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A Parent's Guide to Child Development

Annamarie von Firley

Let's face it—nobody ever went to college to learn how to raise a baby. Everyone is just making it up as they go along. "A Parent's Guide to Child Development" is your lifeline to expert wisdom. Learn about the most important information that you didn't know existed.

Hosted by Annamarie von Firley from Fledglings' Flight, this podcast gathers insights from experts in child development such as pediatric OTs, speech language pathologists, child psychologists, lactation consultants, & more, delivering practical tips & actionable advice to help optimize your child's development.

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  • 26 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 17 min
  • English

Episodes 26

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  • September 24 · 1 min

    The 'Stress Hormone' Your Newborn Needs | A Parent's Guide to Child Development podcast short

    Cortisol has a bad reputation — but your newborn actually needs a spike of it right at birth. Emily Roper, Neuro-Developmental Delay Therapist and founder of Early Roots, explains why: your baby goes from having everything done for them in the womb to suddenly running their own body, and that cortisol spike is what triggers the reflex behind their very first breath. 🧠 About Annamarie von Firley:After 20 years running her fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie returned to her toy design roots and founded Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016. In 2022, she launched Fledglings' Flight as an extension of that work. She now hosts A Parent's Guide to Child Development, bringing parents conversations with experts in child development and psychology.About Fledglings' Flight:Fledglings' Flight is an app and customized subscription box for parents of children 0-3 years old to help them optimize their child's development with play-based exercises, milestone tracking, resource library, and monthly "Toolbox" with skills-based toys tailored to each child's unique developmental needs whether they are delayed, on-track, advanced, or asynchronous.Follow us: FledglingsFlight.com app.FledglingsFlight.com Instagram & Facebook: @fledglingsflight TikTok: @fledglings.flightLinkedIn: fledglings-flight

  • September 18 · 52 sec

    Does Your Partner Have Postpartum Depression? Look for This | A Parent's Guide to Child Development short

    "I'm fine" is the answer everyone gives — even when they're not. Perinatal mental health expert Lynn Ingram McFarland explains the real question to ask a new parent, and the everyday signs (sleep, eating, routines) that say more than words do.🎧 Listen to full episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/157Uj6YKfSvZNlSidF4a8L?si=5WIA5RZ3Rgml5pHnKfgomgFollow us: FledglingsFlight.com app.FledglingsFlight.comInstagram & Facebook: @fledglingsflight TikTok: @fledglings.flight LinkedIn: fledglings-flight#postpartumdepression #maternalmentalhealth #warningsigns

  • September 11 · 1 hr 16 min

    How Birth Shapes Your Baby's Nervous System for Life - Guest: Emily Roper | A Parent's Guide To Child Development

    Most parents spend months preparing for labor & almost no time preparing for what happens the moment it's over. But the hours right after birth are doing more developmental work than nearly any other stretch of your baby's 1st year — quietly shaping everything from feeding to sleep to how safe their nervous system feels in the world. In this episode, Emily Roper — who has personally attended over 600 births — walks through with Annamarie von Firley exactly what's happening in that window, & why it matters far beyond the delivery room. Time Stamps: 00:00 Why the immediate window around birth matters so much for development 05:40 Why birth complications are the highest risk factor for child development delays? 08:27 How labor & delivery optimizes baby’s brain and body functions after birth 10:50 Why babies born via C-sections need more developmental support? 13:50 How birth trauma & maternal support shapes mom’s mental health 16:03 Link between baby’s & parent’s mental health 18:05 The biggest misconception parents have about birth 20:00 What's happening in a baby's nervous system during labor & delivery 21:10 How babies actively participate in their birth 22:36 Why labor & delivery cause reflex retention 24:02 How vaginal birth prepares a baby differently than a C-section 29:43 What families can do after a C-section to support baby’s gut health 33:06 How inductions, epidurals, vacuum, & forceps affect the baby 39:53 How the birth environment itself affects the baby 42:35 How a long or difficult labor affects a baby differently than a fast one 44:30 What happens physiologically in the first hour after birth? 47:46 What happens when the golden hour is interrupted 50:56 How delayed vs. immediate cord clamping affects newborn 54:30 What is the ideal length of time to delay cord clamping? 57:36 What's happening hormonally for mom & baby in first hours after birth 58:58 Why establishing feeding matters beyond nutrition 1:00:57 How difficulty breastfeeding affects baby’s nervous system regulation 1:04:17 How a mother's nervous system & stress affect the baby 1:06:18 What happens when a baby is separated from mom early on 1:07:36 How to minimize the impact if mom-baby separation is medically necessary 1:09:06 What matters after the first 24 hours postpartum 1:10:06 How mother's postpartum recovery affects baby 1:10:42 What is the role of family, partners, & doulas in protecting the golden hour 1:12:15 Signs a baby didn't get what they needed postpartum 1:13:20 What to know if your birth didn't go the way you hoped 1:14:10 Why the choice your OBGYN or birth provider has the biggest impact on mom & baby About Emily Roper: Neuro-Developmental Delay Therapist, certified Midwife's Assistant, and founder of Early Roots. Emily has attended over 600 births and has backgrounds in psychology, midwifery, and neurodevelopmental delay, spending over a decade supporting children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, dyslexia, sensory challenges, and other developmental difficulties. instagram.com/earlyroots facebook.com/earlyroots About Annamarie von Firley: After 20 years running her fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie returned to her toy design roots & founded Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016. About Fledglings' Flight: Play-based exercises for children birth to age 3, supporting cognitive, motor, & social-emotional development, with a monthly exercise library & milestone tracking in our app. Follow us: FledglingsFlight.com app.FledglingsFlight.com Instagram/Facebook: @fledglingsflight TikTok: @fledglings.flight LinkedIn: fledglings-flight Music: Purple Planet Music

  • August 28 · 55 min

    Why Some Toddlers Become Disorganized Teens - Guest: Diana Pellicano | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    A toddler's tantrum & a teen's missing homework look like different problems. They're not. Host Annamarie von Firley talks with Executive Function Specialist Diana Pellicano about tracing one line from the high chair to high school — & what parents can do now to change where it ends up. You'll learn: • What executive function really means • What delays look like in toddlers & preschoolers • Why unstructured play matters • A visual routine-building strategy • Whether screen time makes delays worse • How delays connect to ADHD, anxiety, & autism Time Stamps: 0:00 Why do toddler tantrums predict your child's future? 2:50 What is executive function? 4:30 Are humans the only species that can stop, pause, & think to change their behavior to achieve a certain outcome in the future? 4:48 What do good executive functioning skills look like in children? 5:34 What do good executive functioning skills look like in adults? 8:16 What is the difference between verbal & non-verbal working memory? 8:32 Is an executive function delay the same as ADHD? 8:52 How does verbal & non-verbal working memory affect executive functioning skills? 9:34 Is talking to yourself out loud help with verbal working memory? 10:59 How parents who model executive functioning skills & strategies impact children's ability to self-regulate themselves 11:50 Why is self-awareness a part of executive functioning skills? 12:30 Why is self-regulation a part of executive functioning skills? 13:14 Why is self-motivation a part of executive functioning skills? 14:00 Why is self-evaluation a part of executive functioning skills? 15:05 Why is self-language a part of executive functioning skills? 15:20 What are the 5 pillars of executive functioning? 16:14 What age do executive functioning skills start developing? 16:45 How many years behind their classmates in development are children with ADHD & executive functioning delays? 17:34 Why isn't executive function talked about like language milestones? 18:56 What do executive function delays look like in toddlers & preschoolers? 19:38 When is the best time to start teaching executive function strategies & how do you do it? 23:39 Why using real-life visuals help kids build executive functioning skills? 25:20 Why you should not give-in to a child who is throwing a tantrum? 27:22 Does pretend play build executive function skills? 30:05 What is the predictions review model & how does it help with executive functioning & emotional regulation? 31:08 How much should parents help vs. let kids struggle? 32.37 What strategies should parents whose families have a history of ADHD use with their children to help with executive functioning? 33:25 What is a "morning map" & how do you build one? 36:59 Does screen time cause executive function delays? 37:22 Are people with ADHD more prone to screen addiction? 39:29 Does household routine affect a child's self-regulation? 40:26 Do early executive function delays cause struggles in college? 41:56 Why is it important to let your child fail? 43:45 What is the #1 indicator of long-term success? 44:49 What do executive function delays look like in elementary, middle, & high school? 45:24 What is it important for kids & teens to practice social skills in the real world? 50:17 Why parents of an only-child or children who have social anxiety should sign them up for activities & clubs? 51:04 Does executive function delays overlap with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or other conditions? 52:40 Why parents should not do things for their kids that they are able to do on their own? Subscribe & share with a parent who needs this. Guest: Diana Pellicano, Executive Function Specialist & Director of GrowNOW's College Success Program. grownowadhd.com IG @grownowadhd Fledglings' Flight offers play-based exercises for kids birth to age 3. FledglingsFlight.com App.FledglingsFlight.com IG/TikTok FB @fledglingsflight LinkedIn: fledglings-flight Pinterest @fledglingsflight

  • August 21 · 39 sec

    1 in 5 Moms Get Postpartum Depression? Try 1 in 2. | A Parent's Guide to Child Development podcast short

    The number you've probably heard for postpartum depression — 1 in 5 — might be a serious undercount. Lynn Ingram McFarland, a certified perinatal mental health professional and three-time survivor herself, explains why the real number may be closer to 1 in 2, and why "common" and "normal" are not the same thing. 💛 Full episode on postpartum depression and perinatal mental health — link in below https://open.spotify.com/episode/157Uj6YKfSvZNlSidF4a8L?si=5WIA5RZ3Rgml5pHnKfgomg

  • August 19 · 2 min

    Kids Held Back a Year Get Fewer ADHD Diagnoses | A Parent's Guide to Child Development Podcast Shorts

    Something most parents don't think about when it comes to the kindergarten cutoff: age isn't the same as readiness. Emily Roper — Neuro-Developmental Delay Therapist and founder of Early Roots — explains why kids, especially boys born right at the start of the age cutoff, may be significantly less likely to get an ADHD diagnosis if they start school a year later.🎧 Full episode on Attention & Regulation — link in below. https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Qlem5gufu0OI2ufhMz4lG?si=bIjdaQ7CTqyr1KUnhzlFBw

  • August 15 · 47 min

    Why Your Kid Can't Focus, Sit Still, or Calm Down - Guest: Emily Roper | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode, Emily Roper returns to unpack the primitive reflexes most closely tied to attention & self-regulation, & why so much of what gets labeled ADHD, defiance, or a "difficult" temperament may actually be a nervous system that never finished developing the way it was supposed to. Host Annamarie von Firley sits down with Emily Roper, Neurodevelopmental Delay Therapist, certified Midwife's Assistant, & founder of Early Roots, for a deep dive into the reflexes behind fidgeting, meltdowns, & the "lazy kid" label What We Cover: • Which primitive reflexes cluster together around attention & regulation • The difference between a child who's truly inattentive & one whose nervous system is in overdrive • How much of what gets called "ADHD" may actually be retained reflexes • The Spinal Galant Reflex — what it is, & its surprising link to fidgeting & bedwetting • Why C-section babies are more likely to retain the Spinal Galant • The STNR ("crawling reflex") & its connection to posture, focus, and sitting still • Why labeling a struggling kid "lazy" can become a self-fulfilling prophecy • How a retained Moro Reflex keeps the nervous system on constant high alert • Why sensory overload & attention difficulties feed each other • Why emotional regulation has to come before real focus • The surprising link between the kindergarten age cutoff & ADHD diagnosis rates • What a truly regulated nervous system looks like, & how to help a child get there 02:08 Which primitive reflexes are behind attention & regulation 04:03 Inattentive child vs. a nervous system working overtime 05:55 How much of "ADHD" is actually retained primitive reflexes 07:18 What is the Spinal Galant, & what's its job in infancy? 08:19 Why C-section babies are more likely to retain the Spinal Galant 09:37 What a retained Spinal Galant looks like in a classroom chair or car seat 11:14 The surprising link between the Spinal Galant & bedwetting 12:42 How teachers and parents misread a retained Spinal Galant 14:29 What is the STNR ("crawling reflex"), & what's its job? 16:10 How a retained STNR affects focus & sitting still 17:31 Why kids with a retained STNR slump or wrap their legs around chair legs 19:37 Labeling kids "lazy" & the self-fulfilling prophecy it creates 20:35 How STNR connects to reading, copying from the board, & attention 23:56 How a retained Moro keeps the nervous system on constant alert 26:08 Why a heightened baseline makes focusing on schoolwork so hard 27:35 How sensory overload & attention difficulties feed each other 29:10 Why emotional regulation has to come before real focus 31:51 What happens when multiple reflexes are retained together 32:54 What a truly regulated nervous system looks like 34:37 Typical childhood wiggliness vs. a reflex that hasn't integrated 38:42 For kids already diagnosed with ADHD, is reflex work still worth it? 40:42 Does the classroom itself work against normal development? About Emily Roper: Emily Roper is a Neuro-Developmental Delay Therapist & certified Midwife's Assistant, and founder of Early Roots, a specialized therapy & education practice for children with developmental delays. instagram.com/earlyroots facebook.com/earlyroots About Annamarie von Firley: After 20 years running her fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie von Firley returned to her toy design roots. With a BA in Wooden Toy Design & a BFA in Furniture Design, she founded Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016. About Fledglings' Flight: Fledglings' Flight offers play-based exercises for children birth to age 3, designed to support cognitive, motor, & social-emotional development. Our app gives parents a monthly exercise library, milestone tracking, & — for Premium Members — a personalized developmental profile. Follow us: FledglingsFlight.com app.FledglingsFlight.com Instagram/TikTok/ Facebook: @fledglingsflight LinkedIn: fledglings-flight Pinterest: @fledglingsflight Music: Purple Planet Music

  • August 6 · 45 sec

    Why Your Kid Comes Home from School Exhausted | Emily Roper | A Parent's Guide to Child Development Short

    Ever wonder why your kid comes home from school completely wiped out — even on days they "didn't do anything"? In this clip from our episode on ATNR and learning challenges, Emily Roper, Neuro-Developmental Delay Therapist and founder of Early Roots, explains why a nervous system that's constantly fighting an unintegrated reflex is doing invisible work all day long, even while sitting still. Hear the full conversation on primitive reflexes, reading, handwriting, and school struggles in our episode "Why Your Kid Struggles to Read, Write, or Focus in School."

  • July 29 · 53 min

    Why Your Kid Struggles to Read, Write, or Focus in School | Emily Roper

    Struggling to read isn't always about intelligence — and messy handwriting isn't always about carelessness. For a surprising number of kids, the real culprit is a reflex that should have disappeared before their first haircut. In this episode, Emily Roper returns to unpack the Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) — the invisible thread connecting how your baby moved in the womb to how your 8-year-old holds a pencil today. Host Annamarie von Firley sits down with Emily Roper, Neurodevelopmental Delay Therapist, certified Midwife's Assistant, and founder of Early Roots, to unpack how a reflex that's supposed to fade by 3 months old can quietly sabotage a child's academic life for years — and get mislabeled as laziness, defiance, ADHD, or dyslexia along the way. What We Cover: • What the ATNR is, and its role in birth, vision, and early hand-eye coordination • Why it needs to integrate so early, and the most common reasons it doesn't • Crossing midline, and why a retained ATNR makes it so hard • How ATNR shapes classroom skills, dominant-hand development, and bilateral coordination • Why handwriting, copying from the board, and written expression are so often affected • The real overlap between dyslexia, ADHD, and a retained ATNR • What's really happening underneath homework battles and meltdowns • Why bike riding, swimming, and ball sports are often affected too • A simple way to check for a retained ATNR at home • Why this so often gets missed, even after years of tutoring or therapy • What the integration process looks like, and how soon parents see changes • Who to reach out to first if this sounds familiar Time Stamps: 00:00 What is the ATNR reflex? 02:53 ATNR's role in birth and delivery 03:35 ATNR and eye development 07:50 Why ATNR must integrate by 3 months 09:53 Common reasons ATNR doesn't integrate 12:05 ATNR's link to reading level 14:24 Crossing midline & retained ATNR 17:40 ATNR and dominant-hand development 21:00 Helping a child who skips words reading 25:53 Handwriting as a sign of retained ATNR 30:02 Why writing is harder than speaking 31:00 Dyslexia vs. retained ATNR 34:58 "ADHD" behavior vs. retained ATNR 37:40 What's behind homework battles 40:14 Biking, swimming & ball sports struggles 43:47 Checking for retained ATNR at home 45:14 Why retained ATNR gets missed 46:37 What integration looks like 48:52 Who to reach out to for help Resources: Book: Reflexes, Learning, & Behavior by Sally Goddard Blythe Institute of Neuro-Physiological Psychology: https://www.inpp.org.uk About Emily Roper: Neuro-Developmental Delay Therapist, certified Midwife's Assistant, and founder of Early Roots. Emily has backgrounds in psychology, midwifery, and neurodevelopmental delay, and has spent over a decade supporting children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, dyslexia, sensory challenges, and other developmental difficulties. instagram.com/earlyroots facebook.com/earlyroots About Annamarie von Firley: After 20 years running her fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie returned to her toy design roots and founded Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016. About Fledglings' Flight: Play-based exercises for children birth to age 3, supporting cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development, with a monthly exercise library and milestone tracking in our app. Follow us: FledglingsFlight.com app.FledglingsFlight.com Instagram/TikTok/Facebook: @fledglingsflight LinkedIn: fledglings-flight Music: Purple Planet Music

  • July 23 · 2 min

    Why your baby’s startle reflex never went away | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    A retained Moro Reflex isn’t a glitch. It’s your baby’s brain doing exactly what it’s built to do. Emily Roper explains why things like C-sections, four-step delivery, or being separated from mom can convince the brain it still needs that stress response, even years later. Full episode on the Moro and Fear Paralysis reflexes link below.https://youtu.be/dhCaBJ59bBATime Stamps:00:31 How can a traumatic birth experience, such as a head injury or C-section, can be one of the most common risk factors that disrupt the integration of the Moro reflex?01:20 Why is a safe and healthy environment crucial for babies during birth?02:05 How does the Moro reflex lay the foundation for early brain development through movement and experiences?Contact Emily RoperInstagram.com/earlyrootsFacebook.com/earlyrootsFollow us:Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.comApp: https://app.FledglingsFlight.comInstagram://fledglingsflight TikTok://fledglings.flight Facebook://fledglingsflight LinkedIn://fledglings-flight Pinterest://fledglingsflight Music: Purple Planet Music

  • July 18 · 55 min

    What Derails Development Before Your Baby Is Even Born - Guest: Emily Roper | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    Why do some kids sail through development while others struggle with anxiety, sensory overwhelm, ADHD, or learning challenges? Often, the answer traces back to something almost nobody talks about: primitive reflexes that never fully integrated — and the risk factors that get in their way. Host Annamarie von Firley sits down with Emily Roper, Neuro-Developmental Delay Therapist, certified Midwife's Assistant, & founder of Early Roots, to unpack what derails reflex integration — starting as early as five weeks after conception through pregnancy, birth, & the first year. Emily also hosts The Early Roots Podcast. This conversation is for expectant parents, new parents, birth workers, and anyone parenting a struggling child — not to create guilt, but to build awareness and offer a path forward. What We Cover: Why retention isn't about blame — what's in a parent's control Why this isn't routine in prenatal/pediatric care In-utero risks: maternal stress, substances, illness, positioning, low amniotic fluid Multiples and IVF considerations Common birth scenarios linked to retained reflexes C-sections and reflex retention research Induction, epidurals, vacuum, forceps, Pitocin Prematurity and NICU vulnerability How the nervous system "remembers" birth trauma The critical 4th trimester Why early connection with mom matters Feeding challenges, tongue ties, colic, reflux Postpartum maternal mental health's effect on baby "Container baby syndrome" and movement needs First steps if your story includes these risk factors Time Stamps: 02:04 What's the biggest reason primitive reflexes don't integrate? 06:00 Should parents feel guilty about retained reflexes? 09:09 Why is reflex integration often overlooked in the healthcare system? 11:32 How does maternal stress affect reflex development? 14:21 Which pregnancy factors impact primitive reflexes? 16:13 How does the womb environment shape reflex development? 18:00 Do twins & IVF babies need extra developmental support? 21:00 Which birth scenarios are linked to retained reflexes? 23:00 What are the risk factors for cesarean birth affecting the baby’s nervous system? 29:00 Do inductions, epidurals, & assisted births affect reflexes? 32:42 Can difficult births affect reflexes later? 34:26 Why is the 4th trimester critical for reflex integration? 38:00 Why does early connection with mom matter for reflex integration? 41:14 How should parents approach feeding & reflex challenges? 44:09 How does postpartum stress impact the baby? 46:12 How does movement shape a baby’s brain & body? 48:49 Why are tummy time & crawling so important? Contact Emily Roper Instagram.com/earlyroots Facebook.com/earlyroots About Emily Roper Emily Roper is a Neurodevelopmental Delay Therapist, the founder of Early Roots, and a certified midwife’s assistant. Roper supports children with developmental delays. She has over a decade of experience with neurodivergent children and has attended more than 600 births. Through her work and podcast, she teaches how early experiences shape cognitive and nervous system development. About Fledglings' Flight: At Fledglings Flight, we understand that every child is unique and deserves the best opportunities for growth & learning. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of play-based exercises specifically designed for children from birth to 3 years of age. These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, & social-emotional development. With our user-friendly app, parents & caregivers have access to a library of engaging exercises that change monthly. You can customize your daily routine by selecting exercises that align with your child's developmental needs. Follow us: Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com Instagram://fledglingsflight TikTok://fledglings.flight Facebook://fledglingsflight LinkedIn://fledglings-flight Pinterest://fledglingsflight Music: Purple Planet Music

  • July 11 · 2 min

    Learn how the sensitive period shapes early learning in Montessori education | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode, Marsha Familaro Enright discusses Montessori's sensitive periods and the importance of early learning from birth through age 6 for language, movement, and sensory development. Understand how early experiences shape development and why the right environment supports learning during these formative years. Time Stamps: 00:12 Why is the sensitive period important in learning and developing the cornea for a 0-6-year-old to develop sensory movement? 01:00 Why do some children lose their love of learning & how does the sensitive period help motor development? 01: 50 Why do the first 6 years matter to understand the language & surroundings? Contact Marsha Familaro Enright Hello@reliancecollege.org Great connections Summer Seminar applicants can receive the discounted early rate by mentioning A Parent’s Guide to Child Development Podcasts in their Application Link Here :https://reliancecollege.org/seminar/ Interested in Reliance College’s AI Proof UTM course & to get a steep discount for the Fall? Contact admin@reliancecollege.org Follow us: Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com Instagram://fledglingsflight TikTok://fledglings.flight Facebook://fledglingsflight LinkedIn://fledglings-flight Pinterest://fledglingsflight Music: Purple Planet Music

  • July 9 · 2 min

    What Parents Need to Know About Early Speech Development | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode, Lois Heymann explains why everyday conversation with your kids matters for early language development and debunks the common misconception that children can develop strong language skills through screen time alone. Heymann also discusses the importance of building foundational speech skills at home and how real conversation builds vocabulary that schools can build on to develop reading and writing skills. Time Stamps: 00:08 Why are listening, language, and speaking skills developed at home first?00:50 How language supports toddlers’ reading and writing?01:29 The misconceptions about screens and early learning?02:00 How vocabulary impacts kindergarten academic success?Contact Lois Kam Heyman www.listenlovelearn.comLois@listenlovelearn.vomInstagram @listen_love_learnUse Code: PLAYfor 10% off orders over $10 on the website, listenlovelearn.comFollow us:Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.comApp: https://app.FledglingsFlight.comInstagram:// fledglingsflight TikTok://fledglings.flight Facebook:// fledglingsflight LinkedIn:// fledglings-flight Pinterest://fledglingsflight Music: Purple Planet Music

  • July 4 · 39 min

    How Fear Paralysis & Moro Reflex Shape Your Child's Cognitive Functions | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode, Emily Roper explains the roles and development of the fear paralysis reflexes and Moro reflexes as well as its implications. Roper discusses how pregnancy, birth, and early infancy influence the stress response, sensory processing, attention, and emotional regulation. Emily also covers signs of retained primitive reflexes, their links to anxiety and ADHD symptoms, and ways parents can support healthy neurological development.Time Stamps 02:02 What is the fear paralysis reflex?04:11 How do fear paralysis & Moro reflexes develop in our body 06:00 How do primitive reflexes help human neurodevelopment09:19 Can maternal health influence primitive reflex integration12:40 Early signs of the retained fear paralysis for the preemie14:44 How can so many symptoms be different expressions of one nervous system response? 19:00 How do Moro reflexes kick in during the moment of birth & why is it important for the brain & body functions24:59 How can retained reflexes trigger many psychological issues in early development27:48 How can early stress responses shape ADHD Behaviors29:10 Why is the retained Moro reflex a cause of many stress responses & how it shape kids' personalities30:29 How do Moro & fear-paralysis patterns look together32:59 How does stress regulation change over time in kids and adults Contact Emily Roperinstagram.com/earlyrootsfacebook.com/earlyrootsAbout Emily Roper Emily Roper is a Neurodevelopmental Delay Therapist, the founder of Early Roots, and a certified midwife’s assistant. Roper supports children with developmental delays. She has over a decade of experience with neurodivergent children and has attended more than 600 births. Through her work and podcast, she teaches how early experiences shape cognitive and nervous system development. About Annamarie von Firley:After 20 years of owning and running her own fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie von Firley returned to her toy design roots. With a BA in Wooden Toy Design and Construction and a BFA in Furniture Design, she took her knowledge of child development and expertise in play to found Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016. About Fledglings' Flight:At Fledglings Flight, we understand that every child is unique and deserves the best opportunities for growth and learning. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of play-based exercises specifically designed for children from birth to 3 years of age. These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development. With our user-friendly app, parents and caregivers have access to a library of engaging exercises that change monthly. You can customize your daily routine by selecting exercises that align with your child's developmental needs. As a Basic Member, you can track your child's milestones and receive insights into their progress. For even more personalized guidance, our Premium Members gain access to a developmental profile.Follow us:Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.comApp: https://app.FledglingsFlight.comInstagram://fledglingsflight TikTok://fledglings.flight Facebook://fledglingsflight LinkedIn://fledglings-flight Pinterest://fledglingsflight Music: Purple Planet Music

  • June 27 · 2 min

    Did your OB give you a mental health check when you were pregnant? | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode, Lynn Ingram McFarland discusses how early screening helps identify mental health concerns, encourages honest conversations with providers, and how it can support parents throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey. Time Stamps 00:50 Why is screening so important throughout the pregnancy and postpartum journey? 01:09 How does the process of perinatal mental screening look? 02:22 Why does communication with your providers matter in creating a safe space for moms before screening? Contact Lynn Ingram McFarland: Email: ingramscreeningpmads@gmail.com Text: 503-888-6489 Website: https://ingramscreening.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnmcfarland/ Follow us: Fledglings’ Flight: www.FledglingsFlight.com App: app.FledglingsFlight.com Instagram: / fledglingsflight TikTok: / fledglings.flight Facebook: / fledglingsflight LinkedIn: / fledglings-flight Pinterest: / fledglingsflight Music: Purple Planet Music

  • June 26 · 2 min

    Why understanding your child’s behavior supports their emotional growth| A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode, Gabreile Nicolet explains” intermittent reinforcement in children and how inconsistency encourages persistence. Nicolet also emphasizes that understanding the emotional needs behind a child's actions can improve communication and self-regulation. Time Stamps 00:02 Why children ask the same question over and over even after you have told them ‘no‘? 01:15 What happens when a parent dismisses their child’s needs? 02:10 How being dismissive to your child affects their self-esteem and mental health? Contact Gabreile Nicolet https://www.instagram.com/gabriele_nicolet https://www.facebook.com/gabriele.nicolet https://www.gabrielenicolet.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/complicated-kids/id1674232166 Follow us:Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflight TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings.Flight Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlight LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flight Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/ Music: Purple Planet Music

  • June 20 · 40 min

    The Benefits of Montessori Education for Early Childhood Development | A Parent's Guide to Child Development

    In this episode, Marsha Familaro Enright discusses a science-based study on how Montessori classrooms foster growth and the philosophy behind them, including the impact from early childhood through young adulthood. She highlights how Montessori's focus on sensitive periods, intrinsic motivation, mixed-age classrooms, and real-world learning promotes resilience, confidence, and independence rather than relying on a rewards or grading system approach. Time Stamps 02:16 What is the educational method of Montessori & its benefits 06:00 Why does Montessori school offer a better learning experience 10:00 Misconceptions about the Montessori educational structure 11:26 What are Montessori sensitive periods & why do they matter 13:21 What study materials does the Montessori math class for 3-year-olds use 17:31 How Montessori’s classroom creates the best learning environment 20:22 How Montessori classroom activities provide practical lessons helps in learning 23:57 What Montessori practices help children develop executive function 26:00 What is MIT's Greek study method that helps kids for future success 27:32 What replaces grades & rewards in a Montessori school 30:03 Important skills young adults gain from Montessori that modern schools often miss About Marsha Familaro Enright Marsha Familaro Enright is a Montessori educator, international speaker, and author with decades of experience in innovative education. She founded Council Oak Montessori School and works to expand Montessori principles through The Reliance College Fund. Contact Marsha Familaro Enright : Hello@reliancecollege.org Great connections Summer Seminar applicants can receive the discounted early rate by mentioning A Parent’s Guide to Child Development Podcasts in their Application Link Here Interested in Reliance College’s AI Proof UTM course & to get a steep discount for the Fall? Contact admin@reliancecollege.org About Annamarie von Firley: After 20 years of owning and running her own fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie von Firley returned to her toy design roots. With a BA in Wooden Toy Design and Construction and a BFA in Furniture Design, she took her knowledge of child development and expertise in play to found Adventuretown Toy Emporium in 2016. About Fledglings' Flight: At Fledglings Flight, we understand that every child is unique and deserves the best opportunities for growth and learning. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of play-based exercises specifically designed for children from birth to 3 years of age. These exercises are carefully curated to stimulate their cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development.With our user-friendly app, parents and caregivers have access to a library of engaging exercises that change monthly. You can customize your daily routine by selecting exercises that align with your child's developmental needs. As a Basic Member, you can track your child's milestones and receive insights into their progress. For even more personalized guidance, our Premium Members gain access to a developmental profile. Follow us: Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.com App: https://app.FledglingsFlight.com Instagram://fledglingsflight TikTok://fledglings.flight Facebook://fledglingsflight LinkedIn://fledglings-flight Pinterest://fledglingsflight Music: Purple Planet Music

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