Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

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. Learn the proven strategies to help you deal with your toddler in a way that lets you be the best parent you can be.  We've got 2 new courses to help you navigate these tricky times!Toddlers Made EasyPotty Training Made EasySign up today!Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does 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. 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

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! Learn the proven strategies to help you deal with your toddler in a way that lets you be the best parent you can be.  We've got 2 new courses to help you navigate these tricky times!Toddlers Made EasyPotty Training Made EasySign up today!Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does 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. 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

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!Learn the proven strategies to help you deal with your toddler in a way that lets you be the best parent you can be.  We've got 2 new courses to help you navigate these tricky times!Toddlers Made EasyPotty Training Made EasySign up today!Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does 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. 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

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 every time you try to go to the washroom or if you're hoping to get some space during an arts and crafts project only to have your little one want to sit on your lap, then you already know how confusing and challenging it can be to have an overly-clingy toddler. Having a little one constantly attached to you can be emotionally draining.We’re taking a look at a real-life example of mom Sophie’s story and how she managed her 3-year-old daughter Chelsea’s suffocating clinginess. Stay tuned to hear what you can do to help your little ones through this developmental phase! Learn the proven strategies to help you deal with your toddler in a way that lets you be the best parent you can be.  We've got 2 new courses to help you navigate these tricky times!Toddlers Made EasyPotty Training Made EasySign up today!Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does 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. 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

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, we provided the right environment and let them try and try until they nailed it. And trust me, your little ones will feel so proud of themselves when they finally master peeing and pooping in the potty.But before you start, I've got a new strategy for you called pre-potty training or toilet training warm-up. Think of it as a little warm-up before you hit the gym. And to make it even easier, I've created a mini e-book for you with the five must-dos before starting potty training. It's filled with strategies to make the process a breeze, even if your little one doesn't show any signs of readiness.So, if you're ready to ditch the old ways and embrace the new, check out the link below for the 5 Must-Dos Before Potty Training E-Book. Learn the proven strategies to help you deal with your toddler in a way that lets you be the best parent you can be.  We've got 2 new courses to help you navigate these tricky times!Toddlers Made EasyPotty Training Made EasySign up today!Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does 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. 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

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 managing problems in physical ways like hitting or biting, but he or she hasn't yet developed a more sophisticated way of solving things.Children who tattle have enough social and emotional skills to stop the hitting, but not enough to solve problems without some help.A toddler may tattle to exert their power and see if they can get a rise out of you.Create a space or a moment between your child's behavior and your response to it. In other words, just pause for a moment before saying a word. Ready to combat tattletales? Help your child feel seen. When they feel seen, their need to tattletale gradually diminishes. You can empower your child by equipping them with the tools to manage problems on their own. With time, tattletales will fizzle out. But in the meantime, also remember the power of exclusive time or special time or magic time, whatever you wanna call it, for just 10 minutes a day. Let your child choose what they want to do and then the two of you do that together. Playing with your toddler, just the two of you for 10 minutes a day is a research-based way to ease messy toddler behaviors.Learn the proven strategies to help you deal with your toddler in a way that lets you be the best parent you can be.  We've got 2 new courses to help you navigate these tricky times!Toddlers Made EasyPotty Training Made EasySign up today!Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does 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. 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

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 development. But even so, their fears can sometimes be exhausting, frustrating, or even inconvenient for us to cope with as parents. Today, I explore toddlers’ fears and dive into what you can do to help your little one manage and overcome their fears. Stay tuned to learn strategies to empower your child to accept their fears and make space to overcome them.Show highlights:Why do toddlers have fears?How thinking around parenting has changed since earlier generations.Why it is essential for children to feel heard and understood.Why children must be allowed to feel all their feelings, including those that make us uncomfortable.Things we should avoid saying to kids when they are fearful.How to let your child know you see them and care about their feelings and fears.Why there is no need for parents to offer solutions or rescue their children.What happens when you negate a child’s feelings?How to diffuse a situation when strong feelings arise.How sharing stories, narrating situations, and talking about feelings helps empower children to overcome their fears.Learn the proven strategies to help you deal with your toddler in a way that lets you be the best parent you can be.  We've got 2 new courses to help you navigate these tricky times!Toddlers Made EasyPotty Training Made EasySign up today!Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does 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. 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

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 those tricky tantrum moments like a pro when it feels like everyone is judging you. I dive into the innocence of tantrums and share some practical steps you can take to avoid public tantrums and keep your little one quiet and happy when you are out and about.Stay tuned to learn how to remain cool, calm, and in control, even if your toddler has an angry outburst in a public place.Show highlights:Situations and places where tantrums are more likely to be triggered.How to prepare your child for an outing and set their expectations for a play date.How to involve your child when shopping for groceries.How being mindful can help you avoid tantrums.Use the acronym H.A.L.T. to remember common triggers.How to prevent a tantrum when you sense one coming.How to calm down and overcome embarrassment.What you can do to ease the intensity of a tantrum.Simple mantras you can use in challenging moments.Learn the proven strategies to help you deal with your toddler in a way that lets you be the best parent you can be.  We've got 2 new courses to help you navigate these tricky times!Toddlers Made EasyPotty Training Made EasySign up today!Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does 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. 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

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 still trying to understand how things work in the world and often experiment with language when learning how to express themselves. Swearing is one of the ways they do that while also trying to assert their independence.In this episode, I dive into how to manage things when your toddler starts saying the f-word. I get into why kids swear and explain things from the bigger-picture perspective. Stay tuned to learn how to cope and what to do when your little one uses foul language.Show highlights:Why do kids swear?How to consider the problem from the child’s perspective.How toddlers test their boundaries by using curse words.What should you do when your child uses the f-word?The benefits of pausing before responding.How to acknowledge your toddler’s feelings.How to reshape your toddler’s language toward more positive, respectful, and appropriate words.What you can do proactively to avoid your toddler using swear words.Learn the proven strategies to help you deal with your toddler in a way that lets you be the best parent you can be.  We've got 2 new courses to help you navigate these tricky times!Toddlers Made EasyPotty Training Made EasySign up today!Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does 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. 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

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 kids fail to listen from a developmental perspective. I share some helpful strategies for improving your little one's listening skills and offer tips to encourage them to do as you ask. Stay tuned to learn how to inspire your toddler to listen and cooperate without yelling or losing your cool.Show highlights:Why don't kids listen?What toddlers realize about themselves as they begin to develop self-awareness and independence.Some positive and acceptable ways toddlers can be allowed to exert their power.What your toddler is telling you by not listening.How to ask your little one to give up something they enjoy, to do something they consider no fun at all.Why is it important to consider what it feels like when your kids do not listen to you?A tip to help you manage your triggers.Steps you can take to avoid feeling defeated or losing your temper when asking your child to do something.Symptoms that may indicate your child needs to see a health care provider. Strategies to foster a sense of autonomy and motivate your toddler to listen.Learn the proven strategies to help you deal with your toddler in a way that lets you be the best parent you can be.  We've got 2 new courses to help you navigate these tricky times!Toddlers Made EasyPotty Training Made EasySign up today!Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does 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. 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

Pushing your child to eat more or specific foods may actually promote picky eating problems.Dealing with fussy eating habits is one of the more challenging aspects of raising a toddler. It can be frustrating or sometimes stressful when your toddler refuses to eat the nourishing meal that you have lovingly spent time preparing. Today, I dive into ways to avoid picky eating habits. I suggest a better approach to mealtimes, offer strategies to help your toddler expand their diet, and share a new and more enlightened way of helping your little one develop a healthy relationship with food. Stay tuned to learn how to avoid unnecessary mealtime pressure!Show highlights:Adopting a no-pressure approach to toddler mealtimes.How to avoid unnecessary pressure and resistance at mealtimes.What are normal eating habits for toddlers?Changes in eating habits tend to show up at around two years of age.Ways to respond to changes in eating patterns without promoting picky eating habits. (I dive into Ellyn Satter’s Division of Responsibility in Feeding.)Why should you think about your toddler’s food intake week-to-week instead of the day-to-day?Some changes that you may need to make.Strategies to encourage your toddler’s food comfort level.A new and enlightened mindset around toddlers’ eating habits.Some strategies for introducing new foods to toddlers.Learn the proven strategies to help you deal with your toddler in a way that lets you be the best parent you can be.  We've got 2 new courses to help you navigate these tricky times!Toddlers Made EasyPotty Training Made EasySign up today!Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does 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. 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

As a parent, you will be pleased to learn that pooping issues are pretty common during potty training!Toddlers have a short attention span and buzz quickly from one activity to the next. They tend to use the potty much the same, so they sometimes don't sit there as long as they should.Today I answer some burning questions from parents about potty training. I explain why toddlers may resist pooping and what tends to happen when they don't stay long enough on the potty. I also discuss constipation, how to avoid it, and ways to empower your toddler to use the potty. Stay tuned to learn how to encourage and prep your child for potty training!Show highlights:Toni would like to know how often her three-year-old should be pooping. What happens when your toddler fails to sit on the potty long enough?Why toddlers sometimes hold back on bowel movements.The difference between organic and functional constipation.When does functional constipation occur?Using the Bristol Stool Chart to analyze your child’s poop.Jillian wants to know how to encourage her three-year-old to sit on the potty.Ways to help your child feel comfortable enough to start potty training.Prepping your child for potty training.How you will benefit from taking my new Potty Training Made Easier potty training courseLearn the proven strategies to help you deal with your toddler in a way that lets you be the best parent you can be.  We've got 2 new courses to help you navigate these tricky times!Toddlers Made EasyPotty Training Made EasySign up today!Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does 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. 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

Does thinking of introducing your toddler to their new sibling stress you out? If so, the solution may be much simpler than you surmised.No matter what you do to prepare your toddler beforehand, they will still be surprised when a new baby comes home and stays. All parents share similar fears and concerns about turning their toddlers' worlds upside down when having another baby. So cut yourself some slack. Take the time to make sense of the new relationships and figure out how to balance everyone’s needs.Your assumptions and attitudes can influence the process of preparing your toddler for the arrival of a new baby. You may worry about giving too much attention to the baby in front of your firstborn. Perhaps you feel sad or guilty about not having the time to focus on your toddler as much as you did before. Or you may even feel you are not fully meeting the needs of anyone.In this episode, I discuss ways to prepare your toddler for welcoming a new sibling, and I share some strategies to encourage positive sibling relationships. Stay tuned to learn how to help your toddler navigate the potentially difficult transition to becoming a big brother or sister.  Show highlights:How to cope when your joy gets met with guilt and doubt.How your toddler might feel when you bring the new baby home.Some simple ways to prepare your toddler for becoming a big brother or sister.How to help your toddler feel valued and important when they meet their new baby brother or sister for the first time.Why toddlers must be allowed to express their feelings.How to help your toddler to express and accept their emotions.Some strategies to encourage positive sibling relationships.Learn the proven strategies to help you deal with your toddler in a way that lets you be the best parent you can be.  We've got 2 new courses to help you navigate these tricky times!Toddlers Made EasyPotty Training Made EasySign up today!Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does 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. 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

Unrealistic expectations start early. Would you believe that most moms magnify what their toddlers can manage?Having unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and frustration and cause unnecessary stress and conflict between parents and children. Parents with unreasonable expectations could even result in children having a sense of failure for not pleasing their parents.A national survey of parents of young children by the ZERO TO THREE Organization found that most parents overestimate their toddler's abilities. The survey also showed that most parents wished they could stop losing their cool with their toddlers. Today, I focus on what is known as the expectation gap and dive into the results of the survey. Stay tuned to learn about a toddler’s milestones and how to guide them kindly and effectively!Show highlights:Why toddlers won’t sit still.Where to start with assessing your expectations.Some potential outcomes of having unrealistic expectations. The results of the study done by ZERO TO THREE Organization.At what age do children start developing self-control?Some common areas of misunderstanding.How to cope with a toddler’s desire to do forbidden things.Understanding a toddler's milestones and how to guide them with kindness.How to strengthen your relationship with your toddler and build trust. Learn the proven strategies to help you deal with your toddler in a way that lets you be the best parent you can be.  We've got 2 new courses to help you navigate these tricky times!Toddlers Made EasyPotty Training Made EasySign up today!Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does 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. 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

Would it surprise you to learn that pooping problems often prevail during the potty training process? Toddlers love routines and rituals, so changing them could upset your child and cause problems. When a child who pooped perfectly well in a diaper starts experiencing problems while being potty trained, something about the process is likely upsetting them. It could be due to fear or anxiety. It may be a need for privacy or better support. Or your toddler may be holding their bowel movements to maintain some semblance of control over their life.Today, I answer a question from Gillian, whose almost three-year-old son refuses to poop on the potty, and dive into the confusing and sometimes overwhelming pooping problems that may happen during potty training.  Poop problems can be stressful and challenging! Stay tuned to learn how to assume a no-pressure approach to potty training and help your child feel more comfortable about pooping on the potty.Show highlights:The most common reason for children refusing to poop.How to teach your kids about poop and pooping.Terms to avoid using during potty training.What to feed your child to help keep their stools soft.How my upcoming Potty Training made Easy online course will help you. How to assume a no-pressure approach to potty training.Recognizing when your child is not yet emotionally ready for potty training.Coping with constipation.When to see your healthcare provider.Constipation Smoothie Recipes:yummytoddlerfoodKids.eat.in.colorLearn the proven strategies to help you deal with your toddler in a way that lets you be the best parent you can be.  We've got 2 new courses to help you navigate these tricky times!Toddlers Made EasyPotty Training Made EasySign up today!Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does 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. 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

Did you know that setting limits for your little ones will let them know they are looked after and loved?Most parents find it easy to love their kids and ensure they are happy and self-confident. Yet many struggle with setting and holding boundaries. Toddlers need boundaries to keep them safe and healthy and allow them to feel protected and secure in their world. Even though they are desperate for power, getting too much of it feels uncomfortable for toddlers. That’s why they often cannot cope when they get what they want. Parents need to understand that when their toddler cries for something, they are actually crying for help. Today, I look into why so many parents struggle with setting boundaries and explain why kids must have limits. Stay tuned to learn how to set boundaries in ways that will not leave you feeling guilty! Show highlights:Why toddlers often cannot handle it when they get their own way.How limits help children deal with difficult feelings.Why do we need to allow kids to feel uncomfortable feelings?How will setting limits empower children, improve their self-esteem, and free them to explore and enjoy their world?Why is setting boundaries so hard for parents?How to set limits for your children without feeling guilty.How toddlers show that they are getting too much freedom.How to talk to your child when setting limits or correcting their behavior.How to apply the EASY game plan strategy to help with setting boundaries.How to cope with pushback when setting boundaries.What happens when you give in?Why it is essential to set personal boundaries.   Learn the proven strategies to help you deal with your toddler in a way that lets you be the best parent you can be.  We've got 2 new courses to help you navigate these tricky times!Toddlers Made EasyPotty Training Made EasySign up today!Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does 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. 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

Did you know that encouraging toddlers to entertain themselves independently is essential for their evolution?I have often heard parents commenting that they cannot get anything done because their children will not play without them. Yet, it is essential to understand that playing on their own helps children develop confidence, build resilience, and increase their problem-solving abilities. It is not hard to create a simple set-up for your toddler to play independently. But understand that if you have always involved yourself with their play, there will likely be some initial pushback. In this episode, I explain how to create an environment that reflects your child’s interest and how to encourage them to play there. I also dive into how long you can realistically expect your child to remain content playing on their own and habits to avoid that might discourage independent play.  Stay tuned to learn what to do to encourage your child to play independently! Show highlights:How to create the right environment for independent play.How to encourage your child to spend some time playing on their own.How long can parents expect their children to remain content playing on their own?Some common mistakes we make that cause our children to want to play with us.Some things you should avoid saying because they might make your child think you are indispensable to their play.Tips to make things easier for you as a parent while encouraging your child to play happily and independently. Some guidelines for preparing a safe and creative play space and encouraging independent play. Where to start with the process of encouraging independent play.Learn the proven strategies to help you deal with your toddler in a way that lets you be the best parent you can be.  We've got 2 new courses to help you navigate these tricky times!Toddlers Made EasyPotty Training Made EasySign up today!Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does 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. 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

Did you know toddlers do not typically try to hurt the person they hit? Your toddler is not a bad kid if they smack someone. Nor does it mean you are no good as a parent or indicate that there may be problems down the road. They are simply acting their age.Toddlers hit to express their feelings. Their brains are still developing. So they have poor impulse control. They struggle to articulate their feelings and tend to behave however they feel. They are also still learning about cause and effect. So when they hit someone, they fail to understand how it impacts them.In this episode, I dive into the reasons toddlers hit. I share some helpful strategies to cope with hitting and explain how to teach toddlers better ways to manage their strong feelings. Stay tuned to learn how to manage hitting in a way that protects your toddler's self-esteem while also allowing you to stay calm.Show highlights:Some of the reasons toddlers tend to hit.Looking at hitting from a toddler’s perspective.Situations in which toddlers are more likely to hit someone.Using the EASY game plan as an effective way to manage your toddler's hitting.Some ways to ground yourself, calm down, and avoid losing your temper.Why is it good to connect with your child before correcting their behavior?How to acknowledge your toddler's feelings, set limits, correct, and help them learn.Some tools and strategies to encourage good behavior and avoid hitting. (See Episode 4.)Learn the proven strategies to help you deal with your toddler in a way that lets you be the best parent you can be.  We've got 2 new courses to help you navigate these tricky times!Toddlers Made EasyPotty Training Made EasySign up today!Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does 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. 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

Did you know that smiling, smirking, or sniggering is a common way for toddlers to cope with the stress of being scolded?It can be challenging for parents to deal with what looks like sassy behavior. But toddlers are not being purposefully rude if they laugh, cover their ears, stick out their tongue, or get angry and run away when they get criticized or pulled up. They tend to do that because they don't know what to do with their intense feelings. They are still learning about social norms, so they might not understand what others expect of them. They realize they have done something wrong and may feel confused, shameful, uneasy, or uncomfortable.Today, I respond to a question from a frustrated and confused mom from Ohio. I dive into what is truly happening when kids laugh when they get corrected or reprimanded and explain what to do about it.  Stay tuned to learn how to recognize it when your toddler feels overwhelmed or uncertain and avoid having knee-jerk reactions.Show highlights:Some other reasons why kids tend to laugh when being corrected.Laughing when reprimanded often reflects that a child is sensitive and empathetic.Why you must remain calm if your toddler laughs when getting scolded.What is the best way to respond?I go over the steps of the EASY Method.Should you force your child to apologize?How to model an apology and teach your child to respond to correction without laughing or smirking.How to inspire good behavior without any punishment or shame.Learn the proven strategies to help you deal with your toddler in a way that lets you be the best parent you can be.  We've got 2 new courses to help you navigate these tricky times!Toddlers Made EasyPotty Training Made EasySign up today!Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does 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. 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

Did you know that spitting might simply be your toddler’s way of showing their singularity?Spitting is a pretty common toddler problem. It may seem gross to us as parents, but toddlers find it funny and love to watch their parents freaking out! That does not make them bad kids. They just enjoy feeling powerful. Developmentally, toddlers are starting to realize themselves as separate people, and seeing their parents get upset emphasizes their sense of individuality. An effective way to stop them from spitting is to help them find new ways of exploring their uniqueness and power.Today, I answer a question from Rebecca, a lovely mom in Canada struggling to stop her two-year-old from spitting. I get into why toddlers tend to spit, discuss ways to empower your child as they evolve as individuals, and share some strategies to help you get through those challenging moments without having knee-jerk reactions you may later regret. Stay tuned for more!Show highlights:How to remove the incentive for spitting while showing your toddler you are on the same team.Giving your toddler choices to allow them to feel independent.The benefits of creating a child-friendly room or space where toddlers can feel 100% safe and confident.How to deal with your toddler when they hit you.The benefits of staying on the same team when dealing with a difficult situation.What does it mean if your child laughs when reprimanded?What you will gain from using new ways to deal with tricky toddler moments.Learn the proven strategies to help you deal with your toddler in a way that lets you be the best parent you can be.  We've got 2 new courses to help you navigate these tricky times!Toddlers Made EasyPotty Training Made EasySign up today!Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does 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. 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