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

Hey Friends~  Today’s conversation is unusual for this podcast, but an important one. Over half of marriages end in divorce, and about 30% of those become high-conflict - deeply impacting children. This week, I’m joined by Lisa Johnson, a high-conflict divorce coach, to unpack the often-misunderstood topic of coercive control. We talk about what it is, the red flags within relationships, how it shows up during divorce and custody battles. We also explore Jennifers' Law. We discuss how it recognizes the many non-physical forms of abuse. Lisa shares how children are victims, used as weapons in adult conflict, along with ways parents can begin rebuilding secure bonds after trauma. ⚠️ Listener Advisory: This episode covers sensitive material and is intended for a mature audience. Parents should use discretion with younger listeners.  I still hope you TUNE IN!  Because understanding coercive control could make a life-changing difference for you or someone you love. Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  [email protected]   ABOUT THE GUEST:   Lisa Johnson is the co-founder of Been There Got Out, a high conflict divorce strategist and certified domestic violence advocate who has successfully represented herself through scores of court appearances. Her case, published in the Connecticut Law Journal, is being used as legal precedent. Her live testimony helped pass Jennifers’ Law in Connecticut, the third state in America to expand its legal definition of domestic violence to include “coercive control.” She and her partner, Chris coach people in high-conflict relationships, divorce, custody battles, and co-parenting hell so they have the chance of the best outcome in family court and beyond. They also offer a weekly Legal Abuse Support Group for those dealing with narcissistic opponents in legal matters. Their book, "Been There Got Out: Toxic Relationships, High-Conflict Divorce, and How to Stay Sane Under Insane Circumstances'' was released in March 2023. Their first course, “How to Communicate with Your Ex Without Destroying Your Case or Losing Your Mind” is out now! CONTACT THE GUEST:    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/been_there_got_out/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeenThereGotOut Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeenThereGotOut TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@been_there_got_out LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/been-there-got-out/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenThereGotOut Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Been_There_Got_Out/ Podcast: https://beentheregotout.buzzsprout.com/    YOUR NEXT STEPS: 5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91 Sign up for the Newsletter:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin 21 Days of Encouragement:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup To discuss working together:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session 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]   IF THIS EPISODE WAS HELPFUL, HERE ARE RELATED TOPICS:  246 Dr. Marcus: Are you a soothing presence for your child? 226 Constance Lewis: Using Colors To Get Through Big Feelings 188 Susanna Peace Lovell: Is Your True Self Enough? Lessons Learned In Parenting A Child With Autism 185 Anastasia Arauz Unraveling the Magic of Play Therapy in Child Development   Love this podcast?  Leave a Review: 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   A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR!   Cindy Howard  Lightening Admin VA   [email protected]

Hey Friends~  What’s really happening when kids struggle in school?   “Trying harder” just doesn’t work!  Many kids benefit from a multi-sensory approach to learn reading.  It works because this actually matches how the young  brain works.  If your child is bright but frustrated, resistant, or falling behind despite everyone’s best efforts, this episode with Dr. Emily Levy, will help you see those struggles through a new lens.  You will come away with clarity, compassion, and hope that you can share with other parents and educators of young readers.   Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  [email protected] Have a question? Topic you want addressed?  Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play   ABOUT THE GUEST:   Dr. Emily Levy is the founder and director of EBL Coaching, a specialized tutoring program that offers individualized one-on-one home, virtual, and on-site instruction using research-based, multi-sensory techniques. She is also the author of Strategies for Study Success, a 22-part student workbook series that teaches students strategies for test taking, note taking, reading comprehension, writing, summarizing, and executive functioning, along with the Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham student workbook series, which helps students develop their fundamental decoding and spelling skills. Additionally, she is the author of Flags and Stars Multi-Sensory Math, a multi-sensory math program that helps students develop a stronger understanding of core math concepts. Dr. Levy graduated from Brown University and received her Master's Degree in Special Education from Nova University in Florida. CONTACT THE GUEST:   www.eblcoaching.com https://www.facebook.com/EBLCoaching https://www.instagram.com/ebl_coaching/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-emily-levy-79b1728/      YOUR NEXT STEPS: 5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91 To discuss working together:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session Sign up for the Newsletter:  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] IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 238 Dr. Bibi Pirayesh: How an Educational Therapist Helps Kids with Learning Differences Succeed  239 Marsha Familaro Enright: Montessori? Learn how A Curiosity-Led System Works! 231 Dr. Candace Holmes: NeuroFeedback: An ADHD Brain Re-Organized! 230 Daniela Feldhausen: Speech Sounds and Reading Are Linked. Fun Ways Parents and Educators Can Help Love this podcast?  Leave a Review here: 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   A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR!   Cindy Howard  Lightening Admin VA   [email protected]

Hey Friends~  The kitchen isn’t just about food. It’s about connection.  Some of the most meaningful conversations happen while hands are busy - pulling grapes off stems, chopping, stirring. That’s often when kids open up about friendships, worries, or their day. The kitchen becomes the heart of the home.   In this episode,  Misa,  helps families navigate the kitchen in a way that builds skills and relationships, especially when picky eating is part of the story!  We talk about how to move beyond power struggles, how to invite kids into the kitchen without pressure, and how to grow communication, confidence, and nutrition together. And even if picky eating isn’t your main concern, this conversation will help you see how the kitchen can become a place of connection for every member of your family. Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  [email protected] Have a question? Topic you want addressed?  Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play   ABOUT THE GUEST:   Misa is a Certified Health Coach, Culinary Nutritionist, and the founder of Misa’s Clean Kitchen. After navigating her own journey with a picky eater, who was diagnosed with Failure to Thrive, she became passionate about helping parents raise adventurous eaters without the mealtime battles. With 10 years of teaching experience, she shares practical tips, easy recipes, and real-life strategies to help you cook one meal the whole family will enjoy. CONTACT THE GUEST:    [email protected] IG: https://www.instagram.com/misascleankitchen/ Website:  https://www.misascleankitchen.com Get the Taste-O-Meter here:  https://misascleankitchen.myflodesk.com/tasteometer   YOUR NEXT STEPS: 5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91 Sign up for the Newsletter:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/newsletter-optin 21 Days of Encouragement:  https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/1-21signup To discuss working together:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session 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] IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 95 Do You Have A Picky Eater? Have a Holiday Plan! Join For A Success Story with Everyday Parent, Kristi! 115 - 3 Ways To Ensure Travel With Kids Is Enjoyable! 118 Diann Alexander: Does The Chaos Of Your Home Life Feel Like “A Theater Of Little People”? 122 Is Your Spouse Your Best Parenting Partner? Tips For Getting The Support You Need   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   A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR!   Cindy Howard  Lightening Admin VA   [email protected]

Hey Friends~  Are you a soothing presence for your kids?  According to today’s guest, a soothing presence is someone who is okay when you are not okay.   Usually these are specific people. You can probably know who your person  is.  Who will be okay when you are not?   As parents we want to be a soothing presence for our children.  Fortunately, it is simply a skill to learn.  So, if you did not have that from your parents growing up, you can learn it now!   Our natural instincts are to want to make our kids feel better.  When you learn to be a soothing presence, you allow your child to experience and express what is happening without you being triggered by it.  Today’s guest beautifully explains how this happens in plain language.   Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  [email protected] Have a Question or Comment?  Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play Book a ZOOM call to discuss working together:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session    ABOUT THE GUEST:   Dr. Marcus is a highly respected figure in Clinical Psychology known for his expertise in improving the lives of individuals and families. He specializes in families under stress. Dr. Marcus advises parents on how to provide a soothing, safe environment for their children and how parents can help children in developing an emotional language. Dr. Marcus is author of the forthcoming book “Parent Rx: Prescriptive Wisdom, Tips and Strategies for Communication with Your Child. CONTACT THE GUEST:   parentrx.org   A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!   Cindy Howard  Lightening Admin VA   [email protected]   YOUR NEXT STEPS: 5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91 Sign up for the Newsletter:  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]   IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 232 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: What Parents Need to Know 244 SLP Gift Guide: The Top 10 Language-Building Toys for Toddlers And Preschoolers 245 Toys That Create Calm: Helping Toddlers With Transitions and Meltdowns During the Holidays   LOVE THIS PODCAST?  Leave a Review!  https://lovethepodcast.com/play FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE IN 1-CLICK!  https://followthepodcast.com/play To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule here:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play

Hey Friends~  The holidays can be exciting, but for many kids they are overwhelming. Travel, loud gatherings, new routines, and unfamiliar people can push children into meltdown mode, especially when language shuts down under stress. In this episode, we talk about how to use simple toys to prepare kids for upcoming changes, help them calm during holiday chaos, and create a sense of safety when words don’t work. If your child struggles with transitions or language delays, or is very young, this episode will help you understand why play communicates when language doesn’t, and how to use toys to bring calm, connection, and confidence during the holidays. Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  [email protected] Have a question?  Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play   A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR!   Cindy Howard  Lightening Admin VA   [email protected]   YOUR NEXT STEPS: To discuss working together:  https://calendly.com/hello-play/strategy-session 5 Ways To Get Your Kids To Listen Better: https://dinalynnr.systeme.io/7ca5ce43-d436ea91 Sign up for the Newsletter:  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]   MORE EPISODES ON TOPICS LIKE THIS: 244 SLP Gift Guide: The Top 10 Language-Building Toys for Toddlers And Preschoolers 243 Claire Miller: The Power of Storytelling to Build Confidence & Connection 232 SERIES: Speech & Language Delays: What Parents Need to Know 227 Child Not Doing As Told? Change Their Response With Concept Words   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