Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

Latest Episodes:

No More Drop-Off Tears: 5 Game-Changing Strategies for Separation Anxiety Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

Drop-offs don’t have to be tearful goodbyes! In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares 5 proven strategies to ease separation anxiety and make goodbyes smoother for both you and your toddler.

You’ll learn:

Why separation anxiety is actually a sign of healthy attachment.
How to create safety before separation and build trust with goodbyes.
The power of painting the whole picture and building bridges of connection.
How to master a confident goodbye ritual that works every time.

Plus, hear a personal story about how a simple question transformed Dr. Cathryn’s own drop-off struggles with her youngest child.

If you’re ready to feel more confident during drop-offs and help your child thrive, this episode is for you!

Resources Mentioned:

The Big-Hearted School of Parenting Membership – Your go-to resource for tackling toddler challenges with science-backed, judgment-free tools.

Connect with Dr. Cathryn:

Instagram: @healthiest_baby

Let’s make parenting easier, together!

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.

Calm, Connect, and Communicate With Your Toddler Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

Join Dr. Cathryn in this episode as she guides you through handling tough toddler moments with calmness and empathy.

Learn to see past the surface behavior and understand your child's emotions. For example, if your toddler says, "I hate the baby", instead of ignoring these feelings, acknowledge and understand them. Think about how you feel when someone dismisses your bad day; your child needs to feel heard just like you do. And teach them to express big emotions with words, not actions.

Keep in mind, it's completely natural for toddlers to go through a wide spectrum of emotions. The key is in how they convey these feelings.

In today’s discussion, we’re zeroing in on addressing the emotional side of handling challenging behaviors.

Links and Resources:

Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_baby

Check out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy Course

Our hugely popular Potty Training Made Easy course is here!

FREE: 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!

E-mail: drcathryn@healthiest-baby.com

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.

Sponsors:

Acorns Early

OSEA

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.

#1 Easiest Hack To Stop Losing It On Your Kids Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of "Toddlers Made Easy," we're diving into the EASY method—a transformative technique to help you navigate toddler tantrums with grace and effectiveness. Inspired by my own experiences as a pediatrician and a mom, EASY is all about creating a calm and connected approach to those challenging moments.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

MEMBERSHIP

Big-Hearted School of Parenting

ONLINE COURSES

Toddlers Made Easy Course

Potty Training Made Easy

FREEBIES:

eBook: 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training. Get our free guide and empower your child. Set the path for success!

SPONSORS:

OSEA

ACORNS EARLY

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 You Should Gossip With Stuffed Animals (Yes, Really) Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

In this sweet and surprising episode, Dr. Cathryn shares a playful, science-backed way to boost your toddler’s confidence and cooperation — all by whispering to their teddy bear. Learn why toddlers respond better to overheard praise, how to highlight the behavior you want more of, and how this simple shift can bring more calm, connection, and “yes!” moments to your day.

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 to Stay Calm When Your Toddler Isn’t: 3 Powerful Mindset Shifts Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

🎧 How to Stay Calm When Your Toddler Isn’t: 3 Powerful Mindset Shifts

Welcome back to Toddlers Made Easy—the no-fluff podcast for parents in the thick of toddlerhood. I’m Dr. Cathryn—pediatrician (just recently retired), mom of four, and your guide to big-hearted parenting that actually works.

Ever feel like you’re one meltdown away from losing it yourself?

In today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 mindset shifts that will help you stay calm even when your toddler isn’t. These small but mighty shifts will help you:
💡 React with less guilt and more confidence
💡 Understand misbehavior without taking it personally
💡 Build connection—even in the hardest moments

💭 You’ll learn:

Why thinking long-term helps you respond more lovingly in the moment

How your toddler’s brain development explains their wild behavior

Why “bad behavior” is often just a lack of skills—not defiance

💛 This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up with compassion—for your child and yourself.

Want more support?
Join The Big-Hearted School of Parenting—your private membership for weekly quick wins, expert coaching, and real-life toddler tools. Because loving your child comes naturally—but staying calm when they’re not? That’s something we can work on together.

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.

Potty Training Q&A: Pediatrician-Backed Answers Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I’m answering your top potty training concerns:

💩 What to do if your toddler asks for a diaper to poop
😣 Why over-hyping the potty can backfire
🧠 How kids learn to listen to their bodies
❤️ What to do if you lose your cool
🚫 Why I don’t recommend rewards (and what to do instead)

This is big-hearted, no-pressure potty support. I call my approach 'Unapologetically Lazy'—because it’s low-stress, yet high in success. ✨

👉 Ready for a step-by-step plan? Check out my course Potty Training Made Easy:

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.

3 Ways to Raise a Toddler Who Doesn’t Give Up Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares 3 powerful, big-hearted ways to raise a toddler who keeps trying — even when things get tough.

You’ll learn why frustration isn’t the enemy, how letting kids help (and mess up!) builds true confidence, and how to give praise that fuels perseverance instead of fear of failure.

These tiny shifts create kids who say, “I can do hard things,” even when the zipper won’t budge.

RESOURCES

The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting membership

Follow me on Instagram

Join my Newsletter

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.

Helping Toddlers Feel Loved When a New Baby Arrives Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares big-hearted, practical ways to help your toddler feel secure, loved, and included when welcoming a new baby. From sharing the news to handling jealousy and sibling meetings, this episode helps big feelings feel a little smaller — for everyone.

Resources:

The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting

Follow Dr Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_baby/

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.

Readiness and other myths Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

Still waiting for your toddler to want to use the potty? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong.

In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares why the traditional “wait for readiness” advice might be leading to more stress, not less.

You’ll learn:

🚽 Why your smart, capable toddler might be avoiding the potty
🧠 How readiness isn’t a fixed milestone—you can build it.
✨ 5 simple steps to set your child up for potty success (before you ditch diapers)
💪 Why Potty Prep reduces pressure and increases confidence—for both of you.

If you’re feeling stuck, this gentle, big-hearted approach is your next step.

RESOURCES:

FREEBIE: The 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training

Online Course: Potty Training Made Easy

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 Secret to Shorter, Fewer, and Less Intense Tantrums Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

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.

Order my new book Toddlers Made Easy

Join the Big-Hearted School of Parenting

Follow me on Instagram

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.