purple Planet Music

    40 min

  2. 5D AGO · BONUS

    How can Parents Support their Newborns' Napping Habits | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode, Diana Zales explains why nap durations can vary and what parents should observe when their baby wakes. She discusses the difference between fussing and crying and suggests actions for each situation. Sometimes babies simply fuss and may fall back asleep if given a few minutes. She also covers different types of naps, such as contact naps and stroller naps, and explains why having at least one crib nap daily can foster healthy sleep habits. She emphasizes that every baby is unique. If your baby only sleeps while being held or in motion, you’ll find gentle ways to help them transition, and the best approach is to discover what works best for your family. Time Stamps 00:11 When is the best time for your baby to take a nap? 00:48 Why does having one nap rule per day improve babies’ sleep patterns in their crib? 01:08 Advice for parents whose baby needs to be driven in a car in order to fall asleep. 02:18 Why isn't there a secret method for putting a baby to sleep? Contact Diana Zales Website: https://www.zzzsbyzales.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/zzzsbyzales/ Follow us: Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/ App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflight/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings. FlightFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlight/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flight/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/ Music: Purple Planet Music

    3 min

  3. MAR 5 · BONUS

    Why Strength-based therapy supports connecting with kids | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode, Andrea Gingras breaks down what strength-based speech therapy is and what it focuses on. According to her explanation, pay attention to the alternative ways that your child may be trying to communicate through eye contact, gestures, and behaviors, such as handing you a toy. Then be a “detective” to decipher what they are trying to communicate to you.” She emphasized the importance of building connections and trust as the foundation for language development and explained the challenges regarding compliance therapy. Timestamps: 00:02 What is Strength-based speech therapy? 00:29 Why focusing on kids' strengths is more important than compliance therapy. 01:03 Why should parents also support their kids' strengths? 01:27 Why building trust in therapy matters? Contact Andrea Gingras: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slplovewithoutwords/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slp_mentor4u/ Facebook: https://hi-in.facebook.com/people/Love-Without-Words-Speech-Therapy/100088555507551/ Website: https://slplovewithoutwords.com/ Follow us: Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/ App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflight/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings.Flight Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlight/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flight/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/ Music: Purple Planet Music

    2 min

  4. FEB 28 · BONUS

    How sensory development shapes your child's important neurological milestones | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode, Bailey Relford discusses how kids’ sensory development begins as early as eight weeks in the womb. Bailey also discusses how important it is for parents, kids, and caregivers to take care of themselves to support their neuroconnection, as vision and hearing are rapidly developing. The first three months after birth are called the “fourth trimester” because development continues at a fast pace and lays early sensory foundations that support kids’ play, motor skills, cognitive learning, and social-emotional skills. These foundations continue to evolve throughout their lives. Bailey also discusses how important it is to create experiences for your child. Time stamps 00:22 When do Human’s senses first develop? 00:47 Why does human’s touch develop first ? 01:00 Why is the 4–5 month stage of development important for your babies? 01:44 What is the fourth trimester? 02:00 Why is it important to protect the neonatal experience? 02:28 How to support your child’s brain parents development? Follow us: Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/ App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflight/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings.Flight Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlight/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flight/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/

    3 min

  5. FEB 26 · BONUS

    How do parents' screen habits influence children’s screen addiction | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode, Guest Melanie Batista explains that parental screen habits during small moments like feeding or playtime can go unnoticed by parents, even though these moments matter. One of the most important aspects of child behavior is that children learn by watching their parents and what's going on in the moment. Melanie explains that our habits create models for our kids, which is essential for parents to keep in mind, and that using screens in these small moments affects children's behavior. Batista also speaks about why parents are addicted to screens and why they need to change their screen habits. She emphasizes the effectiveness of screens, but it is crucial for parents to maintain balance as well. Timestamps 00:03 How staring at your phone and packs bonding time with your child? 00:26 How your phone habit effects your child’s behavior 01:00 How your screen addiction leads to your child’s screen addiction 01: 24 Why parents need to change their screen habits? 02:27 Why is it important to find a balance between screen use and engaging with your child? Contact Melanie Batista Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/GrowingLittleBrains Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/growinglittlebrains/ Website:https://growinglittlebrains.com/ Email: melanie@growinglittlebrains.com Follow us: Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/ App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflight/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings.Flight Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlight/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flight/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/ Music: Purple Planet Music

    3 min

  6. FEB 22 · BONUS

    Simple ways to help your kids' language growth? | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode, Sarah Schmidt offers tips for parents to practice during story time and highlights the importance of slowing down while reading rather than rushing through the book. The episode emphasizes that slowing down, pointing to pictures, repeating words, and using pauses while reading can significantly impact a child’s language development, as children can quickly observe these actions. Schmidt also encourages parents who already practice these techniques to continue doing so and explains why consistency is the key. Timestamps: 00:16 Why is slowing down while reading is the best practice for parents to support their children's language learning skills? 00:34 How does parents' emphasis on pointing at pictures or repeating words impact a child's language growth? 01:03 Why rereading books build stronger reading skills? 01:11 Why is consistently reading with your child the key to their speech growth? Contact Sarah Schmidt: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/foundations_speechtx_llc?igsh=NnQ4NHdkMTZubHE= I'm A Giant Fire Truck: https://publishingconceptsllc.com/product/im-a-giant-fire-truck/?gQT=2 Foundations Speech & Language Services: https://foundationsslp.com/ Follow us: Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/ App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflight/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings. FlightFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlight/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flight/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/ Music: Purple Planet Music

    2 min

  7. FEB 19 · BONUS

    Why should parents prioritize connection over over-correcting | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode, Sholeh Shahinfer discusses why it's more important to embrace how your child communicates than to constantly correct them. It highlights how parents' attempts to correct their child's communication may cause them to miss important moments of connection. It also emphasizes the importance of modeling behavior while respecting the child's current developmental level, rather than expecting specific responses. Honoring how your child behaves and communicates is vital to their speech development and building trust. Timestamps 00:07 Why rushing your kids can lead you to miss important moments to build a connection with your child? 00:30 Why does the way parents expect their child to communicate hamper their development? 00:49 Why is modeling communication important for your child? 01:09 Why parents should not expect their child to respond the way they want them to? Contact Sholeh Shahinfer Website: www.valuedvoices.com Instagram & Facebook: @valuedvoices Email: sholeh@valuedvoices.com Phone: 949-929-9248 Shop & Resources: www.valuedvoices.com/shop 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

    1 min

  8. FEB 15 · BONUS

    When should parents seek help for gross motor delays| A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode, guest Kasha Pyka explains what gross motor delays are, how to monitor progress at home, and why a lack of improvement over 6–8 weeks may signal it’s time to seek support from a therapist. She also discusses how motor development relates to brain development and gross motor patterns, and why early intervention can be highly effective. This is about guidance, not labels — and about trusting your instincts as a parent. The conversation offers a balanced view of how early guidance can enhance both physical and cognitive development. Timestamps 00:24 How should parents track gross motor delays in a child? 00:56 Why do Gross motor improvements matter more in children than learning new skills? 01:10 Understand how gross motor delays relate to a child's cognitive growth. 01:55 When should parents seek early intervention for gross motor skill delays? Contact Kasha Pyka https://www.instagram.com/motormilestonephysio/ Follow us: Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com/ App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflight/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings.Flight Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlight/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flight/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/

    3 min
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About

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.

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