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

What happens when your instincts scream danger, but the reality says your child is safe?

In this episode, I share a heart-racing moment in a parking lot that became a powerful lesson in balancing fear with intentional language. You’ll hear how one caregiver managed her own emotional response while staying connected to her child’s experience. I demonstrate how reflective statements can turn chaotic moments into meaningful learning opportunities. I emphasize that staying mindful and choosing your words carefully can transform even the most triggering situations into growth for both you and your child.

Want to practice some intentional language script starters, some frameworks that give you an idea of what to say even when you are escalated?

Grab a copy of my new book Talk to Them Early and Often. It is an intentional language guide for infant, toddler caregivers, and it gives you the tools to navigate the tricky situations.

April 28, 2026

Episode 324

What to Say to Toddlers When They Run Away

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 calming your child actually starts with calming yourself?

MJ Murray Vanchon, creator of the Inner Challenge mental wellness program, joins me to explore practical ways parents can build inner calm for themselves and their kids. MJ shares simple, effective mindfulness tools like grounding and intentional breathing, as children rely on co-regulation and adults must regulate first.

MJ is a licensed clinical social worker with over 40 years of experience and more than 50,000 hours of clinical sessions, many focused on parenting and family life. She developed Inner Challenge, a skills-based mental wellness program used in schools for over 21 years, incorporated into HealthWorks!—a children’s health museum. MJ is also the host of the Creating Midlife Calm podcast, where she translates psychology into practical, doable tools for everyday life. Check it out now!

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

April 23, 2026

Episode 323

Accessing Mental Wellness as a Toddler Parent with M.J. Murray Vachon, LCSW

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 forthcoming 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 a simple shift in how you speak could transform a child’s confidence and development?

In this episode, I wrap up the Little Linguists series by introducing a powerful strategy: turning “are you” questions into “you are” statements to reduce stress and improve communication with young children. I demonstrate how everyday interactions can be reframed to support understanding and autonomy. Caregivers are reminded that they are a child’s first teacher, and that intentional word choices play a critical role in early development.

Be the First to Know When Talk to Them Early and Often is Available For Preorder. Get on the list⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠

April 21, 2026

Episode 323

Why Questions are Stressful for Kids & What to Say Instead (Little Linguists Part 12)

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 forthcoming 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 giving children more choice is actually the key to better behavior and deeper connection?

In this episode I celebrate the Week of the Young Child, highlighting the importance of early learning and the communities that support it. Through real-life moments, I demonstrate how offering children permission, rather than control, can transform their willingness to participate and feel safe. I offer a powerful reminder that when we shift our responses, children naturally begin to engage, connect, and thriveReady to take the next step to start being on the same team as your kids and watch their behavior and their choices change?

I would love for you to go check out my Transforming   the Toddler Years Course. Six modules, one massive transformation rooted in the psychology of human connection and the science of early language and behavior management. Learn more about it here!

April 14, 2026

Episode 322

What to Say When Kids Refuse - Expectation vs. Permission Based Statements

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 forthcoming 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 giving children permission instead of control could completely transform their behavior?

In this episode I celebrate the Week of the Young Child, a joyful initiative highlighting the importance of early learning and the communities that support it. I share how honoring children’s choices creates a sense of safety and trust. Tune in to explore how shifting from control to collaboration can strengthen relationships and foster more meaningful learning experiences.

 Ready to take the next step to start being on the same team as your kids and watch their behavior and their choices change?

I would love for you to go check out my Transforming the Toddler Years Course. Six modules, one massive transformation rooted in the psychology of human connection and the science of early language and behavior management. Learn more about it here!

April 14, 2026

Episode 322

What to Say When Kids Refuse - Expectation vs. Permission Based Statements

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 forthcoming 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 giving children permission instead of control could completely transform their behavior?

In this episode I celebrate the Week of the Young Child, a joyful initiative highlighting the importance of early learning and the communities that support it. I share how honoring children’s choices creates a sense of safety and trust. Rather than enforcing compliance, the power of “permission-based” responses invites children to engage on their own terms, often leading to deeper connection and participation. Tune in to explore how shifting from control to collaboration can strengthen relationships and foster more meaningful learning experiences.

Ready to take the next step to start being on the same team as your kids and watch their behavior and their choices change?

I would love for you to go check out my Transforming the Toddler Years Course. Six modules, one massive transformation rooted in the psychology of human connection and the science of early language and behavior management. Learn more about it here.

April 14, 2026

Episode 322

What to Say When Kids Refuse - Expectation vs. Permission Based Statements

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 forthcoming 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!⁠

Rebecca Rowe joins me in this episode, as we explore what it truly means to provide neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy, with a focus on supporting families navigating an autism diagnosis. Rebecca shares how SLPs and OTs can guide and empower parents throughout the diagnostic process, while helping them find providers who align with neurodiversity-affirming values. We also break down key differences between ABA and OT/SLP services, and offer practical ways to support both yourself and your child with compassion, clarity, and confidence during this journey.

Rebecca has over sixteen years of experience in the field of Speech Language Pathology. Her specialty is orofacial myology and she is a Certified Orofacial Myologist ( COM® ). She has owned ACT Therapy Services for ten years and enjoys leading a team providing play-based, neurodivergent therapy services to families and children.

Check out her myofunctional therapy course for parents, mention this podcast and receive a 20% discount! Learn more here.

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

April 9, 2026

Episode 321

Neurodiversity Affirming Speech Therapy with Rebecca Rowe, SLPis

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 forthcoming 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 words you use with your child every day are quietly shaping who they believe they are?

In this episode, I emphasize that the words adults use with young children shape their identity and sense of self, not just their behavior. I encourages parents and caregivers to pause, observe, and use intentional language that validates feelings while teaching empathy and co-regulation. Ultimately, consistent, mindful interactions help raise children who are emotionally aware, socially capable, and prepared to navigate an increasingly complex, technology-driven world.

Longing for more community on your parenting journey?

I am launching a community JUST FOR YOU! It's time for us to see each other face to virtual face, hear each other in live time, so that we can really connect deeply and help each other through those challenging and celebratory moments that is toddlerhood. Get on ⁠⁠the mailing list here⁠⁠ so you can get all the details!

Be the First to Know When Talk to Them Early and Often is Available For Preorder. Get on the list⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠

April 7 , 2026

Episode 320

A Fresh Take on How To Encourage Sharing (Little Linguists Part 11)

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 forthcoming 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!

Wonder why your toddler is always saying No!?

In this episode I discuss why toddlers frequently use the word “no,” not as defiance, but as a limited-language way to express preferences, opinions, or discomfort. I encourage parents and caregivers to respond with curiosity and empathy instead of reacting negatively, as it’s an opportunity to understand what the child truly means.

Longing for more community on your parenting journey?

I am launching a community JUST FOR YOU! It's time for us to see each other face to virtual face, hear each other in live time, so that we can really connect deeply and help each other through those challenging and celebratory moments that is toddlerhood. Get on ⁠⁠the mailing list here⁠⁠ so you can get all the details!

March 31, 2026

Episode 319

What Your Toddler Really Means When They Say NO! (Little Linguists Part 10)

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 forthcoming book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? We'd love to hear from you! Complete the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Guest Application form⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

How much distress tolerance do you and your children have?

Joanna Hardis joins me in this episode to discuss distress tolerance, or the ability to handle emotional discomfort without letting it control behavior or relationships. In this exciting conversation we talk about the idea of “microdosing” discomfort—practicing small, manageable moments of challenge to gradually increase resilience. We also talk about the difference between emotional regulation (managing intensity) and distress tolerance (accepting discomfort).

Joanna Hardis, LISW-S, a Cornell graduate and cognitive behavioral therapist, helps parents build resilience and distress tolerance in her clinical practice. Be sure to grab a copy of her new book, Just Do Nothing (for Parents): How to Parent Better by Doing Less

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

March 26, 2026

Episode 318

How to Parent Better By Doing Less - The Power of Distress Tolerance with Joanna Hardis

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 forthcoming book ⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠,⁠ ⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? We'd love to hear from you! Complete the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Guest Application form⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠