Not Just Theories

E14 Early Communication Made Simple (Part 2): Choosing Which Words to Teach First

Not all words are equal when your child is learning to talk. In this episode, I break down how to choose which words to work on first - based on what matters most to your child and what will help them connect and communicate faster. This episode offers clear, practical guidance you can start using today at home or in therapy.
 
Pick words that are:
Useful: They let the child get what they want or need. (e.g. “more,” “help,” “open”).
Motivating: They’re tied to things the child loves. (e.g. “bubbles,” “car,” “swing”).
Powerful: They help a child take control of their world. (e.g. “stop,” “go,” “mine”).
Social: They let the child connect with others. (e.g. “bye,” “hi,” “again”).
Some helpful resources:https://www.banterspeech.com.au/helping-toddlers-with-their-first-words-mix-it-up-and-make-them-useful-the-words-not-the-toddlers/
https://www.banterspeech.com.au/late-talkers-how-i-choose-which-words-to-work-on-first/ 

E13 Early Communication Made Simple (Part 1): Serve and Return - The Foundation for Connection

Before words come connection. In this first episode of the Early Communication Made Simple series, I explore the Harvard “serve and return” framework - the science behind those simple back-and-forth moments that shape a child’s brain and communication skills. You’ll hear practical examples of how to spot your child’s “serves,” respond in ways that build trust, and make everyday moments more meaningful.
Perfect for parents of babies, toddlers, and late talkers who want to understand what really drives early communication - beyond flashcards or milestones.
Helpful Links:
https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/briefs/5-steps-for-brain-building-serve-and-return/ 
https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/videos/how-to-5-steps-for-brain-building-serve-and-return/ 
https://www.ted.com/talks/molly_wright_how_every_child_can_thrive_by_five
 

E12 Keeping the Kettle Calm (Part 3): Parental Self-Regulation - Removing the Noise Maker

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the kettle boils over. In this final episode, I explore strategies for intense overstimulation, when yelling feels inevitable. I share scripts, mantras, and physical strategies (like yelling into a pillow, turning frustration into movement, or using loud music to “sing it out”) to help release the feelings safely. These tools let parents reset, repair, and model calmer ways of coping under pressure.I talk about proprioception and how to choose replacement behaviours that match what your body needs to regulate in the moment, based on some of what I have learnt from the Occuplaytional Therapist.

E11 Keeping the Kettle Calm (Part 2): Parental Self-Regulation - Venting the Steam

Even with prevention strategies, the kettle can still bubble. In this episode, I share ways to release steam safely when you’re close to boiling over. Whether it’s tagging in another parent, giving yourself a quiet reset (screens for the kids are allowed!), or having a bath, you’ll learn how to lower the pressure before you hit boiling point.

E10 Keeping the Kettle Calm (Part 1): Parental Self-Regulation - Turning Down the Heat

Parenting can be loud, messy, and overwhelming. In this first episode of my self-regulation mini-series for parents, I talk about preventing overstimulation before it boils over. From reducing background noise (bye-bye, noisy toys) to using loop earplugs, to simply remembering to eat, I share practical ways to “turn down the heat” and protect your own nervous system so you can show up calmer for your kids.
 
🎙️ Follow along for all three episodes in the “Keeping the Kettle Calm” series to learn practical tools to stop yourself from 'boiling over'

E09 Garlic Bread for Dinner? Understanding the Division of Responsibility in Feeding

What happens when your child eats nothing but garlic bread for dinner… multiple nights in a row? It might feel worrying, but it’s also a perfect example of how the Division of Responsibility in feeding plays out in real life.
In this episode, I break down Ellyn Satter’s Division of Responsibility: what parents are responsible for (the what, when, and where of eating) and what children are responsible for (whether and how much). We’ll talk about why giving kids autonomy at the table builds trust, reduces mealtime battles, and actually supports balanced eating over time.
You’ll hear how this approach looks in practice, why it can feel uncomfortable at first, and how it’s helped our family move past power struggles to more peaceful meals - garlic bread phases and all.
 
Resources mentioned in this episode:- Ellyn Satter Institute https://www.ellynsatterinstitute.org/ 
- Secrets of Feeding a Healthy Family by Ellyn Satter
- Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense by Ellyn Satter
- "Raising Anti Diet Kids" (Facebook group)
 
🎙️ Subscribe to Not Just Theories for practical, real-life parenting tools you can use at the table and beyond.

E08 The Worst Cup of Tea I Never Drank: Laundry Lessons for Real-Life Parenting

Parenting comes with plenty of surprises… like opening the washing machine to find a soggy tea bag spinning through the rinse cycle. In this episode, I share the story of “the worst cup of tea I never drank” - and the bigger parenting lessons it sparked.
Beyond the funny moment, we also dive into the real-life challenge of managing laundry. I’ll talk about the “one load a day” approach that helps keep overwhelm at bay, plus a little bit of the science behind why clothes (and machines) behave the way they do.
By the end, you’ll have both a smile and a few practical tools for keeping laundry under control - without it taking over your life. And yes, the serious parenting takeaway is this: don’t just check pockets for rocks… check the machine for tea bags, too.
🎙️ Subscribe to Not Just Theories for more everyday parenting stories, tools, and scripts you can actually use.
Helpful resources:
https://cleanclothnappies.com/
"How to Keep House While Drowning" by KC Davis
"How to manage your home without losing your mind" by Dana K White

E07 Vocabulary Made Simple (Part 3): Expanding Language Through Play

Play is one of the most powerful ways children learn - and it’s the perfect space for vocabulary growth. In this final episode of the series, I share how to model and expand vocabulary during play, whether it’s following up on words from books or choosing new words as they come up naturally in play.
You’ll hear how to balance guidance with following your child’s lead, and why play-based word learning sticks in ways structured teaching sometimes doesn’t.
🎙️ This episode wraps up our vocabulary mini-series with practical, playful strategies you can start using today.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREEBIE-Robust-Vocabulary-Instruction-Noni-the-Pony-by-Alison-Lester-6664571 

E06 Vocabulary Made Simple (Part 2): Growing Language Naturally Through Books

Not all vocabulary teaching needs to be structured - sometimes the richest moments come when you’re simply reading with your child. In this second part of the vocabulary series, I share how to build language naturally through books at home, without preplanning or word lists.
You’ll hear how to spot “teachable moments” in everyday reading, model new words in context, and keep the focus on joy and connection, rather than structure or pressure.
🎙️ Join me as we explore natural, stress-free ways to boost vocabulary right from your child’s bookshelf.

E05 Vocabulary Made Simple (Part 1): The Basics of Robust Vocabulary Instruction

Vocabulary is more than just “knowing words” - it’s a key to communication, learning, and connection. In this first episode of my vocabulary mini-series, I walk you through the basics of robust vocabulary instruction: how we use structured teaching in the clinic, the role of preselected word lists, and how tiers of vocabulary help us decide which words to focus on.
We’ll also look at how books, flashcards, and intentional word choice can support language growth, while keeping things engaging and meaningful for kids.
🎙️ Follow along in this three-part series for practical ways to build your child’s vocabulary at home and beyond.
 
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREEBIE-Robust-Vocabulary-Instruction-Noni-the-Pony-by-Alison-Lester-6664571