When your kid shouts, “You’re a stupid Mommy!” you have 2 choices in how to respond. Dr. Cathryn delves into the puzzling world of toddler rudeness. While it's easy to feel angry and hurt when your little one lashes out, understanding the developmental reasons behind such behavior can offer a fresh perspective. Learn about: - Emotional Dysregulation: Why a toddler's emotions are stronger than their self-control. - The Power of Language: How toddlers experiment with words to gauge reactions. - Bi...
Oct 11, 2023•12 min•Ep. 61
Are you breaking out in cold sweats just thinking about potty training? Don't worry! In this episode, we debunk traditional myths around potty training readiness and offer a fresh, laid-back approach that puts your child at the center of the journey. Key Topics Covered: The traditional checklist for potty training readiness. The critical importance of sphincter control. My A-H-A moment: The role of emotional willingness in potty training. Why your approach to potty training could be the problem....
Oct 04, 2023•13 min•Ep. 60
In today's episode, we're diving into a topic close to every parent's heart: boosting your toddler's confidence. ❤️ While we can't shield our toddlers from every little bump or hiccup life throws their way, we can certainly arm them with the emotional resilience they need to rebound from these bumpy learning experiences. Boosting your toddler's confidence is an ongoing process, but with empathy, understanding, and a few strategic techniques, you can help your child build emotional resilience tha...
Sep 27, 2023•17 min•Ep. 59
Today, Dr Cathryn tackles a BIG parenting hurdle: bedtime stalling, protests, and delays. From endless thirst to monster checks, we've all been there. But what if you could turn the tables on bedtime resistance? Enter the Hippo Hug, a big-hearted approach that combines empathy and practicality to help your little one go to bed and stay in bed. We'll dive into why this method works and how to implement it in your nightly routine. Say goodbye to stalling and hello to peaceful nights! Links and res...
Sep 20, 2023•12 min•Ep. 58
In this episode, we tackle the age-old issue: toddlers who just won't listen. Dr. Cathryn breaks down an easy-to-follow approach that not only grabs your toddler's attention but also boosts their emotional smarts. Get real-life tips to keep your cool and improve your little one's listening game.Level up your parenting: Conquer the toddler phase with our top two courses! Start raising happier, more confident kids today. Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck o...
Sep 13, 2023•10 min•Ep. 57
Struggling with tough goodbyes? Dr. Cathryn explains why sneaking out is not the solution and provides a game plan to approach goodbyes with thoughtfulness and understanding, laying the groundwork for a more secure, confident child.Elevate your parenting game: Master the toddler years with our 2 bestselling courses! Raise kind, more confident kids—starting today. Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy Cour...
Sep 06, 2023•12 min•Ep. 56
In today’s episode, we’re diving into the topic every parent with more than one child has to navigate: introducing a toddler to a new sibling. We’ll explore how to prepare your child for the arrival of a new family member and lay the foundation for a positive relationship from day one. Whether it’s discussions before the baby arrives or strategies for that first meeting, we’ve got you covered with practical, no-nonsense advice. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to make the sibling transi...
Aug 30, 2023•12 min•Ep. 55
Some kids аrе nаturаlly morе reserved аnd some аrе morе outgoing. In this episode, we tаlk аbout thе impоrtаnce оf understаnding thе nееds оf а sensitive child аnd recоgnizing thеir quiet strеngth. Dr. Cathryn offers research-backed strategies for guiding sensitive children through social situations and providing the right support, allowing them to thrive in their unique manner.Discover proven methods to effectively handle toddler challenges and be the best parent possible. Check out our two new...
Aug 23, 2023•9 min
Sibs usually like being together, but playing nicely can be tough, especially with the age difference. Being the referee might not be the best way to manage sibling fights. In this episode, learn how to step in as the describer, not the divider. Dr. Cathryn shares effective strategies to encourage a healthier sibling dynamic while encouraging independence and growth in your children's conflict resolution abilities. Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out o...
Aug 16, 2023•10 min•Ep. 53
When your tot says “no way” to the potty, don’t sweat it! Every kiddo has their own pace and readiness to master new skills, potty time included. This week, Dr. Cathryn has a cool, new trick up her sleeve to make potty battles a breeze. (Science experiment credit: Claire Lerner).Join us to discover smart strategies that make parenting easier and more enjoyable, even in the tough times. Check out our two new courses – they’re your roadmap to smoother parenting! Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cat...
Aug 09, 2023•12 min•Ep. 52
When a toddler lies, it’s not a personal slight or a sign of poor character. Instead, it’s a common step in their developmental process. From wishful thinking to pretend play, toddlers’ big imaginations often blur the boundaries between fantasy and reality. Dr. Cathryn delves deeper to interpret the innocence behind these “lies” and imparts strategies for parents to respond to these instances with abundant understanding, a big heart, and clear direction. Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn o...
Aug 02, 2023•10 min•Ep. 51
Picture this: Mom sees two and a half year old Johnny squirming and doing the I need to go pee dance. So she tells him to go sit on the potty. Johnny ignores his mom and a minute later he pees in his pants. Needless to say, Johnny's mom was irritated. Does this sound at all familiar? Pressuring a child to use the potty, well, it often backfires. It's like trying to brush a toddler's teeth while they clamp their mouth shut. Let's face it, nobody likes being forced or pressured into anything and p...
Jul 26, 2023•8 min
Are you a big fan of the dentist??Imagine for a moment you’re heading off to the dentist. Maybe you're thinking, yikes. You're not exactly thrilled, but you deal with it because you know it's important. Now for a toddler, that same feeling can come up every time they are asked to brush their teeth. It's like going to the dentist, but twice a day, every day. Our little powerhouses are always on a mission to stake their claim to independence. Asking a toddler to brush their teeth can seem like we'...
Jul 19, 2023•7 min•Ep. 49
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...
Jul 12, 2023•15 min
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 parent...
Jul 05, 2023•10 min
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, wond...
Jun 28, 2023•10 min•Ep. 46
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 opportuni...
Jun 21, 2023•11 min•Ep. 45
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 compassi...
Jun 14, 2023•11 min•Ep. 44
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, c...
Jun 07, 2023•12 min•Ep. 43
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 situat...
May 31, 2023•14 min•Ep. 42
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 c...
May 24, 2023•14 min•Ep. 41
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 ti...
May 17, 2023•12 min•Ep. 40
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...
May 10, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 39
In this episode, we'll be talking about an issue that we know all too well: dealing with clingy toddlers. We like to call this the snuggle struggle! As both a pediatrician and a mom, I understand how frustrating and emotionally exhausting it can be when your little ones seem to be attached to you at all times. And guess what? You're not alone in this. In a recent Instagram poll, 70% of parents described their toddlers as super-clingy. If you're tired of your little one pulling at your clothes ev...
May 03, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Today, we’re diving into a hot topic, potty training! More specifically, we're chatting about why traditional potty training is totally outdated, and your toddler doesn't need it. I mean, come on, who has the time and patience for that anyway? Traditional toilet training is all about control and punishment, which is not cool for our little munchkins' emotional health. Let's give our toddlers the power they crave and let them learn to use the potty naturally. Just like when they learned to walk, ...
Apr 26, 2023•9 min•Ep. 37
Do you have a tattle tale? If so, today’s episode is for you. Let me paint a picture. Three-and-a-half-year-old Sam is a sweet kid, but he's in the habit of tattling on his older brother Eric, who is just six years old. Whenever Eric does something that Sam thinks isn't nice or fair, he runs to his parents and tells on him. For example, if Eric takes one of Sam's toys or accidentally drops something, Sam runs to his parents and says, Eric did it. Tattling happens after a child has stopped managi...
Apr 19, 2023•11 min•Ep. 36
Fears can be formidable for toddlers to face! Particularly so before they have formed the skills to express themselves fully. Fear is a survival mechanism that protects us from danger. Yet it can be overwhelming and confusing for toddlers. Toddlers depend on structure and routine to feel safe, so when something unexpected happens, they may become fearful. As adults, it is easy to forget how scary the world can seem from a toddler’s point of view. Fear is a perfectly normal part of any toddler's ...
Apr 12, 2023•16 min•Ep. 35
It can really be tough to manage those times when your toddler throws tantrums in public places! Raising a toddler is hard, and parents sometimes feel confused, overwhelmed, or embarrassed in certain situations. Public tantrums can be particularly challenging. However, tantrums are a natural and healthy part of a toddler's development. So it does not reflect poorly on your parenting skills if your child has a meltdown when you are out shopping or running errands. Today, I explain how to manage t...
Apr 05, 2023•16 min•Ep. 34
All kids curse at some point! (Even though they most likely don’t understand what they are saying.) Last week, Jillian wrote in asking for help. Her three-year-old daughter discovered the f-word, and Jillian has no idea where she learned it because they don’t swear at home. When it happened, everyone was shocked, so they burst out laughing. Now, Jillian wishes they had not responded that way because wherever they go, her daughter keeps using the f-word. Toddlers love to feel powerful! They are s...
Mar 29, 2023•10 min•Ep. 33
Getting little ones to listen can drive parents to their wits' end! However, there are productive, practical, and pleasant ways of persuading kids to play along without bribing or bullying them. Motivating your toddler to listen can be extremely frustrating, especially when you have an endless list of things to get done! It can leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed, and you may even find yourself ordering them around and expecting them to cooperate without question. Today, I explain why kid...
Mar 22, 2023•15 min•Ep. 32
