What if your child’s most powerful teacher has been you all along?

In this eye-opening episode, I welcome back early childhood expert Gretchen Camp for a deep dive into one of the most fascinating — and misunderstood — topics in parenting: the toddler brain. We unpack how a child’s brain develops between ages 0–5, why those years matter more than any ABCs or 123s ever could, and how parents can become confident, connected guides in their child’s emotional world.

Gretchen is a toddler behavior specialist, holds a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education and spent over 20 years as a public school educator. Today, she is the creator of the Park the Skill™ Method and The Thriving Toddler Blueprint, resources grounded in brain development and built from real classroom experience to help parents raise capable, emotionally strong children starting in toddlerhood.

You are invited to access Gretchen's free workshop: "⁠Your Toddler Sent Me: Why Nothing’s Working and What to Do Instead⁠.” It’s packed with eye-opening insights to help parents understand toddler behavior through a whole new lens. Register ⁠here⁠.

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

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

October 16, 2025

Episode 284

Your Toddler's Brain is a Parking Lot - Learn to Build Skills with Gretchen Camp

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.

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

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