Toddlers Made Easy is a short, 10 minute, bite-sized podcast that gives you the insight, tools, and confidence you need to not only handle anything toddler-related thrown your way —but prevent problem behaviors before they start. Toddlers Made Easy is hosted by Dr. Cathryn, a nationally recognized pediatrician (retired) with more than 35 years of experience and a mother of 4.
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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 th…
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Why The Toddler Years Matter More Than You Think
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7:52Why 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…
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Rethinking Readiness: How to Stop Waiting and Start Potty Training
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13:53In 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-tr…
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Why Your Toddler Resists Everything (And What to Do About It)
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11:55Struggling 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, fe…
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Lessons from the Sidelines: What Being a Soccer Mom Taught Me About Grit, Growth, and Parenting
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9:48In 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…
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Av Dr. Cathryn
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When Your Toddler Picks Favorites (and It Stings)
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10:29Does 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 rejectio…
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You're Not Raising a Problem, You're Raising a Person: The Big-Hearted Way to Handle Toddler Challenges
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11:52In 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 confiden…
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Raising Kids Who Feel Valued: The Secret to Kind, Generous Kids
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6:50Learn 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: Sma…
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🎙️ Why “No” Doesn’t Work—And What to Say That Actually Does
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9:38Why 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 e…
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7 Must-Do's Before Starting Potty Training
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14:34When 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 whe…
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No More Drop-Off Tears: 5 Game-Changing Strategies for Separation Anxiety
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12:10Drop-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 pa…
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Calm, Connect, and Communicate With Your Toddler
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8:55Join 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 som…
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#1 Easiest Hack To Stop Losing It On Your Kids
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13:16In 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 B…
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Why You Should Gossip With Stuffed Animals (Yes, Really)
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7:34In 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!…
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How to Stay Calm When Your Toddler Isn’t: 3 Powerful Mindset Shifts
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9:24🎧 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 …
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Potty Training Q&A: Pediatrician-Backed Answers
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17:10In 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 cal…
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3 Ways to Raise a Toddler Who Doesn’t Give Up
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9:43In 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…
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Helping Toddlers Feel Loved When a New Baby Arrives
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14:40In 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 In…
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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 milest…
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The Secret to Shorter, Fewer, and Less Intense Tantrums
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11:17Ever 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…
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REVISIT: The Loving Yet Firm Way Of Saying No
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14:15Struggling 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 powerfu…
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My Toddler Keeps Waking Up At Night—Help!
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11:53In 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 …
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Why Toddlers Hit and How to Handle It
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11:59In 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. 💛 …
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Lazy Potty Training: A Calm, No-Pressure Way to Ditch Diapers
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12:29Is 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. Thi…
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From Food Fights to Dessert Drama — Solved!
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10:50Tired 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 dinn…
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Parent Smarter, Not Harder: The Big-Hearted Way
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14:05This 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 yo…
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How to End 2AM Wake-Ups — Without Saying “Go Back to Bed
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11:43Is 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 …
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Toddlers Aren’t Terrible. They’re Misunderstood.
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9:58Think 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 s…
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How You Might Be Making Toddler Hitting Worse (Without Realizing It)
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9:27Your 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 toddler…
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Looks Ready But Refusing the Potty?
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12:43Ready But Resistant — What to Do When Your Child Won’t Sit on the Potty Your 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…
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The Ultimate Toolbox for Big-Hearted Parenting
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13:22🎙 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 s…
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Why Are Kids So Demanding? And What to Do About It
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9:38Toddlers can be very persistent—whether it’s demanding a cookie right now or refusing to leave the playground. But their behavior isn’t about being spoiled or manipulative—it’s about developing impulse control and emotional regulation. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why toddlers seem so demanding (and why it’s not personal) ✔️ What not to say in…
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How to Talk with a Toddler (and Be Heard Without Being Harsh)
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9:25Ever feel like your toddler just doesn’t listen? In this episode, Dr. Cathryn breaks down simple, effective ways to talk with your toddler so they *actually* engage and listen—without power struggles or meltdowns. What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why short and simple sentences work best ✔️ How connection makes kids more likely to listen ✔️ The power of tone—w…
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Potty Training the Big-Hearted Way
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11:44Potty Training the Big-Hearted Way: A Stress-Free Approach to Ditching Diapers Dr. Cathryn introduces "lazy potty training" - a balanced approach that avoids both strict parent-led timelines and completely child-led methods. Key Points: Focus on creating a supportive environment rather than rushing the process Look for physical readiness signs (dry…
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Developmentally-Smart Discipline: Keeping Toddlers Out of Trouble Until Maturity Kicks In
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12:06Being a toddler is tough—and parenting one? Also tough! In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares why toddlers struggle with impulse control, why their behavior isn’t “misbehavior,” and how to set them up for success with developmentally-smart discipline. Learn practical strategies like supervising with guidance, prepping kids for transitions, modeling b…
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Easy Strategies to Get Your Kids to Listen (Without the Battle)
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12:39In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy, Dr. Cathryn shares three simple steps to stay calm even when your child pushes your buttons. What You’ll Learn: ✔ Why toddlers don’t listen (and how to work with their development, not against it) ✔ The real reason parents snap (hint: it’s not just about your toddler’s behavior) ✔ 3 practical steps to keep you…
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Beyond Time-Outs: What To Do Before, During, and After a Tantrum
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15:30In this episode of "Toddlers Made Easy," Dr. Cathryn shares insights from her own parenting journey, focusing on how to effectively handle toddler tantrums. Discover why traditional methods like time-outs may not always work and learn about the natural stages of a tantrum, from anger to sadness. Dr. Cathryn emphasizes the importance of understandin…
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Why The Toddler Years Matter More Than You Think!
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7:52Why do I focus on toddlers when I'm experienced with kids of all ages? In this episode, Dr. Cathryn focuses on the vital role of the toddler years, challenging the notion of the 'Terrible Twos' and rebranding them as the 'Terribly Important Twos.' We discussed how toddlers still need as much emotional support as they did as infants, despite their g…
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The #1 Easiest Hack To Stop Losing It On Your Kids
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13:16In 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. Let’s break it down: **E**valuate…
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The Big-Hearted Way To Prevent Power Struggles - altogether!
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12:53Power struggles with toddlers can feel exhausting—but they don’t have to be inevitable. In this episode, I’ll share simple, big-hearted ways to prevent battles before they start. Learn how to give your child a sense of control, offer the right kind of choices, and use playfulness to shift the dynamic. Plus, I’ll answer a listener’s question about b…
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How To Handle Hitting, Biting, and Kicking
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12:50In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy, Dr. Cathryn dives into why toddlers hit, kick, or bite and how to respond with calm, big-hearted strategies. Learn the two-part approach to managing aggression: focus on safety in the moment and teach better responses later. Discover simple ways to prevent aggression, like prepping for playdates, staying tuned…
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Toddler Sleep Talk— Answers to Your Biggest Questions
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10:15Podcast Episode Show Notes: Toddler Sleep Q&A In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy, Dr. Cathryn answers some of the most common sleep challenges parents face with toddlers and preschoolers. Topics covered: A 22-month-old who won’t sleep without holding a parent’s hand A 3-year-old resisting bedtime and asking to go back downstairs A 5-year-old str…
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Am I Expecting Too Much Of My Toddler?
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12:08In today's episode, Dr. Cathryn is tackling a question many parents grapple with: "Am I expecting too much from my toddler?" From tantrums to transitions, we’ll explore how adjusting expectations to match your toddler’s developmental stage can make parenting smoother and more enjoyable. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why toddlers aren’t mini ad…
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Never Repeat Yourself Again: Tips to Help Kids Listen Every Time
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10:47Dr Cathryn is tackling a topic that might seem simple but is actually a big deal for little ones: understanding time. Hear about Marcus, a 3.5-year-old who loves the swings but struggles when it's time to leave. Why? Because his mom is giving a warning like this: “We’re leaving in 5 minutes.” Kids can't see or touch time, so they don't understand i…
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What If Bedtime Didn't Take Hours?
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13:05Today, we’re diving into bedtime struggles and simple tweaks to make evenings smoother for everyone. What You’ll Learn: Why Bedtime Feels So Hard for Toddlers Separation anxiety, big imaginations, and FOMO are just a few reasons your child resists bedtime. Understanding these struggles is the first step to solving them. How to Build a Calming Bedti…
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Why Punishments Don't Work — And What To Do Instead!
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11:06Tired of time-outs and tantrums? In this episode, I’ll share why punishment doesn’t work and what to do instead so that you can handle tricky moments with calm and confidence. Why Punishment Fails: It stops behavior in the moment but hurts self-esteem and creates fear. What Toddlers Need: They’re not being “bad”—they’re still learning to manage big…
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Rude or Just Learning? Big-Hearted Fixes for Toddler Challenges
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15:19In this episode, Dr. Cathryn dives into three common toddler parenting challenges with big-hearted, practical solutions: Rudeness: Learn how to validate your toddler’s feelings without reinforcing rude behavior, teach social alternatives like waving instead of talking, and defuse attention-seeking behavior at home while modeling kindness and autono…
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Terrible Twos? Try Terribly Important Twos
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12:50Terrible Twos? Try Terribly Important Twos Welcome to Toddlers Made Easy with Dr. Cathryn! In this episode, we reframe the "terrible twos" as the "terribly important twos," highlighting why these challenging years are foundational for your child's emotional and mental health. What You'll Learn: Why toddlers are still big babies inside, needing gent…
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