Today, we explore whether manners matter for toddlers. Manners, like small acts of kindness, show care and respect, creating a more compassionate world. Teaching "please" and "thank you" instills empathy, helps kids value others, and fosters self-respect. Leading by example is crucial as children learn from us. Ready for a positive change? Check out the Toddlers Made Easy online course to reduce meltdowns, increase cooperation, and build a happier, more confident child and a closer, more positive relationship. Happy parenting! LINKS AND RESOURCES: ONLINE COURSES Toddlers Made Easy Course Po ..read more

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. Let’s break it down: **E**valuate: Take a power pause to create space between your child’s behavior and your reaction. Use deep breathing or grounding techniques to calm your nervous system. **A**cknowledge Feelings: Show your child that you understand their emotions. A simple ac ..read more

In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy, Dr. Cathryn, a pediatrician and mother of four, along with her lovable Goldendoodle Smudge, dives into the topic of kids and pets.  From the benefits of having a furry friend to considerations when choosing the right pet for your family, Dr. Cathryn explores it all. She discusses how pets can boost children's self-esteem, provide companionship, and teach responsibility. Plus, she shares fascinating insights into how pets can contribute to children's physical health and academic development. There is a link for free Toddler and Dog Guide link below. D ..read more

Dr Cathryn is tackling a topic that might seem simple but is actually a big deal for little ones: understanding time. Hear about Marcus, a 3.5-year-old who loves the swings but struggles when it's time to leave. Why? Because his mom is giving a warning like this: “We’re leaving in 5 minutes.” Kids can't see or touch time, so they don't understand it like adults do. But as they grow, they start to get it through routines and daily patterns.  Today’s Tips: 1. Use Sequences: Tell your child, "First park, then lunch, then playdate." It helps them understand the order of events. 2. Visual Tim ..read more

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