Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

Why Your Toddler Resists Everything (And What to Do About It)

Listen Later

Struggling with toddler resistance? This episode breaks down why your child says "no" to everything and how to work with their natural instincts instead of against them.

What You'll Learn

  • What the "You-Can't-Make-Me" reflex is and why it's actually healthy
  • Why toddler brains react with automatic resistance
  • Common triggers (commands, transitions, feeling rushed)
  • What makes things worse (power struggles, taking it personally)
  • Practical strategies for daily routines

    • Key Takeaways

    • The reflex is developmental, not defiance
    • Invite cooperation instead of demanding it
    • Connection is the strongest antidote to resistance
    • Stay calm and confident—you're the CEO
    • Give choices to preserve their sense of control

      • Quick Tips

      • Replace commands with invitations
      • Give transition warnings
      • Pause when resistance peaks
      • Use collaborative language
      • Fill their connection tank with one-on-one time

        • Resources

        Toddlers Made Easy


        Help! My Child Will Only Poop In A Diaper Waitlist


        Toddlers Made Easy, the book


        SPONSORS

        Acorns Early

        Kidsy


        ...more
        View all episodesView all episodes
        Download on the App Store
        Toddlers Made Easy with Dr CathrynBy Dr. Cathryn
        • 4.7
        • 4.7
        • 4.7
        • 4.7
        • 4.7

        4.7

        151 ratings

        More shows like Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

        View all
        Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled by JLML Press

        Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled

        3,650 Listeners

        Mindful Mama: Raising Kind, Confident Kids Without Losing Your Cool | Parenting Strategies For Big Emotions & More by Hunter Clarke-Fields

        Mindful Mama: Raising Kind, Confident Kids Without Losing Your Cool | Parenting Strategies For Big Emotions & More

        447 Listeners

        Calm Parenting Podcast by Kirk Martin

        Calm Parenting Podcast

        1,459 Listeners

        Raising Good Humans by Dear Media, Aliza Pressman

        Raising Good Humans

        1,896 Listeners

        HERself by Abby and Amy

        HERself

        1,734 Listeners

        The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom by Dr. Mona Amin

        The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom

        1,492 Listeners

        Good Inside with Dr. Becky by Dr. Becky Kennedy

        Good Inside with Dr. Becky

        4,526 Listeners

        MOMS ON CALL by Moms on Call LLC & tentwentytwo

        MOMS ON CALL

        202 Listeners

        Alive & Well – Nervous System, Productivity, Time Management, Somatic Tools, Work-Life Balance, Burnout, Anxiety by Michelle Grosser – Inspired by Mel Robbins, Dr. Andrew Huberman, and Ed Mylett

        Alive & Well – Nervous System, Productivity, Time Management, Somatic Tools, Work-Life Balance, Burnout, Anxiety

        530 Listeners

        The Oh Crap! Potty Training Podcast by Jamie Glowacki

        The Oh Crap! Potty Training Podcast

        44 Listeners

        After Bedtime with Big Little Feelings by Dear Media and Big Little Feelings

        After Bedtime with Big Little Feelings

        5,537 Listeners

        Oh Crap with Jamie by Jamie Glowacki

        Oh Crap with Jamie

        35 Listeners

        Robot Unicorn by Nurtured First

        Robot Unicorn

        337 Listeners

        Talking Toddlers by Erin Hyer

        Talking Toddlers

        50 Listeners

        BratBusters Parenting Podcast by Lisa Bunnage

        BratBusters Parenting Podcast

        268 Listeners