

Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn
Dr. Cathryn
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 (retired) with more than 35 years of experience and a mother of 4.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 27, 2025 • 12min
No More Drop-Off Tears: 5 Game-Changing Strategies for Separation Anxiety
Drop-offs don’t have to be tearful goodbyes! In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares 5 proven strategies to ease separation anxiety and make goodbyes smoother for both you and your toddler.
You’ll learn:
Why separation anxiety is actually a sign of healthy attachment.
How to create safety before separation and build trust with goodbyes.
The power of painting the whole picture and building bridges of connection.
How to master a confident goodbye ritual that works every time.
Plus, hear a personal story about how a simple question transformed Dr. Cathryn’s own drop-off struggles with her youngest child.
If you’re ready to feel more confident during drop-offs and help your child thrive, this episode is for you!
Resources Mentioned:
The Big-Hearted School of Parenting Membership – Your go-to resource for tackling toddler challenges with science-backed, judgment-free tools.
Connect with Dr. Cathryn:
Instagram: @healthiest_baby
Let’s make parenting easier, together!

Aug 20, 2025 • 9min
Calm, Connect, and Communicate With Your Toddler
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 in mind, it's completely natural for toddlers to go through a wide spectrum of emotions. The key is in how they convey these feelings.
In today’s discussion, we’re zeroing in on addressing the emotional side of handling challenging behaviors.
Links and Resources:
Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_baby
Check out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy Course
Our hugely popular Potty Training Made Easy course is here!
FREE: Does potty training terrify you? Discover 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training. Get our free guide and empower your child. Set the path for success!
E-mail: drcathryn@healthiest-baby.com
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If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.
Sponsors:
Acorns Early
OSEA

Aug 13, 2025 • 13min
#1 Easiest Hack To Stop Losing It On Your Kids
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.
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
MEMBERSHIP
Big-Hearted School of Parenting
ONLINE COURSES
Toddlers Made Easy Course
Potty Training Made Easy
FREEBIES:
eBook: 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training. Get our free guide and empower your child. Set the path for success!
SPONSORS:
OSEA
ACORNS EARLY

Aug 6, 2025 • 8min
Why You Should Gossip With Stuffed Animals (Yes, Really)
In this sweet and surprising episode, Dr. Cathryn shares a playful, science-backed way to boost your toddler’s confidence and cooperation — all by whispering to their teddy bear. Learn why toddlers respond better to overheard praise, how to highlight the behavior you want more of, and how this simple shift can bring more calm, connection, and “yes!” moments to your day.

Jul 30, 2025 • 9min
How to Stay Calm When Your Toddler Isn’t: 3 Powerful Mindset Shifts
🎧 How to Stay Calm When Your Toddler Isn’t: 3 Powerful Mindset Shifts
Welcome back to Toddlers Made Easy—the no-fluff podcast for parents in the thick of toddlerhood. I’m Dr. Cathryn—pediatrician (just recently retired), mom of four, and your guide to big-hearted parenting that actually works.
Ever feel like you’re one meltdown away from losing it yourself?
In today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 mindset shifts that will help you stay calm even when your toddler isn’t. These small but mighty shifts will help you:
💡 React with less guilt and more confidence
💡 Understand misbehavior without taking it personally
💡 Build connection—even in the hardest moments
💭 You’ll learn:
Why thinking long-term helps you respond more lovingly in the moment
How your toddler’s brain development explains their wild behavior
Why “bad behavior” is often just a lack of skills—not defiance
💛 This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up with compassion—for your child and yourself.
Want more support?
Join The Big-Hearted School of Parenting—your private membership for weekly quick wins, expert coaching, and real-life toddler tools. Because loving your child comes naturally—but staying calm when they’re not? That’s something we can work on together.

Jul 23, 2025 • 17min
Potty Training Q&A: Pediatrician-Backed Answers
In this episode, I’m answering your top potty training concerns:
💩 What to do if your toddler asks for a diaper to poop
😣 Why over-hyping the potty can backfire
🧠 How kids learn to listen to their bodies
❤️ What to do if you lose your cool
🚫 Why I don’t recommend rewards (and what to do instead)
This is big-hearted, no-pressure potty support. I call my approach 'Unapologetically Lazy'—because it’s low-stress, yet high in success. ✨
👉 Ready for a step-by-step plan? Check out my course Potty Training Made Easy:

8 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 10min
3 Ways to Raise a Toddler Who Doesn’t Give Up
Explore three heartwarming strategies to nurture persistence in toddlers. Discover why facing frustration isn't a setback, but a stepping stone to growth. Learn how letting little ones help, even when it leads to messiness, fosters real confidence. Plus, find out how to offer praise that promotes perseverance rather than fear of failure. These insights aim to equip kids with the mindset to tackle challenges and say, 'I can do hard things!'

Jul 9, 2025 • 15min
Helping Toddlers Feel Loved When a New Baby Arrives
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares big-hearted, practical ways to help your toddler feel secure, loved, and included when welcoming a new baby. From sharing the news to handling jealousy and sibling meetings, this episode helps big feelings feel a little smaller — for everyone.
Resources:
The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting
Follow Dr Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_baby/

Jul 2, 2025 • 14min
Readiness and other myths
Still waiting for your toddler to want to use the potty? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong.
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares why the traditional “wait for readiness” advice might be leading to more stress, not less.
You’ll learn:
🚽 Why your smart, capable toddler might be avoiding the potty
🧠 How readiness isn’t a fixed milestone—you can build it.
✨ 5 simple steps to set your child up for potty success (before you ditch diapers)
💪 Why Potty Prep reduces pressure and increases confidence—for both of you.
If you’re feeling stuck, this gentle, big-hearted approach is your next step.
RESOURCES:
FREEBIE: The 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
Online Course: Potty Training Made Easy

Jun 25, 2025 • 11min
The Secret to Shorter, Fewer, and Less Intense Tantrums
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.
Order my new book Toddlers Made Easy
Join the Big-Hearted School of Parenting
Follow me on Instagram