Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

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 through their big emotions.Key Takeaways:- Anatomy of a Tantrum: Anger dominates early on, but as the tantrum subsides, sadness takes over—this is your moment to step in.- Empathy Over Intervention: Understanding your child’s perspective helps de-escalate the situation. Sometimes, all they need is your calm presence, not words.- Examples in Action: Whether it’s a grocery store meltdown or a bedtime battle, staying silent and present can help tantrums pass more quickly.- Prolonging Factors: Eye-rolling, logic, and bribes can backfire. Stay patient and trust the process.Remember, tantrums are opportunities for connection. If you struggle with finding the right words during tough moments, check out my guide, *Words That Work*, featuring 200 scripts to handle any challenge. The link is in the show notes.Thanks for tuning in—see you next week!LINKS AND RESOURCES:eBOOKWords That Work: 200 ScriptsKnow exactly what to say no matter what tricky toddler moment is thrown your way.ONLINE COURSESToddlers Made Easy CoursePotty 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!Masterclass: Tame Tantrums Without Losing Your CoolFollow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_babySPONSORS:ONESKIN.COGET 15% OFF WITH CODE: TODDLERSSend Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, drcathryn@healthiest-baby.comRate, 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.

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 conflicts.- Ease into Routine: Prep your child on what to expect and stick to bedtime around 7:30-8:30 pm.- Calm Mornings: Wake up earlier to manage jitters and leave calmly.- Handle Separation Anxiety: Validate feelings with statements like, “It’s OK to cry. I’ll be back after naptime.” Avoid telling them not to cry or sneaking away.- Buddy System: If possible, drop off with a school friend to ease the transition.- Lunch Box Notes: A sweet reminder of home can be comforting.- After-School Tips: Be welcoming and offer a snack to prevent tantrums. Allow some flexibility with routines.For more practical advice, check out my guide Words That Work: 200 Scripts for Tricky Toddler Moments. Perfecting what to say can make all the difference.Tune in for more tips on making parenting easier!LINKS AND RESOURCES:eBOOKWords That Work: 200 ScriptsKnow exactly what to say no matter what tricky toddler moment is thrown your way.ONLINE COURSESToddlers Made Easy CoursePotty 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!Masterclass: Tame Tantrums Without Losing Your CoolFollow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_babySPONSORS:ONESKIN.COGET 15% OFF WITH CODE: TODDLERSSend Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, drcathryn@healthiest-baby.comRate, 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.

Dr. Cathryn is a child sleep expert who dives into the frustrating world of toddler night wakings. She shares personal stories, including a sleep blunder with her daughter, and discusses common reasons for nighttime disturbances, like ineffective sleep associations and fears. The conversation also covers medical issues affecting sleep, such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome. Listeners gain useful tips on improving bedtime routines and promoting better sleep, leaving parents empowered to tackle their children's sleep challenges.

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 before delving into strategies for encouraging resilience. These strategies include treating toddlers as capable, assigning age-appropriate chores, maintaining boundaries, and encouraging problem-solving. She also emphasizes the importance of modeling gratitude, teaching delayed gratification, and celebrating effort rather than just results.The episode highlights the significance of allowing children to experience disappointment and age-appropriate risks as part of their development. Dr. Cathryn encourages parents to reflect on whether they're allowing their children to take on suitable responsibilities and if they're modeling resilience themselves.LINKS AND RESOURCES:eBOOKWords That Work: 200 ScriptsThis is the toddler whisperer's toolkit!ONLINE COURSESToddlers Made Easy CoursePotty 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!Masterclass: Tame Tantrums Without Losing Your CoolFollow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_babyInstagram Made Ridiculously Easy! Follow me here →@insta_made_easySPONSORS:ONESKIN.COGET 15% OFF WITH CODE: TODDLERSSend Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, drcathryn@healthiest-baby.comRate, 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.

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 pause to calm your own nervous system• A - Acknowledge: Verbalize what you think your child is feeling• S - Stick to boundaries: Clearly state the rule about hitting• Y - Yes, shift to something the child can do: Offer an alternative activityWe also discuss the importance of understanding toddlers' developmental stages, the value of consistent guidance, and additional tips for supporting emotional development. This episode offers parents a nurturing way to address hitting while strengthening their bond with their child and fostering emotional intelligence, ultimately laying the foundation for healthy self-image and interactions throughout their child's life.LINKS AND RESOURCES:ONLINE COURSESToddlers Made Easy CoursePotty 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!Masterclass: Tame Tantrums Without Losing Your CoolFollow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_babyInstagram Made Ridiculously Easy! Follow me here →@insta_made_easySPONSORS:ONESKIN.COGET 15% OFF WITH CODE: TODDLERSSend Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, drcathryn@healthiest-baby.comRate, 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.

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 opportunitiesLearn more about stress-free potty training in our online course "Potty Training Made Easy". Link in show notes.LINKS AND RESOURCES:ONLINE COURSESToddlers Made Easy CoursePotty 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!Masterclass: Tame Tantrums Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_babyInstagram Made Ridiculously Easy! Follow me here →@insta_made_easySPONSORS:ONESKIN.COGET 15% OFF WITH CODE: TODDLERSSend Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, drcathryn@healthiest-baby.comRate, 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.

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' to teach self-control and help toddlers manage their energy effectively.- Balance with Quiet Time: Incorporate calming activities to teach balance and self-regulation, ensuring they also get sufficient rest.Join us for an insightful look into embracing the lively toddler years with love and understanding, plus a special introduction to our online course, "Toddlers Made Easy," designed to help you enjoy this wild, wonderful phase.LINKS AND RESOURCES:ONLINE COURSESToddlers Made Easy CoursePotty 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!Masterclass: Tame Tantrums Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_babyInstagram Made Ridiculously Easy! Follow me here →@insta_made_easySPONSORS:ONESKIN.COGET 15% OFF WITH CODE: TODDLERSSend Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, drcathryn@healthiest-baby.comRate, 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.

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 Boundaries: Learn why setting clear limits is essential for your child's emotional and behavioral development.- Master the 3 Cs: Our method of Calm, Connect, and Communicate helps you address challenging situations with composure and consistency.For more insights and a deeper dive into big-hearted parenting, check out the full episode.LINKS AND RESOURCES:ONLINE COURSESToddlers Made Easy CoursePotty 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!Masterclass: Tame Tantrums Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_babyInstagram Made Ridiculously Easy! Follow me here →@insta_made_easySPONSORS:ONESKIN.COGET 15% OFF WITH CODE: TODDLERSSend Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, drcathryn@healthiest-baby.comRate, 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.

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 the benefits of this method, including fostering confidence, body awareness, and strengthening the parent-child bond. The episode includes practical tips for implementing this strategy and a discussion on the importance of a supportive, non-pressurized approach in helping children feel valued and understood.For those seeking additional guidance, Dr. Cathryn mentions a resource available in the show notes and provides a link to the comprehensive "Potty Training Made Easy" course.LINKS AND RESOURCES:Instagram Made Ridiculously Easy! Follow me here →@insta_made_easyONLINE COURSESToddlers Made Easy CoursePotty 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!Masterclass: Tame Tantrums Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_babySPONSORS:ONESKIN.COGET 15% OFF WITH CODE: TODDLERSSend Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, drcathryn@healthiest-baby.comRate, 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.

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:- Daytime vs. Nighttime Challenges: Why success in daytime potty training doesn't always translate to nighttime dryness.- Biological Factors: The role of developmental factors like bladder size, hormonal levels, and constipation in bedwetting.- Approach to Nighttime Training: Recommendations on letting nature take its course, reducing stress for children and parents.- Health Guidance: Indicators for consulting a healthcare provider about bedwetting.Insta Made Easy Announcement: Introducing our new venture designed to empower entrepreneurs through targeted Instagram strategies.Join us as we provide supportive, research-based insights into parenting challenges, coupled with exciting updates on our latest projects.LINKS AND RESOURCES:Instagram Made Ridiculously Easy! Follow me here →@insta_made_easyONLINE COURSESToddlers Made Easy CoursePotty 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!Masterclass: Tame Tantrums Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_babySPONSORS:Hello Fresh It's faster than delivery!CrunchLabs: https://www.crunchlabs.comPurchase this limited Camp CrunchLabs subscription and get 2 boxes free, a $60 value. Go to crunchlabs.com/TODDLERS to sign your kids up for Camp CrunchLabs today! Send Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, drcathryn@healthiest-baby.comRate, 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.