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.

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In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy, Dr. Cathryn breaks down why young children wake up at night—and what actually helps. She shares a personal parenting misstep that changed how she thinks about sleep, then explains the most common reasons night wakings happen, including sleep associations, fears, and separation anxiety.

Dr. Cathryn also covers when medical issues—like sleep apnea, restless legs, or eczema—may be part of the picture.

You’ll learn how much sleep toddlers truly need and walk away with practical, realistic steps to improve nighttime sleep—without pressure or blame.

RESOURCES:

Order my new book ⁠Toddlers Made Easy ⁠

Join the ⁠Big-Hearted School of Parenting⁠

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Ever feel like your toddler’s tantrums come out of nowhere—and take forever to end? You’re not alone. In today’s episode, Dr. Cathryn shares a big-hearted, science-backed approach to handling tantrums that actually works.

RESOURCES:

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Food battles usually are not about food. They are about your child’s brain doing its job: protecting them from anything that feels unfamiliar.

In this episode, I share Mikey’s story (a spirited 4-year-old who refused every vegetable), why pressure and “just one bite” backfired, and what is actually normal toddler eating—tiny appetites, changing preferences, and a strong need for control.

You will learn three simple, big-hearted strategies that prevent picky habits:

Let your child decide how much to eat

Let your child choose what to eat from what is served

Build a calm, positive mealtime environment (connection over consumption)

Plus: bonus tips like screen-free meals, predictable snacks, no grazing, and the “No Thank You Bowl” that lowers pressure fast.

Takeaway: When kids feel pressured, intake goes down.

Resources:

Order my new book Toddlers Made Easy

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Dr. Cathryn talks about why toddler fears are so common — and how to support your little one without minimizing their feelings or rushing them through fear. You’ll learn simple, big-hearted ways to help your child feel seen, safe, and supported, while also building the confidence they need to move through scary moments at their own pace.

We cover:

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Help! My Child Will Only Poop In A Diaper

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Wired or Tired? Why Your Toddler Loses It at Bedtime

Learn the simple brain science behind overtiredness, the early signs that your child’s sleep window is opening, and why the “second wind” isn’t extra energy. It’s a stress response.

I’ll walk you through how to spot the subtle cues, how to shift bedtime earlier, and what to do when you’ve missed the window, and your child is bouncing off the walls.

You’ll also get a quick, big-hearted reset routine you can use anytime evenings go sideways.

This episode will help you understand your child’s behavior, calm the chaos, and make bedtime smoother for everyone.

RESOURCES:

Help Your Child Fall Asleep Without You!

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Body image doesn’t start in the teen years—it starts in the toddler years. And the words we use today become the beliefs our kids carry tomorrow.

In this week’s episode, I’m sharing how our language, reactions, and even the way we talk about our own bodies shape how little kids see themselves.

You’ll learn:

These strategies will help you raise a child who feels confident and comfortable in their body.

RESOURCES:

Toddlers Made Easy course

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If your child will pee on the potty but absolutely must poop in a diaper, you’re not doing anything wrong — and your child isn’t being stubborn.

This is one of the most common (and most confusing) potty roadblocks for parents.

In this episode, I walk you through why kids get stuck in the “diaper-only” pattern, what’s really going on in their bodies and brains, and the simple steps that help them move forward without pressure or power struggles. You’ll learn how to reset, what to stop doing, and how to make pooping feel safe again.

If you’re tired of waiting for your child to “be ready,” you’ll leave this episode with a calm, clear plan — and a whole lot of relief.

RESOURCES:

Help! My Child Will Only Poop In A Diaper waitlist

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If bedtime feels like a nightly battle of endless requests — more water, more hugs, more everything — this episode is for you.

In this episode:

Why separation at bedtime triggers anxiety for toddlers

How connection, not control, helps kids settle

5 simple ways to fill your child’s connection cup

What to do when your toddler is wired and wild before sleep

How to co-regulate and end bedtime battles for good

Resources:

Toddlers Made Easy course

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Kidsy

Why the Toddler Years Aren't What You Think

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