Podcast Episode Show Notes: Toddler Sleep Q&A

In this episode of Toddlers Made Easy, Dr. Cathryn answers some of the most common sleep challenges parents face with toddlers and preschoolers.

Topics covered:

• A 22-month-old who won’t sleep without holding a parent’s hand
• A 3-year-old resisting bedtime and asking to go back downstairs
• A 5-year-old struggling to stay in their own bed
• 
  

Dr. Cathryn shares big-hearted, gentle strategies to:

• Help your child fall asleep independently
• Reduce bedtime battles
• Create a secure, loving bedtime routine
• 
  

Plus, learn about her new workshop, Help Your Child Fall Asleep Without You, designed to guide your child toward independent sleep without tears or harsh transitions.

💛 Link to join the workshop in the show notes!

Enjoy better sleep and happier nights!

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

ONLINE COURSES

Toddlers Made Easy Course

Potty Training Made Easy 

WORKSHOPS

Help Your Child Fall Asleep Without You!

Tame Tantrums Crash Course

BRAND NEW BOOKS:

Toddlers Made Easy: Raise tiny humans without losing your mind (or your marbles)

Words That Work: 200 Scripts for Big-Hearted Parents - Know exactly what to say no matter what is thrown your way.

FREEBIES:

5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training. Get our free guide and empower your child. Set the path for success!

Tame Tantrums: Tame those tantrums Without Losing Your Cool masterclass

INSTAGRAM @healthiest_baby

Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_baby

Sponsor:

ONE SKIN: https://www.oneskin.co/

Send Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, [email protected]

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️

If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

In today's episode, Dr. Cathryn is tackling a question many parents grapple with: "Am I expecting too much from my toddler?" From tantrums to transitions, we’ll explore how adjusting expectations to match your toddler’s developmental stage can make parenting smoother and more enjoyable.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why toddlers aren’t mini adults and how their developing brains shape their behavior.
• Common pitfalls of expecting too much and how it leads to frustration.
• Practical ways to adjust your expectations while teaching skills like impulse control and emotional regulation.
• Age-specific insights on what’s realistic to expect from 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds.
• Scripts and strategies to set boundaries that protect your toddler’s self-esteem while keeping everyone sane.

✨ Check out the resources in the show notes for age-based guides, scripts, and my new book, Toddlers Made Easy, to help you navigate parenting with confidence!

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

ONLINE COURSES

Toddlers Made Easy Course

Potty Training Made Easy 

Tantrums: Crash Course

BRAND NEW BOOKS:

Toddlers Made Easy: Raise tiny humans without losing your mind (or your marbles)

Words That Work: 200 Scripts for Big-Hearted Parents - Know exactly what to say no matter what is thrown your way.

FREEBIES:

5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training. Get our free guide and empower your child. Set the path for success!

Tame Tantrums: Tame those tantrums Without Losing Your Cool masterclass

INSTAGRAM @healthiest_baby

Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_baby

Sponsor:

ONE SKIN: https://www.oneskin.co/

Send Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, [email protected]

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️

If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

Dr Cathryn is tackling a topic that might seem simple but is actually a big deal for little ones: understanding time.

Hear about Marcus, a 3.5-year-old who loves the swings but struggles when it's time to leave. Why? Because his mom is giving a warning like this: “We’re leaving in 5 minutes.”

Kids can't see or touch time, so they don't understand it like adults do. But as they grow, they start to get it through routines and daily patterns. 

Today’s Tips:

1. Use Sequences: Tell your child, "First park, then lunch, then playdate." It helps them understand the order of events.

2. Visual Timers: These show how much time is left in a way kids can see.

3. Sand Timers: A simple tool that helps kids see time passing.

4. OK WAKE UP Clocks: Helps your child know when it's okay to get out of bed by showing a green light.

5. Bonus Tip: Use calendars or a bead necklace to countdown to special days.

Thanks for tuning in to Toddlers Made Easy, where we make the tough parts of parenting easier!

Interested in more tools and big ideas to help during these challenging but crucial years? Check out our Toddlers Made Easy course for parents of 1 to 6-year-olds. It's a game-changer for your sanity and your child's development!

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

ONLINE COURSES

Toddlers Made Easy Course

Potty Training Made Easy 

FREEBIES:

eBook: 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training. Get our free guide and empower your child. Set the path for success!

Masterclass: Tame Tantrums 

Follow Dr. Cathryn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiest_baby

ONE SKIN: https://www.oneskin.co/

Send Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, [email protected]

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️

If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

Today, we’re diving into bedtime struggles and simple tweaks to make evenings smoother for everyone.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why Bedtime Feels So Hard for Toddlers
• Separation anxiety, big imaginations, and FOMO are just a few reasons your child resists bedtime. Understanding these struggles is the first step to solving them.
• How to Build a Calming Bedtime Routine
• Learn the power of small, consistent rituals like deep breathing, using comfort objects, and creating a cozy sleep space to help your toddler wind down.
• Setting Your Child Up for Sleep Success
• Discover how to spot overtiredness, create the perfect sleep schedule, and avoid late naps to make bedtime smoother and less stressful.

Ready to tackle toddler life with confidence? Check out my Toddlers Made Easy course! It’s your ultimate resource for tantrums, power struggles, sleep challenges, and more. Find the link in the show notes and start making parenting easier today.

RESOURCES

Exciting news! Get my new book Toddlers Made Easy today if you’re ready for more big-hearted solutions to toddler struggles! Order Dr Cathryn's book: Toddlers Made Easy: Become The Parent Every Child Needs here or wherever you order books.

✔️ Follow Dr Cathryn on Instagram @Healthiest_Baby

✔️ Get our best-selling online course, Toddlers Made Easy Course

✔️ Learn how to potty train, the lazy way Potty Training Made Easy 

✔️ Grab my NEW BOOK Toddlers Made Easy Toddlers Made Easy 

FREEBIES:

👩‍⚕️ Get the 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training guide. Follow these essential steps to make the process smoother and stress-free for both you and your toddler!

👩‍⚕️ Get your seat: Tame Tantrums Without Losing Your Cool masterclass. Discover proven strategies to stay calm and in control, even during the toughest toddler moments!

SPONSORS:

ONESKIN.CO

GET 15% OFF WITH CODE: TODDLERS

Send Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, [email protected]

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️

If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

Tired of time-outs and tantrums? In this episode, I’ll share why punishment doesn’t work and what to do instead so that you can handle tricky moments with calm and confidence.

• Why Punishment Fails: It stops behavior in the moment but hurts self-esteem and creates fear.
• What Toddlers Need: They’re not being “bad”—they’re still learning to manage big feelings and impulses.
• The E.A.S.Y. Approach: A simple, big-hearted way to teach better behavior without punishment.

Links to Toddlers Made Easy and Potty Training Made Easy are in the show notes! ❤️

RESOURCES

Exciting news! Get my new book Toddlers Made Easy today if you’re ready for more big-hearted solutions to toddler struggles! Order Dr Cathryn's book: Toddlers Made Easy: Become The Parent Every Child Needs here or wherever you order books.

✔️ Follow Dr Cathryn on Instagram @Healthiest_Baby

✔️ Get our best-selling online course, Toddlers Made Easy Course

✔️ Learn how to potty train, the lazy way Potty Training Made Easy 

✔️ Grab my NEW BOOK Toddlers Made Easy Toddlers Made Easy 

FREEBIES:

👩‍⚕️ Get the 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training guide. Follow these essential steps to make the process smoother and stress-free for both you and your toddler!

👩‍⚕️ Get your seat: Tame Tantrums Without Losing Your Cool masterclass. Discover proven strategies to stay calm and in control, even during the toughest toddler moments!

SPONSORS:

ONESKIN.CO

GET 15% OFF WITH CODE: TODDLERS

Send Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, [email protected]

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️

If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

In this episode, Dr. Cathryn dives into three common toddler parenting challenges with big-hearted, practical solutions:

• Rudeness: Learn how to validate your toddler’s feelings without reinforcing rude behavior, teach social alternatives like waving instead of talking, and defuse attention-seeking behavior at home while modeling kindness and autonomy.
• Favoritism: Understand why toddlers show favoritism and how to handle it calmly, including tips to avoid over-repairing, build confidence in the less-preferred parent, and encourage one-on-one bonding time.
• Night Weaning: Discover how to gently reduce night wakings by teaching your toddler independent sleep skills, starting with separating bedtime feeds from falling asleep and creating a smoother nighttime routine.

For more insights, check out Dr. Cathryn’s two-part podcast series, Why Won’t My Child Fall Asleep Without Me? Email your parenting questions to [email protected].

RESOURCES

Exciting news! Get my new book Toddlers Made Easy today if you’re ready for more big-hearted solutions to toddler struggles! Order Dr Cathryn's book: Toddlers Made Easy: Become The Parent Every Child Needs here or wherever you order books.

✔️ Follow Dr Cathryn on Instagram @Healthiest_Baby

✔️ Get our best-selling online course, Toddlers Made Easy Course

✔️ Learn how to potty train, the lazy way Potty Training Made Easy 

✔️ Grab my NEW BOOK Toddlers Made Easy Toddlers Made Easy 

FREEBIES:

👩‍⚕️ Get the 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training guide. Follow these essential steps to make the process smoother and stress-free for both you and your toddler!

👩‍⚕️ Get your seat: Tame Tantrums Without Losing Your Cool masterclass. Discover proven strategies to stay calm and in control, even during the toughest toddler moments!

SPONSORS:

ONESKIN.CO

GET 15% OFF WITH CODE: TODDLERS

Send Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, [email protected]

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️

If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

Terrible Twos? Try Terribly Important Twos

Welcome to Toddlers Made Easy with Dr. Cathryn! In this episode, we reframe the "terrible twos" as the "terribly important twos," highlighting why these challenging years are foundational for your child's emotional and mental health.

What You'll Learn:

• Why toddlers are still big babies inside, needing gentleness and guidance.
• How the toddler years shape trust, resilience, and self-worth.
• The importance of secure attachment and emotional intelligence.
• Tips for setting firm but kind boundaries to foster safety and connection.
• Why everyday moments like play and cuddles build a foundation for life.

Parenting toddlers is tough, but with empathy and patience, these years become an incredible opportunity to shape your child’s future.

RESOURCES

Exciting news! Get my new book Toddlers Made Easy today if you’re ready for more big-hearted solutions to toddler struggles! Order Dr Cathryn's book: Toddlers Made Easy: Become The Parent Every Child Needs here or wherever you order books.

✔️ Follow Dr Cathryn on Instagram @Healthiest_Baby

✔️ Get our best-selling online course, Toddlers Made Easy Course

✔️ Learn how to potty train, the lazy way Potty Training Made Easy 

✔️ Grab my NEW BOOK Toddlers Made Easy Toddlers Made Easy 

FREEBIES:

👩‍⚕️ Get the 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training guide. Follow these essential steps to make the process smoother and stress-free for both you and your toddler!

👩‍⚕️ Get your seat: Tame Tantrums Without Losing Your Cool masterclass. Discover proven strategies to stay calm and in control, even during the toughest toddler moments!

SPONSORS:

ONESKIN.CO

GET 15% OFF WITH CODE: TODDLERS

Send Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, [email protected]

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️

If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

Fewer, Shorter, and Way Easier Tantrums

Tantrums are a normal and healthy part of toddlerhood! In this episode, we explore why tantrums happen and what they’re not. They aren’t signs of bad parenting, manipulation, or a lack of discipline—they’re your toddler’s way of expressing emotions they don’t yet have the skills to handle.

We’ll share practical, big-hearted solutions to make tantrums fewer, shorter, and easier to manage. You’ll walk away feeling more confident and connected with your child, even during their toughest moments.

Here’s what we cover:

• Fewer Tantrums: Learn how my P.R.E.P. method (Preview, Rehash, Engage, Pretend Play) helps toddlers feel prepared and reduces meltdowns.
• Shorter Tantrums: Timing matters! You’ll learn how to stay calm, validate your child’s feelings, and step in when the tantrum shifts from anger to sadness—all while setting big-hearted firm, clear boundaries.
• Easier Tantrums: Shift your mindset with a simple mantra: “A tantrum is just a toddler acting their age.” When you accept tantrums as normal and guide your child through their big feelings, they become easier for both of you to handle.

Check out my Tantrum Crash Course Masterclass for even more tips and tools. For the next 48 hours, it’s available for just $27! This 38-minute class is packed with practical strategies, including my signature C.A.L.M. method and scripts for every tantrum scenario.

👉 Grab it here—don’t miss it!

RESOURCES

Exciting news! Get my new book Toddlers Made Easy today if you’re ready for more big-hearted solutions to toddler struggles! Order Dr Cathryn's book: Toddlers Made Easy: Become The Parent Every Child Needs here or wherever you order books.

✔️ Follow Dr Cathryn on Instagram @Healthiest_Baby

✔️ Get our best-selling online course, Toddlers Made Easy Course

✔️ Learn how to potty train, the lazy way Potty Training Made Easy 

✔️ Grab my NEW BOOK Toddlers Made Easy Toddlers Made Easy 

FREEBIES:

👩‍⚕️ Get the 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training guide. Follow these essential steps to make the process smoother and stress-free for both you and your toddler!

👩‍⚕️ Get your seat: Tame Tantrums Without Losing Your Cool masterclass. Discover proven strategies to stay calm and in control, even during the toughest toddler moments!

SPONSORS:

ONESKIN.CO

GET 15% OFF WITH CODE: TODDLERS

Send Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, [email protected]

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️

If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

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 and using 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

Exciting news! Get my new book Toddlers Made Easy today if you’re ready for more big-hearted solutions to toddler struggles! Order Dr Cathryn's book: Toddlers Made Easy: Become The Parent Every Child Needs here or wherever you order books.

✔️ Follow Dr Cathryn on Instagram @Healthiest_Baby

✔️ Get our best-selling online course, Toddlers Made Easy Course

✔️ Learn how to potty train, the lazy way Potty Training Made Easy 

✔️ Grab my NEW BOOK Toddlers Made Easy Toddlers Made Easy 

FREEBIES:

👩‍⚕️ Get the 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training guide. Follow these essential steps to make the process smoother and stress-free for both you and your toddler!

👩‍⚕️ Get your seat: Tame Tantrums Without Losing Your Cool masterclass. Discover proven strategies to stay calm and in control, even during the toughest toddler moments!

SPONSORS:

ONESKIN.CO

GET 15% OFF WITH CODE: TODDLERS

Send Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, [email protected]

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️

If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

Potty training is a huge milestone—but knowing when to start can feel overwhelming. Is your child ready? And how do you even tell? Today, we’re breaking it all down so you can start with confidence.  

What You’ll Learn: 

The truth about readiness: It’s not just about age—physical, emotional, and even parental readiness play a role.  

Key signs to watch for: From communication to staying dry, learn which readiness indicators matter most.  

Pre-potty training tips that work: How to ease your child into the process while making potty training less stressful for everyone.  

Ready to take the stress out of potty training?  

Check out our peaceful potty training course, now 60% off!

Plus, get a *free* Tantrum Crash Course—because there’s more to toddlerhood than the potty.

SALE START NOV 14th - 20th: GRAB COURSE HERE

RESOURCES

Exciting news! Get my new book Toddlers Made Easy today if you’re ready for more big-hearted solutions to toddler struggles! Order Dr Cathryn's book: Toddlers Made Easy: Become The Parent Every Child Needs here or wherever you order books.

✔️ Follow Dr Cathryn on Instagram @Healthiest_Baby

✔️ Get our best-selling online course, Toddlers Made Easy Course

✔️ Learn how to potty train, the lazy way Potty Training Made Easy 

✔️ Grab my NEW BOOK Toddlers Made Easy Toddlers Made Easy 

FREEBIES:

👩‍⚕️ Get the 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training guide. Follow these essential steps to make the process smoother and stress-free for both you and your toddler!

👩‍⚕️ Get your seat: Tame Tantrums Without Losing Your Cool masterclass. Discover proven strategies to stay calm and in control, even during the toughest toddler moments!

SPONSORS:

ONESKIN.CO

GET 15% OFF WITH CODE: TODDLERS

Send Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, [email protected]

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️

If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.

🤗 Behind the Scenes of "Toddlers Made Easy" with Dr. Cathryn

In this special episode, pediatrician and mom of 4, Dr. Cathryn, gives an exclusive look into her brand new book, "Toddlers Made Easy". Discover:

• Dr. Cathryn's unique perspective as both a pediatrician and parent

• Why she wrote this book to provide quick, actionable tips for busy parents 

• How "Toddlers Made Easy" takes a "big-hearted" approach to challenging behaviors

• The powerful "E.A.S.Y. Method" for managing common toddler struggles

• Rave reviews from parents who've already implemented Dr. Cathryn's advice

Prepare to ditch the "Terrible Twos" and embrace the "Terribly Important Twos" - where toddlers are learning and growing with your patient guidance. Grab your copy of "Toddlers Made Easy" using the link below!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RESOURCES

Exciting news! Get my new book Toddlers Made Easy today if you’re ready for more big-hearted solutions to toddler struggles! Order Dr Cathryn's book: Toddlers Made Easy: Become The Parent Every Child Needs here or wherever you order books.

✔️ Follow Dr Cathryn on Instagram @Healthiest_Baby

✔️ Get our best-selling online course, Toddlers Made Easy Course

✔️ Learn how to potty train, the lazy way Potty Training Made Easy 

FREEBIES:

👩‍⚕️ Get the 5 Must-Do’s Before Starting Potty Training guide. Follow these essential steps to make the process smoother and stress-free for both you and your toddler!

👩‍⚕️ Get your seat: Tame Tantrums Without Losing Your Cool masterclass. Discover proven strategies to stay calm and in control, even during the toughest toddler moments!

SPONSORS:

ONESKIN.CO

GET 15% OFF WITH CODE: TODDLERS

Send Us Your Stories and Questions: We love hearing from you! Share your own experiences or questions. Email us to have your questions answered in future episodes, [email protected]

Rate, Review, & Follow ❤️❤️❤️

If this sounds like you: "I love Toddlers Made Easy." <-- Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more parents -- just like you.