Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

In this episode, Dr. Cathryn talks about why sharing is so hard early on, what toddlers are actually capable of, and how to handle toy struggles without forcing lessons their brains aren’t ready to learn.

You’ll learn how to support your toddler’s big feelings, keep everyone safe, and gently guide sharing skills as they develop—without pressure, shame, or power struggles.

In this episode, you’ll learn:


Why toddlers aren’t developmentally ready to share (and when that changes)


What to say and do when your child grabs toys or melts down at the park


How forcing sharing can backfire—and what works better instead

Want more big-hearted tools like this?Check out Toddlers Made Easy, my online course with simple, practical strategies for tantrums, boundaries, sharing, sleep, and everyday toddler struggles—designed to make parenting calmer in just a few minutes a day.

👉 Learn more at Toddlers Made Easy

RESOURCES:

RESOURCES:

👉 Join the Big-Hearted membership: ⁠The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting⁠

👉 Follow ⁠Dr. Cathryn on Instagram⁠

👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox

When kids ignore us, it can feel personal. Disrespectful. Triggering.But what if “not listening” isn’t a behavior problem at all?

In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains why toddlers and preschoolers struggle with cooperation, what’s really happening in their developing brains, and why yelling may work in the moment—but backfires long-term.

You’ll learn how to help your child cooperate without threats, bribes, or power struggles, using big-hearted strategies that help kids feel seen, safe, and more willing to listen.

Because when kids aren’t listening, they’re not being difficult—they’re developing.

RESOURCES:

👉 Join the Big-Hearted membership: ⁠The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting⁠

👉 Follow ⁠Dr. Cathryn on Instagram⁠

👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: ⁠newsletter

Dr Cathryn unpacks what to do before potty training starts—how to prepare your home, your child, and yourself— so the process feels calmer, easier, and more manageable.


Set up your space to reduce stress
Small home-prep steps—like easy cleanup, clear paths to the potty, and stable seating—lower frustration and support learning.


Warm up your child without pressure
Simple, playful practice helps kids connect body signals to the potty before anything feels urgent.


Focus on confidence, not control
A big-hearted approach builds body awareness, minimizes power struggles, and keeps you connected through the messy moments.

🎉 Free Potty Party coming in early February!
I’ll be hosting a free 3-day Potty Party to walk you through big-hearted potty training and help you feel ready and confident before you begin. More details coming soon—stay tuned.

RESOURCES:

👉 Join the big-hearted membership: The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting

👉 Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram

👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: newsletter

Potty training doesn’t begin with underwear or sticker charts. It starts with you.
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains how potty training isn’t just about whether your toddler is ready. Your readiness matters too.

Key takeaways:

Mantras like "This phase won't last forever" anchor you mid-chaos.

Cleanup baskets + simple mindset shifts make accidents no big deal.

Accidents = lessons, not failures, helping you to respond warm, not rattled.

If you’re about to start potty training (or stuck in the middle of it), this episode helps you feel grounded, clear, and ready to lead with calm.

RESOURCES:

Grab the FREE 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training guide and get your child curious, confident, and excited before you begin.

Want more support. Get Potty Training Made Easy: the step-by-step big-hearted approach to saying goodbye to diapers. Special price-over 60% OFF for listeners only.

Why does your toddler say no to everything — even things they usually do without a problem?

In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains the “you-can’t-make-me” reflex — a very normal (and healthy) stage of toddler development that often gets mistaken for defiance.

You’ll learn:


Why toddler resistance is about development, not disrespect


What’s happening inside your child’s brain when “no” comes out fast


The situations that make resistance worse (and why)


What not to do if you want cooperation


Simple, big-hearted ways to guide your child through resistance without power struggles

If mornings feel like constant pushback and you’re wondering, “Why is everything so hard?” — this episode will help you see your toddler differently and respond with more calm and confidence.

RESOURCES:

The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting membership

Toddlers Made Easy - a sweet & smart online course

Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram

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