How to Stay Calm When Your Toddler Isn’t: 3 Powerful Mindset Shifts
🎧 How to Stay Calm When Your Toddler Isn’t: 3 Powerful Mindset Shifts
Welcome back to Toddlers Made Easy—the no-fluff podcast for parents in the thick of toddlerhood. I’m Dr. Cathryn—pediatrician (just recently retired), mom of four, and your guide to big-hearted parenting that actually works.
Ever feel like you’re one meltdown away from losing it yourself?
In today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 mindset shifts that will help you stay calm even when your toddler isn’t. These small but mighty shifts will help you:
💡 React with less guilt and more confidence
💡 Understand misbehavior without taking it personally
💡 Build connection—even in the hardest moments
💭 You’ll learn:
Why thinking long-term helps you respond more lovingly in the moment
How your toddler’s brain development explains their wild behavior
Why “bad behavior” is often just a lack of skills—not defiance
💛 This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up with compassion—for your child and yourself.
Want more support?
Join The Big-Hearted School of Parenting—your private membership for weekly quick wins, expert coaching, and real-life toddler tools. Because loving your child comes naturally—but staying calm when they’re not? That’s something we can work on together.
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9:24
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9:24
Potty Training Q&A: Pediatrician-Backed Answers
In this episode, I’m answering your top potty training concerns:
💩 What to do if your toddler asks for a diaper to poop
😣 Why over-hyping the potty can backfire
🧠 How kids learn to listen to their bodies
❤️ What to do if you lose your cool
🚫 Why I don’t recommend rewards (and what to do instead)
This is big-hearted, no-pressure potty support. I call my approach 'Unapologetically Lazy'—because it’s low-stress, yet high in success. ✨
👉 Ready for a step-by-step plan? Check out my course Potty Training Made Easy:
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17:10
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17:10
3 Ways to Raise a Toddler Who Doesn’t Give Up
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares 3 powerful, big-hearted ways to raise a toddler who keeps trying — even when things get tough.
You’ll learn why frustration isn’t the enemy, how letting kids help (and mess up!) builds true confidence, and how to give praise that fuels perseverance instead of fear of failure.
These tiny shifts create kids who say, “I can do hard things,” even when the zipper won’t budge.
RESOURCES
The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting membership
Follow me on Instagram
Join my Newsletter
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9:43
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9:43
Helping Toddlers Feel Loved When a New Baby Arrives
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares big-hearted, practical ways to help your toddler feel secure, loved, and included when welcoming a new baby. From sharing the news to handling jealousy and sibling meetings, this episode helps big feelings feel a little smaller — for everyone.
Resources:
The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting
Follow Dr Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_baby/
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14:40
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14:40
Readiness and other myths
Still waiting for your toddler to want to use the potty? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong.
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares why the traditional “wait for readiness” advice might be leading to more stress, not less.
You’ll learn:
🚽 Why your smart, capable toddler might be avoiding the potty
🧠 How readiness isn’t a fixed milestone—you can build it.
✨ 5 simple steps to set your child up for potty success (before you ditch diapers)
💪 Why Potty Prep reduces pressure and increases confidence—for both of you.
If you’re feeling stuck, this gentle, big-hearted approach is your next step.
RESOURCES:
FREEBIE: The 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
Online Course: Potty Training Made Easy
Toddlers Made Easy is a short, 10 minute, bite-sized podcast that gives you the insight, tools, and confidence you need to not only handle anything toddler-related thrown your way —but prevent problem behaviors before they start. Toddlers Made Easy is hosted by Dr. Cathryn, a nationally recognized pediatrician (retired) with more than 35 years of experience and a mother of 4.
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