Talk it Out with Wee Talkers

• Episode #32: Understanding Attention in Toddlers and Preschoolers: How It Develops and Why It Matters with The Childhood Collective

  If you've ever wondered why your toddler's attention span seems so short (or why it feels impossible for them to sit still!), this episode is for you. Katie is joined by Dr. Lori Long and Katie Severson, SLP from The Childhood Collective—a team of child psychologists and a speech-language pathologist who help families of children with ADHD thrive at home and at school. Together, they break down what healthy attention looks like in early childhood, how it develops naturally, and what parents can do to nurture it through play, routines, and relationships. They also discuss how today's fast-paced, tech-filled world is shaping kids' ability to focus (and how small, intentional changes can make a big difference). You'll walk away with practical ideas for supporting your child's focus, emotional regulation, and resilience. Plus reassurance that attention is a skill that grows over time! In this episode, we cover: Why attention matters in the toddler and preschool years What "typical" attention looks like (and what parents shouldn't expect just yet) How everyday play and routines naturally build focus The impact of screens on developing attention spans Doable ways to protect your child's focus without going "zero screen time" How emotions and discomfort affect attention—for kids and parents Strategies to help toddlers and preschoolers handle big feelings When to wonder about ADHD—and what early support can look like About Our Guests The Childhood Collective is a team of two child psychologists and a speech-language pathologist (who are also moms!) on a mission to help families of children with ADHD thrive. Through their courses, resources, and podcast Shining with ADHD, they share science-backed, practical tools that make parenting feel a little calmer and a whole lot more connected. Follow them on Instagram @thechildhoodcollective and learn more at thechildhoodcollective.com.   Links & Resources Mentioned The Childhood Collective: Shining with ADHD Podcast Creating Calm (best for 4 years and older) thechildhoodcollective.com

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• Bonus Episode: Jingle, Jingle + Winter Songs [story time for kids!]

  This one is for your KIDS!  We want to share little sample of what you'll find in our Songs+Stories membership! Songs+Stories is the go-to quality resource for parents who understand the value of these early years and are intentional about what their kids listen to. Led by speech therapists and moms who get it, we hope this podcast brings a little joy to your day.   Songs+Stories is actually on MAJOR sale right now for Black Friday! You can enjoy 6 months of storytime videos and podcast episodes (like this one) ad-free for $49 (regularly $102!).  Head to www.weetalkers.com to get the deal.  Jingle, Jingle by Nicola Smee is a delightful, rhyming picture book about Mr. Horse taking his animal friends on a fun-filled winter sleigh ride through the snow.   🎧 Happy listening   Get Jingle Jingle on Amazon

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• Episode #31: Quiet Time: How to Make It Work (and Why It's Worth It)

  When naps fade, quiet time can become a calm, valuable part of your toddler's day. Katie and Carly, pediatric SLPs and moms of 6 kids, share how to make it work—plus simple ideas for toys, activities, and rhythms that keep quiet time screen-free, independent, and enjoyable for everyone. In this episode, we cover: Why quiet time matters—even after naps are gone  How to start small and build up consistency over time How to use timers or toddler clocks to make quiet time easier Simple screen-free quiet time ideas that actually keep kids engaged How independent play supports attention and emotional regulation Why audio players like the Toniebox or Yoto Player can make quiet time feel fun and calm A reminder that quiet time doesn't have to be perfect to be worth it   Resources Mentioned Yoto vs. Toniebox — Which Is Best for Toddlers and Preschoolers? weetalkers.com/blog Songs+Stories Membership Like library story time, except led by SLPs (us!) and you can press play whenever it's convenient for your family. weetalkers.com/songandstories Free Trial: Songs+Stories — Try it out and see what your little one thinks! You'll get a taste of the storytime videos + podcast episodes for toddlers and preschoolers weetalkers.com/trial Here's the Hatch clock we love to help them have more independence and understanding with time  If this episode was helpful, please take a moment to give it a 5-star rating on your podcast app. Your support helps other families find us!

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• Episode #30: Temperament in Little Kids--Why One Size Doesn't Fit All with Jess VanderWier of Nurtured First

  If you've ever wondered why some kids seem to kind of go with the flow while others melt down over seemingly small things and things feel harder? Parenting advice can feel confusing when what "works" for one child totally backfires with another.  This is something we wish we knew more about when our kids were little, so we are thrilled to share this episode with you.  In this episode, we're joined by Jess VanderWier, Registered Psychotherapist and founder of Nurtured First, to talk all about temperament—what it really means, why it matters, and how understanding your child's unique traits can bring more calm and confidence to daily life. Here's what we're covering: What temperament actually is and why it's such a key piece of early development Real-life examples of how temperament shows up in things like sleep, transitions, and everyday interactions Why advice that helps one child might not work for another When to gently push kids outside their comfort zone and when to pull back and honor who they are The power of adjusting expectations and avoiding comparisons between siblings or peers Practical ways to lean into your child's strengths while still supporting growth We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. We hope it helps you feel more confident in recognizing and supporting your child's unique temperament. We think you'll love Jess!  Follow her on Instagram @nurturedfirst and at nurturedfirst.com You can find Jess' podcast "Robot Unicorn" here: Apple Podcast  | Spotify  

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• Episode #29: Toddler Toys That Stand the Test of Time (and Why Less Really Is More)

  Overwhelmed by the toy aisle (or your living room floor)? You're not alone. In this episode, Katie and Carly (pediatric speech language pathologists and moms of six) share how to choose toys that truly stand the test of time. They'll walk you through what really matters when it comes to toys for babies, toddlers and preschoolers: choosing open-ended toys that encourage imagination, quality over quantity, and picking toys that meet your child where they are developmentally. You'll also hear their favorite tried-and-true toys that spark language, connection, and creativity (and the ones that tend to just gather dust). Whether you're shopping for the holidays or just ready to simplify playtime, this episode will help you feel confident choosing toys that actually support your child's language development. 💡 Mentioned in this episode:  Wee Talkers' 2025 Holiday Gift Guide at https://www.weetalkers.com/blog/gift-guide 15% off tubby todd tubbytodd.com/weetalkers Movement toys: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2709002 Toys that help communication development: https://www.weetalkers.com/blog/toys-for-encouraging-communication-development Our favorite bubbles

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