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
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
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
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
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
<p><strong>How do you talk to your toddler when they meltdown? What can we say to hold space for our littles in the moment?</strong></p><p><br /></p><p>In this episode, I share <strong>how to talk to kids during a tantrum</strong>. I talk about <strong>what to say and how to spea ... Show More