Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

Dr. Cathryn

Toddlers Made Easy is a short, 10 minute, bite-sized podcast that gives you the insight, tools, and confidence you need to not only handle anything toddler-related thrown your way —but prevent problem behaviors before they start. Toddlers Made Easy is hosted by Dr. Cathryn, a nationally recognized pediatrician (retired) with more than 35 years of experience and a mother of 4.

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20 episodes
Updated Wednesday

Episodes20

Newest first

Wednesday · 8 min
Grandparent Start Kit
Parenting has changed a lot over the years. That can leave grandparents wondering why today's parents make some of the choices they do. This episode explains the thinking behind many of those approaches so families can better understand and support one another. We'll cover: • Why some children are not expected to hug or kiss relatives • What body autonomy means • The purpose of a "no thank you" bowl at mealtimes • Why some families serve dessert with dinner • How today's parents approach tantrums using brain science • Why empathy and boundaries go together • How potty training has changed • Why praise now focuses more on effort than labels • The powerful role grandparents play in building resilience Whether you're a grandparent or you're sharing this episode with one, this conversation will help bridge the gap between generations and strengthen family relationships. If you'd like more practical, evidence-based strategies for toddlers, check out my Toddlers Made Easy course linked in the show notes. Toddlers Made Easy online course Potty Training Made Easy online course The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class Toddlers Made Easy book 200 Big-Hearted Scripts And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
July 22 · 8 min
How You Might Be Making Toddler Hitting Worse (Without Realizing It)
Your toddler just hit their sibling—again—and your instinct is to react: “That’s not nice!” “Say sorry!” “Go to your room!” Totally understandable. But here’s what most parents don’t realize: 👉 Hitting is rarely about being “bad.” It’s a sign your child is overwhelmed and doesn’t yet have the skills to cope. In this episode, we cover: 🧠 Why toddlers hit, push, or bite 🚫 What common responses can actually make things worse 🔁 How to respond in a way that teaches better behavior over time 🎯 Real-life scripts and strategies that actually work No fluff. Just practical, evidence-informed tools you can use right away. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Our *bestselling* online courses are already helping thousands of parents: Toddlers Made Easy Course Potty Training Made Easy Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_baby Toddlers Made Easy online course Potty Training Made Easy online course The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class Toddlers Made Easy book 200 Big-Hearted Scripts And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
July 15 · 10 min
Help Your Toddler Feel Loved When The New Baby Arrives
Bringing home a new baby can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming for your older child. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares simple, practical ways to help your toddler feel secure, included, and deeply loved as your family grows. You'll learn how to prepare your child before the baby arrives, ease jealousy, strengthen your bond through everyday connection, and respond to big feelings with confidence. If you're looking for more support, check out the Toddlers Made Easy course for step-by-step guidance on handling tantrums, bedtime, sibling rivalry, and more. You'll find the link in the show notes. Resources: Join my Toddlers Made Easy online course. Follow me on Instagram Toddlers Made Easy online course Potty Training Made Easy online course The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class Toddlers Made Easy book 200 Big-Hearted Scripts And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
July 8 · 9 min
How To Stop Sleeping In Your Child's Room Without Hurting Your Connection
Helping your child fall asleep without you doesn't have to mean tears, guilt, or leaving them to figure it out alone. In this episode, I share why sleeping in your child's room often starts as a temporary solution but quietly becomes the new normal. You'll learn why these bedtime patterns become so hard to change, why waiting rarely solves the problem, and how small, gentle changes can help your child build independent sleep skills while protecting your connection. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why "just for tonight" often turns into months or years. • How sleep habits become reinforced over time. • One simple change you can make tonight to start moving toward independent sleep. If you'd like a step-by-step plan, my 18-minute workshop, Help Your Child Fall Asleep Without You, walks you through two gentle, connected approaches to help your child learn this important skill without turning bedtime into a battle. Resources: • Help Your Child Fall Asleep Without You workshop Toddlers Made Easy online course Potty Training Made Easy online course The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class Toddlers Made Easy book 200 Big-Hearted Scripts And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
July 1 · 10 min
How to Stop Your Toddler's 2am Wakeups for Good
Is your toddler waking up at 2 AM (again)? Instead of repeating “Go back to bed,” try this big-hearted, research-backed approach that helps your child feel safe and stay in bed — without tears or power struggles. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Why toddlers wake at night ✅ A comforting strategy that builds self-soothing skills ✅ How to introduce a “Midnight Helper” stuffed animal ✅ What to say (and not say) during wake-ups It’s simple. It’s powerful. And you can start tonight. ✨ Want more big-hearted sleep tools? Check out the masterclass: Help Your Child Fall Asleep Without You FREE Guide: How To End 2AM Wake-Ups Until next time — stay big-hearted 💛 Toddlers Made Easy online course Potty Training Made Easy online course The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class Toddlers Made Easy book 200 Big-Hearted Scripts And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
June 24 · 17 min
What To Do When Your Child Bites (please don't bite back)
Biting is one of the behaviors that worries parents most. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains why little kids bite, why "biting back" isn't the answer, and what to do instead. You'll learn: • Why toddlers and young children bite • What biting is really telling you about your child • Why punishment often misses the root cause • Three simple steps to handle biting in the moment • Five ways to prevent biting before it happens • How to teach the skills that make biting unnecessary If your child has bitten a sibling, friend, or classmate, this episode will help you respond with confidence while maintaining clear boundaries without chipping away at your child's self-esteem. That’s exactly what you’ll find inside my course Toddlers Made Easy. Tap here to learn more Order my book, Toddlers Made Easy, or listen to the audiobook today. Like what you hear? Be sure to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. It helps other parents find the show. Want one practical parenting tip each week? Join my free newsletter. Looking for help with potty training? Check out Potty Training Made Easy. Follow me on Instagram for daily big-hearted parenting tips and tools. Toddlers Made Easy online course Potty Training Made Easy online course The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class Toddlers Made Easy book 200 Big-Hearted Scripts And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
June 17 · 9 min
Potty Training Without Power Struggles: The big-hearted approach to helping kids use the potty
Potty training doesn't have to involve battles, pressure, or regret. In this episode, Today, I'm sharing the Big-Hearted Approach to Potty Training, a method that helps children build body awareness, confidence, and independence without sacrificing their dignity. Learn why pressure often backfires and what to do instead. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why pushing harder often creates more resistance • How to build body awareness instead of relying on reminders • Why ownership helps children become independent potty users • The hidden link between potty-training pressure and constipation • How encouragement builds confidence and cooperation Ready for a calmer and kinder approach? Join my free workshop, Potty Without Pushback: You'll walk away with a plan on how to ditch diapers without chipping away at your child's self-esteem. Toddlers Made Easy online course Potty Training Made Easy online course The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class Toddlers Made Easy book 200 Big-Hearted Scripts And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
June 10 · 9 min
Little Kid Night Wakings: A Kinder, Smarter Fix That Actually Works
If your toddler is creeping into your room at 1am, 3am — or both — this episode is for you. Dr. Cathryn shares a simple, no-cry strategy that helped Katie sleep through the night in just one week, and gave Cecil's family a way into bedtime that finally felt collaborative instead of combative. Middle-of-the-night wake-ups are biologically normal — the goal isn't to stop your child from waking, it's to help them comfortably drift back to sleep without coming to find you. The Big-Hearted Ask works by turning your child from the scared one into the rescuer — giving them a stuffed animal that "needs their help" at night taps into their natural empathy and gives them a job to do at 2am. Four steps to set it up: introduce the animal during the day (not at bedtime), make tucking it in part of the wind-down routine, practice comforting it before lights out, and leave a simple reminder as you walk out the door. Whether your child is sneaking into your bed or battling bedtime from the very start, this strategy meets them where they are — and it's simpler than anything you've probably tried. RESOURCES How To Help Your Child Fall Asleep Without You (the smarter, kinder way) My Big-Hearted approach is a calm, step-by-step way to help your child fall asleep independently—without cry-it-out. Potty Without Pushback FREE workshop Learn a proven approach to ditch diapers that doesn’t chip away at a child’s dignity. The Potty Training Made Easy Program Finally ditch diapers without battles, pressure, or moments you wish you could take back. A pediatrician-designed approach trusted by 1M+ families to potty train with confidence instead of conflict. Toddlers Made Easy online course Potty Training Made Easy online course The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class Toddlers Made Easy book 200 Big-Hearted Scripts And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
June 3 · 7 min
You're Not Raising A Problem, You're Raising A Person
Why do little kids melt down over things that seem so small? In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares one mindset shift that can completely change the way you respond to tantrums, resistance, aggression, and emotional outbursts. When you stop seeing your child as “the problem” and start seeing the skills they’re still developing, parenting becomes calmer, clearer, and far more connected. This episode will help you hold boundaries without chipping away at your child’s confidence or dignity. • Why toddlers can understand a rule and still completely fall apart trying to follow it • How interpreting behavior differently helps you stay calmer during hard moments • Why support, co-regulation, and connection often work better than punishment RESOURCES The Potty Without Pushback workshop Finally, A Kinder, Calmer Way To Ditch Diapers For Good YOU'LL WALK AWAY KNOWING HOW TO: Potty train without tears, tantrums or tension Avoid potty resistance altogether Handle accidents or setbacks calmly Teach your child, "I'm the boss of my body!" Save Your FREE Seat Here * * Toddlers Made Easy online course Potty Training Made Easy online course The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class Toddlers Made Easy book 200 Big-Hearted Scripts And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
May 27 · 8 min
How To Stop Making Tantrums Worse
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares the biggest mistake parents make during tantrums and why trying to reason, explain, or “fix” the meltdown too quickly often makes things worse. Through a personal story from her years as a pediatrician and mom, she explains what’s really happening inside a child’s brain during a tantrum and how a calmer, big-hearted response helps children build emotional regulation over time, without chipping away at their dignity or self-esteem. • Why tantrums often get bigger when parents talk too much during the peak of the meltdown • What children actually need when the emotional part of the brain takes over • How to stay calm, hold boundaries, and help your child through overwhelming feelings without becoming permissive Planning on potty training soon? Dr. Cathryn also shares details about her free Potty Without Pushback workshop, where you’ll learn a calmer, big-hearted approach to potty training that encourages cooperation and better behavior without chipping away at your child’s self-esteem or dignity. RESOUCES The Potty Without Pushback workshop Finally, A Kinder, Calmer Way To Ditch Diapers For Good YOU'LL WALK AWAY KNOWING HOW TO: Potty train without tears, tantrums or tension Avoid potty resistance altogether Handle accidents or setbacks calmly Teach your child, "I'm the boss of my body!" SAVE YOUR FREE SEAT HERE Toddlers Made Easy online course Potty Training Made Easy online course The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class Toddlers Made Easy book 200 Big-Hearted Scripts And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
May 20 · 8 min
The Unbreakable Connection: Helping Kids Feel Close When You’re Apart
Your little one is missing you. Maybe it's daycare drop-off. Maybe it's 2 am. Maybe it's a sleepover at Nana's with a lot of very loud feelings. This episode is about the simple things that make separation easier — not just in the hard moments, but all the time. Dr. Cathryn shares the 10-second ritual she uses with her own granddaughter, plus four practical tools to help little kids carry the feeling of connection with them wherever they go. You'll learn: A simple breath-and-kiss ritual that calms the nervous system fast Why family photos at eye level in the bedroom do more than you'd think The recordable button that lets your child hear your voice whenever they need it Why these tools only work if you're not saving them for emergencies The goal isn't just getting through the hard moment. It's building a belief your child carries with them: I am loved. I am connected. The bond never breaks. 📖 Mentioned in this episode: The Invisible String by Patrice Karst 🚀 Potty training is one of the moments connection matters most. My Potty Training Made Easy program gets you from diapers to dry in 30 days — with no pressure, no shame, and no power struggles. Because how your little one feels during potty training matters just as much as whether they get there. Tap Here Toddlers Made Easy online course Potty Training Made Easy online course The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class Toddlers Made Easy book 200 Big-Hearted Scripts And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
May 13 · 12 min
Help, My Kid Won't Poop on the Potty! (Here's Why — and What to Do)
Your little kid pees on the potty just fine — but when it comes to poop? Diaper only, thank you very much. You haven't done anything wrong. This is one of the most common potty-training hiccups, affecting 20–25% of little kids. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn breaks down exactly why it happens and what actually helps. You'll learn: The real reason most kids resist (hint: it's fear, not stubbornness) What to say — and what not to say Simple ways to make the potty feel safer and less overwhelming How to move toward the potty in tiny, low-pressure steps Why stool softness matters more than most parents realize This isn't about saying enough is enough. It's about understanding what's driving the resistance — and meeting your child there. 🎓 Ready to go deeper? Mini-course: Help! My Child Will Only Poop in a Diaper → Toddlers Made Easy online course Potty Training Made Easy online course The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class Toddlers Made Easy book 200 Big-Hearted Scripts And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
May 6 · 10 min
The Secret To Shorter, Fewer, and Less Intense Tantrums
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: I’m running a short class for exhausted parents who want more sleep (without cry-it-out). Want the details? TAP HERE Order my book ⁠⁠Toddlers Made Easy ⁠⁠ Follow me on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Toddlers Made Easy online course Potty Training Made Easy online course The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class Toddlers Made Easy book 200 Big-Hearted Scripts And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
April 29 · 5 min
Catch Them Being 'Good' The Big-Hearted Way to Encourage Positive Behavior
The 5:1 rule is one of the most practical tools a parent can have — and it's simpler than you think. Originally researched by psychologist John Gottman in marriages, the principle maps directly onto parenting: for every correction, aim for five positive interactions first. Not a tally. Just an intention to tip the balance toward warmth. In this episode, we cover: Why your relationship with your child works like a bank account How our negativity bias works against us as parents — and how to counteract it What a positive interaction actually looks like (hint: it's not empty praise) How the way you talk to your child becomes their inner voice The goal isn't perfection. It's just tipping the balance. 🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a parent who needs to hear it. 👉 Join me live April 30th for Potty Without Pushback — my free workshop on how to go from diapers to dry without the power struggles, overwhelm, or feeling like you're doing it wrong. Save your spot here Toddlers Made Easy online course Potty Training Made Easy online course The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class Toddlers Made Easy book 200 Big-Hearted Scripts And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
April 22 · 7 min
Stuck in the Potty Training Start-Stop Loop? Here's What to Do Differently
Are you stuck in the potty training start-stop loop? You try, it falls apart, you stop — and now you're dreading starting again. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains why potty battles happen, why your first attempt wasn't a failure, and how one simple shift can change everything. In this episode: Why kids push back against potty training (it's not stubbornness) The real reason accidents happen more than you think Kyle's story — and the one change that made all the difference How to reintroduce the potty without pressure or battles The simple phrase that puts your child back in control Ready to restart or start for the first time? Join Dr. Cathryn's free workshop, Potty Without Pushback — April 30th at 10am EST. RESOURCES Potty Without Pushback Workshop: TAP HERE TO SAVE YOUR SEAT APRIL 30th, 10 AM EST YOU'LL WALK AWAY KNOWING: A kinder, quicker way to ditch diapers for good How to potty train without the power struggles Why your child needs to know "I'm the boss of my body" The big-hearted way to promote independence, body awareness, and boost your child's confidence. What to do when things go sideways — accidents, setbacks, refusals Toddlers Made Easy online course Potty Training Made Easy online course The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class Toddlers Made Easy book 200 Big-Hearted Scripts And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
April 15 · 11 min
(REPLAY) Why Toddlers Misbehave: Your Toddler Isn’t Bad — Their Brain Is Developing
Being a toddler is tough—and parenting one can feel just as hard. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn breaks down why toddlers struggle with impulse control, what’s really behind their behavior, and how to respond in ways that actually work. You’ll learn how to guide—not punish—using simple, developmentally-smart strategies that reduce chaos and build cooperation. What You’ll Learn: Why toddler impulsivity is normal (not “bad behavior”) How to prevent challenges before they start Why supervision beats discipline every time Simple ways to handle transitions and big emotions How noticing the good changes behavior fast 👩‍⚕️ Join me on Instagram 🧡 Toddlers Made Easy Course – Get expert guidance on handling tantrums, power struggles, and discipline. 🚽 Potty Training Made Easy – A stress-free approach to potty training. Toddlers Made Easy online course Potty Training Made Easy online course The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class Toddlers Made Easy book 200 Big-Hearted Scripts And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
April 8 · 11 min
(REPLAY) Get Kids to Listen — No Yelling Required
Every parent hits a breaking point. Here's how to stop before you get there. In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy, Dr. Cathryn shares three simple steps to stay calm — even when your toddler is pushing every button you have. What You'll Learn: ✔ Why toddlers don't listen (and how to work with their development, not against it) ✔ The real reason parents snap — and it's not just about your toddler's behavior ✔ 3 practical steps to keep your cool when you feel triggered ✔ A bonus tip that makes staying calm even easier Join me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_baby/ ONE thing you can do right away to get your kids to listen tap here Toddlers Made Easy, our bestselling course Toddlers Made Easy online course Potty Training Made Easy online course The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class Toddlers Made Easy book 200 Big-Hearted Scripts And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
April 1 · 11 min
Why Your Toddler Refuses the Potty (And What Helps)
Potty pushback doesn't mean you're doing it wrong — it means your toddler is doing exactly what toddlers do. In this episode, we dig into why resistance happens and what actually works to move through it. Potty resistance is developmentally normal. Toddlers are hardwired to seek control, and the bathroom is one of the few places they have it — once you understand that, the pushback stops feeling personal. More pressure almost always makes things worse. The stories of Chelsea and Eli show how escalating effort led to zero progress — and how easing up was the real turning point. Four strategies that actually work: prompt less (every 2 hours max), offer two real choices, lead with play and silliness, and build a routine by pairing potty time with something your child already loves. Whether you're in the thick of training or just getting started, these research-backed, kid-forward tools will help you stay out of the power struggle — and on your toddler's team. Resources: Potty Training Made Easy Toddlers Made Easy online course Potty Training Made Easy online course The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class Toddlers Made Easy book 200 Big-Hearted Scripts And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
March 25 · 10 min
End Overnight Toddler Wake Ups
Is your toddler waking multiple times a night and ending up in your bed? You're not alone — and more importantly, it's fixable. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn breaks down the real reason most toddlers wake at night (hint: it's not to drive you crazy), and what you can do to help them sleep through — gently and without the tears. You'll learn: The sleep cycle science that explains why toddlers wake — and why how they fall asleep matters so much The "pillow and blanket" analogy that finally makes it click 3 common mistakes that make night wakings worse Why sleep deprivation is more serious than most parents realize Other causes of night wakings — from new siblings to medical issues worth discussing with your pediatrician Mentioned in this episode: Why Won't My Child Go to Sleep Without Me? Part 1 Why Won't My Child Go to Sleep Without Me? Part 2 Sleep Masterclass: → Tap Here Have a question or story to share? DM Dr. Cathryn on Instagram or email us at drcathryn@healthiest-baby.com. Toddlers Made Easy online course Potty Training Made Easy online course The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class Toddlers Made Easy book 200 Big-Hearted Scripts And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
March 18 · 6 min
Kids Want to Help. Here’s Why You Should Let Them.
Do toddlers really need chores? In this episode, I share why young children want to help — and why letting them contribute builds confidence, responsibility, and a deep sense of belonging. You’ll hear: Why toddlers are naturally wired to help How tiny tasks build big confidence Why you don’t need chore charts at this age How early participation shapes responsible teens later on Chores at this stage aren’t about productivity. They’re about connection, competence, and feeling valued in the family. If this resonates, explore my Toddlers Made Easy course for more big-hearted, practical strategies that make parenting life easier. RESOURCES: 👉 Follow ⁠Dr. Cathryn on Instagram⁠ 👉 Toddlers Made Easy online course 👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox Sponsor: Laundry Sauce Toddlers Made Easy online course Potty Training Made Easy online course The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class Toddlers Made Easy book 200 Big-Hearted Scripts And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

Grandparent Start Kit

How You Might Be Making Toddler Hitting Worse (Without Realizing It)

Help Your Toddler Feel Loved When The New Baby Arrives

How To Stop Sleeping In Your Child's Room Without Hurting Your Connection

How to Stop Your Toddler's 2am Wakeups for Good

What To Do When Your Child Bites (please don't bite back)

Potty Training Without Power Struggles: The big-hearted approach to helping kids use the potty

Little Kid Night Wakings: A Kinder, Smarter Fix That Actually Works

You're Not Raising A Problem, You're Raising A Person

How To Stop Making Tantrums Worse

The Unbreakable Connection: Helping Kids Feel Close When You’re Apart

Help, My Kid Won't Poop on the Potty! (Here's Why — and What to Do)

The Secret To Shorter, Fewer, and Less Intense Tantrums

Catch Them Being 'Good' The Big-Hearted Way to Encourage Positive Behavior

Stuck in the Potty Training Start-Stop Loop? Here's What to Do Differently

(REPLAY) Why Toddlers Misbehave: Your Toddler Isn’t Bad — Their Brain Is Developing

(REPLAY) Get Kids to Listen — No Yelling Required

Why Your Toddler Refuses the Potty (And What Helps)

End Overnight Toddler Wake Ups

Kids Want to Help. Here’s Why You Should Let Them.