#007 Part 1: Are Eating & Speech Development Connected? Does it matter?

This episode topic is SO CRITICAL that I ended up creating a series which will be covered over the next several weeks. You won't want to miss any of them!This episode is Part 1, and we dive deep into your baby's or toddler's relationship between early eating (sucking and chewing) and speech development. Why? Because we are "hard-wired" to do both AND one feeds the other (pun intended.) Unfortunately, parents often feel lost or overwhelmed with the amount of information out there, and pediatrician office visits lack the time and honestly, the knowledge to help with specific questions.Yet, feeding, eating and speech challenges continue to rise. Again, we must ask, Why? Parents are looking for clear information on how best to navigate this modern world, raise healthy eaters, strong communicators, and happily engaged young kids! I begin by describing critical primitive reflexes which are necessary for survival, then we move into what oral motor structures and functions to observe and monitor in the first three months. I also touch upon two (2) additional areas of development that are KEY to building strength, stability, coordination, and a healthy immune system! These areas cannot be overlooked or under-estimated. You may want to listen to it twice! It's that important.  To help you become your child's Number 1 guide and influencer, I also created a "Check List" you will want to download. CLICK HERE to sign up to my email list and  DOWNLOAD  YOUR COPY NOW.Even if your little guy or gal is a bit older (1-5 years old), this will be very helpful as you may unravel any current issues or questions. This will empower you to  seek appropriate support through a feeding specialist, speech pathologist or other highly specialized professional.Maybe you're working with a therapist already, and they are focusing on individual sounds your child is struggling with - BUT they aren't addressing the oral-motor (physical) aspects of speech. Hmmm.  Unfortunately, that happens more often than I'd like to admit.This series will help you generate questions to bring to your speech therapist, teacher or pediatrician. Don't settle with "it takes time" or "he'll speak better when he's ready." Nope. Kids would be clear and understood, IF THEY COULD!Remember, this is just the beginning. We will continue this discussion over the next several weeks. Stay tuned and share with family, friends, other therapists, your doctor and/or school. Happy listening!Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love learning from Erin on Talking Toddlers." <--- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move from questions and self-doubt, to clarity and confidence. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Any questions you'd like me to cover?Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not following , there's a good chance you'll miss out.  Follow now!www.HyerLearning.com@erin.hyer