Episode #19: Thumb Sucking – What Parents Need to Know
Release Date: 06/09/2025
Episode #30: Temperament in Little Kids--Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All with Jess VanderWier of Nurtured First
Talk it Out with Wee Talkers
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...
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Episode #29: Toddler Toys That Stand the Test of Time (and Why Less Really Is More)
Talk it Out with Wee Talkers
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...
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Episode #28: How to Choose the Best Library Books for Babies and Toddlers
Talk it Out with Wee Talkers
We absolutely love the library, but we know it can be overwhelming. Families often wonder: Should you pick the educational books? The fun, silly ones? Are some books “better” than others? What if they want to read the same book over and over? In this episode, we’re sharing simple tips to take the stress out of library trips and help you make the most of this incredible resource. Here’s what we’re covering: Why regular library visits are one of the easiest ways to support your child’s language and literacy skills Four simple things to look for when choosing books What we...
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Episode #27: Help! My Toddler Says a Lot of Sounds Wrong — Should I Be Worried?
Talk it Out with Wee Talkers
It’s typical for toddlers and preschoolers not to be able to say all speech sounds correctly. It’s a learning process. Maybe your child says “tar” for star or “nana” for banana. But how do you know if it’s just a normal stage or something more? In this episode, we’re digging into the question: Should I be worried if my toddler says sounds “wrong”? Here’s what we’re covering: Why speech errors happen How much of your toddler’s speech you should be able to understand at different ages The most common sound mistakes toddlers make and when they typically go...
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Episode #26: 5 Things We’re Glad We Did When Our Kids Were Little (and 5 We Wish We Did More Of)
Talk it Out with Wee Talkers
Parenting little ones is full of trial and error. Some choices you look back on and think, I’m so glad we did that. Others? You wish you’d done a little differently. In this episode, we’re reflecting on those early years now that we have school-aged kids and sharing: 5 simple habits we’re thankful we stuck with — like making room for open-ended play, encouraging a love of books, and keeping quiet time even after naps were long gone. The everyday choices that paid off more than we realized at the time 5 things we wish we had done more of (still kicking ourselves for not writing down...
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Episode #25: 18 Month Old Not Talking but Understands: Milestones, Tips, and When to Get Help
Talk it Out with Wee Talkers
Is your 18-month-old not talking yet, but clearly understands so much of what you say? You’re not alone. And the fact they understand so much is a very encouraging sign! In this episode, Katie and Carly (speech-language pathologists and moms) break down: The difference between receptive (understanding) and expressive (talking) language What language milestones to expect around 18 months What actually counts as a word (hint: more than you think!) Three simple ways you can support your toddler’s talking right now When to seek extra support and why “wait and see” isn’t always...
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Episode #24: Starting Preschool: Tips for Making the Transition Smoother
Talk it Out with Wee Talkers
Starting preschool or daycare? We’ve been there—more than six times between us! In this episode, we share our best tips for easing the preschool transition, from choosing books that prepare your child to creating goodbye routines that actually work. You’ll hear real stories from our own kids, easy role play ideas, a simple connection routines for drop-off, and a preschool playlist to help your preschooler start the day feeling brave and confident. Links & Resources: Shop our favorite books for starting school: |
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Episode #23: Tonsils + Adenoids—When to Watch, When to Worry with Dr. Anjuli Gans
Talk it Out with Wee Talkers
You’ve probably heard of kids having their tonsils or adenoids removed—but how do you know when it’s actually necessary? In this episode of Talk It Out, we’re joined by to break down everything parents need to know about tonsils and adenoids in children. From their role in the body to the signs that they might be causing problems, Dr. Gans helps make sense of this often confusing part of pediatric health. Dr. Gans is an attending physician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and the founder of Resilient...
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Episode #22: Is Your Toddler a Picky Eater? What’s Normal—and What Actually Helps with Jenny Friedman, RD
Talk it Out with Wee Talkers
Picky eating is one of the most common concerns for parents of toddlers—but how do you know if it’s a normal phase or something more serious? In this episode of Talk It Out, we’re joined by Jenny Friedman, a pediatric dietitian, picky eating specialist, and mom of three. Together, we dive into what picky eating looks like in toddlers, how to reduce mealtime stress, and what actually works when your child refuses to eat. Whether your toddler is down to just a handful of foods or you’re dealing with a new wave of food refusals, this conversation is filled with practical, low-pressure...
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Episode #21: Ear Infections + Speech Development — What Parents Should Know with Dr. Anjuli Gans
Talk it Out with Wee Talkers
If your toddler has had multiple ear infections, you’re not alone—and if you’ve ever wondered how those infections might impact their speech or language development, this episode is for you. We’re joined by , a board-certified pediatrician with over a decade of experience, an attending physician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania. She’s also the creator of , where she shares evidence-based, down-to-earth advice on pediatric health—and she’s a mom of two. We’ve learned so much from Dr....
info_outlineThumb sucking super common and a very natural things for babies to do—but when is it time to start guiding them away from it?
In this episode, we’re covering:
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The pros and cons of thumb sucking
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How prolonged thumb sucking can affect speech and tooth development
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Gentle, practical strategies to help your child break the habit when they’re ready
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Carly’s personal experience with her daughter’s thumb-sucking journey
If you’re wondering when or how to support your child through this transition, this episode will give you ideas you can tailor to your family’s approach—without making it a battle.
Key Takeaways:
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Most kids stop thumb sucking on their own between ages 3 and 6.
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Gradual changes—like keeping hands busy, offering alternatives, and reducing triggers—can help.
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A child-led approach often leads to smoother, more lasting success.
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If you’re concerned about speech or dental development, check in with a professional.
At the end of the day, thumb sucking is just one small piece of your child’s development, and you know them best. However this journey looks for your family, you’re doing an incredible job supporting them every step of the way.
If this episode was helpful, we’d love for you to subscribe and share it with a friend who might need it. Thanks for being here—we’re so grateful for you!
Thank You to our Sponsor:
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