Transforming The Toddler Years- Parents and Educators Raising Calm, Connected, Capable Kids

Ever wonder how breath and sleep affect our kids? Dr. Shereen Lim joins me to discuss the connection between breath and sleep.   We explore how healthy breathing shapes your child's brain and behavior and also talk about tongue ties and healthy mouths. Dr. Shereen Lim is the Founder and Principal Dentist at Sparkle Dental, the author of Breathe, Sleep, Thrive and is one of Australia’s first dentis...

What's the antidote to anxiety? In this episode, I explain that energy—especially nonverbal communication—plays a powerful role in how adults connect with toddlers. Fear, anxiety, and worry about new situations or repeated challenging routines (like naptime) subtly shape our tone, body language, and facial expressions, which children quickly mirror. Rather than trying to eliminate anxiety by a...

Have you ever said something to your child and regretted it? In this episode, I share a recent and very personal example of a situation where I said something hurtful to my daughter. I share what happened, what I said and what I should have said in that moment. This episode is a reminder that parenting is a continual process and the importance of repair work, no matter our children's age. Want...

Want to raise a successful entrepreneur? This week Krystal Popov, founder of Futurepreneur joins me this week to talk about raising passionate, purposeful, and successful kids. Krystal is the owner of Futurepreneur and a passionate advocate for empowering kids and teens to become entrepreneurs . A mother of three, she believes young people have immense potential to start businesses but often lack...

Did you know how you communicate literally helps design a child’s developing brain and sense of self? In this episode I expand on the idea that words are only a small part of communication and how intentional language shapes connection, especially with young children. I outline five connection outcomes for healthy communication— connection, identity-building, emotional regulation, brain engagement...

Did you know that only 7% of communication is verbal? In this episode I explore the idea that speech is only 7% of communication, while 93% comes from nonverbal cues like tone, facial expressions, body language, and energy. I share how infants, toddlers, and even adults communicate meaningfully long before or beyond words, and how children are especially sensitive to these signals. Want to learn m...

Want to raise a good writer? Helene Lieberman from BlackBack Writing joins me this week to discuss how to raise good writers. We discuss early habits, creating good habits and how to get little hands ready to write. Helene is a MS, OTR/L and has been a pediatric Occupational Therapist for 36 years. She has participated in researching the effect of sensory integration treatment in preschool and the...

Why dysregulated kids can't learn Join me in part 2 of the Little Linguists Series where I discuss that meaningful learning begins with connection, not curriculum. I explain why children are not born with the ability to regulate their emotions and why dysregulated children are simply not available to learn. The episode explores how children learn regulation through modeled behavior, responsive...

What happens when strong relationships become the foundation for emotional regulation, language growth, and positive behavior? This episode introduces Chapter One of Talk to Them Early and Often , exploring the science behind infant and toddler language development. It emphasizes that all caregivers are teachers and play a powerful role in shaping early communication through emotionally available...

Wondering how to tell the difference between typical toddler behaviors and early developmental red flags? In this guest episode, I’m joined by Dr. Theresa Lyons for an insightful and reassuring conversation about early childhood development. Together, we explore common toddler behaviors that often worry parents—and how to recognize when those behaviors are a normal part of development versus when...

What if every parent, caregiver, and teacher understood that language is the foundation of emotional regulation and learning before age five? In this episode, I introduce my new book by sharing the deeply personal story that shaped my work in early childhood education, including my journey into home-based childcare and the loss of my first child . I explain why the birth-to-five years are critical...

What happens when you say yes before you’re ready? This episode explores the journey behind my upcoming book, Talk to Them Early and Often , the doubts along the way, and the courage it takes to begin before you feel fully prepared. Be the First to Know When  Talk to Them Early and Often is Available For Preorder. Get on the list ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here ⁠⁠ ! ⁠⁠⁠ January 6, 2026 Episode 301 3 Years...

What happens when we look back at three years of growth and step boldly into a brand-new chapter? In this special New Year episode, I pause to reflect on the last three years—lessons learned, growth, and moments that shaped our journey. I also look ahead to what’s coming next, including the exciting release of a new book created especially for toddler parents, caregivers, and educators. Join me as...

Meltdowns and tantrums are inevitable with toddlers. How you handle them is up to you. In this episode, I explore a new, conscious approach to handling toddler meltdowns that shifts away from control and punishment and toward collaboration, connection, and mindset . Ready to master meltdowns? Download my free 5 Mindful Mantras for Conscious Parents Managing Toddler Meltdowns here! December 30, 202...

Worried your child is more focused on what they'll get this holiday season? In this episode, I dive into the idea of instead of saying, "what do you want?", you say, "what would you like to give?". I talk about raising thoughtful gift gives and trying to balance out the receiving and the giving. ⁠ Ready to Adopt the 4 C’s of Collaborative Discipline? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab your free do...

Nervous about travelling with kids this holiday season? In this special replay episode I discuss the challenges of traveling with kids during the holiday season. I explain the cognitive process that children go through and how travel tests their executive functioning skills. I also emphasize t he importance of seeing it through your child's perspective and making it about the journey, not the...

Want to raise a child that is truly grateful and generous? In this episode, I explore how giving and receiving are the two sides of the coin of gratitude and thankfulness . I share a recent example of teaching kids to give and how the lesson does not settle in our kids' souls unless we tap into their feelings and the emotions around it. Ready to take the next step? Check out my short video tra...

How can we inspire true gratitude to come from within our toddlers? Join me in this episode as I talk all about inspiring gratitude from our children, even in the middle of struggle.  I share ways to use language, motivation and inspiration to use with your kids. Teachers and ECE Professionals - what type of professional development would you benefit most from? I do ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ early childhood educa...

It's that time of year when buying can be excessive and kids want everything ! Join me in this episode as I discuss the valuable lesson of teaching our children the difference between a need and a want. I share examples and give some simple tips on how to practice teaching this skill! Ready to take the next step? Check out my short video training, where I guide you through the process of writi...

Worried about your child's risky play? Dr. Joanna Spotts joins me in this conversation to talk about the benefits of risky play and why it is essential for development. We also discuss ways to safely provide opportunities for risky play. Joanna Spotts, EdD has been an educator for over 20 years. Dr. Joanna discovered her passion for risky play during her doctoral journey and seeks to use her v...

How can we help little ones feel genuine gratitude? In this Thanksgiving episode, I explore how to nurture the inner core of a child so they can receive with grace, kindness, and confidence. This episode shows parents how to model thankfulness and guide little ones toward a lifelong habit of heartfelt appreciation. Parenting is hard – support shouldn’t be. Get my weekly dose of encouragement &...

Feeling like you're struggling as a working parent? In this special episode, I share my guest interview on the Mindful Mama Mentor podcast with Hunter Clarke-Fields. We discuss mindfulness, parenting as leadership, and the impact of language on a child's identity. I also share practical strategies for emotional awareness, connection, screen time management, and reframing parental guilt. Re...

Ever feel like your child is judging you? In this episode I share a story of a family interaction I recently witnessed and break it down. I also share a simple trick you can use when you feel like your child says something that triggers you. Please take a minute to rate and review the show, suggest a topic, and leave a comment so we can get the word out to as many conscious parents as possible. No...

Curious about the importance of music for your child? In this episode, Esther Bertram joins me to discuss Mini Maestros' mission of nurturing young minds through musical learning. We talk all about how music enriches your child's brain, setting them up for a lifetime of success. Esther Bertram has served as Chief Marketing Officer at Mini Maestros for over 10 years. As a professional singe...

 What happens when kids go into the real world outside our home and eventually face people who say no directly to their faces? In this episode I answer a very important question bout preparing our kids for situations and hardships they encounter in the real world, where they face different kinds of people and circumstances. Let's turn the daily tantrums into teachable moments that align with y...