More than Child's Play

Roadblocks to Natural Development Series: #2 Prolonged Sucking

Often times there are roadblocks that get in the way of natural child development.  These roadblocks are sometimes created by adults caring for children and are sometimes biological factors that go undetected.  In this podcast series we will identify eight of the most common roadblocks and share strategies to address them.  In this episode Lacy and Nicole discuss why babies suck and the recommended ages for weaning baby from the bottle and pacifier.  Risks for not weaning baby when recommended are mentioned along with strategies on how to wean baby from the bottle and pacifier.  When to introduce open cup and straw drinking is discussed along with why drinking from a sippy cup is not a developmental milestone.  Be sure to listen to the first episode in this series, Roadblock #1 Lack of Tummy Time and look for the next six podcast episodes highlighting the other roadblocks to natural development: media and screen time exposure, missed diagnoses, undetected vision loss, undetected hearing loss, nutrition and allergies and over-parenting/a faulty sense of what's typical.  To learn more about these Top Roadblocks to Natural Development visit the Milestones & Miracles website (www.milestonesandmiracles.com) and take our continuing education course offered through Medbridge Education

Roadblocks to Natural Development Series: #1 Lack of Tummy Time

Often times there are roadblocks that get in the way of natural child development.  These roadblocks are sometimes created by adults caring for children and are sometimes biological factors that go undetected.  In this podcast series we will identify eight of the most common roadblocks and share strategies to address them.  First up is lack of tummy time.  Listen in as Nicole Sergent, pediatric physical therapist, discusses why tummy time is so important for infants, when and how to incorporate it into baby's daily routines and solutions if baby doesn't care much for tummy time.  Nicole also shares implications for baby if not enough tummy time is offered.  Be sure to look for the next seven podcast episodes in this series highlighting the other roadblocks to natural development: prolonged bottle/sippy/pacifier use, media and screen time exposure, missed diagnoses, undetected vision loss, undetected hearing loss, nutrition and allergies and over-parenting/a faulty sense of what's typical.  To learn more about these Top Roadblocks to Natural Development visit the Milestones & Miracles website (www.milestonesandmiracles.com) and take our continuing education course offered through Medbridge Education.

Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Signs and Symptoms, Therapy and Tips with Laura Smith, MA, CCC/SLP

Laura Smith, MA, CCC/SLP, is a speech-language pathologist who specializes in Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).  Laura is also the person behind SLP Mommy of Apraxia.  After Laura's daughter was diagnosed with CAS, her passion to learn as much as possible about apraxia began.  In this podcast episode Laura shares her and her daughter's story from before diagnosis to treatment.  She identifies early signs and symptoms of CAS that can be identified before the age of 2.  We discuss some of the more common diagnoses that often coexist with CAS and Laura offers advice to parents on what type of therapy and treatment is best for a child with CAS.  Lastly, Laura describes at-home strategies for parents of children with CAS to help support their communication skills.  This podcast benefits early intervention providers, furthering their knowledge of CAS and how to better identify it in the birth to three population and parents as they work to better understand CAS and more effectively help their child.  Feel free to reach out to Laura at lauraslpmommy@gmail.com, find her on Facebook at SLP mommy of Apraxia/Dyspraxia/Dyslexia and on Instagram @slpmommyofapraxia.

An Introduction to Orofacial Myology, OMDs and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy with Kelly Benson-Vogt, M.A., CCC/SLP, COM

In this episode Kelly Benson-Vogt, M.A., CCC-SLP, COM, certified Orofacial Myologist, defines orofacial myology and describes the characteristics of a myofunctional disorder.  She explains what to expect in orofacial myofunctional therapy and at what age she recommends it.  From this episode you will learn what to look for that may indicate your child or the children you serve have an OMD (orofacial myofunctional disorder).  Prevention and mitigation strategies for early intervention therapists are mentioned and there’s even a brief discussion about pacifier weaning!  Listen in to learn from Kelly’s expertise.  If you’d like to reach out to Kelly following this episode you can email her at kelly@pediatricfeedingandspeech.com or visit her website at www.pediatricfeedingandspeech.com.

AAC: what it is, when to use it and why it matters with Tabi Jones-Wohleber, M.S., CCC-SLP

In this episode Tabi Jones-Wohleber, M.S., CCC-SLP, AAC specialist and early intervention provider, defines what AAC is and it’s importance for all children as they learn to communicate.  Tabi debunks the top three myths surrounding AAC and explains why and when to introduce AAC with the early intervention population.  She defines what “core vocabulary” and a
“robust” AAC system are and gives her recommendations for furthering your knowledge about AAC.  Tabi’s passion for AAC shines through in her knowledge and excitement in discussing this topic.  As a parent this episode will leave you understanding how you can better support your child’s developing communication skills and as a therapist you will deepen your understanding of AAC, build your confidence in discussing it’s importance with families and leave you excitedly wondering which of your clients may benefit from introducing AAC.  Tabi can be reached at tabi@communicationaactualized.com or you can find her on facebook.

Unwrapping 2020 Holiday Gift Guide

Creating their annual Holiday Gift Guide is one of Lacy's and Nicole's favorite and most fun things to do. Take these pediatric therapists and play advocates shopping with you this year as they highlight and link favorite baby toys, gross and fine motor toys, language toys, and toys for teens and families. New this year are fun finds for learning at home since so many children are doing just that in 2020. Join in this jolly and informative chat with Lacy and Nicole (and a few of their own children) so that your selections for the children in your life this year are meaningful and enjoyed for years to come! 

Caring for Children During Covid: Your questions answered with Dr. Lisa Costello, MD, MPH, FAAP

Stressed about making decisions involving your child’s education, activities, and your family’s safety during the pandemic? Join us as we speak with Dr. Lisa Costello, MD, MPH, FAAP.     "Dr. Lisa" is an experienced pediatrician and public health expert, a dedicated community servant, and an advocate for children's health and wellness in local and national arenas with a LONG and DISTINGUISHED list of accolades and work in pediatrics and public health (see linked bio). She has spent a great deal of time this year working on the Covid pandemic and it's impact on public health and the pediatric population working with the Bureau of Public Health on their Covid pandemic response. .  Dr. Lisa skillfully answers our questions and those of our listeners relating to navigating, living, parenting, and educating in the time Covid.

Episode Highlights:

Questions regarding general virus info: 7:34

Questions related to sports and activities: 19:37

Questions related to family interactions: 33:35

Questions related to masks and hygiene:  42:56

Questions related to immunity and regression of pediatric development in times of stress: 56:34

Questions regarding school reentry: 1:01

Physical and mental health considerations around Covid and children: 1:10

Growing Up Bilingual

In today's episode, we welcome Nicole's cousin Tania C. Tania lives in the south of France and while here in the US visiting family she joined our podcast! Tania is the mother to a 6 year old daughter who is a bilingual learner (French & English). In this conversation, she discusses her experience of introducing and living life in two languages. We compare and contrast motherhood in France and America including pregnancy and delivery, maternity and childcare options, school experiences, and cultural similarities and differences in parenting. A la prochaine fois pour un nouveau épisode!

One of the Lucky Few - a conversation about Down Syndrome with Megan Dodd, advocate, co-founder of the Down Syndrome and Cancer Coalition, and par

In one of our most personal and helpful conversations yet, we are joined by Megan Dodd. Megan, a seasoned educator, reading specialist, and administrator took on a new role as Mom when her amazing son Alex entered the world. Megan takes us on an intimate, honest, and real conversation about parenting a child who happens to have Down Syndrome.  She shares her story of learning of Alex's diagnosis, struggles of finding early connections to other parents with similar experiences, tales of medical diagnoses, hospitalizations, procedures, and therapy along with triumphs and many victories for her bright and beautiful son. In her unique position as an administrator and a parent, Megan shares advice on advocating for inclusion and navigating the public school system. Through Alex's experience with a co-diagnoses of leukemia, Megan has learned and shares valuable lessons that can help every listener. She has turned her pain into power by co-founding the Down Syndrome Cancer Coalition and is an advocate and administrator of the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (The Rockin' Moms). In our part of the world and for many across the globe, Megan has become a "go-to mom" for those first learning about their child's diagnosis with Down Syndrome and/or Leukemia. Parents and family members of children with and without these diagnoses, therapists, and educators can all learn something to make the world a better and more inclusive place to be from listening to Megan share her story. 

Jumping Into Preschool with Melanie Zajicek, Preschool Educator - What Every Parent Needs to Know!

Preschool is often a child’s first step into the world of education. How do we support that step being a positive one? And one that associates school with a love of learning? Morgan Academy's Melanie Zajicek, known to us as a Pre-K goddess, joins us to answer questions we find most parents have when exploring Pre-K in general and Pre-K options. With a background in early childhood and psychology, and armed with years of experience not only teaching young children, but really living inside a child's world, Melanie discusses what parents should look for when visiting or researching potential schools. We talk about the many options available in terms of type/style of Pre-K programs and what really matters. We dive into what real learning look likes, why outdoor play is essential, and if worksheets are appropriate for preschoolers. Melanie touches on an situation too common in today’s world - the anxious child - and what is recommended to avoid this and keep children healthy and happy. She shares her thoughts on reading readiness, technology appropriateness, and her favorite resources for the Pre-K population.  Melanie is smart and funny and will help any parent feeling concerned about this step to feel empowered and excited. Enjoy!