The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention

Dinalynn Rosenbush, SLP | Speech Pathologist, Parent Mentor, Communication with Kids

Overview
Episodes

Details

*** A Top 1.5% Podcast! ***  Getting Kids to Listen, Speech Therapy, IEP, Communication with Kids, Parent Mentor Are you tired of repeating yourself and wondering why your child still doesn’t listen?Are you worried you might be missing something important when it comes to your child’s speech, language, or behavior?Do arguments, whining, or meltdowns leave you feeling exhausted and unsure what to do next?  Hey parents—you don’t have to stay overwhelmed, worn down, or triggered by the daily fuss. I’m Dinalynn Rosenbush, a mom, grandma, and Speech-Language Pathologist for over 30 years. I’ve worked with hundreds of children with speech and language challenges and navigated parenting struggles of my own. Through both training and lived experience, I learned how using specific language in intentional ways builds safety, trust, and growth. Communication isn’t just about words, it’s about how children feel when we speak to them. I’m here to help you understand what your child is really communicating and respond in ways that build listening, speech, and connection. You’ll learn how to support communication—even with speech or language delays—set boundaries that truly help kids, and strengthen your relationship at the same time. My mission is to help busy, worried parents learn to read behavior as communication. When we understand what children are telling us, we begin to communicate differently. These ideas work for typically developing children, kids in dual-language homes, and children with delays. When your language invites discovery, curiosity, and exploration, connection is born. Connected kids are more courageous. They listen better. They have fewer meltdowns. In this podcast, you’ll find simple, empowering strategies you can use right away. My hope is to give you small, practical nuggets in each episode to build your communication toolbox—because what works for children with speech and language challenges, simply works!  And all parents deserve access to these skills, not just the specialists. If you’re ready to build deeper connection and create a more peaceful, confident home, listen in!  Let’s interrupt old patterns—so you can become the parent you want to be, and your child knows is on their team. I am glad you are here! Dinalynn Contact: [email protected] https://linktr.ee/thelanguageofplay

Recent Episodes

265 When Communication Is Hard: Brain Injury, Seizures, and Communication Regression, part 8
MAY 9, 2026
265 When Communication Is Hard: Brain Injury, Seizures, and Communication Regression, part 8
Hey Friends~  When communication changes or a child suddenly loses words after a seizure, brain injury, pediatric stroke, or regression, it can leave families feeling scared, confused, and unsure what to do next. In this episode, we talk openly about what these communication changes can look like, what helps the brain heal, and how parents can support their child without adding pressure during already difficult moments. You’ll hear why safety, connection, play, and emotional regulation matter so much in helping children rebuild communication and confidence. This episode is part of Better Speech, Language, and Hearing Month, which highlights the powerful role communication plays in connection, learning, behavior, and everyday life. Summer parent support groups are now open for families wanting practical help supporting clearer speech and stronger communication naturally through everyday routines and play. Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  [email protected] WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/ Have a question or comment? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play Sign up for Speech & Language Support for Preschool Families: https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/store/p/summer-speech-language-support-for-preschool-families     IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 183 Jeaneen Tang: Play Dumb & Sabotage! An Effective Way To Mindfully Expand Language 195 Zorina Pritchett: Using Games To Develop Reading, Writing, Speaking and Comprehension After Brain Injury 226 Constance Lewis: Using Colors To Get Through Big Feelings - Rebuilding after loss of language     WE’VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU!  Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:   https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link:  https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play
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25 MIN
264 When Communication Is Hard: Downs Syndrome, Genetic Syndromes, Learning Differences, part 7
MAY 2, 2026
264 When Communication Is Hard: Downs Syndrome, Genetic Syndromes, Learning Differences, part 7
Hey Friends~  In this episode, we’re talking about communication in children with Down syndrome, genetic syndromes, and learning differences. I’ll share how cognition, memory, and learning style shape language development—and why repetition, consistency, and strength-based support make such a difference. This is about meeting kids where they are and building communication step by step. Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  [email protected] WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/ Have a question or comment? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 253 When Communication Is Hard: An Overview for Parents of Children with Speech or Language Struggles, part 1 254 When Communication Is Hard: Childhood Apraxia of Speech CAS & Motor Speech Disorders, part 2 255 When Communication Is Hard: Speech Sound Disorders & Phonological Delays, part 3 257 When Kids Know More Than They Can Say: Expressive & Receptive Language Delays and DLD, part 4 259 When Communication Is Hard: Autism, ADHD, and Language Processing Differences, part 5 262 When Communication Is Hard: Does the Body Need Support? CP, Low Tone, AAC, part 6   WE’VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU!  Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play
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25 MIN
263 Tamara Tuckson & Mckenzie Tuckson: Does AAC  Replace Their Voice—or Reveal It?
APR 24, 2026
263 Tamara Tuckson & Mckenzie Tuckson: Does AAC Replace Their Voice—or Reveal It?
Hey Friends~  “We never limit how she communicates—we grow with her in how she communicates.” ~Tamara Tuckson In this episode, a mom and daughter share their journey with AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). Many parents feel unsure or even afraid of AAC, but this conversation gently reveals how it can uncover who a child truly is when their body makes speech difficult. You’ll hear real-life communication—including McKenzie voice talking to us with her AAC device—as this family invites us into their world.  You will hear the growth, how low tech and high tech are both used - still.   Enjoy this empowering story that is sure to open your mind—and your heart—to new possibilities.  Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  [email protected] WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/ Have a question or comment? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play PLEASE VOTE!!  We are nominated for Women Podcasters Awards!!   This is a VOTER’S CHOICE AWARD. PLEASE VOTE for THE LANGUAGE OF PLAY in the CATEGORY : LIFESTYLE  PODCASTS https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards   ABOUT THE GUEST:   Tamara and Mckenzie Tuckson are advocates, two time authors, and the founder of Mission 2 Advocate. Her journey began when her daughter, McKenzie, was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome at age two. What started as fear turned into purpose. Today, McKenzie is a thriving young adult, student leader, varsity cheerleader, and national trailblazer for inclusion—using AAC to advocate for teens with exceptional needs. Together, Tamara and McKenzie share their lived experience to educate, empower, and amplify voices in the disability community, proving that every person belongs and every voice matters. CONTACT THE GUEST:   [email protected] Mission2advocate.com   Tamara’s Business on IG;  #mission2advocate   Facebook:  #mckenziecantalk  IG: #Mckenziespeaks21   YouTube Videos:   https://youtu.be/mv8nSJbml8c?si=0SthwUOlHiEl4-Qs. .https://youtu.be/uZCuurWR2pc?si=OgaTXRDMPh4pCV0G. https://youtu.be/vcqGd6KrwqE?si=wyiLroHEMhWla6pY   IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 254 When Communication Is Hard: Childhood Apraxia of Speech CAS & Motor Speech Disorders, part 2 257 When Kids Know More Than They Can Say: Expressive & Receptive Language Delays and DLD, part 4 259 When Communication Is Hard: Autism, ADHD, and Language Processing Differences, part 5 262 When Communication Is Hard: Does the Body Need Support? CP, Low Tone, AAC, part 6   WE’VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU!  Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play
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50 MIN
262 When Communication Is Hard: Does the Body Need Support? CP, Low Tone, AAC
APR 16, 2026
262 When Communication Is Hard: Does the Body Need Support? CP, Low Tone, AAC
Hey Friends~  When the body works harder, communication often does too. In this episode, we’re talking about communication challenges related to low muscle tone, cerebral palsy, and AAC which  stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication  We’ll look at how effort, fatigue, and positioning impact speech and more importantly, you will hear 3 stories how AAC supported  functional communication for kids that did not  have spoken communication.  Then come back next week so you can hear from a Mom along with her daughter who uses AAC.  Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  [email protected] WEBSITE:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/ Have a question or comment? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play PLEASE VOTE!!  We are nominated for Women Podcasters Awards!!   This is a VOTER’S CHOICE AWARD. PLEASE VOTE for THE LANGUAGE OF PLAY in the CATEGORY : LIFESTYLE  PODCASTS https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards     IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 253 When Communication Is Hard: An Overview for Parents of Children with Speech or Language Struggles, part 1 254 When Communication Is Hard: Childhood Apraxia of Speech CAS & Motor Speech Disorders, part 2 255 When Communication Is Hard: Speech Sound Disorders & Phonological Delays, part 3 257 When Kids Know More Than They Can Say: Expressive & Receptive Language Delays and DLD, part 4 259 When Communication Is Hard: Autism, ADHD, and Language Processing Differences, part 5   WE’VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU!  Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play
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32 MIN
261 Jan Talen: Struggling Kids, Stressed Marriage. Where Do You Start?
APR 10, 2026
261 Jan Talen: Struggling Kids, Stressed Marriage. Where Do You Start?
Hey Friends~  We are in the middle of the series “When Communication is hard” to discuss a topic that is just as important and impacts our kids.  That is—the strength of the parent relationship itself. Today’s conversation with Jan shifts the focus to how, when parents grow in connection and calm, it creates a foundation that helps even the most challenging behaviors begin to settle. What if the key to calmer kids isn’t another parenting technique, but strengthening your relationship as a couple? Jan and I explore how to choose what’s both nice and necessary in stressful moments so connection isn’t lost when tension rises, and why putting the parent relationship first actually helps children feel more secure. You’ll hear simple ways to walk yourself through overwhelming moments so your calm and logic can “hold” your emotions, allowing you to respond with clarity instead of frustration. And throughout it all, we come back to gratitude, growth, and celebration—because when you begin to shift, even in small ways, your child often follows. Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  [email protected] Website:  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/ Have a question or comment? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play PLEASE VOTE!!  We are nominated for Women Podcasters Awards!!   This is a VOTER’S CHOICE AWARD. PLEASE VOTE for THE LANGUAGE OF PLAY in the CATEGORY : LIFESTYLE  PODCASTS https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards   ABOUT THE GUEST:   Married with kids can be a marriage wrecker. Jan knows it doesn’t have to be that way. Using her marriage and family knowledge and skills, she developed the pathway for new parents to stay together while parenting their kiddos and keeping their marriage relationship strong. She practiced this (with Chip) within their own marriage and family of 4 kids. The D of divorce was squashed. Their marriage and family turned into one filled with the A’s of appreciation and adoration. Being connected, communicating well and resolving confusion and conflicts is doable and even enjoyable while moving from Family Crazy to Family Calm with the DNA Way to Communicate. CONTACT THE GUEST:   [email protected] www.UsAndKids.com https://instagram.com/Usandkids https://www.facebook.com/usandkidspodcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/jantalen Bonus link will come in an email   IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 257 When Kids Know More Than They Can Say: Expressive & Receptive Language Delays and DLD, part 4 259 When Communication Is Hard: Autism, ADHD, and Language Processing Differences, part 5 260 Melissa Schulz: Have A Strong-Willed, Highly Sensitive, or Neurodiverse Child?   WE’VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU!  Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play Follow & subscribe in 1-click!  https://followthepodcast.com/play   To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play
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39 MIN