The Power of Play: Jeaneen Tang on Language and Learning for Parents

Life-Changing Challengers

In this enlightening episode of Life-Changing Challengers, host Brad Minus sits down with Jeaneen Tang, a speech-language pathologist and author of Play Dumb and Sabotage: Mindfully Under-Anticipating a Child’s Needs and Creating Opportunities to Practice Language. Jeaneen shares her incredible journey from growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii, to becoming a dedicated speech therapist and advocate for children’s language development.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply interested in child development, this episode offers valuable insights into communication strategies and resilience in the face of challenges.

Episode Highlights

• [10:00] – Her academic journey and how she discovered speech therapy as a career.
• [20:00] – The transition from working in Hawaii’s Department of Education to moving to Los Angeles.
• [35:00] – Her son’s traumatic brain injury, navigating medical challenges, and the battle with social services.
• [50:00] – The road to rehabilitation, therapy strategies, and the importance of early intervention.
• [1:05:00] – Writing Play Dumb and Sabotage and how it helps parents enhance their children’s communication skills.
• [1:15:00] – Future plans, including a potential TED Talk, online courses, and a podcast.

Key Takeaways

1. Under-Anticipation Encourages Language Development – Giving children space to express their needs fosters stronger communication skills.
2. Play is a Powerful Teaching Tool – Language learning is most effective when incorporated into daily activities and playtime.
3. Early Intervention is Crucial – Speech therapy and developmental support can significantly impact a child’s growth.
4. Resilience Can Overcome Adversity – Jeaneen’s journey shows the power of perseverance, both as a professional and a mother.
5. Education is an Ongoing Process – Parents and educators should continually seek new ways to engage and support children in their learning.

Links & Resources

• Jeaneen Tang’s Website: PlayDumbAndSabotage.com – Learn more about her book and speech therapy strategies.
• Jeaneen’s Book:
  • Play Dumb and Sabotage – Available on Amazon.
• Follow Jeaneen on Social Media:
  • Instagram: @PlayDumbAndSabotage
  • LinkedIn: Jeaneen Tang
  • YouTube: Jeaneen Tang Channel

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