Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

Sibs usually like being together, but playing nicely can be tough, especially with the age difference.  Being the referee might not be the best way to manage sibling fights.  In this episode, learn how to step in as the describer, not the divider.  Dr. Cathryn shares effective strategies to encourage a healthier sibling dynamic while encouraging independence and growth in your children's conflict...

When your tot says “no way” to the potty, don’t sweat it! Every kiddo has their own pace and readiness to master new skills, potty time included.  This week, Dr. Cathryn has a cool, new trick up her sleeve to make potty battles a breeze. (Science experiment credit: Claire Lerner). Join us to discover smart strategies that make parenting easier and more enjoyable, even in the tough times. Check out...

When a toddler lies, it’s not a personal slight or a sign of poor character. Instead, it’s a common step in their developmental process. From wishful thinking to pretend play, toddlers’ big imaginations often blur the boundaries between fantasy and reality. Dr. Cathryn delves deeper to interpret the innocence behind these “lies” and imparts strategies for parents to respond to these instances with...

Picture this: Mom sees two and a half year old Johnny squirming and doing the I need to go pee dance. So she tells him to go sit on the potty. Johnny ignores his mom and a minute later he pees in his pants. Needless to say, Johnny's mom was irritated.  Does this sound at all familiar? Pressuring a child to use the potty, well, it often backfires. It's like trying to brush a toddler's teeth while t...

Are you a big fan of the dentist?? Imagine for a moment you’re heading off to the dentist. Maybe you're thinking, yikes. You're not exactly thrilled, but you deal with it because you know it's important. Now for a toddler, that same feeling can come up every time they are asked to brush their teeth. It's like going to the dentist, but twice a day, every day.  Our little powerhouses are always on a...

When you were learning to drive a car, did you just show up on the day of the exam? No, you practiced and prepared for it in stages. Turns out the same approach works with potty training too. We know that prepping a child for changes or events can significantly reduce stress and increase coping skills. But we ignore or forget about this concept when it comes to potty training, which is probably on...

Being a grandparent is truly wonderful, awesome, and fantastic to say the least. But it also can be a bit tricky! Parenting attitudes and goals have undergone significant changes over the past few decades, and it makes sense that parenting styles have changed because research has taught us a great deal about toddlers' routines and attitudes.  How do we then, as grandparents, not take it personally...

After working as a pediatrician for more than a quarter of a century, I have learned many big lessons. One of which is that parents are naturally big-hearted. They're loving, kind, and willing to do just about anything when it comes to their kids.  So what does it mean to parent with a big heart? This approach is particularly important for toddlers. When I think of big-hearted parenting, I imagine...

Parents often reach out to me concerned about their child's challenging behaviors, such as hitting, throwing toys, and not listening. They wonder how to manage these behaviors while still respecting their child and setting boundaries. If this sounds like you, then know you aren’t alone! This is a very common concern! In this episode, we are going to explore the concept of emotional vitamins and th...

Would you believe me if I said that toddlers are the most misunderstood people on the planet?  In this episode, we’re uncovering the common misconceptions parents have about toddlers' abilities to share, control their emotions, and manage their impulses. Let’s debunk unrealistic expectations and challenge the negative label often associated with the "Terrible Twos" phase. When we remember the vuln...

Feel like your toddler is acting out, or throwing more fits than normal, and you’re not sure why? Toddlers often lack the verbal skills to articulate their emotions, but they rely on us as their parents to understand and interpret their behavior. Sometimes this looks like acting out or throwing a “fit”.  By asking the right questions and peeling away the layers, we can uncover the underlying feeli...

Picture this: the breakfast table is set, the sun is shining, and the birds are chirping. You've managed to get your three-year-old to sit down, ready to enjoy your first cup of coffee. But suddenly, their favorite pancakes have turned into the worst thing in the world, and they demand a bagel instead. The power struggle begins.  Sound familiar? In this episode, we’re exploring the concept of the...

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...

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...

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 y...

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 des...

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 p...

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 somethi...

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...

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 you...

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 becau...

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 your...

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 bet...

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 poopi...

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 s...