[jwplayer config="mcplayer1" file="http://cdn.mommycast.com/2010/Mommycast_ToddlerSpeech.flv" image="http://www.mommycast.com/wp-content/themes/mommycast-video/images/screenShot/2010/regular/MommyCast_ToddlerSpeech.jpg" volume="60" stretching="fill" width="640" height="360" width="640" backcolor="#FFFFFF" frontcolor="FF3366" lightcolor="FF9999" ]

Mom's agonize over hearing their child's first words, but by the time they're toddlers its hard for us to even get a word in edgewise. Maia Magder, speech and language pathologist talks with Gretchen and Paige about the overall speech development in toddlers. Watch the show and then visit her website at dcspeechcenter.com to learn more.

[jwplayer config="mcplayer1" file="http://cdn.mommycast.com/2010/Mommycast_65_youngreaders.flv" image="http://www.mommycast.com/wp-content/themes/mommycast-video/images/screenShot/2010/regular/MommyCast_65_youngreader.jpg" volume="60" stretching="fill" width="640" height="360" width="640" backcolor="#FFFFFF" frontcolor="FF3366" lightcolor="FF9999" ]

Reading is a great activity to do with your children, and it has been shown to assist with a child’s educational development if you start reading with them at an early age. As we all know though getting kids excited about reading time is not an easy task, which is why Paige and Gretchen invited author and reading expert, Erica Perl, to share some of her tips on inspiring young readers. Check out Erica’s own delightful new book, Ninety Three in my Family. We know you’ll enjoy it!

[jwplayer config="mcplayer1" file="http://cdn.mommycast.com/2010/Mommycast_56_cochlear.flv" image="http://www.mommycast.com/wp-content/themes/mommycast-video/images/screenShot/2010/regular/Mommycast_56_cochlear.jpg" volume="60" stretching="fill" width="640" height="360" width="640" backcolor="#FFFFFF" frontcolor="FF3366" lightcolor="FF9999" ]

Monica Bishopp has a beautiful twenty month old son, Alexander, who was born with profound hearing loss. The Newborn hearing screening identified the loss and Monica and her husband decided to pursue hearing aids for amplification, along with therapy. The mommies visited with Monica about her son's recent cochlear hearing implant surgeries. You can follow Alexander's progress on his blog, and you can learn more here about cochlear implants.

[jwplayer config="mcplayer1" file="http://cdn.mommycast.com/2009/Mommycast_54_Books3_5.flv" image="http://www.mommycast.com/wp-content/themes/mommycast-video/images/screenShot/2009/regular/MommyCast_54_Books3_5.jpg" volume="60" stretching="fill" width="640" height="360" width="640" backcolor="#FFFFFF" frontcolor="FF3366" lightcolor="FF9999" ]

We all know reading with our children is imperative to their development, and happily book stores and libraries are overflowing with choices. So Paige and Gretchen are checking in with Erica Perl, author and reading expert, to get her advice on how to pick great books to read with your 3-5 year old. Her ideas include looking for books that are concise and well written, have fun and engaging characters, and are visually interesting. Try to find books that you enjoy too, since you may well be reading them many, many times!

[jwplayer config="mcplayer1" file="http://cdn.mommycast.com/2009/Mommycast_51_InfantSpeech.flv" image="http://www.mommycast.com/wp-content/themes/mommycast-video/images/screenShot/2009/regular/Mommycast_51_InfantSpeech.jpg" volume="60" stretching="fill" width="640" height="360" width="640" backcolor="#FFFFFF" frontcolor="FF3366" lightcolor="FF9999" ]

Speech and Language Pathologist, Maia Magder, teaches Paige and Gretchen about how infants develop speech and what parents can do to encourage them. She shares some important milestones for moms to look for, like when babies should be smiling and babbling. To learn more from Maia, visit her website.

[jwplayer config="mcplayer1" file="http://cdn.mommycast.com/2009/Mommycast_Pampers_toddlers.flv" image="http://www.mommycast.com/wp-content/themes/mommycast-video/images/screenShot/2009/pampers/Mommycast_Pampers_toddlers.jpg" volume="60" stretching="fill" width="640" height="360" width="640" backcolor="#FFFFFF" frontcolor="FF3366" lightcolor="FF9999" ]

Developing verbal expression, toilet training, separation anxiety...got a toddler? No problem. Paige and Gretchen get excellent counsel from Caroline Clauss-Ehlers, PhD from the Pampers Parenting Network on how to help toddlers channel their determination and independence without either one of you going crazy.

[jwplayer config="mcplayer1" file="http://cdn.mommycast.com/2009/Mommycast_42_NewbornSpeech.flv" image="http://www.mommycast.com/wp-content/themes/mommycast-video/images/screenShot/2009/regular/Mommycast_42_newborn_speech.jpg" volume="60" stretching="fill" width="640" height="360" width="640" backcolor="#FFFFFF" frontcolor="FF3366" lightcolor="FF9999" ]

Did you know that newborn babies begin to communicate almost immediately and that feeding is one of the earliest forms of conversation? Neither did we, but we learned a lot when Maia Magder, speech and language pathologist, spoke with Gretchen and Paige about speech development in newborns. Her explanation of how babies first learn to communicate is fascinating! Watch the show and then visit her website at dcspeechcenter.com to learn more about it.

[jwplayer config="mcplayer1" file="http://cdn.mommycast.com/2009/Mommycast_36_DevMilestones.flv" image="http://www.mommycast.com/wp-content/themes/mommycast-video/images/screenShot/2009/regular/Mommycast_36_DevMilestones.jpg" volume="60" stretching="fill" width="640" height="360" width="640" backcolor="#FFFFFF" frontcolor="FF3366" lightcolor="FF9999" ]

Every parent wonders if their child’s development is “normal” at some point (or many) in their child’s life. It’s helpful to know what developmental milestones your child should be reaching at each age. Gretchen and Paige talked with Anne Dolin, author and educational specialist, about milestones in reading, speech, and comprehension. For more help and information on child development, we like the book How is My First Grader Doing in School?: What to Expect and How to Help, by Jennifer Jacobson and the other books in the series. You can also click here and here for more great information.