Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

2d ago

Food battles usually are not about food. They are about your child’s brain doing its job: protecting them from anything that feels unfamiliar. In this episode, I share Mikey’s story (a spirited 4-year-old who refused every vegetable), why pressure and “just one bite” backfired, and what is actually normal toddler eating—tiny appetites, changing preferences, and a strong need for control. You will learn three simple, big-hearted strategies that prevent picky habits: Let your child decide how much to eat Let your child choose what to eat from what is served Build a calm, positive mealtime environment (connection over consumption) Plus: bonus tips like screen-free meals, predictable snacks, no grazing, and the “No Thank You Bowl” that lowers pressure fast. Takeaway: When kids feel pressured, intake goes down. Resources: Order my new book Toddlers Made Easy Join The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram Get Toddlers Made Easy course Sponsor: Acorns Early

Dec 10

Dr. Cathryn talks about why toddler fears are so common — and how to support your little one without minimizing their feelings or rushing them through fear. You’ll learn simple, big-hearted ways to help your child feel seen, safe, and supported, while also building the confidence they need to move through scary moments at their own pace. We cover: Why fears show up in toddlerhood How to respond when fears feel inconvenient or confusing What to say (and what to skip) How naming and narrating emotions help kids process big feelings Ways to empower your child without pushing them RESOURCES: Help! My Child Will Only Poop In A Diaper Toddlers Made Easy course Follow me on Insta Get Dr. Cathryn's emails packed with big-hearted tools, developmentally-strategies, and practical tools straight to your Inbox. Grab Dr. Cathryn's bestselling book, Toddlers Made Easy Sponsors: Acorns Early

Dec 3

Wired or Tired? Why Your Toddler Loses It at Bedtime Learn the simple brain science behind overtiredness, the early signs that your child’s sleep window is opening, and why the “second wind” isn’t extra energy. It’s a stress response. I’ll walk you through how to spot the subtle cues, how to shift bedtime earlier, and what to do when you’ve missed the window, and your child is bouncing off the walls. You’ll also get a quick, big-hearted reset routine you can use anytime evenings go sideways. This episode will help you understand your child’s behavior, calm the chaos, and make bedtime smoother for everyone. RESOURCES: Help Your Child Fall Asleep Without You! Toddlers Made Easy course Follow me on Insta Get Dr. Cathryn's emails packed with big-hearted tools, developmentally-strategies, and practical tools straight to your Inbox. Grab Dr. Cathryn's bestselling book, Toddlers Made Easy Sponsors: Acorns Early

Nov 26

Body image doesn’t start in the teen years—it starts in the toddler years. And the words we use today become the beliefs our kids carry tomorrow. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing how our language, reactions, and even the way we talk about our own bodies shape how little kids see themselves. You’ll learn: • Why kids as young as 3–6 already notice and compare bodies • How to respond when your child asks, “Am I fat?” • Simple phrases that build healthy body image (and what to avoid) These strategies will help you raise a child who feels confident and comfortable in their body. RESOURCES: Toddlers Made Easy course Follow me on Insta Get Dr. Cathryn's emails packed with big-hearted tools, developmentally-strategies, and practical tools straight to your Inbox. Grab Dr. Cathryn's bestselling book, Toddlers Made Easy Sponsors: Acorns Early

Nov 19

If your child will pee on the potty but absolutely must poop in a diaper, you’re not doing anything wrong — and your child isn’t being stubborn. This is one of the most common (and most confusing) potty roadblocks for parents. In this episode, I walk you through why kids get stuck in the “diaper-only” pattern, what’s really going on in their bodies and brains, and the simple steps that help them move forward without pressure or power struggles. You’ll learn how to reset, what to stop doing, and how to make pooping feel safe again. If you’re tired of waiting for your child to “be ready,” you’ll leave this episode with a calm, clear plan — and a whole lot of relief. RESOURCES: Help! My Child Will Only Poop In A Diaper waitlist Toddlers Made Easy course Follow me on Insta Get Dr. Cathryn's emails packed with big-hearted tools, developmentally-strategies, and practical tools straight to your Inbox. Grab Dr. Cathryn's bestselling book , Toddlers Made Easy Sponsors: Acorns Early

Nov 12

If bedtime feels like a nightly battle of endless requests — more water, more hugs, more everything — this episode is for you. Dr. Cathryn breaks down what’s really happening in your child’s brain at bedtime and why those stall tactics aren’t defiance but biology. You’ll learn simple, science-backed ways to calm your child’s nervous system, fill their “connection cup,” and finally make bedtime smoother, happier, and shorter. In this episode: Why separation at bedtime triggers anxiety for toddlers How connection, not control, helps kids settle 5 simple ways to fill your child’s connection cup What to do when your toddler is wired and wild before sleep How to co-regulate and end bedtime battles for good Resources: Toddlers Made Easy course Follow me on Insta Get Dr. Cathryn's emails packed with big-hearted tools, developmentally-strategies, and practical tools straight to your Inbox. Get Dr. Cathryn's bestselling book , Toddlers Made Easy Sponsors: Acorns Early Kidsy

Nov 5

Why the Toddler Years Aren't What You Think Episode Overview: The "terrible twos" aren't terrible—they're transformational. This episode reframes toddlerhood from a stage to survive into the most critical developmental window for building emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-esteem. What You'll Learn: Why your toddler's brain is 80% grown by age 3 (but still under construction) How everyday meltdowns are actually brain-building moments The 1930s origin of "terrible twos" and why that label hurts parents and kids Simple language shifts that turn tantrums into teaching opportunities Why play is serious developmental work—not just fun How to respond to big emotions without giving in or shutting down Key Takeaway: Your toddler isn't being difficult on purpose—they're learning how to feel, wait, share, and cope. When you shift your mindset from "surviving" to "shaping," everything changes. Perfect For: Parents drowning in tantrums, power struggles, and cold coffee who want to understand what's really happening in their toddler's brain—and how to make these years easier (and more meaningful). Resources: Get the big-hearted course that makes parenting easier Toddlers Made Easy Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_baby/ Sponsors: Acorn Early Kidsy

Oct 29

In this bite-sized episode, we’re cutting through the confusion around potty training readiness. 👉 Big idea: Readiness = willing + able . But the best way to know? Gently start prepping and see how your child responds. RESOURCES: Get Free Guide- 5 Must-Do's Before Starting Potty Training Guide: https://www.healthiest-baby.com/5-ways-to-make-potty-training-easier Potty Training Made Easy course : Discover the unapologetically lazy potty training method trusted by 1M+ families — no bribes, begging, or battles required. Sponsors: Acorns Early Kidsy