Transforming The Toddler Years- Parents and Educators Raising Calm, Connected, Capable Kids

What if simply observing, waiting, and listening could help boost your toddler’s language development and communication skills?

In this episode, we explore the OWL method—Observe, Wait, and Listen—and how this simple parenting strategy gives toddlers the space they need to practice language, build sentences, and express their thoughts. You’ll learn why repetition and pauses are important for toddler speech and language development, and why resisting the urge to fill every moment of silence can lead to richer communication. We also introduce the “S” for Speak, showing parents how to use meaningful language and reflection after their child has had a chance to lead the conversation. Discover practical ways to support your toddler’s language development, strengthen your connection, and encourage confident communication during everyday play and activities.

  Watch a tutorial video of me using my words to help a little one transition. Find the video here: https://www.core4parenting.com/collaborate

October 6, 2026

Episode 352

Toddler with Speech Delays? Use the OWLS Method for Language Development

About Your Host:

Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success.

As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if one of the simplest tools for helping your child connect, communicate, and regulate is already in your voice? 

In this episode, I talk with music therapist, musician, author, and mom Vered Benhorin, about how everyday singing can support connection, language development, transitions, and co-regulation with babies and toddlers. We explore why repetition, rhythm, movement, and that naturally sing-songy way we talk to babies can be so powerful for early learning.

Vered also shares simple ways parents, caregivers, and educators can create their own songs for everything from diaper changes and bedtime to calming big feelings. Most importantly, we talk about why you don't need to be a great singer—or even consider yourself musical—to use music as a joyful way to connect with the little humans in your life.  

Vered Benhorin, LCAT, is a board-certified music therapist, psychotherapist, parenting author, recording artist, and family connection expert whose work brings together attachment theory, music, mindfulness, and play. She studied music therapy and clinical psychology and has spent nearly two decades helping parents strengthen connection with their babies and young children through Baby in Tune. Learn more about the work she does here.

Interested in a Toddler Tribe Community full of resources and connection?

⁠⁠DM⁠ ⁠me "Community" on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠so we can connect!

October 1, 2026

Episode 351

Sing to Your Baby from Birth. The Connection Power of Music with Vered Benhorin

About Your Host:

Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success.

As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if the best way to keep your toddler entertained is to stop trying to entertain them? 

In this episode, I unpack the idea of “don’t solve a problem you don’t have” and share why giving children space to be bored, observe, explore, and come up with their own ideas is an important part of building autonomy. I share stories from traveling with my own young children and explain how over-preparing can sometimes get in the way of their opportunity to practice entertaining themselves. We’ll look at how to recognize when your child truly needs something from you—and when the most helpful thing you can do is simply give them the space to figure it out. Whether you’re traveling, at home, or out and about, this episode offers a simple shift that can help you step back while still supporting your child’s learning and development.  

🎤 Want to be the first to watch Cara’s upcoming TED Talk, “Grown-Ups Don’t Know Everything”? Sign up for Cara’s newsletter at ⁠caratyrrell.com⁠ to be the first to know when the talk is released!

September 29, 2026

Episode 350

How Do I Keep Toddlers Entertained During Travel? My Best Advice In One Sentence

About Your Host:

Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success.

As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if teaching toddlers to say “please” and “thank you” isn’t really about manners at all?

In this episode, I explore how we can move beyond forcing polite words and instead help children develop genuine gratitude, connection, cooperation, and humility from the inside out. You’ll learn how music, repetition, modeling, and playful prompts can teach manners without shame, blame, or coercion. I also share a sweet story that demonstrates how a simple song can help toddlers naturally remember to say “thank you.”

🎤 Want to be the first to watch Cara’s upcoming TED Talk, “Grown-Ups Don’t Know Everything”? Sign up for Cara’s newsletter at caratyrrell.com to be the first to know when the talk is released!

September 22, 2026

Episode 349

Teaching Toddlers Manners: Please and Thank You

About Your Host:

Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success.

As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when we stop seeing challenging behavior as a problem to fix and start seeing it as a developmental need to understand?

In this episode, Danielle—a mother, educator, and doctoral researcher—joins the conversation to explore how adult expectations, reactions, and past experiences can shape children’s behavior and how proactive, relationship-based approaches can create more successful environments for young children. We discuss the importance of play, developmentally appropriate expectations, and giving children the space to be messy, explore, and learn rather than focusing too heavily on academic readiness. Together, we explore alternative care settings, the importance of emotional and relational safety, and why sharing what we know about our children with their teachers can help build the relationships and support children need to thrive.

Dr. Danielle Dushane is a former teacher and early interventionist. She is a mom of three and former foster parent. She has a Ph.D. in education and a Master's in Special Education and her research focuses on preschool and childcare expulsion. She is passionate about helping educators partner with families to support their children.

September 17, 2026

Episode 348

Understanding Challenging Preschool Behaviors with Dr. Danielle Dushane

About Your Host:

Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success.

As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if one of the most powerful skills we can give our children is the ability to think creatively when no one is there to entertain them?

In this episode, we explore the important difference between creative thinking—the ability to imagine possibilities, solve problems, and generate ideas—and creative play, which is how children put those ideas into action. We discuss why boredom and independent play are essential opportunities for children to strengthen their “creative thinking muscle” and why adults can sometimes unintentionally limit imagination by insisting on what is real. Through a powerful story about a family on a device-free dinner outing, we explore the importance of nurturing children’s expansive imaginations while also eventually teaching them when to distinguish fantasy from reality. The episode ends with a simple challenge for parents and educators: encourage creativity by asking two powerful questions—“What if?” and “I wonder.”

🧠 Your Toddler Tribe Homework

This week, your mission is simple: feed that creative brain! ✨

When your little one is playing, exploring, or wondering about the world, try swapping out answers and instructions for two magic phrases:

“What if…?”
“I wonder…”

What if that cardboard box were a rocket ship?
I wonder where it could take us?
What if we added something else?
I wonder what would happen next?

The goal isn’t to make their play bigger or better—it’s to give their imagination room to lead. Step back, get curious, and see where their wonderfully creative brains take them!

September 15, 2026

Episode 347

Creative Thinking vs. Creative Play - What a Girl Dad in a Cafe Taught Me

About Your Host:

Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success.

As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if understanding toddler behavior—not controlling it—is the key to better communication, cooperation, and connection?

In this special listener-inspired episode, I explore the biggest challenges facing parents, caregivers, and early childhood educators, including toddler tantrums, big feelings, emotional regulation, challenging behaviors, transitions, routines, and learning how to communicate with young children. I reveal that what adults truly want isn’t simply better behavior or obedience, but stronger relationships, emotional intelligence, relational intelligence, and practical tools for communicating with toddlers and young children. Whether you’re parenting a toddler, working in early childhood education, or caring for young children, this episode offers a powerful reminder that emotional safety, connection, and intentional communication are the foundation for cooperation, positive relationships, and lifelong learning.

Interested in the Sign to Speak - The Communication Bridgeon-demand course that teaches you how to communicate effectively with your baby as they learn to talk? Get it now!

September 8, 2026

Episode 346

The Hardest Thing About Parenting Toddlers (And it's not what you think)

About Your Host:

Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success.

As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if you could hand off the endless mental checklist of family life and finally be more present with the people you love? 

In this episode, Diliani Kahawala unpacks the invisible mental load parents carry—from meal planning and school forms to schedule changes, reminders, and constantly anticipating what everyone needs next. We explore how Anna, an AI-powered personal assistant, can help parents offload that behind-the-scenes project management by connecting with calendars, email, messaging apps, and family schedules. Diliani also shares how Anna is designed with privacy and security in mind, while helping parents manage both their family responsibilities and professional lives. Most importantly, this conversation is about using technology intentionally to give parents back time, reduce overwhelm, and create more space for connection, presence, and meaningful family memories.

Dilani Kahawala, co-founder and CEO of Anna, a truly autonomous AI assistant designed to help busy parents reduce their mental load and stay on top of family life. As a parent of three, she understands firsthand the challenge of balancing family, work, and everything in between. Before founding Anna, Diliani led product management teams at companies including Meta and Etsy, bringing her experience in technology and product development to building a tool that gives parents back time and mental space.Try out Anna today with a FREE 30 day trial! Use code LAUNCH: www.hianna.ai

September 3, 2026

Episode 345

How to Reduce Your Mental Load during the Back to School Transition with Dilaini co-founder of Anna

About Your Host:

Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success.

As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠

Could that endless chorus of “Mama, mama, mama” actually be an important milestone in your toddler’s language development?

In this episode, we explore why toddlers repeatedly say a parent or caregiver’s name before nearly every sentence as they practice the connection between attention, communication, and relationships. Rather than a behavior meant to frustrate you, this repetition is a developmental learning phase that helps children build confidence and strengthen the neural pathways involved in expressive language. We also discuss how responding with connection-based phrases like “Yes, love” instead of the automatic “What?” can support your child’s communication while reducing frustration for both of you. Tune in to learn how small changes in the words and tone you use can nurture connection and help your toddler’s language truly explode.

 Take my two-minute survey! Win a Free Class!

Tell me your struggles and the resources you're using to help you move through them so that I can do a better job of creating tools for you. As a thank you, everybody who fills it out will get entered in to win a free class of mine. It is an American Sign Language class called Sign to Speak, the communication bridge designed for you, the caregivers of babies and toddlers. Take the survey now!

September 1, 2026

Episode 344

Why Your Toddler Says "Mama" 400 Times a Day (And What to Say Back)

About Your Host:

Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠ A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success.

As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠

How important is compromise with your child?

In this final episode of our five part series on the four Cs of collaborative discipline, learn to transform the way that you connect with kids, problem solve with them and completely avoid power struggles.

⁠Download the free 4 C's of Collaborative Discipline PDF now! ⁠

Looking for more 1:1 help?

⁠Book your complimentary connection call⁠ and we will explore together what it would look like to put together a one-on-one package for you.

August 25, 2026

Episode 343

The Fourth C of Collaborative Discipline - The Art of Compromise

About Your Host:

Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠ A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success.

As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!