Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

I like it when kids tell their first lies, which I explain in today's episode.

In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy, I walk you through:

Why toddlers “lie” (fantasy and reality blur, wishful thinking, and they’re too young to know the difference yet)
How to respond with empathy instead of shame, fear or embarrassment
What to say when the soap is dry but they swear they washed their hands
Why modeling honesty and giving honesty a big high-five works
What to skip: labels, scary threats, drilling and lectures
Try saying: “Thank you for telling me the truth. Let’s clean it up together.”

Mentioned in this episode:

Toddlers Made Easy (for tantrums, pushback and stubbornness)
Potty Training Made Easy (for parents who already have too much on their plate)

You’re an awesome, big-hearted parent already. Happy parenting!
RESOURCES

Toddlers Made Easy online course
Potty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
200 Big-Hearted Scripts
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

Do you feel like the bad guy most days? Like all you do is say no and break up fights?
In this episode, I share two ways to get your child’s cooperation without saying no. 
And I start with a Nana moment I wish I could take back.
You’ll learn:
The YES GAP: the small window before handing out a consequence where you can end unwanted behavior with something your child can do
How to stop refereeing sibling fights, with three simple steps that help kids work it out themselves
When to step in, and when to give them a little room
Nobody feels like the bad guy. That’s big-hearted parenting.
RESOURCES

Toddlers Made Easy online course
Potty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
200 Big-Hearted Scripts
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

Ever feel like your toddler’s tantrums come out of nowhere—and take forever to end? You’re not alone. 
In today’s episode, Dr. Cathryn shares a big-hearted, science-backed approach to handling tantrums that actually works.
RESOURCES

Toddlers Made Easy online course
Potty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
200 Big-Hearted Scripts
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

Your child pees on the potty without a problem, but when it's time to poop, they insist on a diaper. You've tried rewards, encouragement, and waiting it out. Nothing seems to work.
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains why some toddlers refuse to poop on the potty and what you can do to help.
You'll learn:
Why constipation may be part of the problem, even if your child poops every day.
Why rewards and pressure can make poop refusal worse.
When giving your child a diaper is actually the right move.
Simple steps to help your child feel more comfortable pooping on the potty.
The goal isn't just to get your child pooping on the potty. It's to help them get there without fear, pressure, or daily battles.
Resources mentioned:
Help! My Child Will Only Poop in a Diaper: A step-by-step mini-course to help your child make the switch.
Related episode: Happy Tushies: How to Manage Poop Problems During Potty Training (February 2023).
RESOURCES

Toddlers Made Easy online course
Potty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
200 Big-Hearted Scripts
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.

Struggling to set boundaries without caving or feeling that familiar pang of guilt?
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explores the art of big-hearted parenting—where firm boundaries meet empathy and understanding.

Discover how acknowledging your child’s feelings with clear, compassionate communication can turn even the toughest moments into powerful opportunities for connection.

You’ll walk away with practical strategies to stay calm, consistent, and confident, even when it feels challenging.

Ready to transform tricky parenting moments into meaningful growth?
Tune in for game-changing tips and insights!
RESOURCES

Toddlers Made Easy online course
Potty Training Made Easy online course
Help Your Child Fall Asleep Independently mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
200 Big-Hearted Scripts
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.