logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2022
9m 25s

Don't Force Sharing

Dr. Cathryn
About this episode
Did you know that toddlers cannot comprehend the concept of sharing? Snatching toys and shouting “mine” is not a sign of selfishness in toddlers. It only happens because they have no idea what sharing is. Issues around sharing- or not sharing can cause a lot of uncertainty and embarrassment and may even lead parents to doubt themselves. That’s why we need to ... Show More
Up next
Aug 19
Making School Goodbyes Easier
Starting school stirs up big feelings — for little kids and for the parents saying goodbye. Dr. Cathryn shares the moment that changed drop-offs for good with her own youngest, plus the big-hearted scripts, routines, and small shifts that make those first mornings smoother.In thi ... Show More
9m 55s
Aug 12
When Potty Training Goes Sideways. Your toughest potty training questions, answered
When 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 ... Show More
10m 32s
Aug 5
A Tantrum Is Just A Toddler Acting Their Age
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 s ... Show More
10m 46s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2016
002: Why doesn’t my toddler share?
Imagine this: you’re with your toddler son or daughter at a playground on a Saturday afternoon so there are a lot of people around. You’re sitting on a bench while your child plays in the sandpit where several others are playing as well. You’re half paying attention while you cat ... Show More
17m 26s
Feb 2021
Why Toddlers Won't Share and What We Can Do
A parent writes that for the past few weeks her son’s 3-year-old playmate will not share his toys. He cries, “That’s mine… he can’t play with it,” tries to take the toys back, and often has meltdowns. While she says her boy doesn’t seem particularly fazed by the behavior, the oth ... Show More
23m 56s
Aug 2024
Case Study: A Simple Phrase to Use When Siblings Won't Share
Is there a way to navigate sharing disputes that affirm both children's feelings and boundaries? Are sibling meltdowns causing tension in your home? Today, I sit down with Katrina, a mother of two daughters, navigating the tricky terrain of tantrums and toy sharing. Together, we ... Show More
20m 4s
Oct 2024
My Toddler Won't Say Thank You or I'm Sorry. What do I do?
tail spinning
10m 12s
Jul 2025
How to Get Your Toddler to Listen Without Yelling: 7 Everyday Strategies Ep 111
Is your toddler always pushing back, melting down, or refusing to help? From messy playtime to getting out the door, you’ll learn how to: – Encourage turn-taking, even with babies – Turn cleanup into connection – Use routines and rules to reduce drama – Make transitions smoother ... Show More
41m 10s
Sep 2022
Sharing is Caring
Are you ready for a bit of grammar? Today, Lisa, Elliot, Cowy and Bill will tackle the adjectives and learn the right way to compare their toys, not forgetting the important rule - Sharing is Caring. Listen, to find out how they do it! Discover more activities, games, and songs t ... Show More
6m 8s
May 2025
Raising Confident Kids Without Forcing Them Out of Their Shell
What if I told you that forcing your child to be more social actually harms their confidence? Does it make you cringe when they won't say hello or engage with other kids? If you're tired of pushing your child to be more outgoing and it's just not working, I have a message of hope ... Show More
7m 20s
Mar 2023
My Kids Won’t Listen to Me
Are you tired of asking your kids to do something and being met with resistance, complaining, and pushback? Today I want to share with you why this is happening and how cooperation comes when we first work on creating a strong bond with our kids.Enjoy today’s episode? Please shar ... Show More
11m 29s
Oct 2018
#112: Dealing with Toddler Hitting & Balancing Parenting Boundaries with Friendship
<p>Hitting is a common problem in toddlerhood. Toddlers are still learning social skills and brain development that is necessary for self-control. Learn how to coach and teach toddlers better ways of sharing frustrations. Also, how should parents balance setting boundaries and bu ... Show More
17m 57s
Jan 2022
6 Reasons Not to Take Your Child’s Words or Behavior Personally
Not taking our child’s behavior personally can be extremely challenging. Not only does it restimulate our own unmet needs but on some level, we might believe what they are saying is true or that they really believe we are “mean” or understand that the off-track behavior is meanin ... Show More
10m 19s