322 episodios
When Potty Training Goes Sideways. Your toughest potty training questions, answered
12/08/2026 | 10 minWhen potty training goes sideways, it's easy to wonder if you're doing something wrong. In this episode, I answer a parent's question about a 3-year-old who won't pee or poop on the potty and explain why less pressure often leads to more progress.
You'll learn practical strategies to build body awareness, reduce resistance, know when to seek medical advice, and help your child potty train with confidence.
Toddlers Made Easy online course
Potty Training Made Easy online course
The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
200 Big-Hearted Scripts
FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.- Dr. Cathryn shares a cringeworthy tantrum moment from her own parenting years and the perspective shift that changed how she responds to big feelings. Learn what's really happening in your little kid's brain during a meltdown, the PREP method for preventing tantrums before they start, and the common mistake loving parents make when responding to one.
Toddlers Made Easy online course
Potty Training Made Easy online course
The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
200 Big-Hearted Scripts
FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram. - Parenting has changed a lot over the years. That can leave grandparents wondering why today's parents make some of the choices they do. This episode explains the thinking behind many of those approaches so families can better understand and support one another.
We'll cover:
• Why some children are not expected to hug or kiss relatives
• What body autonomy means
• The purpose of a "no thank you" bowl at mealtimes
• Why some families serve dessert with dinner
• How today's parents approach tantrums using brain science
• Why empathy and boundaries go together
• How potty training has changed
• Why praise now focuses more on effort than labels
• The powerful role grandparents play in building resilience
Whether you're a grandparent or you're sharing this episode with one, this conversation will help bridge the gap between generations and strengthen family relationships.
If you'd like more practical, evidence-based strategies for toddlers, check out my Toddlers Made Easy course linked in the show notes.
Toddlers Made Easy online course
Potty Training Made Easy online course
The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
200 Big-Hearted Scripts
FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram. - Your toddler just hit their sibling—again—and your instinct is to react: “That’s not nice!” “Say sorry!” “Go to your room!”
Totally understandable.
But here’s what most parents don’t realize:
👉 Hitting is rarely about being “bad.” It’s a sign your child is overwhelmed and doesn’t yet have the skills to cope.
In this episode, we cover:
🧠 Why toddlers hit, push, or bite
🚫 What common responses can actually make things worse
🔁 How to respond in a way that teaches better behavior over time
🎯 Real-life scripts and strategies that actually work
No fluff. Just practical, evidence-informed tools you can use right away.
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Our *bestselling* online courses are already helping thousands of parents:
Toddlers Made Easy Course
Potty Training Made Easy
Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_baby
Toddlers Made Easy online course
Potty Training Made Easy online course
The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
200 Big-Hearted Scripts
FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram. - Bringing home a new baby can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming for your older child. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares simple, practical ways to help your toddler feel secure, included, and deeply loved as your family grows. You'll learn how to prepare your child before the baby arrives, ease jealousy, strengthen your bond through everyday connection, and respond to big feelings with confidence.
If you're looking for more support, check out the Toddlers Made Easy course for step-by-step guidance on handling tantrums, bedtime, sibling rivalry, and more. You'll find the link in the show notes.
Resources:
Join my Toddlers Made Easy online course.
Follow me on Instagram
Toddlers Made Easy online course
Potty Training Made Easy online course
The Big-Hearted Sleep Solution mini-class
Toddlers Made Easy book
200 Big-Hearted Scripts
FREE WORKSHOP: Potty Without Pushback
FREE GUIDE: 5 Must-Dos Before Starting Potty Training
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram.
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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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- Añadir radios y podcasts a favoritos
- Transmisión por Wi-Fi y Bluetooth
- Carplay & Android Auto compatible
- Muchas otras funciones de la app


Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn
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