Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

Little Kid Night Wakings: A Kinder, Smarter Fix That Actually Works 10.06.2026 9mnt

If your toddler is creeping into your room at 1am, 3am — or both — this episode is for you. Dr. Cathryn shares a simple, no-cry strategy that helped Katie sleep through the night in just one week, and gave Cecil's family a way into bedtime that finally felt collaborative instead of combative.Middle-of-the-night wake-ups are biologically normal — the goal isn't to stop your child from waking, it's to help them comfortably drift back to sleep without coming to find you.The Big-Hearted Ask works by turning your child from the scared one into the rescuer — giving them a stuffed animal that "needs their help" at night taps into their natural empathy and gives them a job to do at 2am.Four steps to set it up: introduce the animal during the day (not at bedtime), make tucking it in part of the wind-down routine, practice comforting it before lights out, and leave a simple reminder as you walk out the door.Whether your child is sneaking into your bed or battling bedtime from the very start, this strategy meets them where they are — and it's simpler than anything you've probably tried. RESOURCES How To Help Your Child Fall Asleep Without You (the smarter, kinder way) My Big-Hearted approach is a calm, step-by-step way to help your child fall asleep independently—without cry-it-out. Potty Without Pushback FREE workshop Learn a proven approach to ditch diapers that doesn’t chip away at a child’s dignity. The Potty Training Made Easy Program Finally ditch diapers without battles, pressure, or moments you wish you could take back. A pediatrician-designed approach trusted by 1M+ families to potty train with confidence instead of conflict. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You're Not Raising A Problem, You're Raising A Person 03.06.2026 7mnt

Why do little kids melt down over things that seem so small? In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares one mindset shift that can completely change the way you respond to tantrums, resistance, aggression, and emotional outbursts. When you stop seeing your child as “the problem” and start seeing the skills they’re still developing, parenting becomes calmer, clearer, and far more connected. This episode will help you hold boundaries without chipping away at your child’s confidence or dignity. • Why toddlers can understand a rule and still completely fall apart trying to follow it • How interpreting behavior differently helps you stay calmer during hard moments • Why support, co-regulation, and connection often work better than punishment RESOURCES The Potty Without Pushback workshop Finally, A Kinder, Calmer Way To Ditch Diapers For Good YOU'LL WALK AWAY KNOWING HOW TO:Potty train without tears, tantrums or tensionAvoid potty resistance altogetherHandle accidents or setbacks calmly Teach your child, "I'm the boss of my body!" Save Your FREE Seat Here * * See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How To Stop Making Tantrums Worse 27.05.2026 8mnt

In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares the biggest mistake parents make during tantrums and why trying to reason, explain, or “fix” the meltdown too quickly often makes things worse. Through a personal story from her years as a pediatrician and mom, she explains what’s really happening inside a child’s brain during a tantrum and how a calmer, big-hearted response helps children build emotional regulation over time, without chipping away at their dignity or self-esteem. • Why tantrums often get bigger when parents talk too much during the peak of the meltdown • What children actually need when the emotional part of the brain takes over • How to stay calm, hold boundaries, and help your child through overwhelming feelings without becoming permissive Planning on potty training soon? Dr. Cathryn also shares details about her free Potty Without Pushback workshop, where you’ll learn a calmer, big-hearted approach to potty training that encourages cooperation and better behavior without chipping away at your child’s self-esteem or dignity. RESOUCES The Potty Without Pushback workshop Finally, A Kinder, Calmer Way To Ditch Diapers For Good YOU'LL WALK AWAY KNOWING HOW TO:Potty train without tears, tantrums or tensionAvoid potty resistance altogetherHandle accidents or setbacks calmly Teach your child, "I'm the boss of my body!" SAVE YOUR FREE SEAT HERE See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Unbreakable Connection: Helping Kids Feel Close When You’re Apart 20.05.2026 8mnt

Your little one is missing you. Maybe it's daycare drop-off. Maybe it's 2 am. Maybe it's a sleepover at Nana's with a lot of very loud feelings. This episode is about the simple things that make separation easier — not just in the hard moments, but all the time. Dr. Cathryn shares the 10-second ritual she uses with her own granddaughter, plus four practical tools to help little kids carry the feeling of connection with them wherever they go. You'll learn:A simple breath-and-kiss ritual that calms the nervous system fastWhy family photos at eye level in the bedroom do more than you'd thinkThe recordable button that lets your child hear your voice whenever they need itWhy these tools only work if you're not saving them for emergencies The goal isn't just getting through the hard moment. It's building a belief your child carries with them: I am loved. I am connected. The bond never breaks. 📖 Mentioned in this episode: The Invisible String by Patrice Karst 🚀 Potty training is one of the moments connection matters most. My Potty Training Made Easy program gets you from diapers to dry in 30 days — with no pressure, no shame, and no power struggles. Because how your little one feels during potty training matters just as much as whether they get there. Tap Here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Help, My Kid Won't Poop on the Potty! (Here's Why — and What to Do) 13.05.2026 12mnt

Your little kid pees on the potty just fine — but when it comes to poop? Diaper only, thank you very much. You haven't done anything wrong. This is one of the most common potty-training hiccups, affecting 20–25% of little kids. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn breaks down exactly why it happens and what actually helps. You'll learn:The real reason most kids resist (hint: it's fear, not stubbornness)What to say — and what not to say Simple ways to make the potty feel safer and less overwhelmingHow to move toward the potty in tiny, low-pressure stepsWhy stool softness matters more than most parents realize This isn't about saying enough is enough. It's about understanding what's driving the resistance — and meeting your child there. 🎓 Ready to go deeper? Mini-course: Help! My Child Will Only Poop in a Diaper → See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Secret To Shorter, Fewer, and Less Intense Tantrums 06.05.2026 10mnt

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 ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Catch Them Being 'Good' The Big-Hearted Way to Encourage Positive Behavior 29.04.2026 5mnt

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 child works like a bank accountHow our negativity bias works against us as parents — and how to counteract itWhat a positive interaction actually looks like (hint: it's not empty praise)How the way you talk to your child becomes their inner voice The goal isn't perfection. It's just tipping the balance. 🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a parent who needs to hear it. 👉 Join me live April 30th for Potty Without Pushback — my free workshop on how to go from diapers to dry without the power struggles, overwhelm, or feeling like you're doing it wrong. Save your spot here See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stuck in the Potty Training Start-Stop Loop? Here's What to Do Differently 22.04.2026 7mnt

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 more than you thinkKyle's story — and the one change that made all the differenceHow to reintroduce the potty without pressure or battlesThe simple phrase that puts your child back in control Ready to restart or start for the first time? Join Dr. Cathryn's free workshop, Potty Without Pushback — April 30th at 10am EST. RESOURCES Potty Without Pushback Workshop: TAP HERE TO SAVE YOUR SEAT APRIL 30th, 10 AM EST YOU'LL WALK AWAY KNOWING:A kinder, quicker way to ditch diapers for goodHow to potty train without the power struggles Why your child needs to know "I'm the boss of my body"The big-hearted way to promote independence, body awareness, and boost your child's confidence. What to do when things go sideways — accidents, setbacks, refusals See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(REPLAY) Why Toddlers Misbehave: Your Toddler Isn’t Bad — Their Brain Is Developing 15.04.2026 11mnt

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 impulsivity is normal (not “bad behavior”)How to prevent challenges before they startWhy supervision beats discipline every timeSimple ways to handle transitions and big emotionsHow noticing the good changes behavior fast 👩‍⚕️ Join me on Instagram 🧡 Toddlers Made Easy Course – Get expert guidance on handling tantrums, power struggles, and discipline. 🚽 Potty Training Made Easy – A stress-free approach to potty training. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(REPLAY) Get Kids to Listen — No Yelling Required 08.04.2026 11mnt

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's behavior ✔ 3 practical steps to keep your cool when you feel triggered ✔ A bonus tip that makes staying calm even easier Join me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_baby/ ONE thing you can do right away to get your kids to listen tap here Toddlers Made Easy, our bestselling course See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why Your Toddler Refuses the Potty (And What Helps) 01.04.2026 11mnt

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 personal.More pressure almost always makes things worse. The stories of Chelsea and Eli show how escalating effort led to zero progress — and how easing up was the real turning point.Four strategies that actually work: prompt less (every 2 hours max), offer two real choices, lead with play and silliness, and build a routine by pairing potty time with something your child already loves. Whether you're in the thick of training or just getting started, these research-backed, kid-forward tools will help you stay out of the power struggle — and on your toddler's team. Resources: Potty Training Made Easy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

End Overnight Toddler Wake Ups 25.03.2026 10mnt

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 — and why how they fall asleep matters so muchThe "pillow and blanket" analogy that finally makes it click3 common mistakes that make night wakings worseWhy sleep deprivation is more serious than most parents realizeOther causes of night wakings — from new siblings to medical issues worth discussing with your pediatrician Mentioned in this episode:Why Won't My Child Go to Sleep Without Me? Part 1Why Won't My Child Go to Sleep Without Me? Part 2Sleep Masterclass: → Tap Here Have a question or story to share? DM Dr. Cathryn on Instagram or email us at drcathryn@healthiest-baby.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kids Want to Help. Here’s Why You Should Let Them. 18.03.2026 6mnt

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 stage aren’t about productivity. They’re about connection, competence, and feeling valued in the family. If this resonates, explore my Toddlers Made Easy course for more big-hearted, practical strategies that make parenting life easier. RESOURCES: 👉 Follow ⁠Dr. Cathryn on Instagram⁠ 👉 Toddlers Made Easy online course 👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox Sponsor: Laundry Sauce See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aggressive Toddler Tantrums: Why Kids Hit, Bite, and Kick (And What To Do) 11.03.2026 8mnt

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 problem-solving skills to manage them. What to do in the moment: Focus on safety first, stay close and calm, and avoid lectures while your child is overwhelmed. How to help long-term: After the storm passes, teach simple skills—like asking for a turn or using words—to handle big feelings next time. This episode is made possible by our partner, Laundry Sauce. RESOURCES 👉 Follow ⁠Dr. Cathryn on Instagram⁠ 👉 Tantrum Crash Course mini-class 👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: ⁠newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Q&A: 3-Year-Old Fighting Bedtime and Toddler Throwing Explained 04.03.2026 12mnt

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 transitions (like a new sibling or starting school), and what throwing really means and how to stop it. RESOURCES: 👉 Follow ⁠Dr. Cathryn on Instagram⁠ 👉 Help Your Child Fall Asleep Without You mini-class 👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: ⁠newsletter SPONSORS: Laundry Sauce: See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Helper Trap: How to raise a caring child who doesn’t feel responsible for everything 25.02.2026 7mnt

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 responsibility Why constant praise for being “helpful” can unintentionally teach self-sacrifice What to say (out loud) so your child knows caregiving is not her job How to praise self-advocacy—not just kindness Simple shifts that keep your child developmentally centered on herself This episode is especially meaningful for parents of eldest children and those raising deeply empathetic kids. 🎧 If this big-hearted approach resonates with you, explore Toddlers Made Easy—my practical, developmentally informed course for everyday toddler challenges, in under five minutes a day. RESOURCES: 👉 Follow ⁠Dr. Cathryn on Instagram⁠ 👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox Sponsor: Laundry Sauce See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Am I Expecting Too Much Of My Child? 18.02.2026 7mnt

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 don’t match toddler brain development How adjusting expectations can prevent tantrums and power struggles What to realistically expect from 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds How a big-hearted lens helps you stay calm while holding boundaries 🎧 If this approach resonates with you, explore Toddlers Made Easy—my practical, big-hearted course designed for real-life toddler challenges, and it takes under five minutes a day. 👉 Learn more at Toddlers Made Easy, the online course RESOURCES: 👉 Follow ⁠Dr. Cathryn on Instagram⁠ 👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox SPONSORS: Laundry Sauce See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How to Calm A Toddler's Tantrum Without Making It Worse 11.02.2026 10mnt

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 theirs 🎧 Want more big-hearted, practical tools for tantrums, bedtime, and everyday power struggles? Explore Toddlers Made Easy online course. RESOURCES: 👉 Join the Big-Hearted membership: ⁠The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting⁠ 👉 Follow ⁠Dr. Cathryn on Instagram⁠ 👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why Forcing Kids to Share Backfires (And What to Do Instead) 04.02.2026 9mnt

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 learn: Why toddlers aren’t developmentally ready to share (and when that changes) What to say and do when your child grabs toys or melts down at the park How forcing sharing can backfire—and what works better instead Want more big-hearted tools like this? Check out Toddlers Made Easy, my online course with simple, practical strategies for tantrums, boundaries, sharing, sleep, and everyday toddler struggles—designed to make parenting calmer in just a few minutes a day. 👉 Learn more at Toddlers Made Easy RESOURCES: RESOURCES: 👉 Join the Big-Hearted membership: ⁠The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting⁠ 👉 Follow ⁠Dr. Cathryn on Instagram⁠ 👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Helping Kids Listen Better: The Big-Hearted Way 28.01.2026 7mnt

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 threats, bribes, or power struggles, using big-hearted strategies that help kids feel seen, safe, and more willing to listen. Because when kids aren’t listening, they’re not being difficult—they’re developing. RESOURCES: 👉 Join the Big-Hearted membership: ⁠The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting⁠ 👉 Follow ⁠Dr. Cathryn on Instagram⁠ 👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: ⁠newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.