Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn
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- 11. Nov. 2026
Über den Podcast
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.
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How to Encourage Independent Play (And No, It Isn’t Too Late)
Does your toddler refuse to play unless you're right beside them? Do you wish you could get five minutes to yourself?Independent play is a skill kids can learn, and it's not too late to start.In this …
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Does your toddler refuse to play unless you're right beside them? Do you wish you could get five minutes to yourself?
Independent play is a skill kids can learn, and it's not too late to start.
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares how to help your child play more independently without forcing them to be alone or expecting too much too soon.
You'll learn how to set up a play-friendly space, why stepping in too quickly can backfire, and how to help your toddler get comfortable playing while you're nearby doing your own thing.
Plus, a sweet story about Sloan running a coffee shop for Smudge, the family dog.
Want more help with everyday toddler challenges? Explore Toddlers Made Easy at the link below.
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
Why Toddlers Lie (And What Parents Should Do)
I like it when kids tell their first lies, which I explain in today's episode.In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy, I walk you through:Why toddlers “lie” (fantasy and reality blur, wishful thinking, and …
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I like it when kids tell their first lies, which I explain in today's episode.
In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy, I walk you through:- Why toddlers “lie” (fantasy and reality blur, wishful thinking, and they’re too young to know the difference yet)
- How to respond with empathy instead of shame, fear or embarrassment
- What to say when the soap is dry but they swear they washed their hands
- Why modeling honesty and giving honesty a big high-five works
- What to skip: labels, scary threats, drilling and lectures
- Try saying: “Thank you for telling me the truth. Let’s clean it up together.”
Mentioned in this episode:
Toddlers Made Easy (for tantrums, pushback and stubbornness)
Potty Training Made Easy (for parents who already have too much on their plate)
You’re an awesome, big-hearted parent already. Happy parenting!RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
Get Your Kids to Cooperate Without Feeling Like the Bad Guy
Do you feel like the bad guy most days? Like all you do is say no and break up fights?In this episode, I share two ways to get your child’s cooperation without saying no. And I start with a Nana moment I wish I …
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Do you feel like the bad guy most days? Like all you do is say no and break up fights?
In this episode, I share two ways to get your child’s cooperation without saying no.
And I start with a Nana moment I wish I could take back.
You’ll learn:
- The YES GAP: the small window before handing out a consequence where you can end unwanted behavior with something your child can do
- How to stop refereeing sibling fights, with three simple steps that help kids work it out themselves
- When to step in, and when to give them a little room
Nobody feels like the bad guy. That’s big-hearted parenting.
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
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 …
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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.
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
Help! My Child Will Only Poop In A Diaper
Your child pees on the potty without a problem, but when it's time to poop, they insist on a diaper. You've tried rewards, encouragement, and waiting it out. Nothing seems to work.In this episode, Dr …
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Your child pees on the potty without a problem, but when it's time to poop, they insist on a diaper. You've tried rewards, encouragement, and waiting it out. Nothing seems to work.
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains why some toddlers refuse to poop on the potty and what you can do to help.
You'll learn:
- Why constipation may be part of the problem, even if your child poops every day.
- Why rewards and pressure can make poop refusal worse.
- When giving your child a diaper is actually the right move.
- Simple steps to help your child feel more comfortable pooping on the potty.
The goal isn't just to get your child pooping on the potty. It's to help them get there without fear, pressure, or daily battles.
Resources mentioned:
Help! My Child Will Only Poop in a Diaper: A step-by-step mini-course to help your child make the switch.
Related episode: Happy Tushies: How to Manage Poop Problems During Potty Training (February 2023).
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
The Big-Hearted Yet Firm Way of Saying No
Struggling to set boundaries without caving or feeling that familiar pang of guilt?In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explores the art of big-hearted parenting—where firm boundaries meet empathy and …
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Struggling to set boundaries without caving or feeling that familiar pang of guilt?
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explores the art of big-hearted parenting—where firm boundaries meet empathy and understanding.
Discover how acknowledging your child’s feelings with clear, compassionate communication can turn even the toughest moments into powerful opportunities for connection.
You’ll walk away with practical strategies to stay calm, consistent, and confident, even when it feels challenging.
Ready to transform tricky parenting moments into meaningful growth?
Tune in for game-changing tips and insights!RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
How to Calm A Tantrum Without Making It Worse
Tantrums aren’t misbehavior—they’re a sign your child’s system is overloaded. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains how your calmness (not your words) helps tantrums pass without escalating.You’ll learn:•Why …
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Tantrums aren’t misbehavior—they’re a sign your child’s system is overloaded. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains how your calmness (not your words) helps tantrums pass without escalating.
You’ll learn:
•Why reasoning and “calm down” don’t work in the middle of a tantrum
•When to stay close and quiet and when to step in for safety
•How sharing your calm helps your child regain theirs🎧 Want more big-hearted, practical tools for tantrums, bedtime, and everyday power struggles?
Explore the Toddlers Made Easy online course.RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
How To Make Discipline Easier (A LOT EASIER)
Getting your child to cooperate doesn’t always mean getting firmer.Sometimes, it means getting playful.In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares one of the most underused discipline tools for young kids …
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Getting your child to cooperate doesn’t always mean getting firmer.
Sometimes, it means getting playful.
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares one of the most underused discipline tools for young kids: playfulness.
You’ll hear the story of Jamie, a little girl who absolutely did NOT want to leave, and how a doorknob offered the clue her parents needed.
Dr. Cathryn explains the “calm-calm-explode cycle” many parents fall into, why repeating yourself or getting more serious often doesn’t work, and how play can help you get your child’s attention without giving up the limit.
You’ll learn:
• Why resistance doesn’t always mean your child needs a firmer response
• How play can make transitions and everyday requests easier
• Simple ways to use play when getting dressed, leaving the house, or handling other moments of pushback
• Why being playful doesn’t mean being permissive
• When play probably won’t work and what to remember insteadExpectations don’t have to change. Your child still needs to put on the shoes, leave the playground, or get into bed.
Sometimes you just need a different route to get there.
Because discipline isn’t only about getting the behavior you want. It’s also about how you get there and the child standing in front of you.
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
Why Is My Toddler Suddenly Scared of Everything?
Your toddler suddenly hates the dark. They’re terrified of the vacuum, the bathtub drain, or the public washroom they used last week without a problem.What happened?In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains why new …
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Your toddler suddenly hates the dark. They’re terrified of the vacuum, the bathtub drain, or the public washroom they used last week without a problem.
What happened?
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains why new fears are so common during the toddler and preschool years, and why they can actually be a sign of growing imagination.
You’ll learn how to respond without dismissing your child’s fear, why a little preparation can make unfamiliar situations easier, and how small, manageable steps can help your child become more confident around things that scare them.
Because the goal isn’t to make every fear disappear. It’s to help your child learn, little by little, “I was scared, and I was okay.”
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
TME 211 - How To Help A Picky Eater
If every meal feels like a negotiation over one more bite, it may be time to try something different.When parents worry their child isn’t eating enough, it’s natural to coax, bargain, bribe, or plead. But that …
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If every meal feels like a negotiation over one more bite, it may be time to try something different.
When parents worry their child isn’t eating enough, it’s natural to coax, bargain, bribe, or plead. But that pressure can actually make picky eating worse.
In this episode, I’m sharing practical ways to help your child become more comfortable with food, without turning mealtimes into a battle.
You’ll learn:
• Why asking for “just one more bite” can backfire
• The difference between your job and your child’s job at mealtime
• What to say when your child announces, “I hate broccoli”
• How a simple “No Thank You Bowl” can reduce mealtime battles
• Why letting kids help with food can make unfamiliar foods feel less intimidating
• One small seating change that can make eating easier
• How to give your child more control without becoming a short-order cook
• When picky eating is worth discussing with your child’s healthcare providerThe goal isn’t to get your child to eat everything on their plate.
It’s to take some of the pressure off and help them become more comfortable with food, one meal at a time.
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
The Hardest Moments After Bringing Home a New Baby... and How to Help Your Toddler Through Them
Bringing home a new baby can turn a toddler’s world upside down. Suddenly, your potty-trained, independent kid is having accidents, asking to be carried, or needing you every time you sit down to feed the …
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Bringing home a new baby can turn a toddler’s world upside down. Suddenly, your potty-trained, independent kid is having accidents, asking to be carried, or needing you every time you sit down to feed the baby.
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains why regression after a new sibling arrives is so common, what your toddler’s behavior may really be communicating, and big-hearted ways to help them feel secure and included.
You’ll learn how to handle potty accidents and clinginess, create small moments of connection, avoid pushing the “big kid” role, and use strategic attention to encourage the behaviors you want to see.
Plus, Dr. Cathryn shares ways to make feeding and pumping easier during this already demanding transition.
Sponsored by Eufy Baby: Learn more about the Eufy Breast Pump S2 Pro below.
EUFY OFFICIAL WEBSITE - code TMEEUFY — extra 15% off
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RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
"Nobody Wants to Play With Me": Helping kids through rejection and exclusion
Friendship problems can start earlier than most parents expect.By age three, children are beginning to form real friendships. They’re also learning how to join a group, take turns, handle rejection, solve …
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Friendship problems can start earlier than most parents expect.
By age three, children are beginning to form real friendships. They’re also learning how to join a group, take turns, handle rejection, solve disagreements, and make up after conflict.
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains what friendship looks like during the preschool years, why being left out can hurt even at three, and how you can support your child without rushing in to fix every difficult social moment.
You’ll learn:
• Why preschool friendships matter
• What’s typical when friendships seem to change by the day
• What to do when your child says, “Nobody wants to play with me”
• Why your child and their teacher can have very different views of the same day
• How to help your child build the skills needed to make and keep friendsPlus, download the free Am I Expecting Too Much of My 3-Year-Old? checklist by tapping on this link.
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
Making School Goodbyes Easier
Starting school stirs up big feelings — for little kids and for the parents saying goodbye. Dr. Cathryn shares the moment that changed drop-offs for good with her own youngest, plus the big-hearted scripts …
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Starting school stirs up big feelings — for little kids and for the parents saying goodbye. Dr. Cathryn shares the moment that changed drop-offs for good with her own youngest, plus the big-hearted scripts, routines, and small shifts that make those first mornings smoother.
In this episode:
- The night-before habit that ends outfit battles for good
- What to prep a few days ahead so drop-off doesn't catch your child off guard
- Exactly what to say (and what not to say) when your child cries at goodbye
- Why after-school meltdowns happen and the simple fix that helps
Want more big-hearted scripts like these? See the link below.
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
When Potty Training Goes Sideways. Your toughest potty training questions, answered
When potty training goes sideways, it's easy to wonder if you're doing something wrong. In this episode, I answer a parent's question about a 3-year-old who won't pee or poop on the potty …
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When potty training goes sideways, it's easy to wonder if you're doing something wrong. In this episode, I answer a parent's question about a 3-year-old who won't pee or poop on the potty and explain why less pressure often leads to more progress.
You'll learn practical strategies to build body awareness, reduce resistance, know when to seek medical advice, and help your child potty train with confidence.
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
A Tantrum Is Just A Toddler Acting Their Age
Dr. Cathryn shares a cringeworthy tantrum moment from her own parenting years and the perspective shift that changed how she responds to big feelings. Learn what's really happening in your little …
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Dr. Cathryn shares a cringeworthy tantrum moment from her own parenting years and the perspective shift that changed how she responds to big feelings. Learn what's really happening in your little kid's brain during a meltdown, the PREP method for preventing tantrums before they start, and the common mistake loving parents make when responding to one.
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
Grandparent Start Kit
Parenting has changed a lot over the years. That can leave grandparents wondering why today's parents make some of the choices they do. This episode explains the thinking behind many of those approaches so …
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Parenting has changed a lot over the years. That can leave grandparents wondering why today's parents make some of the choices they do. This episode explains the thinking behind many of those approaches so families can better understand and support one another.
We'll cover:
• Why some children are not expected to hug or kiss relatives
• What body autonomy means
• The purpose of a "no thank you" bowl at mealtimes
• Why some families serve dessert with dinner
• How today's parents approach tantrums using brain science
• Why empathy and boundaries go together
• How potty training has changed
• Why praise now focuses more on effort than labels
• The powerful role grandparents play in building resilienceWhether you're a grandparent or you're sharing this episode with one, this conversation will help bridge the gap between generations and strengthen family relationships.
If you'd like more practical, evidence-based strategies for toddlers, check out my Toddlers Made Easy course linked in the show notes.
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
How You Might Be Making Toddler Hitting Worse (Without Realizing It)
Your toddler just hit their sibling—again—and your instinct is to react: “That’s not nice!” “Say sorry!” “Go to your room!”Totally understandable.But here’s what most parents don’t realize:👉 Hitting is rarely …
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Your toddler just hit their sibling—again—and your instinct is to react: “That’s not nice!” “Say sorry!” “Go to your room!”
Totally understandable.
But here’s what most parents don’t realize:
👉 Hitting is rarely about being “bad.” It’s a sign your child is overwhelmed and doesn’t yet have the skills to cope.
In this episode, we cover:
🧠 Why toddlers hit, push, or bite
🚫 What common responses can actually make things worse
🔁 How to respond in a way that teaches better behavior over time
🎯 Real-life scripts and strategies that actually work
No fluff. Just practical, evidence-informed tools you can use right away.
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Our *bestselling* online courses are already helping thousands of parents:
Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_baby
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
Help Your Toddler Feel Loved When The New Baby Arrives
Bringing home a new baby can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming for your older child. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares simple, practical ways to help your toddler feel secure, included, and …
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Bringing home a new baby can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming for your older child. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares simple, practical ways to help your toddler feel secure, included, and deeply loved as your family grows. You'll learn how to prepare your child before the baby arrives, ease jealousy, strengthen your bond through everyday connection, and respond to big feelings with confidence.
If you're looking for more support, check out the Toddlers Made Easy course for step-by-step guidance on handling tantrums, bedtime, sibling rivalry, and more. You'll find the link in the show notes.
Resources:
Join my Toddlers Made Easy online course.
Follow me on Instagram
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
How To Stop Sleeping In Your Child's Room Without Hurting Your Connection
Helping your child fall asleep without you doesn't have to mean tears, guilt, or leaving them to figure it out alone.In this episode, I share why sleeping in your child's room often starts as a …
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Helping your child fall asleep without you doesn't have to mean tears, guilt, or leaving them to figure it out alone.
In this episode, I share why sleeping in your child's room often starts as a temporary solution but quietly becomes the new normal. You'll learn why these bedtime patterns become so hard to change, why waiting rarely solves the problem, and how small, gentle changes can help your child build independent sleep skills while protecting your connection.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why "just for tonight" often turns into months or years.
• How sleep habits become reinforced over time.
• One simple change you can make tonight to start moving toward independent sleep.
If you'd like a step-by-step plan, my 18-minute workshop, Help Your Child Fall Asleep Without You, walks you through two gentle, connected approaches to help your child learn this important skill without turning bedtime into a battle.
Resources:
• Help Your Child Fall Asleep Without You workshop
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
How to Stop Your Toddler's 2am Wakeups for Good
Is your toddler waking up at 2 AM (again)? Instead of repeating “Go back to bed,” try this big-hearted, research-backed approach that helps your child feel safe and stay in bed — without tears or power …
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Is your toddler waking up at 2 AM (again)? Instead of repeating “Go back to bed,” try this big-hearted, research-backed approach that helps your child feel safe and stay in bed — without tears or power struggles.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ Why toddlers wake at night
✅ A comforting strategy that builds self-soothing skills
✅ How to introduce a “Midnight Helper” stuffed animal
✅ What to say (and not say) during wake-ups
It’s simple. It’s powerful. And you can start tonight.
✨ Want more big-hearted sleep tools? Check out the masterclass:
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Without You
FREE Guide: How To End 2AM Wake-Ups
Until next time — stay big-hearted 💛
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
What To Do When Your Child Bites (please don't bite back)
Biting is one of the behaviors that worries parents most. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains why little kids bite, why "biting back" isn't the answer, and what to do instead.You'll learn:• Why …
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Biting is one of the behaviors that worries parents most. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains why little kids bite, why "biting back" isn't the answer, and what to do instead.
You'll learn:
• Why toddlers and young children bite
• What biting is really telling you about your child
• Why punishment often misses the root cause
• Three simple steps to handle biting in the moment
• Five ways to prevent biting before it happens
• How to teach the skills that make biting unnecessary
If your child has bitten a sibling, friend, or classmate, this episode will help you respond with confidence while maintaining clear boundaries without chipping away at your child's self-esteem. That’s exactly what you’ll find inside my course Toddlers Made Easy. Tap here to learn more
Order my book, Toddlers Made Easy, or listen to the audiobook today.
Like what you hear? Be sure to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. It helps other parents find the show.
Want one practical parenting tip each week? Join my free newsletter.
Looking for help with potty training? Check out Potty Training Made Easy.
Follow me on Instagram for daily big-hearted parenting tips and tools.
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
Potty Training Without Power Struggles: The big-hearted approach to helping kids use the potty
Potty training doesn't have to involve battles, pressure, or regret. In this episode, Today, I'm sharing the Big-Hearted Approach to Potty Training, a method that helps children build body awareness …
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Potty training doesn't have to involve battles, pressure, or regret. In this episode, Today, I'm sharing the Big-Hearted Approach to Potty Training, a method that helps children build body awareness, confidence, and independence without sacrificing their dignity.
Learn why pressure often backfires and what to do instead.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why pushing harder often creates more resistance
• How to build body awareness instead of relying on reminders
• Why ownership helps children become independent potty users
• The hidden link between potty-training pressure and constipation
• How encouragement builds confidence and cooperation
Ready for a calmer and kinder approach? Join my free workshop, Potty Without Pushback:
You'll walk away with a plan on how to ditch diapers without chipping away at your child's self-esteem.
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
Little Kid Night Wakings: A Kinder, Smarter Fix That Actually Works
If your toddler is creeping into your room at 1am, 3am — or both — this episode is for you. Dr. Cathryn shares a simple, no-cry strategy that helped Katie sleep through the night in just one week, and gave …
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If your toddler is creeping into your room at 1am, 3am — or both — this episode is for you. Dr. Cathryn shares a simple, no-cry strategy that helped Katie sleep through the night in just one week, and gave Cecil's family a way into bedtime that finally felt collaborative instead of combative.
- Middle-of-the-night wake-ups are biologically normal — the goal isn't to stop your child from waking, it's to help them comfortably drift back to sleep without coming to find you.
- The Big-Hearted Ask works by turning your child from the scared one into the rescuer — giving them a stuffed animal that "needs their help" at night taps into their natural empathy and gives them a job to do at 2am.
- Four steps to set it up: introduce the animal during the day (not at bedtime), make tucking it in part of the wind-down routine, practice comforting it before lights out, and leave a simple reminder as you walk out the door.
Whether your child is sneaking into your bed or battling bedtime from the very start, this strategy meets them where they are — and it's simpler than anything you've probably tried.
RESOURCES
How To Help Your Child Fall Asleep Without You (the smarter, kinder way)
My Big-Hearted approach is a calm, step-by-step way to help your child fall asleep independently—without cry-it-out.
Potty Without Pushback FREE workshop
Learn a proven approach to ditch diapers that doesn’t chip away at a child’s dignity.
The Potty Training Made Easy Program
Finally ditch diapers without battles, pressure, or moments you wish you could take back.
A pediatrician-designed approach trusted by 1M+ families to potty train with confidence instead of conflict.
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
You're Not Raising A Problem, You're Raising A Person
Why do little kids melt down over things that seem so small? In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares one mindset shift that can completely change the way you respond to tantrums, resistance, aggression, and …
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Why do little kids melt down over things that seem so small? In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares one mindset shift that can completely change the way you respond to tantrums, resistance, aggression, and emotional outbursts. When you stop seeing your child as “the problem” and start seeing the skills they’re still developing, parenting becomes calmer, clearer, and far more connected. This episode will help you hold boundaries without chipping away at your child’s confidence or dignity.
• Why toddlers can understand a rule and still completely fall apart trying to follow it
• How interpreting behavior differently helps you stay calmer during hard moments
• Why support, co-regulation, and connection often work better than punishment
RESOURCES
The Potty Without Pushback workshop
Finally, A Kinder, Calmer Way To Ditch Diapers For Good
YOU'LL WALK AWAY KNOWING HOW TO:
- Potty train without tears, tantrums or tension
- Avoid potty resistance altogether
- Handle accidents or setbacks calmly
- Teach your child, "I'm the boss of my body!"
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RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
How To Stop Making Tantrums Worse
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares the biggest mistake parents make during tantrums and why trying to reason, explain, or “fix” the meltdown too quickly often makes things worse. Through a personal story from …
Shownotes
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares the biggest mistake parents make during tantrums and why trying to reason, explain, or “fix” the meltdown too quickly often makes things worse. Through a personal story from her years as a pediatrician and mom, she explains what’s really happening inside a child’s brain during a tantrum and how a calmer, big-hearted response helps children build emotional regulation over time, without chipping away at their dignity or self-esteem.
• Why tantrums often get bigger when parents talk too much during the peak of the meltdown
• What children actually need when the emotional part of the brain takes over
• How to stay calm, hold boundaries, and help your child through overwhelming feelings without becoming permissive
Planning on potty training soon? Dr. Cathryn also shares details about her free Potty Without Pushback workshop, where you’ll learn a calmer, big-hearted approach to potty training that encourages cooperation and better behavior without chipping away at your child’s self-esteem or dignity.
RESOUCES
The Potty Without Pushback workshop
Finally, A Kinder, Calmer Way To Ditch Diapers For Good
YOU'LL WALK AWAY KNOWING HOW TO:
- Potty train without tears, tantrums or tension
- Avoid potty resistance altogether
- Handle accidents or setbacks calmly
- Teach your child, "I'm the boss of my body!"
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
The Unbreakable Connection: Helping Kids Feel Close When You’re Apart
Your little one is missing you. Maybe it's daycare drop-off. Maybe it's 2 am. Maybe it's a sleepover at Nana's with a lot of very loud feelings.This episode is about the simple things that …
Shownotes
Your little one is missing you. Maybe it's daycare drop-off. Maybe it's 2 am. Maybe it's a sleepover at Nana's with a lot of very loud feelings.
This episode is about the simple things that make separation easier — not just in the hard moments, but all the time.
Dr. Cathryn shares the 10-second ritual she uses with her own granddaughter, plus four practical tools to help little kids carry the feeling of connection with them wherever they go.
You'll learn:
- A simple breath-and-kiss ritual that calms the nervous system fast
- Why family photos at eye level in the bedroom do more than you'd think
- The recordable button that lets your child hear your voice whenever they need it
- Why these tools only work if you're not saving them for emergencies
The goal isn't just getting through the hard moment. It's building a belief your child carries with them: I am loved. I am connected. The bond never breaks.
📖 Mentioned in this episode: The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
🚀 Potty training is one of the moments connection matters most. My Potty Training Made Easy program gets you from diapers to dry in 30 days — with no pressure, no shame, and no power struggles. Because how your little one feels during potty training matters just as much as whether they get there. Tap Here
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
Help, My Kid Won't Poop on the Potty! (Here's Why — and What to Do)
Your little kid pees on the potty just fine — but when it comes to poop? Diaper only, thank you very much.You haven't done anything wrong. This is one of the most common potty-training hiccups, affecting …
Shownotes
Your little kid pees on the potty just fine — but when it comes to poop? Diaper only, thank you very much.
You haven't done anything wrong. This is one of the most common potty-training hiccups, affecting 20–25% of little kids.
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn breaks down exactly why it happens and what actually helps.
You'll learn:
- The real reason most kids resist (hint: it's fear, not stubbornness)
- What to say — and what not to say
- Simple ways to make the potty feel safer and less overwhelming
- How to move toward the potty in tiny, low-pressure steps
- Why stool softness matters more than most parents realize
This isn't about saying enough is enough. It's about understanding what's driving the resistance — and meeting your child there.
🎓 Ready to go deeper? Mini-course: Help! My Child Will Only Poop in a Diaper →
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
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 …
Shownotes
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.
RESOURCES:
I’m running a short class for exhausted parents who want more sleep (without cry-it-out). Want the details? TAP HERE
Order my book Toddlers Made Easy
Follow me on Instagram
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
Catch Them Being 'Good' The Big-Hearted Way to Encourage Positive Behavior
The 5:1 rule is one of the most practical tools a parent can have — and it's simpler than you think.Originally researched by psychologist John Gottman in marriages, the principle maps directly onto …
Shownotes
The 5:1 rule is one of the most practical tools a parent can have — and it's simpler than you think.
Originally researched by psychologist John Gottman in marriages, the principle maps directly onto parenting: for every correction, aim for five positive interactions first. Not a tally. Just an intention to tip the balance toward warmth.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why your relationship with your child works like a bank account
- How our negativity bias works against us as parents — and how to counteract it
- What a positive interaction actually looks like (hint: it's not empty praise)
- How the way you talk to your child becomes their inner voice
The goal isn't perfection. It's just tipping the balance.
🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a parent who needs to hear it.
👉 Join me live April 30th for Potty Without Pushback — my free workshop on how to go from diapers to dry without the power struggles, overwhelm, or feeling like you're doing it wrong.
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
Stuck in the Potty Training Start-Stop Loop? Here's What to Do Differently
Are you stuck in the potty training start-stop loop? You try, it falls apart, you stop — and now you're dreading starting again. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains why potty battles happen, why your …
Shownotes
Are you stuck in the potty training start-stop loop? You try, it falls apart, you stop — and now you're dreading starting again. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains why potty battles happen, why your first attempt wasn't a failure, and how one simple shift can change everything.
In this episode:
- Why kids push back against potty training (it's not stubbornness)
- The real reason accidents happen more than you think
- Kyle's story — and the one change that made all the difference
- How to reintroduce the potty without pressure or battles
- The simple phrase that puts your child back in control
Ready to restart or start for the first time? Join Dr. Cathryn's free workshop, Potty Without Pushback — April 30th at 10am EST.
RESOURCES
Potty Without Pushback Workshop: TAP HERE TO SAVE YOUR SEAT APRIL 30th, 10 AM EST
YOU'LL WALK AWAY KNOWING:
- A kinder, quicker way to ditch diapers for good
- How to potty train without the power struggles
- Why your child needs to know "I'm the boss of my body"
- The big-hearted way to promote independence, body awareness, and boost your child's confidence.
- What to do when things go sideways — accidents, setbacks, refusals
RESOURCES
Toddlers Made Easy online coursePotty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
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