Welcome to the Toddlers Made Easy podcast with Dr. Cathryn. Today, we're exploring why toddlers can appear selfish and how to handle it. We’ll discuss how toddlers’ brain development impacts their behavior, and offer strategies for teaching them to manage their emotions without shaming or punishing them. Whether it's dealing with gift disappointment or sharing struggles, we're here to help you understand these challenging but normal developmental phases and turn them into teachable moments. If you're navigating the highs and lows of toddler behavior, this episode is packed with insights and ti ..read more

Dr. Cathryn takes a deep dive into what happens when standard parenting advice doesn't seem to cut it. Despite trying expert strategies, some problems persist, and today, we're focusing on sleep issues that remain challenging despite parents' best efforts. We'll explore real-life struggles parents face when routines don't pan out as planned, and discuss tailored approaches that might work better. In this episode: 1. The Easy-Does-It Method Fails: A parent shares the struggle of bedtime battles with their 3-year-old, from hitting to hair-pulling. Dr. Cathryn discusses the possibility of overt ..read more

Public tantrums often embarrass us—but why is that the case? Even though we understand that tantrums are a normal part of a child's development, these moments can still make us feel incredibly uneasy. We worry about being judged by others, fearing they might see us as less capable parents. There's also an innate discomfort with displaying strong emotions in public, a societal pressure to keep everything looking 'perfect'. We're bringing you new ways of seeing and solving public tantrums. We're diving into new perspectives that will change how you think about and manage these situations. LINK ..read more

In this episode of "Toddlers Made Easy," Dr. Cathryn tackles toddler night wakings, sharing insights from her experiences and scientific research. Highlights include: - The reasons behind toddlers' frequent night wakings and their sleep cycles. - Tips for teaching toddlers self-soothing techniques for better sleep. - The effects of sleep deprivation on parents and kids, including safety and mental health. - Common parenting pitfalls that exacerbate night-waking issues. - Advice for fostering independent sleep habits in toddlers. Dr. Cathryn touches on extra factors that can disrupt sleep, su ..read more

In this episode of "Toddlers Made Easy," Dr. Cathryn shares insights from her own parenting journey, focusing on how to effectively handle toddler tantrums. Discover why traditional methods like time-outs may not always work and learn about the natural stages of a tantrum, from anger to sadness. Dr. Cathryn emphasizes the importance of understanding toddler behavior as a form of communication, not misbehavior. She offers practical strategies for prevention and calm intervention, highlighting the importance of empathy, understanding, and clear communication. These methods are specifically desi ..read more

In this episode of "Parenting Together: When You Don't Agree," Dr. Cathryn dives into the real-life struggles of balancing different parenting styles, just like Cheryl's story where she and her husband can't seem to find common ground on discipline. Discover how open communication and mutual support can transform co-parenting challenges into opportunities for growth. Join us as we explore practical steps to harmonize your parenting approach, ensuring you both work towards the ultimate goal: nurturing and loving your child. Plus, get a sneak peek into the "Toddlers Made Easy" course, a resource ..read more

In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explores the emotional and social challenges children like six-year-old Leo face when feeling unliked. We discuss empathetic parenting strategies, the importance of validating children's feelings, and how a Big-Hearted Interpretation can guide them through social hurdles.  What You'll Learn: How to validate your child's feelings and encourage open communication. The stages of friendship development from toddlers to preschoolers. Effective strategies for observing your child's social interactions and intervening constructively. The importance of empathy, kind ..read more

In this episode, we delve into fostering kindness within our families, prompted by a study showing kids often think their parents value success over empathy. As a pediatrician and mom, I share actionable steps for embedding kindness in our daily lives, from acknowledging the grocery store clerk to engaging in family volunteer work. We discuss the importance of leading by example, celebrating small acts of kindness, teaching the value of apologies, and making amends. This journey towards raising caring, respectful, and responsible adults starts with our actions more than our words. Join us as w ..read more

In today’s episode, Dr. Cathryn delves into the crucial balance of big-hearted parenting, navigating the fine line between gentleness and permissiveness. Highlighting a listener's question about sibling name-calling, Dr. Cathryn offers practical advice on fostering a supportive family environment where feelings are acknowledged, and teaching needed skills is encouraged over shame and punishment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to strengthen their parent-child bond with compassion and effective leadership, ensuring their child feels valued and understood, all while learning to ..read more

Is your toddler’s desire to delay dozing off driving you to distraction? Bedtime fears usually start at around two years and may last several years. They happen very commonly because children spend their days in imaginative play, and it is tough for them to turn that off at bedtime.  Even though there are many valid reasons for your toddler to fight at bedtime, you still need a chance to get some rest. Your needs matter and you have less to give when you need to recharge. So there is no need to feel guilty about wanting your child to sleep so you can take some time for yourself.  In ..read more