Not Just Theories

Independent play is one of those topics that can make parents feel like they’re either winning or failing… but the truth is far more human than that. In this episode of Not Just Theories, we look at independent play through the lens most parenting advice misses: temperament.

Some children seem wired from birth to explore, tinker, or entertain themselves. Others want proximity, co-regulation, or shared attention long before they can...

In this episode, we explore the four common parent roles in play: the Performer, the Director, the Watcher, and the Dance Partner. Each role has its place - sometimes kids need a little entertainment, sometimes they need teaching, and sometimes they need space.

But the role that supports communication, connection, and deeper engagement the most? The Dance Partner. This is where play starts to feel like a back-and-forth conversation...

If your play space feels overwhelming or your kids ignore most of their toys, this episode is for you. In Part 1 of the Making Play Work series, I unpack the idea of toy rotation - what it is, why it works, and how it can reignite your child’s interest in play.

I share how we make toy rotation work in our home (with just a small cube shelf in the living room, not a Pinterest-perfect playroom), what I’ve learned from doing it imperf...

It’s easy to fall into the habit of asking lots of questions ... “What’s that? What colour is it?” ... but too many can stall true connection.

In this final part of the Early Communication Made Simple series, I share how to reduce non-genuine questions, follow your child’s lead, and use responsive comments that spark real back-and-forth moments.

Learn what to say instead, how to tune in to your child’s play, and how these small shi...

Not all words are equal when your child is learning to talk. In this episode, I break down how to choose which words to work on first - based on what matters most to your child and what will help them connect and communicate faster. This episode offers clear, practical guidance you can start using today at home or in therapy.

Pick words that are:

• Useful: They let the child get what they want or need. (e.g. “more,” “help,” “o...

Before words come connection. In this first episode of the Early Communication Made Simple series, I explore the Harvard “serve and return” framework - the science behind those simple back-and-forth moments that shape a child’s brain and communication skills. You’ll hear practical examples of how to spot your child’s “serves,” respond in ways that build trust, and make everyday moments more meaningful.

Perfect for parents of babies...

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the kettle boils over. In this final episode, I explore strategies for intense overstimulation, when yelling feels inevitable. I share scripts, mantras, and physical strategies (like yelling into a pillow, turning frustration into movement, or using loud music to “sing it out”) to help release the feelings safely. These tools let parents reset, repair, and model calmer ways of coping under pres...

Parenting can be loud, messy, and overwhelming. In this first episode of my self-regulation mini-series for parents, I talk about preventing overstimulation before it boils over. From reducing background noise (bye-bye, noisy toys) to using loop earplugs, to simply remembering to eat, I share practical ways to “turn down the heat” and protect your own nervous system so you can show up calmer for your kids.

🎙️ Follow along for al...

What happens when your child eats nothing but garlic bread for dinner… multiple nights in a row? It might feel worrying, but it’s also a perfect example of how the Division of Responsibility in feeding plays out in real life.

In this episode, I break down Ellyn Satter’s Division of Responsibility: what parents are responsible for (the what, when, and where of eating) and what children are responsible for (whether and how much). We’...

Parenting comes with plenty of surprises… like opening the washing machine to find a soggy tea bag spinning through the rinse cycle. In this episode, I share the story of “the worst cup of tea I never drank” - and the bigger parenting lessons it sparked.

Beyond the funny moment, we also dive into the real-life challenge of managing laundry. I’ll talk about the “one load a day” approach that helps keep overwhelm at bay, plus a littl...

Play is one of the most powerful ways children learn - and it’s the perfect space for vocabulary growth. In this final episode of the series, I share how to model and expand vocabulary during play, whether it’s following up on words from books or choosing new words as they come up naturally in play.

You’ll hear how to balance guidance with following your child’s lead, and why play-based word learning sticks in ways structured teach...

Not all vocabulary teaching needs to be structured - sometimes the richest moments come when you’re simply reading with your child. In this second part of the vocabulary series, I share how to build language naturally through books at home, without preplanning or word lists.

You’ll hear how to spot “teachable moments” in everyday reading, model new words in context, and keep the focus on joy and connection, rather than structure or...

Vocabulary is more than just “knowing words” - it’s a key to communication, learning, and connection. In this first episode of my vocabulary mini-series, I walk you through the basics of robust vocabulary instruction: how we use structured teaching in the clinic, the role of preselected word lists, and how tiers of vocabulary help us decide which words to focus on.

We’ll also look at how books, flashcards, and intentional word choi...

Kids often say or do things that leave us juggling emotions, expectations, and social rules - like telling a friend they can’t come to their birthday party. In this episode, I share how these moments are opportunities for empathy, without getting locked into power struggles.

You’ll hear practical strategies for guiding kids through big feelings, when to be concerned, and when to leave them to work it out on their own. Plus, I share...

The after-daycare transition can be one of the hardest times of the day. Kids are exhausted, parents are juggling dinner prep and family needs, and emotions often boil over into tears and meltdowns.

In this episode, I share how a simple after-daycare “fruit snack” became a bridge between daycare and home - helping my child regulate, reset, and transition more calmly. You’ll hear why this small ritual works, some of the unexpected s...

Bedtime should be a calming, connecting time… but for many families, it can be a battleground. In this episode, I share how we transformed our bedtime book reading routine - making it calmer, more predictable, and more enjoyable for everyone.

You’ll hear practical tips for choosing the right books, pacing the reading, and adapting the experience for neurodivergent kids who may find winding down a challenge. These small changes can ...

Before we dive into all things parenting, let’s get to know each other.

In this episode, I share my story - from becoming a speech-language pathologist to navigating life as a neurodivergent parent - and why I started Not Just Theories.

You’ll hear about my passion for giving parents practical scripts, tools, and strategies they can actually use, as well as my goal to make this podcast a space for reflection, learning, and connecti...