In this episode, I’m tackling one of the biggest mistakes I see parents making right now: over-processing our kids’ emotions. Somewhere along the line, “validate their feelings” turned into full-on therapy sessions every time your toddler cried about the blue cup. And guys, that’s not helping them—it’s drowning everyone. I’ll break down the difference between validating and over-processing, why saying “you make me…” is so damaging, and how dumping our emotional baggage on our kids leads to anxious, people-pleasing teens. This one is a mix of tough love and practical advice so you can stop spiraling in the quicksand of feelings and get back to leading with clarity.Timestamps:(00:02:30) Empowering Children to Manage their Emotions(00:04:50) Balancing Toddler Emotions for Healthy Development(00:07:45) Emotional Resilience in Parenting Approach(00:12:34) Parental Model of Emotional Language in Children(00:17:58) Emotional Burden on Children: Impact and PreventionPrevious Episode Mentioned: EP 174: Tiny dictators Jamie's InstagramOh Crap! Cafe Parenting CommunityOh Crap! Potty TrainingOh Crap! I Have a ToddlerPaleovalley Protein SticksTherapee
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253: Stop "Trying" To Potty Train (Bite Size Nugget)
In this bite-sized nugget, I’m tackling one of the biggest potty training mistakes I see right now: “trying” to potty train. And by trying, I don’t mean giving it an honest go—I mean sampling it here and there, doing it only on weekends, or half-committing and hoping your kid magically figures it out. Spoiler: that just sends mixed messages and sets everyone up for frustration. Potty training, like learning to read, takes consistency and commitment. In this episode, I’m breaking down why “there is no try” (yep, straight out of Yoda’s playbook), what happens when you wait until you’re up against a deadline, and why you’re better off not starting at all than dabbling. If you’ve been dipping a toe into potty training instead of diving in, this one’s your loving reality check.Timestamps:(00:04:27) Immersive Approach to Potty Training Success(00:05:52) Consistent Support for Successful Potty Training(00:10:07) Committed and Consistent Potty Training ApproachJamie's InstagramOh Crap! Cafe Parenting CommunityOh Crap! Potty TrainingOh Crap! I Have a ToddlerPaleovalley Protein SticksTherapee
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252: Screens, Autism, and the Toddler TV Trap with Andreina Rosales
This week, I sat down with Andreina Diaz, mom of two, PhD student, and researcher behind Toddler TV Trap, to talk about one of the hottest (and most controversial) topics in parenting right now: screen time and autism. Andreina’s work looks at how highly stimulating shows like Cocomelon and Ms. Rachel may be impacting kids’ brains, what new research is showing about subtypes of autism, and why reducing or removing screens has led to jaw-dropping changes for some families. We dive into the difference between passive vs. active screen time, what counts as “healthy” screen use, and how to rethink the way we’re using devices in our homes. This one is equal parts eye-opening, challenging, and also full of hope. I promise, it’s a conversation worth listening to.Timestamps:(00:13:08) "Toddler TV Trap: Impact on Social Development"(00:18:41) Overstimulation Prevention through Alternative Activities for Children(00:19:11) Debate on Screen Time Impact on Autism(00:24:52) Link Between Screen Time and Autism Symptoms(00:29:36) Interactive vs. Passive Screen Time Effects(00:32:35) Active Creation for Holistic Child Development(00:42:12) Enhancing Child Development Through Active Screen Time(00:42:34) Optimizing Screen Time for Child Development(00:46:44) Interactive Alternatives to Reduce Screen TimeConnect with Andreina:https://www.instagram.com/toddlertvtrap/Jamie's InstagramOh Crap! Cafe Parenting CommunityOh Crap! Potty TrainingOh Crap! I Have a ToddlerPaleovalley Protein SticksTherapee
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251: Stop Overthinking Food (Bite Size Nugget)
In this bite-sized nugget, I’m giving you permission to stop overthinking food—especially when it comes to toddlers. If you’ve been stressing about cooking full dinners every night, fighting over veggies, or wondering if your kid is “eating enough,” this one’s for you. I’m breaking down why toddlers eat like snakes (yep, in bursts, not evenly), why small portions and variety work better than giant scoops, and why it’s less about complicated recipes and more about balancing fat, protein, and carbs. Snack plates, mini meals, kid charcuterie—call it what you want, but the point is: keep it simple, keep it nourishing, and stop making dinnertime a battle.Timestamps:(00:00:31) Idyllic Bungalow Colony Gathering in New York(00:05:24) Reviving Genuine Curiosity through Conversation(00:08:01) Authentic Engagement for Strong Community BondsJamie's InstagramOh Crap! Cafe Parenting CommunityOh Crap! Potty TrainingOh Crap! I Have a ToddlerPaleovalley Protein SticksTherapee
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250: Make Room For Your Child's Growth
In this episode, I’m taking a hard look at the way we’ve built our lives—and how so much of it just doesn’t leave room for kids to actually be kids. Between work schedules, overstuffed calendars, and the pressure to check off milestones like it’s a parenting to-do list, we’re burning out while expecting our little ones to perform like mini adults. I’m talking about why parenting is a long game (not a quick fix), why connection can’t be squeezed into 15 minutes on the checklist, and how to bring back the heart of the home—yes, even if that means starting a full-on “kitchen rebellion.” This one’s a mix of tough love, personal reflection, and a big reminder to slow the hell down and make room for what really matters.Timestamps:(00:01:35) Embracing Simplicity in Parenting(00:13:02) Parenting as a Lifelong Development Journey(00:16:41) Nurturing Genuine Connection Through Quality Time(00:21:17) Balancing Parenting and Work: Prioritizing Connection(00:29:43) Nurturing Environment and Connection in Parenting(00:30:42) Building Genuine Connection for Child's ThrivingJamie's InstagramOh Crap! Cafe Parenting CommunityOh Crap! Potty TrainingOh Crap! I Have a ToddlerPaleovalley Protein SticksTherapee
A podcast for conscious parents who drop the f-bomb. A lot. We are the overthinkers, the dreamers, and the doers. We are parenting in a radically different way than those before us. But our divine vision gets blurry cause...OMG...kids can be such a pain in the ass. Let's work from the inside out, in a whole brain, whole body way to mitigate the crappy behavior. Not just with our kids but with ourselves. So you can be the parent you envision.