Devon Kuntzman, toddler expert and author of Transforming Toddlerhood, joins me to explain why the toddler years feel so intense and how understanding development can change everything.

Together we explore:

• How toddlerhood is defined by contradictory needs for independence and attachment and why this creates so much emotional volatility.
• How rapid cognitive, motor, and language development can leave toddlers feeling disoriented and overwhelmed.
• How to slow down power struggles using developmentally informed tools like asking "What's your plan?" and turning "no" into "not yet."
• Why helping toddlers organize their thinking supports regulation, impulse control, and cooperation.
• How parents can stay flexible, grounded, and confident while navigating a stage that naturally pushes everyone's limits.
• How to grab your free spot in Devon's 9th Annual Transforming Toddlerhood Conference being held live virtually from March 11th-15th.

This episode is designed to help parents make sense of toddler behavior through a developmental lens, reduce self-blame, and walk away with practical strategies for setting limits while still supporting independence, emotional growth, and secure attachment.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:

🔗 Transforming Toddlerhood

🔗 Reserve your FREE spot in the Transforming Toddlerhood Conference

🎧Listen to Devon's first Securely Attached podcast episode about how to effectively set limits, stay calm, and parent with confidence in toddlerhood

📚 Transforming Toddlerhood: How to Handle Tantrums, End Power Struggles, and Raise Resilient Kids—Without Losing Your Mind

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

📱@transformingtoddlerhood

📱@drsarahbren

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

💥 Tired of constant battles with your child? Watch my ✨FREE✨ workshop, Overcoming Power Struggles, where I'll teach you the exact strategies I use in my clinical practice to help parents break free from the cycle of yelling, threats, and negotiations—and instead foster cooperation, connection, and calm. Just visit drsarahbren.com/powerstruggles to get instant access to this workshop.

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 94. Toddler sleep: Why it's different than infant sleep and how to use the attachment relationship to help them fall asleep, with Eileen Henry

🎧 90. Seeing the world through your toddler's eyes: Helping your child feel seen, understood, and validated with the co-authors of the Terrific Toddlers series

🎧 209. How can I get my toddler to share and play nicely with other kids?

🎧231. BTS: How can I build my toddler's assertiveness skills?