Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

How to Calm A Tantrum Without Making It Worse

Tantrums aren’t misbehavior—they’re a sign your child’s system is overloaded. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains how your calmness (not your words) helps 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 the Toddlers Made Easy online course. RESOURCES 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 FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

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How To Make Discipline Easier (A LOT EASIER)

Getting your child to cooperate doesn’t always mean getting firmer. Sometimes, it means getting playful. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares one of the most underused discipline tools for young kids: playfulness. You’ll hear the story of Jamie, a little girl who absolutely did NOT want to leave, and how a doorknob offered the clue her parents needed. Dr. Cathryn explains the “calm-calm-explode cycle” many parents fall into, why repeating yourself or getting more serious often doesn’t work, and how play can help you get your child’s attention without giving up the limit. You’ll learn: • Why resistance doesn’t always mean your child needs a firmer response • How play can make transitions and everyday requests easier • Simple ways to use play when getting dressed, leaving the house, or handling other moments of pushback • Why being playful doesn’t mean being permissive • When play probably won’t work and what to remember instead Expectations don’t have to change. Your child still needs to put on the shoes, leave the playground, or get into bed. Sometimes you just need a different route to get there. Because discipline isn’t only about getting the behavior you want. It’s also about how you get there and the child standing in front of you. RESOURCES 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 FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

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Why Is My Toddler Suddenly Scared of Everything?

Your toddler suddenly hates the dark. They’re terrified of the vacuum, the bathtub drain, or the public washroom they used last week without a problem. What happened? In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains why new fears are so common during the toddler and preschool years, and why they can actually be a sign of growing imagination. You’ll learn how to respond without dismissing your child’s fear, why a little preparation can make unfamiliar situations easier, and how small, manageable steps can help your child become more confident around things that scare them. Because the goal isn’t to make every fear disappear. It’s to help your child learn, little by little, “I was scared, and I was okay.” RESOURCES 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 FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

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TME 211 - How To Help A Picky Eater

If every meal feels like a negotiation over one more bite, it may be time to try something different. When parents worry their child isn’t eating enough, it’s natural to coax, bargain, bribe, or plead. But that pressure can actually make picky eating worse. In this episode, I’m sharing practical ways to help your child become more comfortable with food, without turning mealtimes into a battle. You’ll learn: • Why asking for “just one more bite” can backfire • The difference between your job and your child’s job at mealtime • What to say when your child announces, “I hate broccoli” • How a simple “No Thank You Bowl” can reduce mealtime battles • Why letting kids help with food can make unfamiliar foods feel less intimidating • One small seating change that can make eating easier • How to give your child more control without becoming a short-order cook • When picky eating is worth discussing with your child’s healthcare provider The goal isn’t to get your child to eat everything on their plate. It’s to take some of the pressure off and help them become more comfortable with food, one meal at a time. RESOURCES 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 FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

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The Hardest Moments After Bringing Home a New Baby... and How to Help Your Toddler Through Them

Bringing home a new baby can turn a toddler’s world upside down. Suddenly, your potty-trained, independent kid is having accidents, asking to be carried, or needing you every time you sit down to feed the baby. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains why regression after a new sibling arrives is so common, what your toddler’s behavior may really be communicating, and big-hearted ways to help them feel secure and included. You’ll learn how to handle potty accidents and clinginess, create small moments of connection, avoid pushing the “big kid” role, and use strategic attention to encourage the behaviors you want to see. Plus, Dr. Cathryn shares ways to make feeding and pumping easier during this already demanding transition. Sponsored by Eufy Baby: Learn more about the Eufy Breast Pump S2 Pro below. EUFY OFFICIAL WEBSITE - code TMEEUFY — extra 15% off EUFY ON AMAZON - code TMEEUFY1-— extra 15% off RESOURCES 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 FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

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"Nobody Wants to Play With Me": Helping kids through rejection and exclusion

Friendship problems can start earlier than most parents expect. By age three, children are beginning to form real friendships. They’re also learning how to join a group, take turns, handle rejection, solve disagreements, and make up after conflict. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains what friendship looks like during the preschool years, why being left out can hurt even at three, and how you can support your child without rushing in to fix every difficult social moment. You’ll learn: • Why preschool friendships matter • What’s typical when friendships seem to change by the day • What to do when your child says, “Nobody wants to play with me” • Why your child and their teacher can have very different views of the same day • How to help your child build the skills needed to make and keep friends Plus, download the free Am I Expecting Too Much of My 3-Year-Old? checklist by tapping on this link. RESOURCES 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 FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

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Making School Goodbyes Easier

Starting school stirs up big feelings — for little kids and for the parents saying goodbye. Dr. Cathryn shares the moment that changed drop-offs for good with her own youngest, plus the big-hearted scripts, routines, and small shifts that make those first mornings smoother. In this episode: The night-before habit that ends outfit battles for good What to prep a few days ahead so drop-off doesn't catch your child off guard Exactly what to say (and what not to say) when your child cries at goodbye Why after-school meltdowns happen and the simple fix that helps Want more big-hearted scripts like these? See the link below. RESOURCES 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 FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

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When Potty Training Goes Sideways. Your toughest potty training questions, answered

When potty training goes sideways, it's easy to wonder if you're doing something wrong. In this episode, I answer a parent's question about a 3-year-old who won't pee or poop on the potty and explain why less pressure often leads to more progress. You'll learn practical strategies to build body awareness, reduce resistance, know when to seek medical advice, and help your child potty train with confidence. RESOURCES 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 FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

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A Tantrum Is Just A Toddler Acting Their Age

Dr. Cathryn shares a cringeworthy tantrum moment from her own parenting years and the perspective shift that changed how she responds to big feelings. Learn what's really happening in your little kid's brain during a meltdown, the PREP method for preventing tantrums before they start, and the common mistake loving parents make when responding to one. RESOURCES 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 FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

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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. RESOURCES 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 FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

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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 RESOURCES 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 FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

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 RESOURCES 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 FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

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 RESOURCES 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 FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

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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 💛 RESOURCES 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 FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

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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. RESOURCES 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 FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

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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. RESOURCES 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 FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

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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. RESOURCES 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 FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

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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 * * RESOURCES 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 FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

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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 RESOURCES 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 FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

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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 RESOURCES 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 FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

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