Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

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 easierJoin me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_baby/ONE thing you can do right away to get your kids to listen tap hereToddlers Made Easy, our bestselling courseSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 muchThe "pillow and blanket" analogy that finally makes it click3 common mistakes that make night wakings worseWhy sleep deprivation is more serious than most parents realizeOther causes of night wakings — from new siblings to medical issues worth discussing with your pediatricianMentioned in this episode:Why Won't My Child Go to Sleep Without Me? Part 1Why Won't My Child Go to Sleep Without Me? Part 2Sleep Masterclass: → Tap HereHave a question or story to share? DM Dr. Cathryn on Instagram or email us at [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 SauceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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: See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 SauceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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: ⁠newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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: newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.