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

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 eb 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 39, 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!

Could elimination communication help your baby ditch diapers earlier, strengthen your bond, and make potty learning easier?

In this episode of Transforming the Toddler Years, I welcome Andrea Olson, elimination communication expert and founder of Go Diaper Free, to explain the difference between elimination communication (EC) and traditional potty training. Discover how to recognize your baby’s potty cues, practice part-time elimination communication from birth, and support your child’s natural development without adding unnecessary stress to your parenting routine.

Andrea shares practical advice for navigating daycare potty training, overcoming challenges with older toddlers, understanding the benefits of proper squatting positions, and handling bathroom needs while traveling. Whether you’re a new parent exploring early potty learning or navigating toddler toilet training, this conversation offers actionable tips for building confidence, fostering connection, and making the diaper-free journey work for your family.Andrea Olson is the author of Go Diaper Free (https://godiaperfree.com) and The Tiny Potty Training Book, and the world's leading educator on elimination communication — the gentle practice of tuning into your baby's natural cues to use the potty from birth. Andrea's approach to EC is practical, low-pressure, and designed to work for real parents in real life — whether you're all in or just dipping a toe in the potty waters.

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

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

October 15, 2026
Episode 354
Potty Trained From Birth: Elimination Communication with Andrea Olsen from Go Diaper Free

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 you hold firm boundaries with toddlers without turning every limit into a power struggle or meltdown?

In this episode we explore the difference between rigid, permissive, and collaborative boundaries—and why effective toddler discipline requires both connection and consistency. Learn how collaborative discipline gives children a voice and choices within a clear boundary, helping parents and educators reduce power struggles while still confidently holding limits. We’ll look at practical examples of using flexible, respectful boundary-setting during everyday challenges like diaper changes and transitions. If you’re looking for positive parenting strategies, toddler discipline tips, and ways to set healthy boundaries without yelling or power struggles, this episode is for you.

⁠  Watch a tutorial video of me using my words to help a little one transition and hold boundaries. Find the video here: https://www.core4parenting.com/collaborate⁠

October 13, 2026
Episode 353
How to Hold Boundaries Without Power Struggles or Meltdowns

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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠