Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

Latest Episodes:

7 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training Jul 12, 2023

Show notes

When you were learning to drive a car, did you just show up on the day of the exam?

No, you practiced and prepared for it in stages. Turns out the same approach works with potty training too. We know that prepping a child for changes or events can significantly reduce stress and increase coping skills. But we ignore or forget about this concept when it comes to potty training, which is probably one of the most significant events in a child's early life! Typically we tell our kids, “Okay today we are going to start potty training!” Or maybe we prep them a day or two before. But there is so much more to be done to make potty training easier for your child, and for you! Pre-potty training creates a smoother, easier, and really less stressful experience. If you are approaching the potty training stage, then grab a notebook pen, and let’s dive in!

Links and resources:

Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_baby
Check out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy Course
Our NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!
Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20
Does potty training terrify you? Discover 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training. Get our free guide and empower your child. Set the path for success!
Watch our FREE Tame Tantrums workshop and stay calmer with tricky toddler moments.

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If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

Episode website

RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online course

Potty Training Made Easy online course

Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class

Toddlers Made Easy book

200 Big-Hearted Scripts

FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training

And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

A Grandparent's Guide to Managing Tantrums Jul 05, 2023

Show notes

Being a grandparent is truly wonderful, awesome, and fantastic to say the least. But it also can be a bit tricky! Parenting attitudes and goals have undergone significant changes over the past few decades, and it makes sense that parenting styles have changed because research has taught us a great deal about toddlers' routines and attitudes.

How do we then, as grandparents, not take it personally when our kids complain about something we did with the grandkids?

Let’s dive into how today's parents think about and handle problems with toddlers so we can better understand how to support our kids in raising their kids!

Links and resources:

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️

If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

Episode website

RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online course

Potty Training Made Easy online course

Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class

Toddlers Made Easy book

200 Big-Hearted Scripts

FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training

And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

Become the Big-Hearted Parent Your Child Needs (and Deserves) Jun 28, 2023

Show notes

After working as a pediatrician for more than a quarter of a century, I have learned many big lessons. One of which is that parents are naturally big-hearted. They're loving, kind, and willing to do just about anything when it comes to their kids.
So what does it mean to parent with a big heart? This approach is particularly important for toddlers. When I think of big-hearted parenting, I imagine shedding the negative lens of the terrible twos, and instead, embracing toddlers as incredible, wonderfully unique little individuals who require our support, guidance, and understanding.
Let’s dive into big-hearted parenting together and help our children feel seen, heard, understood, and valued!

Links and resources:

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️

If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

Episode website

RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online course

Potty Training Made Easy online course

Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class

Toddlers Made Easy book

200 Big-Hearted Scripts

FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training

And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

Why Kids Need Emotional Vitamins Jun 21, 2023

Show notes

Parents often reach out to me concerned about their child's challenging behaviors, such as hitting, throwing toys, and not listening. They wonder how to manage these behaviors while still respecting their child and setting boundaries. If this sounds like you, then know you aren’t alone! This is a very common concern! In this episode, we are going to explore the concept of emotional vitamins and their importance in parenting.

When we focus solely on fixing behavior problems, we miss the opportunity to prevent these situations from happening again. Emotional vitamins are small acts of love and kindness that make children feel seen, heard, understood, and valued. They contribute to good behavior by meeting the emotional need for love and creating a strong emotional foundation between you and your child. Emotional vitamins could be physical touch, kind and loving words, or quality together time.

By incorporating these gestures into daily life, we can strengthen our bond with our children, boost their self-esteem, and create a loving and secure attachment. Remember, even the little things matter the most when it comes to emotional vitamins!

Links and resources:

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️

If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

Episode website

RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online course

Potty Training Made Easy online course

Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class

Toddlers Made Easy book

200 Big-Hearted Scripts

FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training

And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

Toddlers Are The Most Misunderstood People On The Planet Jun 14, 2023

Show notes

Would you believe me if I said that toddlers are the most misunderstood people on the planet?
In this episode, we’re uncovering the common misconceptions parents have about toddlers' abilities to share, control their emotions, and manage their impulses. Let’s debunk unrealistic expectations and challenge the negative label often associated with the "Terrible Twos" phase. When we remember the vulnerability and natural curiosity of toddlers, we can learn to approach them with patience and compassion, just like we did when they were babies. It's time to break free from old parenting styles and embrace new approaches that truly align with our values and nurture the well-being of our children.
Let's take a step towards building stronger connections and fostering personal growth for both us and our toddlers!

Links and resources:

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️

If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

Episode website

RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online course

Potty Training Made Easy online course

Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class

Toddlers Made Easy book

200 Big-Hearted Scripts

FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training

And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

How Toddlers Say, "You Hurt My Feelings!" Jun 07, 2023

Show notes

Feel like your toddler is acting out, or throwing more fits than normal, and you’re not sure why? Toddlers often lack the verbal skills to articulate their emotions, but they rely on us as their parents to understand and interpret their behavior. Sometimes this looks like acting out or throwing a “fit”.

By asking the right questions and peeling away the layers, we can uncover the underlying feelings and needs behind their actions. It's important for us to recognize and validate their emotions, creating an environment where they feel safe and valued. This, in turn, strengthens the bond between parent and child.

Remember, even when your toddler is upset, it's important to acknowledge their feelings while maintaining firm boundaries. Building trust and emotional security with our toddlers is a rewarding journey that benefits both parent and child. Together, we can decode their behavior and unlock the superpower of understanding!

Join me on this incredible parenting adventure, and don't forget to explore our online resources!

Links and resources:

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️

If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

Episode website

RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online course

Potty Training Made Easy online course

Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class

Toddlers Made Easy book

200 Big-Hearted Scripts

FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training

And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

Ridiculously Easy Ways To End Power Struggles May 31, 2023

Show notes

Picture this: the breakfast table is set, the sun is shining, and the birds are chirping. You've managed to get your three-year-old to sit down, ready to enjoy your first cup of coffee. But suddenly, their favorite pancakes have turned into the worst thing in the world, and they demand a bagel instead. The power struggle begins.

Sound familiar? In this episode, we’re exploring the concept of the "pivot point," a crucial moment where you, as a mom, can choose to escalate or de-escalate the situation.

As moms, we understand the desire for our children to listen and respect us. But instead of resorting to yelling or threats, I encourage you to sidestep the power struggles. Try using playfulness to inspire cooperation, and meeting your child where they are developmentally and emotionally. By engaging them with characters or playful challenges, you can lighten the mood, strengthen your bond, and reduce frustration!

Join me as we dive deeper into handling power struggles with toddlers and discover ways to navigate these moments with empathy and connection.

Remember, it's about turning challenging situations into opportunities for growth!

Links and resources:

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️

If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

Episode website

RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online course

Potty Training Made Easy online course

Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class

Toddlers Made Easy book

200 Big-Hearted Scripts

FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training

And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

The Problem With Punishments, And What To Do Instead May 24, 2023

Show notes

Are you struggling with tricky toddler moments? Ever find yourself in situations where you think, "I can't do this"? Well, fear not, you aren’t alone! While there may be some things you can't do, there are plenty of other fantastic strategies you can use to navigate the ups and downs of parenting.

We have all experienced those moments when tensions run high. Siblings are fighting, a toddler won’t give up their favorite toy when it's time for bed, etc. In this episode, I’m sharing the secret to calming everyone down, and seizing the moment to teach a lesson! You can give your child a do-over, turn learning into playtime, or simply have a quick chat. And guess what? You can even teach your child valuable strategies to handle problems and frustration. How amazing is that?

Being emotionally supportive and nurturing does not make you a pushover. You're a superhero! You set and hold limits with kindness and firmness. You're the cool, confident family leader who knows how to strike that perfect balance.

Keep up the fantastic work! You're doing an amazing job.

Links and resources:

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️

If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

Episode website

RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online course

Potty Training Made Easy online course

Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class

Toddlers Made Easy book

200 Big-Hearted Scripts

FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training

And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

"I'm Not Tired!" End Bedtime Stalling For Good May 17, 2023

Show notes

Guess what? I just became a grandmother a few days ago! As a mom and a new grandmother, I know the struggles of bedtime. In this episode, we're diving into the all-too-familiar bedtime battle cry: "I'm not tired!" I’m here to share some tips on how to conquer bedtime stalling like a pro. Are you tired of feeling like a meanie? Do you dread bedtime because your toddler keeps running out of the room a million times?

Well, here's the scoop: bedtime can be challenging because while you crave some time for yourself, your little one craves time and connection with you before saying goodnight. Plus, toddlers are all about asserting their power. They miss you when you're apart, and transitions can be tough. Sometimes bedtime might be too late, and let's face it, when you're tired, it's harder to enforce limits. But don't worry, I’ve got you covered!

What your child needs at bedtime is a loving leader. Everyone wants to feel seen, heard, understood, and valued, so helping your child feel acknowledged and understood at bedtime can decrease pushback. I am also sharing some bedtime tools that can help you conquer resistance and get through bedtime like a pro!

Ready to master your bedtime routine?? Let’s dive in!

Links and resources:

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️

If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

Episode website

RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online course

Potty Training Made Easy online course

Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class

Toddlers Made Easy book

200 Big-Hearted Scripts

FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training

And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

Stop Yelling, Start Connecting May 10, 2023

Show notes

Are you tired of feeling guilty and overwhelmed because you're constantly yelling at your kids? Do you wish you could be calmer and more in control of your emotions? Well, you're in luck because, in this episode, we're going to give you some awesome tips on how to stop yelling at your little ones!

Let's face it, as a mom, it's easy to lose your cool when your kids don't listen or misbehave, but yelling is not the answer! Did you know that research has shown that yelling causes stress and anxiety in kids? And it also shuts down their learning centers, making it harder for them to understand and retain information.

But don’t worry, I’m here to help! I am sharing some powerful strategies to help you respond to problems instead of reacting. I’ll also discuss how to understand and manage your own triggers and emotions, and how to set realistic expectations for your little ones.

I know that parenting is not easy, but with these helpful tips, you can create a loving, trusting relationship with your child without resorting to yelling.

So, let's dive in and learn how to be the best moms we can be!

Links and resources:

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️

If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

Episode website

RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online course

Potty Training Made Easy online course

Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class

Toddlers Made Easy book

200 Big-Hearted Scripts

FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training

And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.