Talk it Out with Wee Talkers – Details, episodes & analysis

If you've ever wondered why your toddler's attention span seems so short (or why it feels impossible for them to sit still!), this episode is for you. Katie is joined by Dr. Lori Long and Katie Severson, SLP from The Childhood Collective—a team of child psychologists and a speech-language pathologist who help families of children with ADHD thrive at home and at school.

Together, they break down what healthy attention looks like in early childhood, how it develops naturally, and what parents can do to nurture it through play, routines, and relationships.

They also discuss how today's fast-paced, tech-filled world is shaping kids' ability to focus (and how small, intentional changes can make a big difference).

You'll walk away with practical ideas for supporting your child's focus, emotional regulation, and resilience. Plus reassurance that attention is a skill that grows over time!

• Why attention matters in the toddler and preschool years

• What "typical" attention looks like (and what parents shouldn't expect just yet)

• How everyday play and routines naturally build focus

• The impact of screens on developing attention spans

• Doable ways to protect your child's focus without going "zero screen time"

• How emotions and discomfort affect attention—for kids and parents

• Strategies to help toddlers and preschoolers handle big feelings

• When to wonder about ADHD—and what early support can look like

The Childhood Collective is a team of two child psychologists and a speech-language pathologist (who are also moms!) on a mission to help families of children with ADHD thrive. Through their courses, resources, and podcast Shining with ADHD, they share science-backed, practical tools that make parenting feel a little calmer and a whole lot more connected.

Follow them on Instagram @thechildhoodcollective and learn more at thechildhoodcollective.com.

• The Childhood Collective: Shining with ADHD Podcast

• Creating Calm (best for 4 years and older) thechildhoodcollective.com

This one is for your KIDS!  We want to share little sample of what you'll find in our Songs+Stories membership! Songs+Stories is the go-to quality resource for parents who understand the value of these early years and are intentional about what their kids listen to. Led by speech therapists and moms who get it, we hope this podcast brings a little joy to your day.  

Songs+Stories is actually on MAJOR sale right now for Black Friday! You can enjoy 6 months of storytime videos and podcast episodes (like this one) ad-free for $49 (regularly $102!). 

Head to www.weetalkers.com to get the deal. 



Jingle, Jingle by Nicola Smee is a delightful, rhyming picture book about Mr. Horse taking his animal friends on a fun-filled winter sleigh ride through the snow.

🎧 Happy listening

Get Jingle Jingle on Amazon

You've probably heard of kids having their tonsils or adenoids removed—but how do you know when it's actually necessary? In this episode of Talk It Out, we're joined by board-certified pediatrician Dr. Anjuli Gans to break down everything parents need to know about tonsils and adenoids in children. From their role in the body to the signs that they might be causing problems, Dr. Gans helps make sense of this often confusing part of pediatric health.

Dr. Gans is an attending physician at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and the founder of Resilient Rascals. As a pediatrician and mom of two, she shares evidence-based, holistic advice to help parents make confident healthcare decisions.

In this conversation, we talk about what tonsils and adenoids actually do, how to spot signs of enlargement, and when it might be time to seek a referral to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist). Dr. Gans also walks us through what to expect if your child needs a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy, how to prepare your child for surgery, and her best tips for a smooth recovery. Plus, Katie shares her personal experience having two of her children go through T&A surgery—and what she wishes she had known sooner.

If you're wondering whether your child's snoring, mouth breathing, or frequent illness might be related to enlarged tonsils or adenoids, this episode offers clarity, expert insight, and plenty of reassurance.

If your child snores, struggles with sleep, seems to get sick often, or has had tonsils and adenoids mentioned at a doctor's visit—this episode will help you feel more informed and confident.

Mentioned in this episode:

• 🎧 Missed our last episode with Dr. Gans? Check out Episode 21 on Ear Infections + Speech Development

• How to Prepare for a Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy from resilientrascals.com

Connect with Dr. Gans: 

• Visit Dr. Gan's website: resilientrascals.com

• Follow Dr. Gans on Instagram: @resilientrascals

• Dr. Gans' guides – we love these!

Connect with us:
🎧 More episodes of Talk It Out
📱 Follow us on Instagram

Picky eating is one of the most common concerns for parents of toddlers—but how do you know if it's a normal phase or something more serious? In this episode of Talk It Out, we're joined by Jenny Friedman, a pediatric dietitian, picky eating specialist, and mom of three. Together, we dive into what picky eating looks like in toddlers, how to reduce mealtime stress, and what actually works when your child refuses to eat.

Whether your toddler is down to just a handful of foods or you're dealing with a new wave of food refusals, this conversation is filled with practical, low-pressure strategies to help. Jenny breaks down what typical toddler picky eating looks like, common misconceptions parents have, and signs it might be time to seek extra support. She also shares simple ways to help your toddler try new foods without pressure, tips for creating a positive mealtime environment, and how to think about nutrition when your child is eating very little.

We also talk about:

• The small signs of progress that often go unnoticed but really matter
• Mindset shifts for parents who feel stuck or overwhelmed
• Easy snack ideas that even selective eaters tend to accept
• Our experiences in our own homes when it comes to feeding kids

If you're looking for realistic picky eating tips for toddlers, or just want to feel less alone in the daily mealtime battles, this episode offers the support and expert insight you need.

Resources from this episode:

• Jenny's free masterclass: Peace Out Picky Eating jennyfriedmannutrition.com/peace  
• Her book: Stories of Extreme Picky Eating Get it here
• Follow Jenny on Instagram: @feedingpickyeaters
• Jenny's picks for high chairs 
• Jenny's breakfast ideas for picky eaters

Connect with us:
💛 www.weetalkers.com 

🎧 More episodes of Talk It Out
📱 Follow us on Instagram

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:

Little Spoon: Use the code WEETALKERS to get 30% off your first order at littlespoon.com/weetalkers. 

Little Spoon offers delicious, nutritious meals and snacks for babies, toddlers, and big kids—delivered right to your door. The quality is so good! We think your family will love it. 

If your toddler has had multiple ear infections, you're not alone—and if you've ever wondered how those infections might impact their speech or language development, this episode is for you.

We're joined by Dr. Anjuli Gans, a board-certified pediatrician with over a decade of experience, an attending physician at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania. She's also the creator of Resilient Rascals, where she shares evidence-based, down-to-earth advice on pediatric health—and she's a mom of two. We've learned so much from Dr. Gans over the years and are thrilled to have her on the podcast.

But first, Katie shares her personal story of navigating chronic ear infections with her son, how it affected his early development, and what happened after getting PE tubes.

In the episode we discuss why toddlers are especially prone to ear infections, how ear infections can impact speech and language development, and what's really going on when there's fluid in your child's ears. 

You'll learn how fluid affects hearing, when antibiotics are necessary (and when they might not be), and how to know if it's time to see a pediatric ENT. We also explain what pressure equalization (PE) tubes are and when they can be helpful. Most importantly, we share what to do if you're feeling stuck or worried about your child's communication—because you're not alone, and there are ways to help.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by ear infections, unsure of the next step, or concerned about your toddler's speech and language, we hope this episode helps you feel a little more informed—and a lot more supported.

Resources Mentioned:

• Get our free Toddler Milestone Checklist to track your child's communication skills

• Wee Talkers programs to support families 

• How Recurring Ear Infections Affect Speech Development 

Connect with Dr. Gans: 

• Visit Dr. Gans' website: resilientrascals.com

• Follow Dr. Gans on Instagram: @resilientrascals

• More information about Ear Infections from Dr. Gans

Connect with us:

💛 Wee Talkers Website 

🎧 More episodes of Talk It Out
📱 Follow us on Instagram

In this episode of Talk It Out, Carly and Katie are tackling a topic that so many families face: toddler frustration—especially when it's linked to speech and language delays. If you've ever watched your child melt down because they can't quite say what they're trying to express, you are far from alone. 

This episode explores why late talkers tend to show more frequent or intense frustration and how parents can both understand and support them.

Carly and Katie, pediatric speech language pathologists, explain the natural mismatch that often happens in toddlers who understand more than they can say—and how this gap can lead to outbursts, shutting down, or behaviors like hitting and biting. 

They share practical ways to recognize when frustration is rooted in communication challenges and offer clear, compassionate guidance for what to do in the moment and outside the moment to help.

You'll learn how to model simple language, use sign support, validate emotions, and create more calm and connection—while still holding important boundaries. 

Carly and Katie also talk about why dysregulation makes language harder, and how showing up as a calm, responsive presence can go a long way. Reminder for you: if your toddler is struggling, it's not your fault—and there's so much you can do to help.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Speech + Language Milestone Checklist, a helpful resource for understanding what's typical at each stage of toddler development, and how to know when it might be time for extra support. You can download it at weetalkers.com/toddler.
• Social emotional book recommendations –  Bookshop.org | Amazon
• Songs+Stories Membership – A high-quality screen-time option that encourages language and literacy through engaging storytime videos.
• TalkToddler Course – Help your toddler say more words and improve their communication.

Thumb sucking super common and a very natural things for  babies to do—but when is it time to start guiding them away from it?

In this episode, we're covering:

• The pros and cons of thumb sucking

• How prolonged thumb sucking can affect speech and tooth development

• Gentle, practical strategies to help your child break the habit when they're ready

• Carly's personal experience with her daughter's thumb-sucking journey

If you're wondering when or how to support your child through this transition, this episode will give you ideas you can tailor to your family's approach—without making it a battle.

• Most kids stop thumb sucking on their own between ages 3 and 6.

• Gradual changes—like keeping hands busy, offering alternatives, and reducing triggers—can help.

• A child-led approach often leads to smoother, more lasting success.

• If you're concerned about speech or dental development, check in with a professional.

At the end of the day, thumb sucking is just one small piece of your child's development, and you know them best. However this journey looks for your family, you're doing an incredible job supporting them every step of the way.

If this episode was helpful, we'd love for you to subscribe and share it with a friend who might need it. Thanks for being here—we're so grateful for you!

• Lovevery: Use the code WEETALKERS15 to save $15 off your first play kit.

Feeding a toddler can feel like a wild ride—one minute they love broccoli, the next they won't touch it. Sound familiar?

In this episode, we're joined by Jess and Nita from Happy Healthy Eaters—two Registered Dietitians (and fellow moms!) who make baby and toddler feeding feel a whole lot more doable. We love their work, and wanted to bring the conversation here to Talk it Out!

In the episode we cover:

• Why toddlers suddenly get more picky

• What to do when they won't eat veggies

• How to keep them sitting at the table 

• Easy snack ideas

• Tips for handling different-aged siblings at mealtimes

You're going to feel so much more confident after this one!

Free Snack + Mealtime Guide

Supporting your Toddler at the Table Guide  

Oat balls recipe 

Happy Healthy Eaters Instagram

THANK YOU FOR SPONSORING THIS EPISODE, Melissa & Doug

We're longtime fans of their pretend play food sets— we've used them in therapy with clients and with our own kids at home. Toys that spark creativity and learning? Yes, please.

Use the code WEETALKERS20 to receive 20% off sitewide 

(coupon valid May 26, 2025-June 1, 2025. Typical exclusions apply).

Thanks Melissa & Doug for supporting this episode and for making toys that help kids play with purpose. 💛

Ever wonder when your baby will start babbling—or what to do if they aren't yet? Babbling is more than just adorable baby chatter—it's a key milestone that lays the foundation for talking.

In this episode, we're covering:

• The stages of babbling and how they build toward first words

• Why some babies start babbling earlier than others

• Simple, everyday ways to encourage more babbling at home

• What to do if your baby isn't babbling yet

By the end of this episode, you'll know what to expect, how to support your baby's early language development, and when to seek extra support if needed.

• Baby & Toddler Milestone Checklists – Track your child's progress and learn what comes next:
  weetalkers.com/baby (for babies) | weetalkers.com/toddler (for toddlers)

• Talk Baby Course – A step-by-step guide to boosting your baby's communication skills: weetalkers.com/talkbaby

• Wee Talkers Blog – More tips on first words and early communication: weetalkers.com/blog
  
  

• Lovevery: Use the code weetalkers15 to save $15 off your first play kit.

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next one. And if you know another parent who'd love this, send it their way! Thank you so much for your support!

 We're sharing something a little different on the podcast today—a special Songs+Stories podcast episode from inside our membership, just for your little one to enjoy!

SONGS+STORIES 

Our guilt-free screen time videos support their development. Without causing meltdowns!

Join and get instant access to safe, ad-free content that's:

✓ Taught by speech therapists

✓ Calm, slow-paced + low-stim

✓ Similar to library story time 

✓ Streamed privately (no YouTube!)

EXCLUSIVE FOR PODCAST LISTENERS:

Get $10 off your first month of Songs+Stories when you use code talkitout at checkout. 

Books Featured in this Episode:

Dozens of Doughnuts by Carrie Finison
I'll Wait, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony