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

How important is collaborating with your kids?

In this episode, I discuss the third C of Collaborative Discipline: Collaboration.   I share that it's the togetherness is where you problem solve.

Let's turn the daily tantrums into teachable moments that align with your core values as you raise whole kids in my ⁠⁠Transforming the Toddler Years Course⁠⁠.

The course is six modules and it dives deep. It gives you many resources to team up with your kids to get to the promised lands that you want to get to without all the typical parenting drama that is very popularized on the internet and social media. Check it out ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠.⁠

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August 18, 2026

Episode 342

The Third C of Collaborative Discipline - Collaborate to Problem Solve

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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Curious about collaborative discipline?

In this episode, I talk about the second C of collaborative discipline- communication! I share why it is a cornerstone of the collaborative discipline framework and share an example of it in action.

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

Ready to take the next step?

Check out my short video training, where I guide you through the process of writing your personalized mission statement for raising and to teaching extraordinary human beings. Find all the details⁠ ⁠here⁠⁠.

August 11, 2026

Episode 341

The Second C of Collaborative Discipline - Intentional Communication

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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Want to know how to really connect with your child?

In this episode, I talk about connection being the key first step in the collaborative discipline cycle. Spoiler alert: connection is not made with words!

Ready to take the next step?

Check out my short video training, where I guide you through the process of writing your personalized mission statement for raising and to teaching extraordinary human beings. Find all the details ⁠here⁠.

August 4, 2026

Episode 340

The First C of Collaborative Discipline - Connect Before You Expect

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!⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join me as I discuss the four C's of collaborative discipline, starting with a positive definition of discipline. I then give an overview of the four intentional steps of collaborative discipline and share a story where I recently practiced this approach.

⁠Ready to Adopt the 4 C’s of Collaborative Discipline?⁠

Grab your free download and embrace connection before correction! Get it ⁠here.

Check out Episode #1 of my first series Raising Successful Kids: Skill #1 - Waiting

July 28, 2026

Episode 339

The 4 C's of Collaborative Discipline

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 missing piece to raising cooperative kids isn't sharing, but learning how to compromise?

In this episode, we explore why compromise is a skill that develops through emotional regulation, not simply expecting children to "work it out." You'll learn how helping children understand another person's perspective creates the foundation for genuine collaboration. We also discuss why jumping in with solutions can actually limit problem-solving and how curiosity can empower children to create their own win-win plans. By teaching the process of compromise from an early age, we help children build lifelong skills in communication, empathy, and healthy conflict resolution.

Don't miss a thing! Sign up for my weekly newsletter and get parenting tips, podcast episodes, and exclusive updates delivered straight to your inbox every Monday morning. ⁠⁠Sign up here.⁠⁠

July 21, 2026

Episode 338

Teaching Toddlers 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!⁠⁠

What if teaching your toddler to manage time isn't about timers at all, but about giving them the chance to make their own decisions?

In this episode, I explain why toddlers are capable of developing time management skills much earlier than most people realize when we shift from directing to guiding. I share practical strategies for setting clear expectations, asking thoughtful questions, and giving children enough time to process and plan their actions before transitions. You'll discover how small language shifts can strengthen executive functioning, build independence, and reduce power struggles around everyday routines like cleaning up before dinner. Plus, I remind parents that time management is just one of several essential life skills—and it's okay to focus on one developmental goal at a time.

Don't miss a thing! Sign up for my weekly newsletter and get parenting tips, podcast episodes, and exclusive updates delivered straight to your inbox every Monday morning. Sign up here.

July 14, 2026

Episode 337

How to Teach Your Toddler Time Management

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!⁠

Can the way we talk about pride shape a child's confidence, resilience, and lifelong motivation?

In this episode, we explore the two very different meanings of pride and why helping children develop an internal sense of accomplishment is essential for healthy growth. You'll learn how creating small pockets of child-led time and using intentional language can nurture genuine confidence instead of external validation. We also unpack why phrases like "I'm so proud of you" may have a different impact than you think—and what to say instead to encourage lasting self-belief. Join us for a thoughtful conversation on raising children who are motivated from within and equipped to thrive.

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

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

July 7, 2026

Episode 336

Raising Proud Kids Without Raising Prideful Children

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 your child has to navigate relationships with people they simply don't click with?

In this episode, I take a deeper dive into relational intelligence, exploring how children can learn empathy, compassion, and perspective-taking when faced with challenging interpersonal dynamics. Drawing from my own experience supporting a child through a difficult teacher-student relationship, I share practical strategies for helping children understand that different perspectives and personalities don't make someone "bad"—just different. Discover how teaching perspective-taking today can help your child build stronger, more respectful relationships throughout life.This week’s challenge: When your child faces a challenging relationship or conflict, use “What do you think…” and “I wonder…” questions to help them step into someone else’s perspective and build empathy, respect, and understanding of differences.

June 30, 2026

Episode 335

Raising Smart Kids in a Digital World - Part 4 - Questions That Teach Perspective

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 your child's future success depends less on what they know and more on how they connect with others?

In this episode of the Raising Smart Kids in a Digital World series, I explore relational intelligence and why strong, authentic relationships are essential for learning, resilience, and personal growth. I explain how children develop their understanding of trust, respect, communication, and connection through their earliest relationships—especially those they observe at home. Through practical examples, I highlight the powerful role parents play in modeling healthy interactions and creating a foundation of honesty, respect, and meaningful conversation.

Read or revisit the section on the Core Four Connectors in Talk to Them Early and Often and apply the principles of collaborative discipline and relationship-building discussed!

June 23, 2026

Episode 334

Raising Smart Kids in a Digital World - Part 3 - Relational Intelligence

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 most important thing you can teach your child is who they are, not what they can do?

In this episode, I continue the Raising Smart Kids in a Digital World series by exploring how self-awareness and identity form the foundation of emotional intelligence and lifelong learning. I explain why children are born with unique temperaments, strengths, and character traits, and how parents can nurture these qualities through observation and intentional language. Tune in to discover how recognizing and affirming your child's natural gifts can strengthen relationships, build character, and support their long-term success.

Want to take your parenting journey to another level?⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Book your complimentary connection call now!

June 16, 2026

Episode 333

Raising Smart Kids in a Digital World - Part 2 - Cultivating Their Character

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!⁠