Episodios

  • Toddler Car Battles: Why They Happen and What Helps
    Jul 7 2025

    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

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

    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
    Más Menos
    16 m
  • Kindergarten Readiness & Preschool Prep with Amy Fieldman
    Jun 30 2025

    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

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

    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
    Más Menos
    19 m
  • Helping Toddlers with Big Emotions in Public
    Jun 9 2025

    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
    Más Menos
    10 m
  • From Throwing to Lining Up: What Your Child’s Play Is Really Telling You with Ruth Vercoe
    May 7 2025

    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"!

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

    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
    Más Menos
    56 m
  • Two Secrets to Enjoying the Toddler Years
    Apr 30 2025

    Two Secrets to Enjoying the Toddler Years

    In this episode, we reveal the two key factors that can help parents actually enjoy the toddler years:
    1. addressing shame and
    2. letting go of perfectionism.

    We discuss how these issues often go unnoticed but heavily impact our parenting experience.

    There's also an exciting announcement about the upcoming Free Class and Guide: 'Calm, Kind, and Caring Toddler Workshop' on May 8th, which offers practical solutions for 7 common toddler struggles. You can get it here.

    Learn about the Happy Toddler Confident Parent cohort starting in mid-May and how it aims to provide a supportive community and expert advice across various parenting challenges. Join us to understand how to shift towards a growth mindset and find joy in the beautiful imperfections of parenting, here.

    00:00 Introduction: Enjoying the Toddler Years
    00:29 Upcoming Workshop Announcement
    01:11 Common Toddler Struggles
    02:16 Understanding Shame in Parenting
    03:28 The Myth of Perfect Parenting
    08:32 Perfectionism vs. Shame
    09:41 Impact on Parenting Joy
    21:43 Breaking Free from Shame and Perfectionism
    23:31 Expert Support and Resources
    27:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    "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.

    • Sing up for 'The Perfectly Imperfect Family: Real Solutions for Mindful Parents Navigating Today’s Biggest Challenges" Book Launch Special for $1.99 here!
    • 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
    Más Menos
    28 m
  • Understanding Toddler Tantrums: Real-Life Stories + What Helped
    Apr 23 2025

    Understanding Toddler Tantrums: Real Life Stories + What Helped

    Welcome to the Toddler Toolkit podcast! In this episode, we delve deep into the world of toddler tantrums, exploring not just the outward emotional outbursts but the deeper unmet needs and expectations behind them.

    Host Heather shares real-life tantrum stories from her own family to illustrate key parenting concepts such as the 'picture perfect mindset,'
    and the importance of letting toddlers feel their emotions fully. From a pizza meltdown to a playground blowup, Heather offers valuable insights and strategies to help parents navigate these challenging moments and foster emotional regulation skills in their toddlers.

    Plus, learn about the upcoming 'Happy Toddler, Confident Parent' cohort, designed to give parents the tools to better connect with and support their children.

    00:00 Introduction to Toddler Tantrums
    01:00 The Pizza Tantrum: Picture Perfect Mindset
    06:02 The Bubble Blower Incident: Frustration Unveiled
    10:27 The Pre-K School Visit Tantrum: Transitions and Expectations
    19:12 The Playground Meltdown: Overstimulation and Regulation

    Heather announced her upcoming co-authored book, 'The Perfectly Imperfect Family: Real Solutions for Mindful Parents Navigating Today’s Biggest Challenges,' which offers practical wisdom from experts on navigating challenging family situations: https://www.heatherschalkparenting.com/signup-list-for-book

    "If you’re struggling with toddler tantrums and behaviors like separation anxiety, 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 Coming Soon! So STAY TUNED!

    And be sure to grab the 3 Steps to a Calm, Kind, and Caring Toddler Free Class and guide!

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

    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.

    • Sing up for 'The Perfectly Imperfect Family: Real Solutions for Mindful Parents Navigating Today’s Biggest Challenges" Book Launch Special for $1.99 here!
    • 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 @heatherschalkparenting
    • Watch the YouTube channel
    • Check out the blog
    Más Menos
    25 m
  • Breast Milk, Bottles & Burnout: Surviving Baby Feeding Overwhelm with Roxie Alsruhe
    Apr 16 2025

    Whether you're a brand new parent or a veteran, keeping track of a baby's feeding schedule is not easy!

    Roxie Alsruhe discovered this first-hand while caring for her newborn son. When their baby started losing weight instead of gaining, Roxie and her wife did everything they could to help him get the nourishment he needed.

    Through the many sleepless nights and tiring days, Roxie kept careful track of each and every feeding, bottle, and expiration date.

    But when it started to feel overwhelming and downright impossible to do, Roxie began to wonder why something hadn't been created to help keep track of it all.

    And with that, Roxie set out to create it herself!

    Join Heather and her guest in this insightful interview as Roxie shares all about her parenting journey, how she got the idea to create the HoopDee app, and what this resource does to help all parents better care for their babies and beyond.

    If you're into learning about new ways to make your parenting journey easier, smoother, and less chaotic, then this is an episode you'll definitely want to tune into!

    About Roxie: Roxie Alsruhe (pronounced Als-roo) is the founder of HoopDee. HoopDee offers a free app that manages and tracks breast milk and baby formula so new parents never waste a drop. In the summer of 2025, HoopDee will launch a line of patent-pending products that automate the milk managing process even more and enhance your app experience. Roxie is a mom to a sweet 15 month old boy and two senior rescue pups. She is based out of Baltimore, Maryland. She and Heather met in 2nd grade at Cub Run Elementary in Centreville, VA.

    Connect with Roxie on her website, getHoopDee.com, or @getHoopDee on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Youtube!

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

    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
    Más Menos
    39 m