Navigating the Toddler Years: Ages 3-4

"If you’re struggling with toddler tantrums and behaviors like hitting & not listening... I have a free guide for you! It’s called The Tantrum and Behavior Guide: 7 Toddler Struggles and How to Solve Them Fast—It's HERE!

Hey parents! Welcome to Toddler Toolkit. Struggling with your three to four-year-old's listening skills? You're not alone. In this episode, we share real parent struggles and provide insights to help you navigate these challenging years. From cognitive development to handling big emotions, we cover the key skills your toddler is building. Plus, check out our 7 Toddler Struggles and How to Solve Them Fast guide for practical tips. Join us as we break down what's normal at this stage and how you can support your child's growth. Don't miss out on essential advice for this unpredictable but important time in your child's life.

00:00 Welcome to Toddler Toolkit
00:58 Common Toddler Struggles
03:04 Understanding Toddler Development
03:40 Cognitive Development in Toddlers
06:41 Physical Development Milestones
07:28 Social and Emotional Growth
09:02 Managing Big Emotions
13:47 Common Challenges and Solutions
20:05 Final Thoughts and Resources

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Heather has her M.Ed, and a proud Twin Mama of busy toddlers. You might've tried advice tailored for one child, but that's not our journey, right? With a decade of teaching experience under her belt, she's seen it all – from toddlers to teenagers in the classroom. Now, as a parent to toddlers, she's experiencing the flip side of the coin. She's discovered a toolbox to help parents with everything toddler times two!

Let's unlock the secrets to understanding toddler behavior, preventing meltdowns, and raising intuitive, resilient children.

• Grab the The Tantrum and Behavior Guide: 7 Toddler Struggles and How to Solve Them Fast
• Check out the Transform Tantrums: A Listening Toddler In 7 Days mini-course!
• Join the Toddler Mom Community
• Follow me on Instagram @heatherschalkparenting
• Watch the YouTube channel
• Check out the blog

How to Stay Calm When Your Child Loses It - Practical Tips for Parents

"If you’re struggling with toddler tantrums and behaviors like hitting & not listening... I have a free guide for you! It’s called The Tantrum and Behavior Guide: 7 Toddler Struggles and How to Solve Them Fast—It's HERE!

When your child is screaming, throwing toys, or melting down in public, it can feel impossible to stay calm. But what if you didn’t have to be the “perfect” parent to handle big emotions with steadiness?

In this episode, we’ll unpack what really makes it possible to keep your cool—even when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or triggered yourself. You’ll hear stories, fresh perspectives, and the mindset shifts that change everything in those heated moments.

If you’ve ever wondered how to be the calm anchor your child needs, this is for you.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:14 The Importance of Staying Calm
00:22 Personal Anecdote from The Voice
01:33 Understanding Calmness and Patience
02:20 Managing External Pressures
06:36 Defining Calmness
09:28 Reflecting on Personal Experiences
11:03 Proactive Parenting Strategies
11:43 Daily Habits for Calmness
12:09 The Power of Self-Reflection
14:36 Emotional Buttons and Childhood Experiences
18:11 Building Calmness as a Skill
25:14 The Role of Self-Compassion
29:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Study Citations:
Citation: Kross, E., & Ayduk, O. (2011). Making meaning out of negative experiences by self-distancing. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 20(3), 187–191.

Citation: Gross, J. J., & John, O. P. (2003). Individual differences in two emotion regulation processes: implications for affect, relationships, and well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85(2), 348–362.

Citation: Slade, A. (2005). Parental reflective functioning: An introduction. Attachment & Human Development, 7(3), 269–281.

Citation: Neff, K. D. (2003). Self-compassion: An alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself. Self and Identity, 2(2), 85–101.

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Heather has her M.Ed, and a proud Twin Mama of busy toddlers. You might've tried advice tailored for one child, but that's not our journey, right? With a decade of teaching experience under her belt, she's seen it all – from toddlers to teenagers in the classroom. Now, as a parent to toddlers, she's experiencing the flip side of the coin. She's discovered a toolbox to help parents with everything toddler times two!

Let's unlock the secrets to understanding toddler behavior, preventing meltdowns, and raising intuitive, resilient children.

• Grab the The Tantrum and Behavior Guide: 7 Toddler Struggles and How to Solve Them Fast
• Check out the Transform Tantrums: A Listening Toddler In 7 Days mini-course!
• Join the Toddler Mom Community
• Follow me on Instagram @heatherschalkparenting
• Watch the YouTube channel
• Check out the blog

Toddler Car Battles: Why They Happen and What Helps

"If you’re struggling with toddler tantrums and behaviors like hitting & not listening... I have a free guide for you! It’s called The Tantrum and Behavior Guide: 7 Toddler Struggles and How to Solve Them Fast—It's HERE!

In this episode of the Toddler Toolkit podcast, we discuss common issues around car seat battles with toddlers, why they happen, and various strategies to manage them. Topics include potential causes like loss of control, transitions, sensory overload, and hunger, along with detailed solutions for different scenarios like route changes, difficulty getting in/out of the car, and sibling issues. We also talk about the importance of understanding the 'why' behind the behavior and provide tips for proactive measures and positive reinforcement. Join us for practical advice and support on managing these tough moments with your little ones, and don't forget to check out the Seven Toddler Struggles guide linked in the show notes for additional resources.

00:00 Welcome to the Toddler Toolkit Podcast
00:56 Understanding Car Seat Battles
02:41 Handling Route Changes
04:05 Dealing with Refusal to Get Out of the Car
05:09 Managing Screaming During Car Rides
06:00 Addressing Refusal to Get in the Car
06:41 Meltdowns After School or Daycare
07:52 Refusal to Get Buckled in the Car Seat
09:34 Sibling Issues in the Car
13:24 Preventing and Easing Car Battles
14:17 Conclusion and Resources

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Heather has her M.Ed, and a proud Twin Mama of busy toddlers. You might've tried advice tailored for one child, but that's not our journey, right? With a decade of teaching experience under her belt, she's seen it all – from toddlers to teenagers in the classroom. Now, as a parent to toddlers, she's experiencing the flip side of the coin. She's discovered a toolbox to help parents with everything toddler times two!

Let's unlock the secrets to understanding toddler behavior, preventing meltdowns, and raising intuitive, resilient children.

• Grab the The Tantrum and Behavior Guide: 7 Toddler Struggles and How to Solve Them Fast
• Check out the Transform Tantrums: A Listening Toddler In 7 Days mini-course!
• Join the Toddler Mom Community
• Follow me on Instagram @heatherschalkparenting
• Watch the YouTube channel
• Check out the blog

Big Emotions as the Map: Guiding Your Child’s Lifelong Coping Skills Because....What You Do in Your Child's 'Big Emotional Moments' Changes Everything

"If you’re struggling with toddler tantrums and behaviors like hitting & not listening... I have a free guide for you! It’s called The Tantrum and Behavior Guide: 7 Toddler Struggles and How to Solve Them Fast—It's HERE!

In this episode of the Toddler Toolkit Podcast, we dive into why your toddler's big emotions matter and how to respond effectively. The discussion covers why these emotions are developmentally appropriate, the impact of dismissing feelings, and practical strategies like co-regulation. Learn how to support your child's emotional growth and build healthy relationships by showing up with curiosity and connection. Don't forget to check out the guide to the seven toddler struggles and how to solve them quickly in the show notes.

00:00 Introduction to Toddler Toolkit Podcast
00:57 Why Big Emotions Matter
02:27 Understanding Toddler Development
05:14 Big Feelings Are Not Bad Behavior
10:45 Consequences of Shutting Down Emotions
14:50 Avoidant and Anxious Coping Strategies
22:09 Lifelong Impact of Dismissing Feelings
23:05 Co-Regulation Over Correction
25:31 Encouragement for Parents
29:10 Conclusion and Personal Reflections

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Heather has her M.Ed, and a proud Twin Mama of busy toddlers. You might've tried advice tailored for one child, but that's not our journey, right? With a decade of teaching experience under her belt, she's seen it all – from toddlers to teenagers in the classroom. Now, as a parent to toddlers, she's experiencing the flip side of the coin. She's discovered a toolbox to help parents with everything toddler times two!

Let's unlock the secrets to understanding toddler behavior, preventing meltdowns, and raising intuitive, resilient children.

• Grab the The Tantrum and Behavior Guide: 7 Toddler Struggles and How to Solve Them Fast
• Check out the Transform Tantrums: A Listening Toddler In 7 Days mini-course!
• Join the Toddler Mom Community
• Follow me on Instagram @heatherschalkparenting
• Watch the YouTube channel
• Check out the blog

Kindergarten Readiness & Preschool Daycare Tips with Expert Amy Fieldman

"If you’re struggling with toddler tantrums and behaviors like hitting & not listening... I have a free guide for you! It’s called The Tantrum and Behavior Guide: 7 Toddler Struggles and How to Solve Them Fast—It's HERE!

Welcome to the Toddler Toolkit Podcast! In today's episode, we share a clip from the Happy Toddler Confident Parenting Cohort featuring guest expert Amy Fieldman. Amy talks about kindergarten readiness, preschool daycare support, and tackles common toddler struggles. Learn practical tips on scaffolding for independence, managing transitions, enhancing storytime, and using classroom jobs to build confidence. For more in-depth advice, be sure to download the 'Seven Toddler Struggles and How to Solve Them Fast' guide from the show notes.

00:00 Introduction to Toddler Toolkit Podcast
01:47 Guest Expert: Amy Fieldman on Kindergarten Readiness
02:30 Q&A Session with Amy Fieldman
03:02 Supporting Toddler Independence
04:22 Helping Toddlers with Transitions
05:41 Fine Motor Skills and Writing Prep
09:09 Engaging Toddlers in Story Time
10:55 Using Fidget Tools for Focus
12:29 Scaffolding for Art Projects
15:01 Helper Jobs for Toddlers
17:26 Conclusion and Resources

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Heather has her M.Ed, and a proud Twin Mama of busy toddlers. You might've tried advice tailored for one child, but that's not our journey, right? With a decade of teaching experience under her belt, she's seen it all – from toddlers to teenagers in the classroom. Now, as a parent to toddlers, she's experiencing the flip side of the coin. She's discovered a toolbox to help parents with everything toddler times two!

Let's unlock the secrets to understanding toddler behavior, preventing meltdowns, and raising intuitive, resilient children.

• Check out the Transform Tantrums: A Listening Toddler In 7 Days mini-course!
• Grab the The Tantrum and Behavior Guide: 7 Toddler Struggles and How to Solve Them Fast
• Join the Toddler Mom Community
• Follow me on Instagram @heatherschalkparenting
• Watch the YouTube channel
• Check out the blog

Handling Toddler Meltdowns: What Pancakes Taught Me About Emotions

Heather Schalk shares insights and strategies on managing toddler meltdowns using a relatable pancake breakfast scenario that was a true story! She discusses the importance of modeling calm behavior, recognizing frustration tolerance, and teaching toddlers self-regulation techniques. Heather invites listeners to a free guide and class recording: The Tantrum and Behavior Guide: 7 Toddler Struggles and How to Solve Them Fast

-Introduction and Overview
-Free Guide
-The Pancake Incident
-Modeling Frustration Management
-Conclusion and Free Guide

"If you’re struggling with toddler tantrums and behaviors like hitting... I have a free guide for you! It’s called The Tantrum and Behavior Guide: 7 Toddler Struggles and How to Solve Them Fast—It's HERE!

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

Heather has her M.Ed, and a proud Twin Mama of busy toddlers. You might've tried advice tailored for one child, but that's not our journey, right? With a decade of teaching experience under her belt, she's seen it all – from toddlers to teenagers in the classroom. Now, as a parent to toddlers, she's experiencing the flip side of the coin. She's discovered a toolbox to help parents with everything toddler times two!

Let's unlock the secrets to understanding toddler behavior, preventing meltdowns, and raising intuitive, resilient children.

• Check out the Transform Tantrums: A Listening Toddler In 7 Days mini-course!
• Grab the The Tantrum and Behavior Guide: 7 Toddler Struggles and How to Solve Them Fast
• Join the Toddler Mom Community
• Follow me on Instagram @heatherschalkparenting
• Watch the YouTube channel
• Check out the blog

There may just be a method to the madness after all!

Our toddlers are constantly learning about the world around them. And the main way in which they learn is through play and play schemas.

From throwing things and ripping pages out of books to tossing all their toys out of the bin and lining their cars up in a certain way, our toddlers are naturally moving through phases that help them better understand how the world works.

Though it can be frustrating for us as parents, our children aren't just trying to annoy us but are, in fact, simply learning.

Join Heather and Ruth in this mind-blowing episode where the method behind the madness is finally revealed and play schemas are explained!

If your toddler has a knack for throwing, tearing, ripping, dropping, or climbing, then this is one episode you won't want to miss!

About Ruth: Ruth Vercoe is a teacher-turned-mum on a mission to demystify child’s play through understanding play schemas. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why is my child doing that?”—whether it’s throwing soft toys, hiding stones around the house, or lining up crayons—you’re certainly not alone.

It wasn’t until Ruth was in the thick of parenting that she realized she had entered this journey with an unfair advantage. Her unique edge was a deep understanding of play schemas—how they show up in young children and how to work with them, rather than against them. Now, she’s passionate about helping other parents gain that same insight.

Ruth comes to this first and foremost as a wife and mum to two amazing young boys.

She brings over 15 years of experience working with children, with the majority of her teaching career focused on junior-aged students. A lifelong learner, Ruth holds a Bachelor of Education, a postgraduate diploma in Special Education, a Certificate in Digital and Online Learning, and a Master’s in Education—not to mention a deep love of the outdoors.

Connect with Ruth on Instagram @Play_Schemas; on her website, playschemas.com; or on her podcast "Demystifying Child's Play"!

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Ready to get your toddler to listen in 2 seconds?

Heather has her M.Ed, and a proud Twin Mama of busy toddlers. You might've tried advice tailored for one child, but that's not our journey, right? With a decade of teaching experience under her belt, she's seen it all – from toddlers to teenagers in the classroom. Now, as a parent to toddlers, she's experiencing the flip side of the coin. She's discovered a toolbox to help parents with everything toddler times two!

Let's unlock the secrets to understanding toddler behavior, preventing meltdowns, and raising intuitive, resilient children who listen in 2 seconds.

• Check out the Transform Tantrums: A Listening Toddler In 7 Days mini-course!
• Grab the 3 Steps to a Calm, Kind, and Caring Toddler Free Class and guide!
• Join the Toddler Mom Community
• Follow me on Instagram @twinmom_roadmap
• Watch the YouTube channel
• Check out the blog