*** 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.
283 Your Child is a Reluctant Writer? Why MORE Ridiculous Ideas Might Help: Night Zookeeper with Josh Davidson
Friday, September 11, 2026 • Duration 36:00
Hey Friends~
What if your child’s wildest, most ridiculous ideas are actually a doorway into learning? In this episode, I talk with Josh Davidson, co-founder of Night Zookeeper, about using imagination, creativity, and play to help children develop reading and writing skills. We explore how drawing, talking, and writing about their ideas gives children multiple ways to express themselves, expand their language, organize their thoughts, and build confidence. Writing isn’t separate from verbal expression. It can actually help strengthen it.
We also look at technology through a different lens: After your child has been on a screen, what did that screen cause them to create? Could they tell you about it, draw it, write about it, or turn it into a conversation with you? The best technology doesn’t just keep children occupied. It gives them something they can’t wait to tell you about, even if that something happens to be a ridiculous farting dinosaur.
ABOUT THE GUEST: Joshua Davidson is the creator and co‑founder of Night Zookeeper, an award-winning online learning program that helps children aged 6–12 fall in love with reading, writing, and creativity through games and storytelling. He’s also the author of the Night Zookeeper Adventure book series, which follows Night Zookeeper Will into the magical Night Zoo filled with fantastical creatures dreamed up by children. Josh is passionate about giving kids the confidence to see themselves as writers and creators, and he speaks regularly about the power of play, stories, and co-created worlds in education.
282 Why Are Transitions So Hard for Young Kids? And How To Create A Visual Schedule That Works!
Thursday, September 3, 2026 • Duration 30:10
Hey Friends~
Why does your child fall apart over transitions they know how to do - or do every day?
Getting out the door, leaving the playground, turning off the tablet, or getting ready for bed can be a battle.
In this episode, you’ll discover why transitions can be so difficult, seven reasons your checklist or visual schedule may not be helping yet, and simple shifts that can make routines easier to understand and follow. Because a visual schedule isn’t just about showing your child what to do. It helps their brain understand what’s happening now and what’s coming next. And knowing what’s coming next can make transitions feel much safer.
IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
281 Could a Song Calm Your Child Like a Pacifier? The Surprising Power of Music & Emotional Regulation with Vered
Thursday, August 27, 2026 • Duration 48:42
Hey Friends~
Have you ever thought about what your baby is actually experiencing when you sing to them?
Because it turns out, your baby doesn’t care whether you think you can sing. Your baby wants to hear you sing. And those little moments of singing, playing, smiling, and simply enjoying each other can do far more than fill the time. They can help build secure connection, support emotional regulation, and even lay foundations for language.
Today’s guest, musician, music therapist, and psychotherapist: Vered, calls some of these experiences “Bubble Moments”: those beautiful moments when you and your child are genuinely happy together. And what I love is that she says we don’t have to just wait for those moments to happen. We can actually create them, especially in the ordinary, repeatable moments of our day. And then Vered said something that absolutely fascinated me: a song can become an emotional transitional object for a child, much like a favorite blanket or pacifier, because the music itself holds feeling.
Today, we’re talking about music, play, connection, regulation, sound and silence, and the surprising ways all of it can support your child’s communication and language.
And yes, even if you’re convinced you cannot sing, this episode is for you!
ABOUT THE GUEST: Vered Benhorin, LCAT, is a music therapist, psychotherapist, parenting author, recording artist, mother of three, and family connection expert whose work brings together attachment theory, music, mindfulness, and play. Her approach began with her own experience as a new mother, when she discovered how singing, movement, and playful interaction deepened the connection she felt with her infant son, Peleg. That experience grew into Baby in Tune, through which she has helped thousands of parents build stronger relationships with their babies, as well as her book, What Do I Do With My Baby All Day?!: Simple Ways to Have the Best First Year Together. Her award-winning music has received Parents’ Choice and NAPPA Gold Awards, and her newest album, Adorable You, brings her story full circle: nearly two decades after inspiring her work, Peleg helped write and produce the album and added his own vocals and harmonies.
280 My Child KNOWS How to Do This!” So Why Won’t They Listen? 3 Ways to Help Them Follow Directions
Thursday, August 20, 2026 • Duration 20:54
Hey Friends~
Back-to-school season brings a lot of change—and sometimes, a lot more meltdowns, “NOs,” and moments when your child suddenly seems unable to do something you know they can do. - and it seems like they are REFUSING TO DO.
But what if the problem isn’t ACTUALLY refusal?
In this episode, we’ll explore why transitions can be so challenging for kids—and how all that change can make it harder for them to listen, understand, and respond.
You’ll learn three simple ways to make transitions easier, reduce frustration, and help your child understand what’s coming next.
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR: Clever Elly
The a car charger that talks to you and helps you remember.
279 Do You Want Cooperation or Compliance? What’s the Difference—and Why Does It Matter? with Katherine Sellery
Thursday, August 13, 2026 • Duration 42:56
Hey Friends~
Do you want your child to cooperate with you—or simply comply? The difference may be more important than we realize. Katherine Sellery explores what happens when parenting relies on power over children and introduces the 3 R’s: Resistance, Rebellion, and Retaliation—responses that can grow when children feel controlled.
This episode offers a different way forward: moving beyond obedience and compliance toward consideration, connection, and understanding. Katherine also shares how observing without immediately judging can help us see what is really happening beneath a child’s behavior.
Along the way, we explore staying present, regulating our own responses, and recognizing how our thoughts influence the way we respond to our children.
This conversation is an invitation to reconsider authority, look beneath behavior, and see our children through a different lens.
Perhaps the most beautiful reminder of all: See your children beautiful.
ABOUT THE GUEST: Katherine Sellery, CEO and Founder of Conscious Parenting Revolution, helps individuals minimize misunderstandings and melt-downs in order to communicate with more collaboration, cooperation, and consideration. As a creator of the Guidance Approach to Parenting, a program that applies conflict resolution skills to communicating more effectively with children, Katherine has positively influenced relationships for generations and brought about healing and reconciliation in families that were suffering from disconnection. Through her comprehensive training programs, popular workshops, bestselling Amazon Ebook, TedX talks, and numerous major media appearances, Katherine has taught and coached thousands of parents, educators, social workers, and medical professionals on how to forge stronger relationships with their children.
278 Using Books to Develop Speech Sounds
Friday, August 7, 2026 • Duration 22:04
Hey Friends~
What if the books you're already reading with your child could become one of your best speech therapy tools?
In this episode, I'll show you simple ways to use story time to help your child hear speech sounds more clearly, try new sounds, and practice the ones they're still learning—all without adding another thing to your day.
We'll also talk about why these strategies work for many children but not for all. If you've been trying speech activities without seeing much progress, there may be a reason—and understanding it can make all the difference.
Grab your favorite children's book, and let's discover how everyday reading can become a natural, playful way to build clearer speech.
277 How to Raise a Child Who Believes They Can Learn Anything with Kami Wanous
Thursday, July 30, 2026 • Duration 33:06
Hey Friends~
We all want our kids to become lifelong learners. But what does that actually mean?
It isn't about checking boxes or finding the perfect curriculum. It's about raising children who believe they can learn anything, anywhere, anytime. In this conversation with Kami, we explore how to build a family culture that develops curiosity, critical thinking, strong values, and confidence before you ever choose a curriculum.
Whether you homeschool or simply want to be more intentional about the learning happening in your home, this episode will inspire you. And if you'd like to go deeper, join us for the Inspired Homeschool Summit on August 4th! Here is a link for FREE sign up: https://mycollabpilot.com/r/0rbGauqZ
ABOUT THE GUEST: Kami is the creator of the Raising Leaders Roadmap and a homeschool mentor. A credentialed teacher with over seven years in public education and homeschooling since 2008, she draws on her background in English, leadership, and freedom principles to guide families toward meaningful learning. Kami helps homeschool parents create a culture that inspires a lifelong love of learning—equipping them to mentor with confidence and raise passionate leaders who make an impact in the world. She has been featured on CBS News and as a guest writer and speaker for homeschooling conventions, blogs, magazines, podcasts, and YouTube channels.
276 The Backyard Attention Hack Every Parent Should Steal
Episode 276
Friday, July 24, 2026 • Duration 18:13
Hey Friends~
Have you ever called your child's name outside...once...twice...five times...and wondered if they even heard you? Between the wind, the playground, the garden hose, the neighborhood noise, and kids who are completely absorbed in what they're doing, it can feel impossible to get their attention without yelling.
What if there were a better way?
What if one simple, unique signal could make your child stop, listen, and know, "Mom or Dad want my attention." No repeating. No raising your voice. Just one familiar sound that gently cuts through the noise.
In today's episode, I'll share a simple method that works! It's easy, it's fun, and it might completely change the way your family gets each other's attention -particularly when you are outdoors.
IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES:
275 Before You Try to Calm Your Child, Do This First with Ann Swanson
Thursday, July 16, 2026 • Duration 30:50
Hey Friends~
What if the fastest way to help your child become calm... is to begin with yourself?
In this episode, Ann shares the power of co-regulation and reminds us that our state is contagious. The good news? Calm is contagious, too.
You'll discover simple ways to release tension from your own body, use your breath to create a greater sense of peace, and even learn a beautiful visualization that can help settle both you and your child. Ann also guides us through gentle meditations that are especially helpful for children who are waiting, winding down, or falling asleep.
Whether you're looking for practical ways to bring more calm into everyday moments or bedtime has become a struggle this conversation offers tools you can begin using today
ABOUT THE GUEST: Ann Swanson is the author of Meditation for the Real World and SCIENCE OF YOGA, which has sold over 1/2 a million copies worldwide and has a recently released second edition. Ann wasn’t a naturally “chill person,” and these practices didn’t come easy to her. Overcoming her own chronic pain and anxiety led her to India to study yoga, to China to explore tai chi, and to earn a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy. Head to https://www.MeditationForTheRealWorld.com to check out her book and join her free 5 day meditation challenge.
274 Self-Regulation for Parents: Why Taking Care of Yourself Isn't Selfish, with Coach Brandon Barber
Thursday, July 9, 2026 • Duration 42:25
Hey Friends~
Today we are investing in you first, because the healthier you are, the healthier your parenting becomes. With that in mind, the first part of this episode focuses on you as a human being—as an adult. I think that's valuable. After all, before we're parents, we're people.
And that's what leads us to an important question: What if becoming a calmer, more regulated version of yourself is one of the greatest gifts you could give your child?
Coach Brandon Barber shares practical strategies for understanding your subconscious mind, calming your nervous system, and breaking unhelpful patterns. Together, we explore how these principles can strengthen the way you show up as a parent. You'll leave with practical tools like creating a "worry window," building daily resilience habits, and learning how your calm presence can help another person's nervous system settle, including your child's. Caring for yourself is one of the most meaningful ways you can care for your child.
ABOUT THE GUEST: Brandon & Michelle Barber help parents become the calm, confident leaders their children need in a world that feels more overwhelming than ever.
After spending decades coaching leaders, entrepreneurs, and families — creating 100+ courses that have helped over a million individuals — they saw a deeper pattern: Kids need emotionally regulated, present, resilient parents.
Through their resilience-based parenting frameworks, Brandon and Michelle teach moms and dads how to stop reacting from stress, fear, or exhaustion and start responding with clarity, connection, and confidence — so their children grow up feeling safe, seen, and supported.
FREE: The Love of Learning Launch Pad gives you a clear snapshot of where your family’s love of learning is right now—without pressure or judgment. Check it out here: https://pages.thefreedomscholar.org/loloi0
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