Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

In this episode, we talk about what to do when toddler tantrums turn physical—hitting, kicking, or throwing things. When you understand what’s happening inside your child’s brain, it becomes much easier to stay calm and respond in a way that protects both safety and self-esteem. You'll learn: Why aggressive tantrums happen: Toddlers feel big emotions but don’t yet have the impulse control or problem-solving skills to manage them. What to do in the moment: Focus on safety first, stay close and calm, and avoid lectures while your child is overwhelmed. How to help long-term: After the storm passes, teach simple skills—like asking for a turn or using words—to handle big feelings next time. This episode is made possible by our partner, Laundry Sauce. RESOURCES 👉 Follow ⁠Dr. Cathryn on Instagram⁠ 👉 Tantrum Crash Course mini-class 👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: ⁠newsletter

Bedtime was easy… until it wasn’t.And suddenly your 3-year-old is fighting sleep, stalling, crying — and maybe even climbing out of the crib. In this Q&A episode, I answer two common parent questions: #1. Why a great sleeper suddenly starts resisting bedtime at age 3#2. Why toddlers throw things — and how to respond calmly and effectively We’ll talk about sleep changes, dropping naps, big transitions (like a new sibling or starting school), and what throwing really means and how to stop it. RESOURCES: 👉 Follow ⁠Dr. Cathryn on Instagram⁠ 👉 Help Your Child Fall Asleep Without You mini-class 👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: ⁠newsletter SPONSORS: Laundry Sauce:

When a child is naturally kind and eager to help—especially with a new sibling—it can look beautiful on the outside… and still raise quiet worries on the inside. In this episode, we talk about how to nurture empathy without teaching a child to disappear herself—and how to keep helping a choice, not a role. In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between helping as a choice and helping as a responsibility Why constant praise for being “helpful” can unintentionally teach self-sacrifice What to say (out loud) so your child knows caregiving is not her job How to praise self-advocacy—not just kindness Simple shifts that keep your child developmentally centered on herself This episode is especially meaningful for parents of eldest children and those raising deeply empathetic kids. 🎧 If this big-hearted approach resonates with you, explore Toddlers Made Easy—my practical, developmentally informed course for everyday toddler challenges, in under five minutes a day. RESOURCES: 👉 Follow ⁠Dr. Cathryn on Instagram⁠ 👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox Sponsor: Laundry Sauce

If you’ve ever wondered whether your toddler should be able to listen, wait, share, or calm down—and felt frustrated when they couldn’t—this episode is for you. In today’s episode, Dr. Cathryn talks about how unrealistic expectations quietly create power struggles, tantrums, and exhaustion—and how small mindset shifts can make parenting feel much easier. You’ll learn: Why many common expectations don’t match toddler brain development How adjusting expectations can prevent tantrums and power struggles What to realistically expect from 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds How a big-hearted lens helps you stay calm while holding boundaries 🎧 If this approach resonates with you, explore Toddlers Made Easy—my practical, big-hearted course designed for real-life toddler challenges, and it takes under five minutes a day. 👉 Learn more at Toddlers Made Easy, the online course RESOURCES: 👉 Follow ⁠Dr. Cathryn on Instagram⁠ 👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox SPONSORS: Laundry Sauce

Tantrums aren’t misbehavior—they’re a sign your child’s system is overloaded. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn talks about how your calmness (not your words) is the key to helping tantrums pass without escalating. You’ll learn: Why reasoning and “calm down” don’t work in the middle of a tantrum When to stay close and quiet—and when to step in for safety How sharing your calm helps your child regain theirs 🎧 Want more big-hearted, practical tools for tantrums, bedtime, and everyday power struggles? Explore Toddlers Made Easy online course. RESOURCES: 👉 Join the Big-Hearted membership: ⁠The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting⁠ 👉 Follow ⁠Dr. Cathryn on Instagram⁠ 👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox

In this episode, Dr. Cathryn talks about why sharing is so hard early on, what toddlers are actually capable of, and how to handle toy struggles without forcing lessons their brains aren’t ready to learn. You’ll learn how to support your toddler’s big feelings, keep everyone safe, and gently guide sharing skills as they develop—without pressure, shame, or power struggles. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why toddlers aren’t developmentally ready to share (and when that changes) What to say and do when your child grabs toys or melts down at the park How forcing sharing can backfire—and what works better instead Want more big-hearted tools like this?Check out Toddlers Made Easy, my online course with simple, practical strategies for tantrums, boundaries, sharing, sleep, and everyday toddler struggles—designed to make parenting calmer in just a few minutes a day. 👉 Learn more at Toddlers Made Easy RESOURCES: RESOURCES: 👉 Join the Big-Hearted membership: ⁠The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting⁠ 👉 Follow ⁠Dr. Cathryn on Instagram⁠ 👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox

When kids ignore us, it can feel personal. Disrespectful. Triggering.But what if “not listening” isn’t a behavior problem at all? In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains why toddlers and preschoolers struggle with cooperation, what’s really happening in their developing brains, and why yelling may work in the moment—but backfires long-term. You’ll learn how to help your child cooperate without threats, bribes, or power struggles, using big-hearted strategies that help kids feel seen, safe, and more willing to listen. Because when kids aren’t listening, they’re not being difficult—they’re developing. RESOURCES: 👉 Join the Big-Hearted membership: ⁠The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting⁠ 👉 Follow ⁠Dr. Cathryn on Instagram⁠ 👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: ⁠newsletter

Dr Cathryn unpacks what to do before potty training starts—how to prepare your home, your child, and yourself— so the process feels calmer, easier, and more manageable. Set up your space to reduce stress Small home-prep steps—like easy cleanup, clear paths to the potty, and stable seating—lower frustration and support learning. Warm up your child without pressure Simple, playful practice helps kids connect body signals to the potty before anything feels urgent. Focus on confidence, not control A big-hearted approach builds body awareness, minimizes power struggles, and keeps you connected through the messy moments. 🎉 Free Potty Party coming in early February! I’ll be hosting a free 3-day Potty Party to walk you through big-hearted potty training and help you feel ready and confident before you begin. More details coming soon—stay tuned. RESOURCES: 👉 Join the big-hearted membership: The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting 👉 Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram 👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: newsletter

Potty training doesn’t begin with underwear or sticker charts. It starts with you. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains how potty training isn’t just about whether your toddler is ready. Your readiness matters too. Key takeaways: Mantras like "This phase won't last forever" anchor you mid-chaos. Cleanup baskets + simple mindset shifts make accidents no big deal. Accidents = lessons, not failures, helping you to respond warm, not rattled. If you’re about to start potty training (or stuck in the middle of it), this episode helps you feel grounded, clear, and ready to lead with calm. RESOURCES: Grab the FREE 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training guide and get your child curious, confident, and excited before you begin. Want more support. Get Potty Training Made Easy: the step-by-step big-hearted approach to saying goodbye to diapers. Special price-over 60% OFF for listeners only.

Why does your toddler say no to everything — even things they usually do without a problem? In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains the “you-can’t-make-me” reflex — a very normal (and healthy) stage of toddler development that often gets mistaken for defiance. You’ll learn: Why toddler resistance is about development, not disrespect What’s happening inside your child’s brain when “no” comes out fast The situations that make resistance worse (and why) What not to do if you want cooperation Simple, big-hearted ways to guide your child through resistance without power struggles If mornings feel like constant pushback and you’re wondering, “Why is everything so hard?” — this episode will help you see your toddler differently and respond with more calm and confidence. RESOURCES: The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting membership Toddlers Made Easy - a sweet & smart online course Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram Sign up for our newsletter

In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy, Dr. Cathryn breaks down why young children wake up at night—and what actually helps. She shares a personal parenting misstep that changed how she thinks about sleep, then explains the most common reasons night wakings happen, including sleep associations, fears, and separation anxiety. Dr. Cathryn also covers when medical issues—like sleep apnea, restless legs, or eczema—may be part of the picture. You’ll learn how much sleep toddlers truly need and walk away with practical, realistic steps to improve nighttime sleep—without pressure or blame. RESOURCES: Order my new book ⁠Toddlers Made Easy ⁠ Join the ⁠Big-Hearted School of Parenting⁠ Follow me on ⁠Instagram⁠ Sponsor ⁠Acorns Early⁠

Ever feel like your toddler’s tantrums come out of nowhere—and take forever to end? You’re not alone. In today’s episode, Dr. Cathryn shares a big-hearted, science-backed approach to handling tantrums that actually works. RESOURCES: Order my new book ⁠Toddlers Made Easy ⁠ Join the ⁠Big-Hearted School of Parenting⁠ Follow me on ⁠Instagram⁠ Sponsor ⁠Acorns Early⁠

Food battles usually are not about food. They are about your child’s brain doing its job: protecting them from anything that feels unfamiliar. In this episode, I share Mikey’s story (a spirited 4-year-old who refused every vegetable), why pressure and “just one bite” backfired, and what is actually normal toddler eating—tiny appetites, changing preferences, and a strong need for control. You will learn three simple, big-hearted strategies that prevent picky habits: Let your child decide how much to eat Let your child choose what to eat from what is served Build a calm, positive mealtime environment (connection over consumption) Plus: bonus tips like screen-free meals, predictable snacks, no grazing, and the “No Thank You Bowl” that lowers pressure fast. Takeaway: When kids feel pressured, intake goes down. Resources: Order my new book Toddlers Made Easy Join The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram Get Toddlers Made Easy course Sponsor: Acorns Early

Dr. Cathryn talks about why toddler fears are so common — and how to support your little one without minimizing their feelings or rushing them through fear. You’ll learn simple, big-hearted ways to help your child feel seen, safe, and supported, while also building the confidence they need to move through scary moments at their own pace. We cover: Why fears show up in toddlerhood How to respond when fears feel inconvenient or confusing What to say (and what to skip) How naming and narrating emotions help kids process big feelings Ways to empower your child without pushing them RESOURCES: Help! My Child Will Only Poop In A Diaper Toddlers Made Easy course Follow me on Insta Get Dr. Cathryn's emails packed with big-hearted tools, developmentally-strategies, and practical tools straight to your Inbox. Grab Dr. Cathryn's bestselling book, Toddlers Made Easy Sponsors: Acorns Early

Wired or Tired? Why Your Toddler Loses It at Bedtime Learn the simple brain science behind overtiredness, the early signs that your child’s sleep window is opening, and why the “second wind” isn’t extra energy. It’s a stress response. I’ll walk you through how to spot the subtle cues, how to shift bedtime earlier, and what to do when you’ve missed the window, and your child is bouncing off the walls. You’ll also get a quick, big-hearted reset routine you can use anytime evenings go sideways. This episode will help you understand your child’s behavior, calm the chaos, and make bedtime smoother for everyone. RESOURCES: Help Your Child Fall Asleep Without You! Toddlers Made Easy course Follow me on Insta Get Dr. Cathryn's emails packed with big-hearted tools, developmentally-strategies, and practical tools straight to your Inbox. Grab Dr. Cathryn's bestselling book, Toddlers Made Easy Sponsors: Acorns Early

Body image doesn’t start in the teen years—it starts in the toddler years. And the words we use today become the beliefs our kids carry tomorrow. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing how our language, reactions, and even the way we talk about our own bodies shape how little kids see themselves. You’ll learn: • Why kids as young as 3–6 already notice and compare bodies • How to respond when your child asks, “Am I fat?” • Simple phrases that build healthy body image (and what to avoid) These strategies will help you raise a child who feels confident and comfortable in their body. RESOURCES: Toddlers Made Easy course Follow me on Insta Get Dr. Cathryn's emails packed with big-hearted tools, developmentally-strategies, and practical tools straight to your Inbox. Grab Dr. Cathryn's bestselling book, Toddlers Made Easy Sponsors: Acorns Early

If your child will pee on the potty but absolutely must poop in a diaper, you’re not doing anything wrong — and your child isn’t being stubborn. This is one of the most common (and most confusing) potty roadblocks for parents. In this episode, I walk you through why kids get stuck in the “diaper-only” pattern, what’s really going on in their bodies and brains, and the simple steps that help them move forward without pressure or power struggles. You’ll learn how to reset, what to stop doing, and how to make pooping feel safe again. If you’re tired of waiting for your child to “be ready,” you’ll leave this episode with a calm, clear plan — and a whole lot of relief. RESOURCES: Help! My Child Will Only Poop In A Diaper waitlist Toddlers Made Easy course Follow me on Insta Get Dr. Cathryn's emails packed with big-hearted tools, developmentally-strategies, and practical tools straight to your Inbox. Grab Dr. Cathryn's bestselling book, Toddlers Made Easy Sponsors: Acorns Early

If bedtime feels like a nightly battle of endless requests — more water, more hugs, more everything — this episode is for you. Dr. Cathryn breaks down what’s really happening in your child’s brain at bedtime and why those stall tactics aren’t defiance but biology. You’ll learn simple, science-backed ways to calm your child’s nervous system, fill their “connection cup,” and finally make bedtime smoother, happier, and shorter. In this episode: Why separation at bedtime triggers anxiety for toddlers How connection, not control, helps kids settle 5 simple ways to fill your child’s connection cup What to do when your toddler is wired and wild before sleep How to co-regulate and end bedtime battles for good Resources: Toddlers Made Easy course Follow me on Insta Get Dr. Cathryn's emails packed with big-hearted tools, developmentally-strategies, and practical tools straight to your Inbox. Get Dr. Cathryn's bestselling book, Toddlers Made Easy Sponsors: Acorns Early Kidsy

Why the Toddler Years Aren't What You Think Episode Overview: The "terrible twos" aren't terrible—they're transformational. This episode reframes toddlerhood from a stage to survive into the most critical developmental window for building emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-esteem. What You'll Learn: Why your toddler's brain is 80% grown by age 3 (but still under construction) How everyday meltdowns are actually brain-building moments The 1930s origin of "terrible twos" and why that label hurts parents and kids Simple language shifts that turn tantrums into teaching opportunities Why play is serious developmental work—not just fun How to respond to big emotions without giving in or shutting down Key Takeaway: Your toddler isn't being difficult on purpose—they're learning how to feel, wait, share, and cope. When you shift your mindset from "surviving" to "shaping," everything changes. Perfect For: Parents drowning in tantrums, power struggles, and cold coffee who want to understand what's really happening in their toddler's brain—and how to make these years easier (and more meaningful). Resources: Get the big-hearted course that makes parenting easier Toddlers Made Easy Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_baby/ Sponsors: Acorn Early Kidsy

In this bite-sized episode, we’re cutting through the confusion around potty training readiness. 👉 Big idea: Readiness = willing + able. But the best way to know? Gently start prepping and see how your child responds. RESOURCES: Get Free Guide- 5 Must-Do's Before Starting Potty Training Guide: https://www.healthiest-baby.com/5-ways-to-make-potty-training-easier Potty Training Made Easy course: Discover the unapologetically lazy potty training method trusted by 1M+ families — no bribes, begging, or battles required. Sponsors: Acorns Early Kidsy