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

Is your child a picky eater, or could there be more going on beneath the surface of the dinner table?

In this episode, feeding expert Katie Kimball joins me to explore how to build a healthy relationship with food from the earliest years, understand the sensory factors behind picky eating, and raise adventurous eaters without pressure or power struggles. Discover how the eight senses influence feeding, why mealtime routines, family food experiences, and sensory exploration matter, and how to support your toddler's food preferences, food sensitivities, and growing independence. We also unpack common mealtime mistakes, including screen distractions, force-feeding, food labels, and creating separate meals for children, while sharing practical ways to encourage food curiosity and develop lifelong healthy eating habits.

Plus, Katie shares insights from her upcoming book, The Picky Eater Playbook, and her PEP Club membership to help parents turn mealtime stress into opportunities for connection, confidence, and growth.Katie Kimball, CSME, of Raising Healthy Families, is the national voice of healthy kids cooking - a writer, speaker, former teacher, and mom of 4 kids who founded #LifeSkillsNow virtual summer camps as well as the Kids Cook Real Food and Teens Cook Real Food eCourses. In 2020 the Wall Street Journal recommended KCRF as the best online cooking class for kids! Since 2009 her blog, Kitchen Stewardship, has been helping families stay healthy without going crazy. Today Katie is on a mission to connect families around healthy food and teach every child in America to cook!Learn more about Raising Healthy Families courses and programs here!

November 12, 2026
Episode 360
The Truth About Picky Eaters with Katie Kimball

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 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!⁠