Toddlers Made Easy is a short, 10 minute, bite-sized podcast that gives you the insight, tools, and confidence you need to not only handle anything toddler-related thrown your way —but prevent problem behaviors before they start. Toddlers Made Easy is hosted by Dr. Cathryn, a nationally recognized pediatrician with more than 30 years of experience and a mother of 4.
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Welcome! I’m Dr. Cathryn, pediatrician with 35 years of experience and mom of 4. This week, we dive into the art of calming a tantrum without saying a word. Timing and approach are key—intervene too soon or in the wrong way, and you might unintentionally escalate the situation. By staying calm, you share that calm with your child, guiding them thro…
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Starting school can be tough, with a mix of nerves, excitement, and fear. I’ve been there—my youngest had a hard time with drop-offs, but a simple change made all the difference. Here are some tips to ease the transition: - Prepare Ahead: Pick out school clothes and pack lunches the night before. Let your child choose their outfit to avoid morning …
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My Toddler Keeps Waking Up at Night—Help!
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In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy, Dr. Cathryn explores why children wake up at night and how to manage it. Drawing from personal experiences, including a notable sleep mistake with her daughter, Dr. Cathryn explains the impact of ineffective sleep associations, fears, and separation anxiety on night wakings. She also touches on medical causes …
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In this episode, Dr. Cathryn discusses how to avoid raising an entitled child and instead foster resilience. She begins by explaining the characteristics of entitled behavior in children while clarifying that normal toddler self-centeredness is different from entitlement. Dr. Cathryn provides real-life scenarios to illustrate entitled behavior befo…
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Dr. Cathryn tackles the challenging topic of toddler hitting with a compassionate, big-hearted approach. We explore the various reasons behind this common behavior and introduce the E.A.S.Y. method—a practical, step-by-step strategy to help parents respond effectively. The episode breaks down each component of the method: • E - Evaluate: Create a p…
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The Top 3 Potty Mistakes (and what to do instead)
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Dr. Cathryn discusses common potty training mistakes and introduces a relaxed "lazy potty training" approach. She shares insights from her 35 years of experience working with families. Key points: • Avoid subtle pressure through big reactions • Focus on intrinsic motivation instead of rewards • See accidents as learning opportunities Learn more abo…
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In this episode, Dr. Cathryn dives into the ups and downs of parenting spirited children, sharing personal anecdotes and offering actionable tips for channeling their endless curiosity. - Create a Safe Play Zone: Ensure your home is toddler-proof so your child can explore safely and freely. - Engage in Active Games: Use activities like 'Simon Says'…
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Today, Dr. Cathryn delves into the importance of setting firm, yet kind, boundaries to help children manage their emotions and feel secure. Our "Calm, Connect, and Communicate" method offers a practical way to maintain composure and set clear limits, improving your child's ability to cope with frustrations. Key Highlights: - Understand the Role of …
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Lazy Potty Training: A Stress-Free Approach to Potty Training Success
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In this episode of "Toddlers Made Easy," Dr. Cathryn introduces a refreshing perspective on potty training, termed "lazy potty training." This approach emphasizes a relaxed, supportive environment where toddlers lead their own journey to bathroom independence, without the stress and pressure typical of more traditional methods. Dr. Cathryn explains…
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In today's episode of "Toddlers Made Easy," Dr. Cathryn unravels the complexities of nighttime potty training, contrasting it with the successes of daytime training. Through Mia's experiences, we explore the natural developmental processes that affect nighttime dryness and discuss when it might be necessary to seek medical advice. Key Points: - Day…
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Celebrating the 100th Episode: My Life, My Lessons
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In this special 100th episode of 'Toddlers Made Easy,' I'm taking a moment to step back from our usual discussions to share something deeply personal—my own story. We'll explore the journey that led me here, the challenges I've faced, and the victories I've celebrated. This episode is a chance for me to connect with each of you on a more personal l…
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Potty Training Made Easy In this episode of "Toddlers Made Easy," Dr. Cathryn shares stress-free tips for potty training using a no-pressure approach. Learn how to make this milestone smooth and positive for you and your toddler. Key Takeaways: 1. No-Pressure Approach: Encourage without pressure to foster confidence and self-accomplishment. 2. View…
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Raising Resilient Kids: How to Handle Disappointment and Build Frustration Tolerance
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In this episode, we dive into the essential topic of helping children manage disappointment and build frustration tolerance. Sharing personal stories, including a time when my daughter bravely tried out for a boys' soccer team and another when my son lost a baseball game, we explore the importance of allowing kids to experience their emotions fully…
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Today, we explore whether manners matter for toddlers. Manners, like small acts of kindness, show care and respect, creating a more compassionate world. Teaching "please" and "thank you" instills empathy, helps kids value others, and fosters self-respect. Leading by example is crucial as children learn from us. Ready for a positive change? Check ou…
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The #1 Easiest Hack To Stop Losing It On Your Kids
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In this episode of "Toddlers Made Easy," we're diving into the EASY method—a transformative technique to help you navigate toddler tantrums with grace and effectiveness. Inspired by my own experiences as a pediatrician and a mom, EASY is all about creating a calm and connected approach to those challenging moments. Let’s break it down: **E**valuate…
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In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy, we explore effective strategies to prevent and manage picky eating in toddlers. Understanding toddler behavior is key, as food choices become a primary area of autonomy. How you respond to this natural pickiness can influence whether it becomes an entrenched habit. We delve into the concept of the Fussy Food L…
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In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy, Dr. Cathryn, a pediatrician and mother of four, along with her lovable Goldendoodle Smudge, dives into the topic of kids and pets. From the benefits of having a furry friend to considerations when choosing the right pet for your family, Dr. Cathryn explores it all. She discusses how pets can boost children's s…
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Never Repeat Yourself Again: Tips to Help Kids Listen Every Time
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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 i…
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Is Your Toddler Selfish or Just Being a Toddler?
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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 disappointmen…
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Toddler Sleep Troubles: What to Do When Advice Doesn't Work
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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 di…
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Managing Public Tantrums: No Scolding, No Shaming, No Embarrassment
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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 em…
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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 …
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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 deprivatio…
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Beyond Time-Outs: What To Do Before, During, and After a Tantrum
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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 understandin…
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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 opport…
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"No One Likes Me": Parenting Through Hurt Feelings
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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 …
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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 i…
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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…
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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…
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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 maintai…
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Calm, Connect, and Communicate With Your Toddler
9:25
9:25
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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 some…
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Why The Toddler Years Matter More Than You Think!
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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 g…
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Why Won't My Child Go To Sleep Without Me? Part 2
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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 cr…
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Why Won't My Child Go To Sleep Without Me? Part 1
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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 strateg…
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REVISIT: My Favorite Way to Encourage Good Toddler Behavior
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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_baby Check out ou…
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Q&A Special: Tackling Toddler Myths, Sibling Prep, Behavior Bumps, and Potty Puzzles
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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 an…
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Body Positivity and Image in Young Children Summary: - 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…
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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 …
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When Toddlers Grab Toys: Navigating Sharing Struggles
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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Hyper Toddlers: Understanding What's Normal and What's Not
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High-Energy Toddlers In this episode, we dive into the world of high-energy toddlers, sharing personal stories and expert advice for managing their boundless enthusiasm. Real-Life Parenting Challenges: Dr. Cathryn shares personal experiences, from navigating public spaces with an energetic toddler to handling embarrassing moments in professional se…
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Maximizing Playtime - Less is More! Episode Summary: In today's extra-bite-sized podcast, we delve deeper into the world of play and its impact on child development. We explore how fewer, open-ended toys can enhance creativity, and discuss organizing play spaces, toy rotations, and the importance of tidying up with tots. Key Points: 1. Toys that Ta…
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Nurturing Hungry Little Minds through Play This episode delves into why play is much more than just fun for toddlers - it's essential for their mental and emotional development. Key Topics Covered: - The developmental significance of play for growing minds and hearts. - Debunking the myth that expensive, high-tech toys are necessary for child devel…
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Screaming Toddlers: Why They Do It and How To Stop It
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Dr. Cathryn delves into the piercing world of toddler shrieks and screams, a phase that's as challenging as it is common. We share a story that brings this issue close to home for many, discuss why toddlers go through this phase and present big-hearted strategies to manage and mitigate the high decibels. Our conversation covers the developmental as…
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If you've ever felt drained from negotiating, bribing, or enforcing time-outs, tune in to discover a simple yet effective tool to turn the tides: your attention. Learn how shifting your focus to what your child is doing well can create lasting change, illustrated by real-life examples. Join us as we help you navigate the parenting journey with big-…
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In this episode, Dr. Tobin will help you understand tantrums, teaching you when to step in and when to let them run their course. Gain insights into the emotional journey of a tantrum and how to approach it with empathy and patience. Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_baby Check out our bestselling online course: Todd…
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Today, we're discussing a sweet way to say goodbye to the pacifier – introducing the 'Paci Fairy.' It's a fun approach for kids aged 2 and up. This magical strategy helps kids transition while nurturing their emotions and imagination. Links and resources: Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_baby Check out our bestselling online course: Tod…
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Toddler Rudeness: What's Really Going On?
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When your kid shouts, “You’re a stupid Mommy!” you have 2 choices in how to respond. Dr. Cathryn delves into the puzzling world of toddler rudeness. While it's easy to feel angry and hurt when your little one lashes out, understanding the developmental reasons behind such behavior can offer a fresh perspective. Learn about: - Emotional Dysregulatio…
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A Fresh Look At Potty-Training Readiness.
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Are you breaking out in cold sweats just thinking about potty training? Don't worry! In this episode, we debunk traditional myths around potty training readiness and offer a fresh, laid-back approach that puts your child at the center of the journey. Key Topics Covered: The traditional checklist for potty training readiness. The critical importance…
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