logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2023
9m 29s

Why Kids Tattle and What to Do About It

Dr. Cathryn
About this episode
Do you have a tattle tale? If so, today’s episode is for you. Let me paint a picture. Three-and-a-half-year-old Sam is a sweet kid, but he's in the habit of tattling on his older brother Eric, who is just six years old. Whenever Eric does something that Sam thinks isn't nice or fair, he runs to his parents and tells on him. For example, if Eric takes one of ... Show More
Up next
Oct 7
The Big-Hearted Yet Firm Way of Saying No
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, compassionat ... Show More
13m 15s
Sep 30
How to Calm A Tantrum Without Making It Worse
Tantrums aren’t misbehavior—they’re a sign your child’s system is overloaded. In this episode, Dr. Cathryn explains how your calmness (not your words) helps tantrums pass without escalating.You’ll learn:•Why reasoning and “calm down” don’t work in the middle of a tantrum•When to ... Show More
10m 28s
Sep 23
How To Make Discipline Easier (A LOT EASIER)
Getting your child to cooperate doesn’t always mean getting firmer.Sometimes, it means getting playful.In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares one of the most underused discipline tools for young kids: playfulness.You’ll hear the story of Jamie, a little girl who absolutely did NOT w ... Show More
7m 39s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2025
How To Talk to Toddlers During a Tantrum
tail spinning
11m 35s
Dec 2024
Sibling Math & Tooth Fairy Lore
Context matters when you want to call your brother a Silly Pumpkin Doo-Doo Head. This week, Gwenna and Tori discuss the complexities of sibling dynamics with your kids, from fairness in gift giving, to baby tooth envy, and how to explain when name calling crosses the boundary fro ... Show More
45m 42s
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
Oct 2020
Don't Miss the Secrets Your Children Share
In response to a parent's question about her toddler's aggressive impulses toward her newborn sister, Janet suggests strategies for encouraging our children -- beginning in infancy-- to communicate their innermost thoughts, feelings and needs. This parent and her husband have fol ... Show More
19m 1s
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
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
Jun 2021
#240: Aggression Towards Younger Sibling & Attention to Negative Behavior
A mom wants to know how to handle it when her 3 year old responds aggressively towards his toddler younger brother without making the attention to the unwanted behavior feel like it's rewarding the behavior. Erin discusses this common toddler challenge but also brings in some ... Show More
22m 47s
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
May 2024
How to handle toddler tantrums & discouragement (without burnout!) | Q&A with Dr. J | 58
So your toddler keeps whining, crying, and pleading without despite how much you're trying to explain and validate their feelings. No matter what you say, though, they KEEP whining and crying. 😓 It’s exhausting to keep repeating myself but then you feel guilty for ignoring him a ... Show More
8m 3s