Dr 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 it like adults do. But as they grow, they start to get it through routines and daily patterns.  Today’s Tips: 1. Use Sequences: Tell your child,...

Welcome to the Toddlers Made Easy podcast with Dr. Cathryn. Today, we're exploring why toddlers can appear selfish and how to handle it. We’ll discuss how toddlers’ brain development impacts their behavior, and offer strategies for teaching them to manage their emotions without shaming or punishing them. Whether it's dealing with gift disappointment or sharing struggles, we're here to help you understand these challenging but normal developmental phases and turn them into teachable moments....

Dr. Cathryn takes a deep dive into what happens when standard parenting advice doesn't seem to cut it. Despite trying expert strategies, some problems persist, and today, we're focusing on sleep issues that remain challenging despite parents' best efforts. We'll explore real-life struggles parents face when routines don't pan out as planned, and discuss tailored approaches that might work better. In this episode: 1. The Easy-Does-It Method Fails: A parent shares the struggle of bedtime...

Public tantrums often embarrass us—but why is that the case? Even though we understand that tantrums are a normal part of a child's development, these moments can still make us feel incredibly uneasy. We worry about being judged by others, fearing they might see us as less capable parents. There's also an innate discomfort with displaying strong emotions in public, a societal pressure to keep everything looking 'perfect'. We're bringing you new ways of seeing and solving public tantrums....

Join Dr. Cathryn as she shares three science-backed tips to help parents maintain their composure with their children. Discover the importance of identifying your triggers, recognizing early stress signs, and implementing a power pause. Dr. Cathryn also highlights the crucial role of self-care and previews the EASY method for managing tantrums. In this episode: - Why parents lose their temper and how to prevent it. - Strategies to stay calm in challenging parenting moments. - The significance...

In this episode of "Toddlers Made Easy," Dr. Cathryn tackles toddler night wakings, sharing insights from her experiences and scientific research. Highlights include: - The reasons behind toddlers' frequent night wakings and their sleep cycles. - Tips for teaching toddlers self-soothing techniques for better sleep. - The effects of sleep deprivation on parents and kids, including safety and mental health. - Common parenting pitfalls that exacerbate night-waking issues. - Advice for fostering...

In 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 understanding toddler behavior as a form of communication, not misbehavior. She offers practical strategies for prevention and calm intervention,...

In this episode of "Parenting Together: When You Don't Agree," Dr. Cathryn dives into the real-life struggles of balancing different parenting styles, just like Cheryl's story where she and her husband can't seem to find common ground on discipline. Discover how open communication and mutual support can transform co-parenting challenges into opportunities for growth. Join us as we explore practical steps to harmonize your parenting approach, ensuring you both work towards the ultimate goal:...

In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explores the emotional and social challenges children like six-year-old Leo face when feeling unliked. We discuss empathetic parenting strategies, the importance of validating children's feelings, and how a Big-Hearted Interpretation can guide them through social hurdles.  What You'll Learn: How to validate your child's feelings and encourage open communication. The stages of friendship development from toddlers to preschoolers. Effective strategies for...

In this episode, we delve into fostering kindness within our families, prompted by a study showing kids often think their parents value success over empathy. As a pediatrician and mom, I share actionable steps for embedding kindness in our daily lives, from acknowledging the grocery store clerk to engaging in family volunteer work. We discuss the importance of leading by example, celebrating small acts of kindness, teaching the value of apologies, and making amends. This journey towards...

In today’s episode, Dr. Cathryn delves into the crucial balance of big-hearted parenting, navigating the fine line between gentleness and permissiveness. Highlighting a listener's question about sibling name-calling, Dr. Cathryn offers practical advice on fostering a supportive family environment where feelings are acknowledged, and teaching needed skills is encouraged over shame and punishment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to strengthen their parent-child bond with...

Is your toddler’s desire to delay dozing off driving you to distraction? Bedtime fears usually start at around two years and may last several years. They happen very commonly because children spend their days in imaginative play, and it is tough for them to turn that off at bedtime.  Even though there are many valid reasons for your toddler to fight at bedtime, you still need a chance to get some rest. Your needs matter and you have less to give when you need to recharge. So there is no need...

Struggling to set boundaries without caving in or feeling guilty? In this episode, Dr. Cathryn dives into big-hearted parenting, where setting limits meets understanding and love. Learn how acknowledging feelings and clear communication can transform challenging moments into opportunities for connection. We'll share practical strategies for maintaining calm and consistency, even when it’s hard to do. Ready to turn tough parenting moments into positive learning experiences? Tune in for...

Join 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 someone dismisses your bad day; your child needs to feel heard just like you do. And teach them to express big emotions with words, not actions. Keep...

Why 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 growing independence. Key strategies for successful parenting include validating emotions, maintaining calm during tantrums, and encouraging...

In today's episode, Dr. Cathryn delves into the 'Easy Does It' method, a big-hearted approach to helping your toddler fall asleep independently. Building on the emotional support strategies from Part 1, we discuss practical steps to ease bedtime struggles and how to gradually reduce your involvement. Listen in for practical tips and insights for creating a supportive and peaceful bedtime routine. 🌟 Links and Resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_baby Check out our...

Bedtime is tough! Dr. Cathryn talks parents through one of the most common and challenging aspects of parenting – bedtime struggles. Are you lying next to your child for hours just to get them to sleep or facing a nightly battle of wills? Dr. Cathryn explores why toddlers resist bedtime, common sleep issues, and shares empathetic, effective strategies to help your child (and you!) get a better night's rest. Links and Resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_baby Check out...

Dr. Cathryn shares one of her favorite strategies for dealing with unwanted toddler behaviors. This tactic is a healthy alternative to yelling, threats, time-outs, and warnings. Listen for some great tips on dealing with unwanted behaviors when raising your toddler. Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty...

Question 1: Dealing with False Accusations- A parent shares concern about their 2.5-year-old falsely claiming to be hit by them.Answer: Understand that toddlers often blur fantasy and reality. It's their way of expressing discomfort with parental disapproval. Focus on the underlying emotions rather than the details, and reassure them with love and understanding.Question 2: Preparing for a New Sibling- A parent asks for advice on their toddler who doesn’t want a new sibling.Answer: Early in...

Body Positivity and Image in Young ChildrenSummary:- Discussing the importance of fostering a positive body image from a young age.- Exploring how children as young as three begin forming opinions about body shapes.- Strategies for promoting a healthy body image in toddlers and young children.Key Points:1.  Early Impressions: Children start to form opinions about ideal body shapes at a surprisingly young age.2.  Parental Influence:  How parents talk about their own and others' bodies can...

Do you dream of having a child who naturally pitches in around the house without being asked? In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explores the impactful role of chores in a toddler's development and how these early experiences can shape such proactive behavior.Chores are more than just tasks; they're opportunities for toddlers to build self-esteem, feel valued, and develop a sense of belonging. We dive into how age-appropriate chores play a crucial role in nurturing emotional and social growth in...

When Toddlers Grab Toys - Discover why toddlers struggle with sharing and how it's tied to their developmental stage. - Learn about the 'sportscasting' technique and how it can guide children to resolve conflicts and develop empathy. - Understand the benefits of turn-taking and how it can stretch a child's attention span and aid in learning. - Get tips on how to support your child through the turn-taking process and why stepping back sometimes can be beneficial. Resources: - Check out our...

Navigating picky eating in toddlers is a common challenge rooted in their developmental journey toward food independence and exploration of tastes. To ease this phase, it's crucial to avoid pressuring a toddler to eat and instead adopt a relaxed approach. Create a positive mealtime atmosphere by emphasizing enjoyable family gatherings, focusing on the meal experience over food, and keeping mealtimes technology-free for bonding. Steer clear of pressure-inducing phrases and avoid labeling...

In this episode, we explored the common belief that sugar causes hyperactivity in children. We delved into the origins of this myth, tracing it back to Dr. Ben Feingold's 1975 book "Why Your Child Is Hyperactive." The episode unpacked the historical context of the 1970s, when concerns over ADHD medications like Ritalin were rising, making the idea of dietary control over hyperactivity attractive to parents. Key points covered include: Early Studies: Initial research suggests a link between...