Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

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 HERE Order my book ⁠⁠Toddlers Made Easy ⁠⁠ Follow me on...

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 with your ch...

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 reason accidents happen mo...

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 impulsivi...

Every parent hits a breaking point. Here's how to stop before you get there. In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy , Dr. Cathryn shares three simple steps to stay calm — even when your toddler is pushing every button you have. What You'll Learn: ✔ Why toddlers don't listen (and how to work with their development, not against it) ✔ The real reason parents snap — and it's not just about your toddler...

Potty pushback doesn't mean you're doing it wrong — it means your toddler is doing exactly what toddlers do. In this episode, we dig into why resistance happens and what actually works to move through it. Potty resistance is developmentally normal. Toddlers are hardwired to seek control, and the bathroom is one of the few places they have it — once you understand that, the pushback stops feeling p...

Is your toddler waking multiple times a night and ending up in your bed? You're not alone — and more importantly, it's fixable. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn breaks down the real reason most toddlers wake at night (hint: it's not to drive you crazy), and what you can do to help them sleep through — gently and without the tears. You'll learn: The sleep cycle science that explains why toddlers wake —...

Do toddlers really need chores? In this episode, I share why young children want to help — and why letting them contribute builds confidence, responsibility, and a deep sense of belonging. You’ll hear: Why toddlers are naturally wired to help How tiny tasks build big confidence Why you don’t need chore charts at this age How early participation shapes responsible teens later on Chores at this stag...

In this episode, we talk about what to do when toddler tantrums turn physical—hitting, kicking, or throwing things. When you understand what’s happening inside your child’s brain, it becomes much easier to stay calm and respond in a way that protects both safety and self-esteem. You'll learn: Why aggressive tantrums happen: Toddlers feel big emotions but don’t yet have the impulse control or probl...

Bedtime was easy… until it wasn’t. And suddenly your 3-year-old is fighting sleep, stalling, crying — and maybe even climbing out of the crib. In this Q&A episode, I answer two common parent questions: #1. Why a great sleeper suddenly starts resisting bedtime at age 3 #2. Why toddlers throw things — and how to respond calmly and effectively We’ll talk about sleep changes, dropping naps, big tr...

When a child is naturally kind and eager to help—especially with a new sibling—it can look beautiful on the outside… and still raise quiet worries on the inside. In this episode, we talk about how to nurture empathy without teaching a child to disappear herself —and how to keep helping a choice, not a role. In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between helping as a choice and helping as a...

If you’ve ever wondered whether your toddler should be able to listen, wait, share, or calm down—and felt frustrated when they couldn’t—this episode is for you. In today’s episode, Dr. Cathryn talks about how unrealistic expectations quietly create power struggles, tantrums, and exhaustion—and how small mindset shifts can make parenting feel much easier. You’ll learn: Why many common expectations...

Tantrums aren’t misbehavior—they’re a sign your child’s system is overloaded. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn talks about how your calmness (not your words) is the key to helping tantrums pass without escalating. You’ll learn: Why reasoning and “calm down” don’t work in the middle of a tantrum When to stay close and quiet—and when to step in for safety How sharing your calm helps your child regain th...

In this episode, Dr. Cathryn talks about why sharing is so hard early on, what toddlers are actually capable of, and how to handle toy struggles without forcing lessons their brains aren’t ready to learn. You’ll learn how to support your toddler’s big feelings, keep everyone safe, and gently guide sharing skills as they develop—without pressure, shame, or power struggles. In this episode, you’ll l...

When kids ignore us, it can feel personal. Disrespectful. Triggering. But what if “not listening” isn’t a behavior problem at all? In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains why toddlers and preschoolers struggle with cooperation, what’s really happening in their developing brains, and why yelling may work in the moment—but backfires long-term. You’ll learn how to help your child cooperate without thre...

Dr Cathryn unpacks what to do before potty training starts—how to prepare your home, your child, and yourself— so the process feels calmer, easier, and more manageable. Set up your space to reduce stress Small home-prep steps—like easy cleanup, clear paths to the potty, and stable seating—lower frustration and support learning. Warm up your child without pressure Simple, playful practice helps kid...

Potty training doesn’t begin with underwear or sticker charts. It starts with you . In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains how potty training isn’t just about whether your toddler is ready. Your readiness matters too. Key takeaways: Mantras like "This phase won't last forever" anchor you mid-chaos. Cleanup baskets + simple mindset shifts make accidents no big deal. Accidents = lessons, not failures...

Why does your toddler say no to everything — even things they usually do without a problem? In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains the “you-can’t-make-me” reflex — a very normal (and healthy) stage of toddler development that often gets mistaken for defiance. You’ll learn: Why toddler resistance is about development , not disrespect What’s happening inside your child’s brain when “no” comes out fas...

In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy , Dr. Cathryn breaks down why young children wake up at night—and what actually helps . She shares a personal parenting misstep that changed how she thinks about sleep, then explains the most common reasons night wakings happen, including sleep associations, fears, and separation anxiety. Dr. Cathryn also covers when medical issues—like sleep apnea, restless l...

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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19....

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. You will...

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 How to respond wh...

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 off the wal...

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 when your chi...

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 help them m...