

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

Sep 17, 2025 • 7min
Raising Kids Who Feel Valued: The Secret to Kind, Generous Kids
Learn 3 simple ways to help your toddler feel valued—and watch kindness, confidence, and cooperation grow.
When toddlers feel valued—not just loved, but truly valued—they naturally grow into kind, generous, and helpful kids. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares three simple strategies to help your child feel like an important part of the family:
Small moments of genuine attention
Real jobs that let them contribute
Honoring big feelings, even when they’re messy
You’ll walk away with practical tools to build your toddler’s confidence and resilience in the everyday chaos of family life.
RESOURCES:
• Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_baby
• Join Dr. Cathryn's workshop, Help! My Child Will Only Poop in a Diaper, and get a proven, pediatrician-backed plan to finally move past the diaper-to-potty standoff—for good.
Sponsors for this episode:
Acorns Early
OSEA

Sep 10, 2025 • 10min
🎙️ Why “No” Doesn’t Work—And What to Say That Actually Does
Why does “no” stop working with toddlers—and what should you say instead?
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn breaks down why “no” becomes background noise, what to say that actually works, and how small language shifts can transform power struggles into cooperation.
You’ll learn:
Why toddlers tune out “no”
Simple swaps that get better results
Real-life examples you can use today
Ready to go deeper? Check out the Big-Hearted School of Parenting for practical, loving strategies that make parenting easier.
RESOURCES:
Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_baby
Join Dr. Cathryn's live workshop, Help! My Child Will Only Poop in a Diaper, and get a proven, pediatrician-backed plan to finally move past the diaper-to-potty standoff—for good.
Sponsors for this episode:
Acorns Early
OSEA

Sep 3, 2025 • 15min
7 Must-Do's Before Starting Potty Training
When you were learning to drive a car, did you just show up on the day of the exam?
No, you practiced and prepared for it in stages.
Turns out the same approach works with potty training too.
We know that prepping a child for changes or events can significantly reduce stress and increase coping skills. But we ignore or forget about this concept when it comes to potty training, which is probably one of the most significant events in a child's early life!
Typically we tell our kids, “Okay today we are going to start potty training!” Or maybe we prep them a day or two before. But there is so much more to be done to make potty training easier for your child, and for you!
Pre-potty training creates a smoother, easier, and really less stressful experience. If you are approaching the potty training stage, then grab a notebook pen, and let’s dive in!
Links and Resources:
Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_baby
The best-selling Potty Training Made Easy course is here!
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!
Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️
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.

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
Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️
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!'