When you were learning to drive a car, did you just show up on the day of the exam?
No, you practiced and prepared for it in stages. Turns out the same approach works with potty training too. We know that prepping a child for changes or events can significantly reduce stress and increase coping skills. But we ignore or forget about this concept when it comes to potty training, which is probably one of the most significant events in a child's early life! Typically we tell our kids, “Okay today we are going to start potty training!” Or maybe we prep them a day or two before. But there is so much more to be done to make potty training easier for your child, and for you! Pre-potty training creates a smoother, easier, and really less stressful experience. If you are approaching the potty training stage, then grab a notebook pen, and let’s dive in! 
Links and resources:
 Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: @healthiest_babyCheck out our bestselling online course: Toddlers Made Easy CourseOur NEW Potty Training Made Easy course is here!Get the Dynamic Duo: Toddler Tamining + Potty Training courses and save $20Does potty training terrify you? Discover 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training. Get our free guide and empower your child. Set the path for success! Watch our FREE Tame Tantrums workshop and stay calmer with tricky toddler moments. 
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 If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.
 Episode website

7 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training

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 with more than 30 years of experience and a mother of 4.

Kids & Family

Parenting

In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy, we explore effective strategies to prevent and manage picky eating in toddlers. Understanding toddler behavior is key, as food choices become a primary area of autonomy. How you respond to this natural pickiness can influence whether it becomes an entrenched habit.

We delve into the concept of the Fussy Food Loop, highlighting how to avoid common reactions that may worsen picky eating. From a developmental perspective, babies are generally open to various foods, while toddlers' growth and cognitive changes can lead to unpredictable eating habits.

A Big-Hearted Interpretation (BHI) encourages looking at mealtime from your toddler's perspective. Trusting and empowering your child, rather than pressuring them, is crucial. We discuss the importance of using positive language to encourage trying new foods and avoiding the pitfalls of becoming a short-order cook.

Recognizing red flags is essential, as picky eating might sometimes indicate a more serious issue, such as poor weight gain or developmental concerns.

For more strategies and support, check out the Toddlers Made Easy course, linked in the show notes. Remember, you don’t have to be a perfect parent to raise an awesome kid. 


LINKS AND RESOURCES:

ONLINE COURSES
Toddlers Made Easy Course
Potty Training Made Easy 

FREEBIES: 
eBook: 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training. Get our free guide and empower your child. Set the path for success!

Masterclass: Tame Tantrums 

Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_baby

SPONSORS:
ONE SKIN: https://www.oneskin.co/
BRIGHTSIDED PODCAST: https://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/news/podcast/

Send Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, drcathryn@healthiest-baby.com

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️
If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

No More Picky Eaters

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.
Dr. Cathryn also addresses important safety considerations, regarding toddlers and dogs. She provides valuable tips from Domenika @dogmeets_baby. Domenika is an expert in safety on ensuring harmonious and safe interaction between your little one and your four-legged family member. You’ll find the link below for an amazing dog meets baby guide.
Also, don’t miss out on our amazing Mother’s Day Sale, more about it in the shownotes. 


LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Dog Meets Baby Guide

ONLINE COURSES
Toddlers Made Easy Course
Potty Training Made Easy 

FREEBIES: 
eBook: 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training. Get our free guide and empower your child. Set the path for success!
Masterclass: Tame Tantrums 
Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_baby

SPONSORS:
ONE SKIN: https://www.oneskin.co/
BRIGHTSIDED PODCAST: https://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/news/podcast/

Send Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, drcathryn@healthiest-baby.com

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️
If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

Pets & Kids: Must-Haves or Maybe Nots?

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 Timers: These show how much time is left in a way kids can see.
3. Sand Timers: A simple tool that helps kids see time passing.
4. OK WAKE UP Clocks: Helps your child know when it's okay to get out of bed by showing a green light.
5. Bonus Tip: Use calendars or a bead necklace to countdown to special days.
Thanks for tuning in to Toddlers Made Easy, where we make the tough parts of parenting easier!
Interested in more tools and big ideas to help during these challenging but crucial years? Check out our Toddlers Made Easy course for parents of 1 to 6-year-olds. It's a game-changer for your sanity and your child's development!
LINKS AND RESOURCES:

ONLINE COURSES
Toddlers Made Easy Course
Potty Training Made Easy 

FREEBIES: 
eBook: 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training. Get our free guide and empower your child. Set the path for success!
Masterclass: Tame Tantrums 
Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_baby

ONE SKIN: https://www.oneskin.co/

Send Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, drcathryn@healthiest-baby.com

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️
If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

Never Repeat Yourself Again: Tips to Help Kids Listen Every Time

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 tips for more harmonious days. Don't miss out on our course, "Toddlers Made Easy," for more in-depth guidance. Check the link in the show notes to learn more!

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

ONLINE COURSES
Toddlers Made Easy Course
Potty Training Made Easy 

FREEBIES: 
eBook: 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training. Get our free guide and empower your child. Set the path for success!
Masterclass: Tame Tantrums 

Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_baby

FactorMeals

Send Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, drcathryn@healthiest-baby.com

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️
If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

Is Your Toddler Selfish or Just Being a Toddler?

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 overtiredness, the importance of understanding behavior triggers, and strategies for teaching kids to express their frustrations constructively.

2. Endless Bedtime with Mia: Four-year-old Mia can't seem to settle down at bedtime, constantly asking for "one more story." We'll talk about adjusting bedtimes, acknowledging feelings while maintaining boundaries, and practical tips for helping Mia feel connected and calm at bedtime.

3. Nighttime Fears: A parent is concerned about their 3.5-year-old's recent bedtime fears. Based on effective research findings, Dr. Cathryn introduces a comforting strategy involving a stuffed animal to help the child manage fears and build empathy.

Dr. Cathryn wraps up by reminding listeners that while generic advice can be helpful, personalized adjustments are key to meeting your child's unique needs. Remember, you're the expert on your child. 

Thank you for tuning in, and keep nurturing those little ones with love and understanding.

Send Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, drcathryn@healthiest-baby.com

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Our *bestselling* online courses are already helping thousands of parents:
Toddlers Made Easy Course
Potty Training Made Easy 

Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_baby

FREEBIES: 
eBook: 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training. Get our free guide and empower your child. Set the path for success!
Masterclass: Tame Tantrums 

FactorMeals

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️
If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

7 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training

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