A Parent's Guide to Child Development

Annamarie von Firley
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Parenting
  • 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. 5d ago

    Why Your Kid Struggles to Read, Write, or Focus in School | Emily Roper

    Struggling to read isn't always about intelligence — and messy handwriting isn't always about carelessness. For a surprising number of kids, the real culprit is a reflex that should have disappeared before their first haircut. In this episode, Emily Roper returns to unpack the Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) — the invisible thread connecting how your baby moved in the womb to how your 8-year-old holds a pencil today. Host Annamarie von Firley sits down with Emily Roper, Neurodevelopmental Delay Therapist, certified Midwife's Assistant, and founder of Early Roots, to unpack how a reflex that's supposed to fade by 3 months old can quietly sabotage a child's academic life for years — and get mislabeled as laziness, defiance, ADHD, or dyslexia along the way. What We Cover:  • What the ATNR is, and its role in birth, vision, and early hand-eye coordination • Why it needs to integrate so early, and the most common reasons it doesn't • Crossing midline, and why a retained ATNR makes it so hard • How ATNR shapes classroom skills, dominant-hand development, and bilateral coordination • Why handwriting, copying from the board, and written expression are so often affected • The real overlap between dyslexia, ADHD, and a retained ATNR • What's really happening underneath homework battles and meltdowns • Why bike riding, swimming, and ball sports are often affected too • A simple way to check for a retained ATNR at home • Why this so often gets missed, even after years of tutoring or therapy • What the integration process looks like, and how soon parents see changes • Who to reach out to first if this sounds familiar Time Stamps:  00:00 What is the ATNR reflex? 02:53 ATNR's role in birth and delivery 03:35 ATNR and eye development 07:50 Why ATNR must integrate by 3 months 09:53 Common reasons ATNR doesn't integrate 12:05 ATNR's link to reading level 14:24 Crossing midline & retained ATNR 17:40 ATNR and dominant-hand development 21:00 Helping a child who skips words reading 25:53 Handwriting as a sign of retained ATNR 30:02 Why writing is harder than speaking 31:00 Dyslexia vs. retained ATNR 34:58 "ADHD" behavior vs. retained ATNR 37:40 What's behind homework battles 40:14 Biking, swimming & ball sports struggles 43:47 Checking for retained ATNR at home 45:14 Why retained ATNR gets missed 46:37 What integration looks like 48:52 Who to reach out to for help Resources:  Book: Reflexes, Learning, & Behavior by Sally Goddard Blythe Institute of Neuro-Physiological Psychology: https://www.inpp.org.uk About Emily Roper:  Neuro-Developmental Delay Therapist, certified Midwife's Assistant, and founder of Early Roots. Emily has backgrounds in psychology, midwifery, and neurodevelopmental delay, and has spent over a decade supporting children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, dyslexia, sensory challenges, and other developmental difficulties. instagram.com/earlyroots facebook.com/earlyroots About Annamarie von Firley:  After 20 years running her fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie returned to her toy design roots and founded Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016. About Fledglings' Flight:  Play-based exercises for children birth to age 3, supporting cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development, with a monthly exercise library and milestone tracking in our app. Follow us: FledglingsFlight.com app.FledglingsFlight.com Instagram/TikTok/Facebook: @fledglingsflight LinkedIn: fledglings-flight Music: Purple Planet Music

    Why Your Kid Struggles to Read, Write, or Focus in School | Emily Roper

  2. Jul 23 ·  Bonus

    Why your baby’s startle reflex never went away | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    A retained Moro Reflex isn’t a glitch. It’s your baby’s brain doing exactly what it’s built to do. Emily Roper explains why things like C-sections, four-step delivery, or being separated from mom can convince the brain it still needs that stress response, even years later. Full episode on the Moro and Fear Paralysis reflexes link below.https://youtu.be/dhCaBJ59bBATime Stamps:00:31 How can a traumatic birth experience, such as a head injury or C-section, can be one of the most common risk factors that disrupt the integration of the Moro reflex?01:20 Why is a safe and healthy environment crucial for babies during birth?02:05 How does the Moro reflex lay the foundation for early brain development through movement and experiences?Contact Emily RoperInstagram.com/earlyrootsFacebook.com/earlyrootsFollow 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

  3. Jul 18

    What Derails Development Before Your Baby Is Even Born - Guest: Emily Roper | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    Why do some kids sail through development while others struggle with anxiety, sensory overwhelm, ADHD, or learning challenges? Often, the answer traces back to something almost nobody talks about: primitive reflexes that never fully integrated — and the risk factors that get in their way. Host Annamarie von Firley sits down with Emily Roper, Neuro-Developmental Delay Therapist, certified Midwife's Assistant, & founder of Early Roots, to unpack what derails reflex integration — starting as early as five weeks after conception through pregnancy, birth, & the first year. Emily also hosts The Early Roots Podcast. This conversation is for expectant parents, new parents, birth workers, and anyone parenting a struggling child — not to create guilt, but to build awareness and offer a path forward. What We Cover: Why retention isn't about blame — what's in a parent's controlWhy this isn't routine in prenatal/pediatric careIn-utero risks: maternal stress, substances, illness, positioning, low amniotic fluidMultiples and IVF considerationsCommon birth scenarios linked to retained reflexesC-sections and reflex retention researchInduction, epidurals, vacuum, forceps, PitocinPrematurity and NICU vulnerabilityHow the nervous system "remembers" birth traumaThe critical 4th trimesterWhy early connection with mom mattersFeeding challenges, tongue ties, colic, refluxPostpartum maternal mental health's effect on baby"Container baby syndrome" and movement needsFirst steps if your story includes these risk factors Time Stamps: 02:04 What's the biggest reason primitive reflexes don't integrate? 06:00 Should parents feel guilty about retained reflexes? 09:09 Why is reflex integration often overlooked in the healthcare system? 11:32 How does maternal stress affect reflex development? 14:21 Which pregnancy factors impact primitive reflexes? 16:13 How does the womb environment shape reflex development? 18:00 Do twins & IVF babies need extra developmental support? 21:00 Which birth scenarios are linked to retained reflexes? 23:00 What are the risk factors for cesarean birth affecting the baby’s nervous system? 29:00 Do inductions, epidurals, & assisted births affect reflexes? 32:42 Can difficult births affect reflexes later? 34:26 Why is the 4th trimester critical for reflex integration? 38:00 Why does early connection with mom matter for reflex integration? 41:14 How should parents approach feeding & reflex challenges? 44:09 How does postpartum stress impact the baby? 46:12 How does movement shape a baby’s brain & body? 48:49 Why are tummy time & crawling so important? Contact Emily Roper Instagram.com/earlyroots Facebook.com/earlyroots About Emily Roper Emily Roper is a Neurodevelopmental Delay Therapist, the founder of Early Roots, and a certified midwife’s assistant. Roper supports children with developmental delays. She has over a decade of experience with neurodivergent children and has attended more than 600 births. Through her work and podcast, she teaches how early experiences shape cognitive and nervous system development. About Fledglings' Flight: At Fledglings Flight, we understand that every child is unique and deserves the best opportunities for growth & learning. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of play-based exercises specifically designed for children from birth to 3 years of age. These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, & social-emotional development. With our user-friendly app, parents & caregivers have access to a library of engaging exercises that change monthly. You can customize your daily routine by selecting exercises that align with your child's developmental needs. 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

  4. Jul 11 ·  Bonus

    Learn how the sensitive period shapes early learning in Montessori education | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode, Marsha Familaro Enright discusses Montessori's sensitive periods and the importance of early learning from birth through age 6 for language, movement, and sensory development. Understand how early experiences shape development and why the right environment supports learning during these formative years. Time Stamps: 00:12 Why is the sensitive period important in learning and developing the cornea for a 0-6-year-old to develop sensory movement? 01:00 Why do some children lose their love of learning & how does the sensitive period help motor development? 01: 50 Why do the first 6 years matter to understand the language & surroundings? Contact Marsha Familaro Enright Hello@reliancecollege.org Great connections Summer Seminar applicants can receive the discounted early rate by mentioning A Parent’s Guide to Child Development Podcasts in their Application Link Here :https://reliancecollege.org/seminar/ Interested in Reliance College’s AI Proof UTM course & to get a steep discount for the Fall? Contact admin@reliancecollege.org 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

  5. Jul 9 ·  Bonus

    What Parents Need to Know About Early Speech Development | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode, Lois Heymann explains why everyday conversation with your kids matters for early language development and debunks the common misconception that children can develop strong language skills through screen time alone. Heymann also discusses the importance of building foundational speech skills at home and how real conversation builds vocabulary that schools can build on to develop reading and writing skills. Time Stamps: 00:08 Why are listening, language, and speaking skills developed at home first?00:50 How language supports toddlers’ reading and writing?01:29 The misconceptions about screens and early learning?02:00 How vocabulary impacts kindergarten academic success?Contact Lois Kam Heyman www.listenlovelearn.comLois@listenlovelearn.vomInstagram @listen_love_learnUse Code: PLAYfor 10% off orders over $10 on the website, listenlovelearn.comFollow 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

  6. Jul 4

    How Fear Paralysis & Moro Reflex Shape Your Child's Cognitive Functions | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode, Emily Roper explains the roles and development of the fear paralysis reflexes and Moro reflexes as well as its implications. Roper discusses how pregnancy, birth, and early infancy influence the stress response, sensory processing, attention, and emotional regulation. Emily also covers signs of retained primitive reflexes, their links to anxiety and ADHD symptoms, and ways parents can support healthy neurological development.Time Stamps 02:02 What is the fear paralysis reflex?04:11 How do fear paralysis & Moro reflexes develop in our body 06:00 How do primitive reflexes help human neurodevelopment09:19 Can maternal health influence primitive reflex integration12:40 Early signs of the retained fear paralysis for the preemie14:44 How can so many symptoms be different expressions of one nervous system response?19:00 How do Moro reflexes kick in during the moment of birth & why is it important for the brain & body functions24:59 How can retained reflexes trigger many psychological issues in early development27:48 How can early stress responses shape ADHD Behaviors29:10 Why is the retained Moro reflex a cause of many stress responses & how it shape kids' personalities30:29 How do Moro & fear-paralysis patterns look together32:59 How does stress regulation change over time in kids and adultsContact Emily Roperinstagram.com/earlyrootsfacebook.com/earlyrootsAbout Emily Roper Emily Roper is a Neurodevelopmental Delay Therapist, the founder of Early Roots, and a certified midwife’s assistant. Roper supports children with developmental delays. She has over a decade of experience with neurodivergent children and has attended more than 600 births. Through her work and podcast, she teaches how early experiences shape cognitive and nervous system development.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 specifically designed for children from birth to 3 years of age. These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development.With our user-friendly app, parents and caregivers have access to a library of engaging exercises that change 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

  7. Jun 27 ·  Bonus

    Did your OB give you a mental health check when you were pregnant? | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode, Lynn Ingram McFarland discusses how early screening helps identify mental health concerns, encourages honest conversations with providers, and how it can support parents throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey. Time Stamps 00:50 Why is screening so important throughout the pregnancy and postpartum journey? 01:09 How does the process of perinatal mental screening look? 02:22 Why does communication with your providers matter in creating a safe space for moms before screening? Contact Lynn Ingram McFarland: Email: ingramscreeningpmads@gmail.com Text: 503-888-6489 Website: https://ingramscreening.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnmcfarland/ Follow us: Fledglings’ Flight: www.FledglingsFlight.com App: app.FledglingsFlight.com Instagram: / fledglingsflight TikTok: / fledglings.flight Facebook: / fledglingsflight LinkedIn: / fledglings-flight Pinterest: / fledglingsflight Music: Purple Planet Music

  8. Jun 26 ·  Bonus

    Why understanding your child’s behavior supports their emotional growth| A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode, Gabreile Nicolet explains” intermittent reinforcement in children and how inconsistency encourages persistence. Nicolet also emphasizes that understanding the emotional needs behind a child's actions can improve communication and self-regulation. Time Stamps 00:02 Why children ask the same question over and over even after you have told them ‘no‘? 01:15 What happens when a parent dismisses their child’s needs? 02:10 How being dismissive to your child affects their self-esteem and mental health? Contact Gabreile Nicolet https://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.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

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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.

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