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

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
260 Melissa Schulz:  Have A  Strong-Willed, Highly Sensitive, or Neurodiverse Child?
APR 2, 2026
260 Melissa Schulz: Have A Strong-Willed, Highly Sensitive, or Neurodiverse Child?
Hey Friends~  In the last episode, part 5, we talked about ADHD, ASD and processing difficulties. In this episode we support that learning as we listen to a mom and coach talk about parenting some of these kids who are strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodiverse. Our conversation is full of examples of turning daily struggles into calmer, more connected moments.   So if you have a child that pushes your buttons or can be difficult, you will feel empowered after listening to this episode.   NEWS!!  We are nominated for Women Podcasters Awards!!  This is a listener-vote award. PLEASE VOTE for THE LANGUAGE OF PLAY in the CATEGORY of LIFESTYLE https://www.womenpodcasters.com/language-of-play   Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  [email protected] CHECKOUT THE WEBSITE!  https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/ Have a question or comment? Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play   ABOUT THE GUEST:   Melissa Schulz, MS, BCBA, is a parenting coach and behavior analyst who helps parents of strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodiverse kids turn daily struggles into calmer, more connected moments using her proven processes. Melissa has been recognized as the "Best Parenting Coach in the United States for 2025" by Evergreen Awards. CONTACT THE GUEST:    www.melissaschulz.com www.facebook.com/confidentlymommin www.instagram.com/confidentlymommin Free e-guide "How to Get Kids to Listen" : https://www.melissaschulz.com/free-guide     IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 53 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 4259 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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31 MIN
259 When Communication Is Hard: Autism, ADHD, and Language Processing Differences, part 5
MAR 26, 2026
259 When Communication Is Hard: Autism, ADHD, and Language Processing Differences, part 5
Hey Friends~  If communication with your child feels confusing, exhausting, or like you’re missing something important, this episode is for you. Today we’re talking about language  processing differences in  ASD  (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder)  along with processing differences associated with Auditory processing, Language processing, and Sensory processing.  If listening feels hard, behavior gets in the way, or conversations fall apart quickly, this episode will help you see communication through a new lens.  We’ll connect regulation, attention, and language, and talk about how lowering pressure often opens the door to better communication. This is about helping you see what’s really going on… so you can respond in ways that truly help your child. Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  [email protected] VISIT MY 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: 189 Your Child Is A Gestalt Language Learner? Uses Echolalia? 4 Tips To Help Expand Interactive Skills 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   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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29 MIN
258 Need Funding For Speech Therapy?  Podcasthon Charity Highlight: Small Steps in Speech with Amanda Berardi
MAR 19, 2026
258 Need Funding For Speech Therapy? Podcasthon Charity Highlight: Small Steps in Speech with Amanda Berardi
Hey Friends~ *SPECIAL EPISODE* Podcasthon Highlighted Charity:  Small Steps in Speech with Amanda Charney-Berardi. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or professional who’s ever worried about a child being misunderstood… if you’ve wondered whether listening, play, and connection really matter as much as we say they do… or if you believe that every child deserves support—not just the lucky ones—then this episode is for you. Today’s conversation is part of Podcasthon, a worldwide charity event where thousands of podcasts come together during one week to release special episodes in support of causes that matter deeply to them. I chose to highlight Small Steps in Speech, a nonprofit that helps fund speech and language services for children—because helping kids find their voice is at the very heart of what I believe, and how I believe change actually happens. Always cheering you on!  DinalynnCONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  [email protected] Comment? Question?  Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play Work with Dinalynn.  Let’s talk:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session ABOUT THE GUEST:   Amanda Charney-Berardi is the founder of the nonprofit organization Small Steps in Speech, which she established in 2009 after the tragic loss of her fiancé, SSG Marc Small, a United States Army Special Forces soldier. Marc believed deeply in her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist and often served as her “guinea pig” for lessons and practice evaluations. After receiving the heartbreaking news of Marc’s passing, Amanda founded the organization in his honor.   ABOUT THE NON-PROFIT:  Small Steps in Speech has granted more than $2 million to children across all 50 states, continuing Marc’s legacy. The organization provides children and their families the gift of improved communication through support such as speech therapy, AAC devices, parent–child PROMPT and apraxia therapy, hippotherapy, and other services that help children develop their voices.   CONTACT THE GUEST/NON-PROFIT:  https://www.smallstepsinspeech.org/ Free Speech Therapy:  [email protected] To donate:  https://www.smallstepsinspeech.org/donate social media page: https://www.facebook.com/smallstepsinspeech/ Instagram: Venmo for Donations:   ABOUT THE GLOBAL INITIATIVE: PODCASTHON is a global nonprofit initiative where  podcasters unite for a coordinated charity campaign each year. During a designated week, thousands of podcasts release a special episode highlighting a nonprofit or cause they care about, using the power of podcasting to raise awareness and inspire support worldwide.  https://podcasthon.org/   IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO LAST YEAR’S NON-PROFIT!  206 Jeremiah Program: Disrupting Poverty Two Generations At A Time A PODCASTHON SPECIAL   FAMILY RESOURCE:  Financial Freedom 101:  with Penelope Jane Smith Build simple, family-friendly money systems at the Financial Freedom 101 Virtual Event.  To learn more or reserve a spot, you can find the details here: https://realprosperity.isrefer.com/go/scholarship/dinalynn   YOUR NEXT STEPS with The Language Of Play   5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91 “Play is…” downloadable:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/94b4e662 Newsletter Sign up:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin 21 Days of Encouragement:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup For Workshops, Speaking Events, or Partnerships:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session ** For Speaking Engagements, Workshops, or Parent Coaching (virtual or live), contact me at [email protected]   SUBSCRIBE, REVIEW, SPONSOR, DONATE:  Love this podcast?  Let us know!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play Subscribe & Follow 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:
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31 MIN