Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

When kids ignore us, it can feel personal. Disrespectful. Triggering.But what if “not listening” isn’t a behavior problem at all?

In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains why toddlers and preschoolers struggle with cooperation, what’s really happening in their developing brains, and why yelling may work in the moment—but backfires long-term.

You’ll learn how to help your child cooperate without threats, bribes, or power struggles, using big-hearted strategies that help kids feel seen, safe, and more willing to listen.

Because when kids aren’t listening, they’re not being difficult—they’re developing.

RESOURCES:

👉 Join the Big-Hearted membership: ⁠The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting⁠

👉 Follow ⁠Dr. Cathryn on Instagram⁠

👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: ⁠newsletter

Dr Cathryn unpacks what to do before potty training starts—how to prepare your home, your child, and yourself— so the process feels calmer, easier, and more manageable.


Set up your space to reduce stress
Small home-prep steps—like easy cleanup, clear paths to the potty, and stable seating—lower frustration and support learning.


Warm up your child without pressure
Simple, playful practice helps kids connect body signals to the potty before anything feels urgent.


Focus on confidence, not control
A big-hearted approach builds body awareness, minimizes power struggles, and keeps you connected through the messy moments.

🎉 Free Potty Party coming in early February!
I’ll be hosting a free 3-day Potty Party to walk you through big-hearted potty training and help you feel ready and confident before you begin. More details coming soon—stay tuned.

RESOURCES:

👉 Join the big-hearted membership: The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting

👉 Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram

👉 Subscribe to my free newsletter for big-hearted parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: newsletter

Potty training doesn’t begin with underwear or sticker charts. It starts with you.
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains how potty training isn’t just about whether your toddler is ready. Your readiness matters too.

Key takeaways:

Mantras like "This phase won't last forever" anchor you mid-chaos.

Cleanup baskets + simple mindset shifts make accidents no big deal.

Accidents = lessons, not failures, helping you to respond warm, not rattled.

If you’re about to start potty training (or stuck in the middle of it), this episode helps you feel grounded, clear, and ready to lead with calm.

RESOURCES:

Grab the FREE 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training guide and get your child curious, confident, and excited before you begin.

Want more support. Get Potty Training Made Easy: the step-by-step big-hearted approach to saying goodbye to diapers. Special price-over 60% OFF for listeners only.

Why does your toddler say no to everything — even things they usually do without a problem?

In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains the “you-can’t-make-me” reflex — a very normal (and healthy) stage of toddler development that often gets mistaken for defiance.

You’ll learn:


Why toddler resistance is about development, not disrespect


What’s happening inside your child’s brain when “no” comes out fast


The situations that make resistance worse (and why)


What not to do if you want cooperation


Simple, big-hearted ways to guide your child through resistance without power struggles

If mornings feel like constant pushback and you’re wondering, “Why is everything so hard?” — this episode will help you see your toddler differently and respond with more calm and confidence.

RESOURCES:

The Big-Hearted School Of Parenting membership

Toddlers Made Easy - a sweet & smart online course

Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram

Sign up for our newsletter

In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy, Dr. Cathryn breaks down why young children wake up at night—and what actually helps. She shares a personal parenting misstep that changed how she thinks about sleep, then explains the most common reasons night wakings happen, including sleep associations, fears, and separation anxiety.

Dr. Cathryn also covers when medical issues—like sleep apnea, restless legs, or eczema—may be part of the picture.

You’ll learn how much sleep toddlers truly need and walk away with practical, realistic steps to improve nighttime sleep—without pressure or blame.

RESOURCES:

Order my new book ⁠Toddlers Made Easy ⁠

Join the ⁠Big-Hearted School of Parenting⁠

Follow me on ⁠Instagram⁠

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