Parenting & You With Dr. Shefali Transforming the Toddler Years with Devon Kuntzman
Oct 7, 2025
Devon Kuntzman, founder of Transforming Toddlerhood and a certified coach, brings a wealth of experience as a former nanny and author. She shares fresh perspectives on viewing toddlers as learners rather than problems. Devon emphasizes connection over power struggles, using empathy to create limits and avoid battles. She highlights the importance of self-care, scheduling emotional check-ins, and modeling repair after mistakes. Practical tips for everyday challenges make it clear that understanding and connection are key to navigating the toddler years.
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Toddlers Are Learning, Not Rebelling
- Toddlers act out because they are developmentally learning, not to personally defy you.
- Framing behavior as learning helps parents stay calm and focused on teaching.
Avoid Power Struggles; Build Partnership
- Step out of power struggles and prioritize connection, clear limits, and skill-teaching.
- Use your mature brain to create partnership instead of trying to win battles with toddlers.
The Bag Trick That Ended A Power Struggle
- Devon describes getting her toddler to leave by offering a bag and asking which trucks to bring.
- The small connection shifted a power struggle into cooperation quickly.
