Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn
Toddlers Made Easy is a short, 10-minute podcast that provides parents with practical tools and insights to handle toddler-related challenges and prevent problem behaviors. Hosted by Dr. Cathryn, a retired pediatrician with over 35 years of experience and a mother of four, the podcast offers bite-sized advice for confident parenting.
Episodes
Help! My Child Will Only Poop In A Diaper
Your child pees on the potty without a problem, but when it's time to poop, they insist on a diaper. You've tried rewards, encouragement, and waiting it out. Nothing seems to work.In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains why some toddlers refuse to poop on the potty and what you can do to help.You'll learn:Why constipation may be part of the problem, even if your child poops every day.
The Big-Hearted Yet Firm Way of Saying No
Struggling to set boundaries without caving or feeling that familiar pang of guilt?In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explores the art of big-hearted parenting—where firm boundaries meet empathy and understanding.Discover how acknowledging your child’s feelings with clear, compassionate communication can turn even the toughest moments into powerful opportunities for connection.You’ll walk away with prac
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-
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”
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
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
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 fee
"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 s
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 goodWhat to prep a few days ahead so drop-off doesn't
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 ch
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. RESOURCESToddlers Made Easy online co
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 th
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 ca
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 bi
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
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 sa
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 mo
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 oft
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
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
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 emotion
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
Help, My Kid Won't Poop on the Potty! (Here's Why — and What to Do)
Your little kid pees on the potty just fine — but when it comes to poop? Diaper only, thank you very much.You haven't done anything wrong. This is one of the most common potty-training hiccups, affecting 20–25% of little kids. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn breaks down exactly why it happens and what actually helps.You'll learn:The real reason most kids resist (hint: it's fea
The Secret To Shorter, Fewer, and Less Intense Tantrums
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.RESOURCES:I’m running a short class for exhausted parents who want more sleep (without cry-it-out). Want the details? TAP HEREOrder my book Toddlers Made Easy Follow
Catch Them Being 'Good' The Big-Hearted Way to Encourage Positive Behavior
The 5:1 rule is one of the most practical tools a parent can have — and it's simpler than you think.Originally researched by psychologist John Gottman in marriages, the principle maps directly onto parenting: for every correction, aim for five positive interactions first. Not a tally. Just an intention to tip the balance toward warmth.In this episode, we cover:Why your relationship w
Stuck in the Potty Training Start-Stop Loop? Here's What to Do Differently
Are you stuck in the potty training start-stop loop? You try, it falls apart, you stop — and now you're dreading starting again. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains why potty battles happen, why your first attempt wasn't a failure, and how one simple shift can change everything.In this episode:Why kids push back against potty training (it's not stubbornness)The real reaso
(REPLAY) Why Toddlers Misbehave: Your Toddler Isn’t Bad — Their Brain Is Developing
Being a toddler is tough—and parenting one can feel just as hard.In this episode, Dr. Cathryn breaks down why toddlers struggle with impulse control, what’s really behind their behavior, and how to respond in ways that actually work.You’ll learn how to guide—not punish—using simple, developmentally-smart strategies that reduce chaos and build cooperation.What You’ll Learn:Why toddler impu
(REPLAY) Get Kids to Listen — No Yelling Required
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 n
Why Your Toddler Refuses the Potty (And What Helps)
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 pushba
End Overnight Toddler Wake Ups
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 ex
Kids Want to Help. Here’s Why You Should Let Them.
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 la
Aggressive Toddler Tantrums: Why Kids Hit, Bite, and Kick (And What To Do)
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 imp
Q&A: 3-Year-Old Fighting Bedtime and Toddler Throwing Explained
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
The Helper Trap: How to raise a caring child who doesn’t feel responsible for everything
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 h
Am I Expecting Too Much Of My Child?
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
How to Calm A Toddler's Tantrum Without Making It Worse
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
Why Forcing Kids to Share Backfires (And What to Do Instead)
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,
Helping Kids Listen Better: The Big-Hearted Way
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 wit
Make Potty Training Easier- Home Prep
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 p
Make Potty Training Easier: What To Do Before You Begin
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.
Ac
When Your Toddler Says 'No' To Everything
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 “n
My Toddler Keeps Waking Up At Night—Help!
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, r
The Secret To Shorter, Fewer, and Less Intense Tantrums
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.
RESOURCES:
Order my new book Toddlers Made Easy
Join the Big-Hearted School of Parenting
Follow me on Instagram
Sponsor
Acorns Early
RESOURCESToddlers
Stop Food Battles Before They Begin
Food battles usually are not about food. They are about your child’s brain doing its job: protecting them from anything that feels unfamiliar.
In this episode, I share Mikey’s story (a spirited 4-year-old who refused every vegetable), why pressure and “just one bite” backfired, and what is actually normal toddler eating—tiny appetites, changing preferences, and a strong need for control.
Helping Little Kids Through Big Fears (And What They Actually Need From You)
Dr. Cathryn talks about why toddler fears are so common — and how to support your little one without minimizing their feelings or rushing them through fear. You’ll learn simple, big-hearted ways to help your child feel seen, safe, and supported, while also building the confidence they need to move through scary moments at their own pace.
We cover:
Why fears show up in toddlerhood
Ho
Wired or Tired? Why Your Child Loses It at Bedtime
Wired or Tired? Why Your Toddler Loses It at Bedtime
Learn the simple brain science behind overtiredness, the early signs that your child’s sleep window is opening, and why the “second wind” isn’t extra energy. It’s a stress response.
I’ll walk you through how to spot the subtle cues, how to shift bedtime earlier, and what to do when you’ve missed the window, and your child is bouncing o
When Toddlers Ask, "Mommy, Am I Fat?"
Body image doesn’t start in the teen years—it starts in the toddler years. And the words we use today become the beliefs our kids carry tomorrow.
In this week’s episode, I’m sharing how our language, reactions, and even the way we talk about our own bodies shape how little kids see themselves.
You’ll learn:
• Why kids as young as 3–6 already notice and compare bodies
• How to respond wh
Help! My Toddler Will Only Poop in a Diaper
If your child will pee on the potty but absolutely must poop in a diaper, you’re not doing anything wrong — and your child isn’t being stubborn.
This is one of the most common (and most confusing) potty roadblocks for parents.
In this episode, I walk you through why kids get stuck in the “diaper-only” pattern, what’s really going on in their bodies and brains, and the simple steps that
End Bedtime Battles For Good
If bedtime feels like a nightly battle of endless requests — more water, more hugs, more everything — this episode is for you.
Dr. Cathryn breaks down what’s really happening in your child’s brain at bedtime and why those stall tactics aren’t defiance but biology. You’ll learn simple, science-backed ways to calm your child’s nervous system, fill their “connection cup,” and finally make be
Why The Toddler Years Matter More Than You Think
Why the Toddler Years Aren't What You Think
Episode Overview:
The "terrible twos" aren't terrible—they're transformational. This episode reframes toddlerhood from a stage to survive into the most critical developmental window for building emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-esteem.
What You'll Learn:
Why your toddler's brain is 80% grown by a
Rethinking Readiness: How to Stop Waiting and Start Potty Training
In this bite-sized episode, we’re cutting through the confusion around potty training readiness.
👉 Big idea: Readiness = willing + able. But the best way to know? Gently start prepping and see how your child responds.
RESOURCES:
Get Free Guide- 5 Must-Do's Before Starting Potty Training Guide: https://www.healthiest-baby.com/5-ways-to-make-potty-training-easier
Potty Training Mad
Why Your Toddler Resists Everything (And What to Do About It)
Struggling with toddler resistance? This episode breaks down why your child says "no" to everything and how to work with their natural instincts instead of against them.
What You'll Learn
What the "You-Can't-Make-Me" reflex is and why it's actually healthy
Why toddler brains react with automatic resistance
Common triggers (commands, transitions, f
Lessons from the Sidelines: What Being a Soccer Mom Taught Me About Grit, Growth, and Parenting
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares powerful lessons learned from years on the soccer sidelines with her daughter.
These stories reveal how resilience, character, and determination are built—and how parents can support their kids in growing these essential life skills.
Key Takeaways:
Turning frustration into fuel: How setbacks and bench time taught Mady determination.
Choosing cha
Help Your Child Bounce Back
Kids don’t need to be “tough.” They need simple tools that build an inner voice: I can handle this. I can try again.
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares quick, doable ways to grow resilience in everyday moments—no shaming, no lectures.
Why mistakes are teachers (and how to respond in the moment)
How to praise effort so kids keep trying
Small, real responsibilities that build
When Your Toddler Picks Favorites (and It Stings)
Does your toddler scream for only Mommy or refuse to let Daddy help at bedtime? You’re not alone—and it’s not a sign you’re doing something wrong. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains why toddlers play favorites, what it really means (hint: it’s about control, not love), and how to handle it without taking it personally.
You’ll learn:
Why rejection actually shows trust
How to res
You're Not Raising a Problem, You're Raising a Person: The Big-Hearted Way to Handle Toddler Challenges
In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy, Dr. Cathryn dives into one of the most transformative shifts in parenting: seeing your child not as a problem to fix, but as a person to guide.
Discover how a "Big-Hearted Interpretation" can help you reframe challenging toddler behaviors—from tantrums to hitting—and respond with clarity, empathy, and confidence.
Dr. Cathryn shares real-
Raising Kids Who Feel Valued: The Secret to Kind, Generous Kids
Learn 3 simple ways to help your toddler feel valued—and watch kindness, confidence, and cooperation grow.
When toddlers feel valued—not just loved, but truly valued—they naturally grow into kind, generous, and helpful kids. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares three simple strategies to help your child feel like an important part of the family:
Small moments of genuine attention
R
🎙️ Why “No” Doesn’t Work—And What to Say That Actually Does
Why does “no” stop working with toddlers—and what should you say instead?
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn breaks down why “no” becomes background noise, what to say that actually works, and how small language shifts can transform power struggles into cooperation.
You’ll learn:
Why toddlers tune out “no”
Simple swaps that get better results
Real-life examples you can use today
7 Must-Do's Before Starting Potty Training
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
No More Drop-Off Tears: 5 Game-Changing Strategies for Separation Anxiety
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 build
Calm, Connect, and Communicate With Your Toddler
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
#1 Easiest Hack To Stop Losing It On Your Kids
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 Pare
Why You Should Gossip With Stuffed Animals (Yes, Really)
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.
RESOURCESTod
How to Stay Calm When Your Toddler Isn’t: 3 Powerful Mindset Shifts
🎧 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
Potty Training Q&A: Pediatrician-Backed Answers
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 La
3 Ways to Raise a Toddler Who Doesn’t Give Up
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 th
Helping Toddlers Feel Loved When a New Baby Arrives
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/health
Readiness and other myths
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
The Secret to Shorter, Fewer, and Less Intense Tantrums
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
RESOURCESToddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made
REVISIT: The Loving Yet Firm Way Of Saying No
Struggling to set boundaries without caving or feeling that familiar pang of guilt?
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explores the art of big-hearted parenting—where firm boundaries meet empathy and understanding.
Discover how acknowledging your child’s feelings and using clear, compassionate communication can turn even the toughest moments into powerful opportunities for connection.
You’ll
My Toddler Keeps Waking Up At Night—Help!
In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy, Dr. Cathryn explores why children wake up at night and how to manage it. Drawing from personal experiences, including a notable sleep mistake with her daughter, Dr. Cathryn explains the impact of ineffective sleep associations, fears, and separation anxiety on night wakings. She also touches on medical causes like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome,
Why Toddlers Hit and How to Handle It
In today’s episode, Dr. Cathryn walks you through what to do — and what not to do — when your toddler hits, bites, or kicks.
Whether you’re managing a red fire truck turf war or a kick on the way to the car, this episode offers a big-hearted, research-backed roadmap to help you stay calm, confident, and connected — even in the trickiest moments.
💛 Big-Hearted School of Parenting is openi
Lazy Potty Training: A Calm, No-Pressure Way to Ditch Diapers
Is potty training turning into a power struggle? Let’s change that.
In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy, Dr. Cathryn introduces a game-changing method she calls Lazy Potty Training — a no-pressure, emotionally smart approach that helps toddlers transition out of diapers at their own pace.
Forget bootcamps, sticker charts, and rushed weekends. This method blends structure and freedom so
From Food Fights to Dessert Drama — Solved!
Tired of dinner turning into a battlefield? You’re not alone.
In this episode, I’m answering real questions from parents about toddler mealtime struggles — like food throwing, picky eating, dessert demands, and why kids eat better at daycare than at home.
You’ll learn:
✅ What to say when your toddler throws food
✅ Whether to serve dessert with dinner
✅ What to do if your child refuses din
Parent Smarter, Not Harder: The Big-Hearted Way
This week, Dr. Cathryn introduces you to a parenting game-changer: the Big-Hearted Interpretation (BHI).
Ever felt frustrated or overwhelmed by your toddler's tantrums, meltdowns, or seemingly impossible behavior? BHI is a simple but powerful mindset shift that helps you see your child’s toughest moments in a new light—leading to less stress for you and more cooperation from your chi
How to End 2AM Wake-Ups — Without Saying “Go Back to Bed
Is your toddler waking up at 2AM (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
Toddlers Aren’t Terrible. They’re Misunderstood.
Think toddler tantrums are just chaos to survive? Think again.
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares how the challenging moments—like cup battles and banana breakdowns—are actually brain-building opportunities.
You’ll learn:
• Why toddlers aren't terrible—they’re under construction
• What’s really happening in your child’s brain during tantrums
• How small mindset shifts can change e
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 c
Looks Ready But Refusing the Potty?
Ready But Resistant — What to Do When Your Child Won’t Sit on the PottyYour toddler seems ready to potty train—but refuses to even sit on the potty? You’re not alone. In today’s episode, Dr. Cathryn breaks down why kids can be physically ready but emotionally resistant—and what to do about it.You’ll learn:
The real reason toddlers say “no” to the potty
What not to do (hint: no pushing, no
The Ultimate Toolbox for Big-Hearted Parenting
🎙 Episode Title:The Ultimate Toolbox for Big-Hearted Parenting:Feel like you’re winging it every time your toddler melts down, refuses to listen, or pushes every limit? In this episode, I’m giving you the ultimate toolbox—real-life scripts, calming strategies, and mindset shifts you can lean on when things get hard. Whether it’s tantrums, power struggles, or just the everyday chaos of rai
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