Transforming The Toddler Years- Parents and Educators Raising Calm, Connected, Capable Kids

What happens when motherhood feels nothing like you imagined, and you find yourself struggling to get through the day?

In this heartfelt episode, we explore the realities of new motherhood, newborn struggles, and the importance of offering and accepting help when parenting feels overwhelming. Through a powerful story of a new mom navigating a difficult moment with her two-month-old baby, discover how co-regulation, infant soothing techniques, and compassionate support can make a meaningful difference. Learn why reframing your expectations, giving yourself grace, and leaning on your village are essential parts of the parenting journey. Plus, get an exciting first look at the Toddler Tribe community, launching December 1st, a supportive space for parents and educators to find connection, encouragement, and practical strategies for navigating the challenges of raising little ones.

Want to join a community of a supportive space for parents and educators? Join the Toddler Tribe here!

November 10, 2026
Episode 359
New Mom Overwhelm: Why You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

About Your Host:
Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success.

As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠

What if understanding your nervous system could transform the way you connect with children, colleagues, and the people you love? In this episode, I share a powerful aha moment inspired by early childhood expert Alyssa Blask Campbell and explore how sensory processing and individual nervous system differences shape the ways we experience connection.

I share the difference between seeking emotional connection and finding fulfillment through completing tasks, and how recognizing these differences can strengthen relationships at home and in the classroom. I also reflect on the lasting impact of early childhood educators and why meaningful teaching matters, even when we never get to see the long-term results of our work. Tune in to discover how understanding your nervous system, embracing individual differences, and building stronger connections can help you become a more mindful, responsive educator, parent, and caregiver.

Want to learn more? Get your copy of T⁠alk to Them Early and Often now! Buy it here!

November 3, 2026
Episode 358
Why Some Kids Crave Cuddles and Others Prefer Solitude

About Your Host:
Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success.

As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠

What does it really take to raise resilient, emotionally secure children who feel safe, understood, and supported?

In this episode, child development and trauma expert Laura Todd explores how early childhood experiences, birth trauma, NICU stays, and the developing nervous system shape children’s behavior and emotional well-being. Discover how secure attachment, sensory needs, healthy boundaries, and connection-based parenting can help you better understand your child and navigate challenging behaviors with confidence. Laura also shares practical parenting strategies, including play, humor, and repairing relationships after difficult moments, to strengthen your bond and support your child’s resilience. Tune in for an empowering conversation about child development, trauma-informed parenting, emotional regulation, and building resilience in children—and learn why being a good parent isn’t about perfection, but showing up with compassion, connection, and a willingness to grow.
Laura Todd is a licensed therapist in Silicon Valley with over a decade of experience. She specializes in Perinatal Mental Health and Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health. She began her career as a birth-to-five therapist for a local non-profit in Santa Clara County. After having her first baby, she realized she needed to change her career and opened her private practice, Early Bonds Therapy, to support moms in their mental health, the mental health of their baby, and their attachment together. Learn more about Laura's work here and be sure to follow her on Instagram!

Interested in a Toddler Tribe Community full of resources and connection?

⁠⁠⁠DM⁠⁠ ⁠me "Community" on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠so we can connect!

October 29, 2026
Episode 357
Childhood Trauma: What it is and What it Isn't with Laura Todd

About Your Host:
Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠ A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success.

As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

How can we turn a child’s hurtful words into a powerful learning opportunity without resorting to shame or blame?

In this episode, discover how positive communication, mindful parenting, and curiosity-based questions can help children process their emotions, build self-awareness, and develop empathy. Through a powerful real-life story, explore how early childhood educators, parents, and caregivers can use intentional language to guide children toward understanding, confidence, and compassion. Learn why giving children time to process their thoughts and hands-on opportunities to learn can transform their mindset and strengthen relationships with siblings and peers. Tune in for practical strategies to improve communication with young children, nurture emotional intelligence, and create meaningful conversations that help children thrive.
Ready to transform the way you talk to children? Get Cara’s new book, Talk to Them Early and Often, and start creating more meaningful conversations today!

October 27, 2026
Episode 356
Why Kids Want to be First, Best, and Wish They Were Older

About Your Host:
Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success.

As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠

How do you answer your child’s hardest questions with honesty, confidence, and age-appropriate language?

In this episode, discover how to navigate difficult parenting conversations about puberty, body changes, death, and other sensitive topics while building trust and emotional safety. Learn why telling the truth, answering confidently, and keeping explanations developmentally appropriate helps children feel safe asking questions and exploring their curiosity.

Explore how your responses today shape your child’s beliefs, self-worth, and understanding of others as they grow into adulthood. Plus, discover how creating a clear parenting mission statement can help you approach challenging conversations with greater confidence and raise thoughtful, compassionate, and emotionally secure children.

Parenting Mission Statement Masterclass! In this short yet transformational masterclass, you’ll create your personalized Parenting Mission Statement—a one-of-a-kind guide that reflects your values, your vision, and the parent you want to be. Start the masterclass now!

October 20, 2026
Episode 355
What to Say When Kids Ask the Hard Questions

About Your Host:
Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠ A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success.

As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!