Episodios

  • Moms, You Don’t Need More Patience—You Need More Presence (w/ Katie Krimitsos)

    Moms, You Don’t Need More Patience—You Need More Presence (w/ Katie Krimitsos)
    Nov 5 2025
    Moms, You Don’t Need More Patience—You Need More Presence (w/ Katie Krimitsos) If you’ve ever whispered to yourself, ‘I just need more patience,’ this episode is your permission slip to stop striving and start being. Katie Krimitsos, founder of the Women’s Meditation Network, joins us to share how presence—not perfection—is what actually brings calm in motherhood. Say goodbye to Anxiety with Katie!Download the 5 Secrets to Unleashing Your Meditation Magic, HERE!Listen to Dailly Affirmations with Katie:I Am Proud of the Mother I Have Become-HereIn this special episode of the Toddler Toolkit podcast, we sit down with Katie Krimitsos, founder of the Women's Meditation Network. Katie's meditations have been downloaded over a hundred million times by women worldwide. Join us as Katie shares her inspiring journey from recording in her bedroom closet to reaching nearly 200 million downloads. We discuss the power of stillness amid motherhood chaos, moving from reaction to reflection, and embracing the idea that we already are love. This episode is full of grounding and emotional wisdom for every overwhelmed or disconnected mom. Katie also shares practical tips on building a meditation practice, the importance of self-love, and intentional parenting. Tune in for a heartfelt and insightful conversation that will resonate with moms everywhere.00:00 Welcome to Toddler Toolkit Podcast00:05 Meet Katie Krimitsos: Founder of Women's Meditation Network01:07 Katie's Journey: From Bedroom Closet to Global Impact02:55 The Turning Point: Pregnancy and Intuition04:26 Launching the Women's Meditation Network04:56 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome07:04 Balancing Motherhood and Meditation10:36 The Power of Meditation in Motherhood12:29 Debunking Meditation Myths17:34 Connecting with Intuition Amidst Chaos21:13 Mindful Parenting: Handling Meltdowns with Grace22:54 Struggles with Reading and Self-Perception24:06 A New School Brings New Beginnings25:36 The Power of Meditation in Parenting28:14 Intentional Parenting and Family Values30:35 Self-Compassion and Overcoming Mom Guilt37:37 Modeling Love and Self-Acceptance42:20 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement------------------------------------------------------"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!Watch us Chat for the Podcast Interviews with YouTube Video HERE!Heather has her M.Ed, and a proud Twin Mama of busy toddlers. She's the Toddler Toolkit Podcast Host, a co-author of the #1 International Best Selling Book, The Perfectly Imperfect Family & the founder of the Happy Toddler, Confident Parent Cohort and Course. 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 FastCheck out the Transform Tantrums: A Listening Toddler In 7 Days mini-course!Join the Toddler Mom CommunityFollow me on Instagram @heatherschalkparentingWatch the YouTube channelCheck out the blog
    Más Menos
    46 m
  • How Your Child’s Hurtful Words Reveal the #1 Thing You Need Most

    How Your Child’s Hurtful Words Reveal the #1 Thing You Need Most
    Oct 27 2025
    How Your Child’s Hurtful Words Reveal the #1 Thing You Need MostJoin the Calm Superpower Cohort HERE!In this 3-week live experience, starting November 3rd, we’ll walk through the three biggest areas of toddler struggle:1️⃣ Listening and cooperation 2️⃣ Meltdowns and emotional coaching 3️⃣ Triggers and your own calm superpowerYou’ll get live Q&As, short lessons, and strategies that actually work in real life.And when you enroll by October 31st, you’ll save $100 and get a free Toddler Toolkit T-shirt while supplies last.Listen to a related and helpful episode, 'The Hidden Reason You Snap and 4 Things That Stop the Cycle' here.Back to the Episode:Ever feel stung by your toddler's words? In this episode, we talk about why toddlers say hurtful things like 'Go away, Mommy' and 'I don't love you,' and how these moments reveal what you need most as a parent. We'll discuss toddler tantrums, emotional boundaries, and the hidden fix-it loop that can leave you feeling drained. Learn how to stay calm and ensure your peace doesn't depend on your child's behavior. Plus, join the Calm Superpower cohort starting November 3rd for strategies to handle listening, meltdowns, and triggers. Sign up by October 31st to save $100 and get a free Toddler Toolkit T-shirt!00:00 Introduction: The Hidden Fix-It Loop00:31 Understanding Toddler Tantrums and Hurtful Words00:58 Introducing the Calm Superpower Cohort02:19 Exploring Emotional Boundaries06:51 The Hidden Fix-It Loop Explained10:14 Nervous System Link: Safety vs. Seeking11:30 Emotional Boundaries vs. Emotional Walls18:26 Practical Responses to Hurtful Words20:25 Conclusion and Next Steps------------------------------------------------------"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!Watch us Chat for the Podcast Interviews with YouTube Video HERE!Heather has her M.Ed, and a proud Twin Mama of busy toddlers. She's the Toddler Toolkit Podcast Host, a co-author of the #1 International Best Selling Book, The Perfectly Imperfect Family & the founder of the Happy Toddler, Confident Parent Cohort and Course. 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 FastCheck out the Transform Tantrums: A Listening Toddler In 7 Days mini-course!Join the Toddler Mom CommunityFollow me on Instagram @heatherschalkparentingWatch the YouTube channelCheck out the blog
    Más Menos
    23 m
  • Stop Trying to Get Your Toddler to Listen: Right Intention, Wrong Strategy

    Stop Trying to Get Your Toddler to Listen: Right Intention, Wrong Strategy
    Oct 20 2025

    Stop Trying to Get Your Toddler to Listen: Right Intention, Wrong Strategy


    The Calm Superpower Cohort starts the week of November 3rd.
     It’s three weeks, three live Q&As on Zoom (recordings available after), and one calm superpower that changes everything.

    You’ll learn how to handle meltdowns, power struggles, and those “push your button” moments with tools that actually work in real life.
    Enroll before October 31st to get the Sweet Treat Deal — $97 (regularly $197) and a free Toddler Toolkit T-shirt (value of $30 USD) for the first 5 sign-ups. Sign up here!


    In this episode of the Toddler Toolkit podcast, we’re exploring the true meaning of 'listening' when it comes to toddlers.
    Learn how to distinguish between mere compliance and genuine cooperation, and discover why the latter is crucial for your child's long-term development.

    Join us as we discuss practical tips for fostering cooperation, the hidden costs of enforcing compliance, and the importance of connection in shaping resilient kids. Plus, get all the details on the upcoming Calm Superpower cohort starting the week of November 3rd, designed to equip you with real-life tools for handling toddler meltdowns and power struggles.

    00:00 Introduction to Toddler Toolkit Podcast
    00:02 Understanding Listening vs. Cooperation
    00:56 Introducing the Calm Superpower Cohort
    02:38 Back to the Episode: Listening vs. Compliance
    04:04 The Importance of True Cooperation
    06:26 Compliance vs. Cooperation Pathways
    12:07 The Hidden Costs of Good Listening
    16:51 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

    ------------------------------------------------------
    "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!

    Watch us Chat for the Podcast Interviews with YouTube Video HERE!


    Heather has her M.Ed, and a proud Twin Mama of busy toddlers. She's the Toddler Toolkit Podcast Host, a co-author of the #1 International Best Selling Book, The Perfectly Imperfect Family & the founder of the Happy Toddler, Confident Parent Cohort and Course. 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
    20 m
  • The Hidden Reason You Snap and 4 Things That Stop the Cycle

    The Hidden Reason You Snap and 4 Things That Stop the Cycle
    Oct 13 2025

    The Hidden Reason You Snap and 4 Things That Stop the Cycle | Toddler Toolkit Podcast

    "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, I reflect on a key insight inspired between my personal life and by an interview with Katie Krimitsos (coming on air soon!): why is it easier for moms to show compassion to their children than to themselves?

    We dive into real-life scenarios where self-criticism depletes our patience, explore the concept of 'compassion leaks,' and discuss how this imbalance affects our ability to care for our kids effectively.

    I share personal stories and offer practical steps for practicing self-compassion and maintaining emotional balance. Join me for an honest conversation about the importance of giving yourself grace and how it benefits both you and your family.

    00:00 Introduction: The Compassion Dilemma
    01:11 A Real-Life Example: Nighttime Meltdown
    04:28 Understanding Compassion Leaks
    04:44 Common Compassion Leak Scenarios
    08:30 The Importance of Self-Compassion
    12:47 Practical Steps for Preventative Regulation
    14:44 Conclusion: Embracing Imperfection

    ------------------------------------------------------
    "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!

    Watch us Chat for the Podcast Interviews with YouTube Video HERE!


    Heather has her M.Ed, and a proud Twin Mama of busy toddlers. She's the Toddler Toolkit Podcast Host, a co-author of the #1 International Best Selling Book, The Perfectly Imperfect Family & the founder of the Happy Toddler, Confident Parent Cohort and Course. 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
    17 m
  • Toddler Fighting You? 3 Ways Parents Accidentally Shut Down Kindness

    Toddler Fighting You? 3 Ways Parents Accidentally Shut Down Kindness
    Oct 6 2025

    Toddler Fighting You? 3 Ways Parents Accidentally Shut Down Kindness

    🎤I’m so honored to be a speaker in the Happily Family Online Conference (Oct 9–13) alongside Dr. Daniel Siegel,
    More than 100,000 families are already joining in. Together, we’ll hear from 25+ parenting experts sharing practical tools for real family life—the messy, imperfect, beautiful kind.
    👉 Get a Free Ticket Here. 🎫

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


    In this episode of the Toddler Toolkit Podcast, we explore why toddlers often seem defiant and how parents might unintentionally suppress kindness in their children.

    Learn the three common mistakes—missing the care, shaming the care, and focusing on the negative—and find out how to reframe these moments to foster kindness instead of conflict.

    I'll share real-life examples, exact words you can use, and practical tools for parenting.

    Plus, don't miss insights from the upcoming Happily Family Conference, featuring experts like Dr. Daniel Siegel. Tune in to strengthen your parent-child bond and nurture emotional intelligence in your kids.

    00:00 Introduction: Understanding Toddler Behavior
    01:00 Common Parenting Challenges
    01:47 The Concept of Invisible Care
    04:04 Three Ways Parents Shut Down Kindness
    05:28 Real-Life Examples and Reframes
    12:32 Biology and Negativity Bias
    16:20 Growing More Kindness
    18:05 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

    ------------------------------------------------------
    "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!

    Watch us Chat for the Podcast Interviews with YouTube Video HERE!


    Heather has her M.Ed, and a proud Twin Mama of busy toddlers. She's the Toddler Toolkit Podcast Host, a co-author of the #1 International Best Selling Book, The Perfectly Imperfect Family & the founder of the Happy Toddler, Confident Parent Cohort and Course. 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
    22 m
  • What Really Holds Moms Back in Fitness & This Truth That Works Instead w/ Athena Concannon

    What Really Holds Moms Back in Fitness & This Truth That Works Instead w/ Athena Concannon
    Sep 29 2025
    Realistic Fitness and Nutrition for Busy Moms ft. Athena Concannon | Toddler Toolkit Podcast Most moms don’t fail because they lack willpower—they’re stuck in fitness myths that don’t work. In this episode, Athena Concannon reveals the truth that actually helps busy moms see real results without extremes. Connect with Athena HERE:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athenaconcannon/Website: https://www.achievewithathena.com/------------------------------------------------------I’m so honored to be a speaker in the Happily Family Online Conference (Oct 9–13) alongside Dr. Daniel Siegel! My favorite author in the parenting education and neuroscience space. 💛-A lot of different people come to the Happily Family Conference… foster and adoptive parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers, therapists, and coaches. If you live with kids or work with them, then this conference is for YOU. People attend from all over the globe. -More than 100,000 families are already joining in. Together, we’ll hear from 25+ parenting experts sharing practical tools for real family life…the messy, imperfect, beautiful kind.👉 Save your free spot and get your FREE TICKET HERE!------------------------------------------------------Watch us Chat for the Podcast Interviews with YouTube Video HERE!Join us on today's episode of the Toddler Toolkit Podcast as we welcome Athena Concannon, a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and creator of the Balanced Body Project. Athena shares her journey from fitness enthusiast to helping busy women, especially moms, achieve their fitness goals without the extremes. Learn about her practical strategies, the importance of balance, and how to prioritize self-care in the chaos of motherhood. Athena also talks about the impact of mindset shifts and how to avoid the common all-or-nothing trap. Perfect for moms looking for realistic and compassionate approaches to health and fitness.00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement00:51 Athena's Journey into Fitness and Nutrition04:22 Balancing Fitness with Motherhood06:42 Overcoming the All or Nothing Trap10:17 Realistic Fitness Strategies for Moms23:13 Customizable Fitness Plans28:37 Mindset Shifts and Client Success Stories35:15 Final Thoughts and Contact Information------------------------------------------------------Heather has her M.Ed, and a proud Twin Mama of busy toddlers. She's the Toddler Toolkit Podcast Host, a co-author of the #1 International Best Selling Book, The Perfectly Imperfect Family & the founder of the Happy Toddler, Confident Parent Cohort and Course. 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 FastCheck out the Transform Tantrums: A Listening Toddler In 7 Days mini-course!Join the Toddler Mom CommunityFollow me on Instagram @heatherschalkparentingWatch the YouTube channelCheck out the blog
    Más Menos
    38 m
  • Why ‘Calm Down’ Backfires & What to Say Instead During Meltdowns

    Why ‘Calm Down’ Backfires & What to Say Instead During Meltdowns
    Sep 22 2025

    In this episode of Toddler Toolkit, we explore the difference between control language and connection language when dealing with toddler meltdowns.

    "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!

    Watch us Chat for the Podcast Interviews with YouTube Video HERE!

    Learn why phrases like 'calm down' and 'stop crying' often backfire, and discover 12 effective swaps to help support your child's emotional regulation. We also discuss the importance of intention and body language in parenting.

    Plus, hear about the upcoming Happy Family Online Conference in October 2025 and get tips on how to navigate meltdowns even when you're burned out.

    00:00 Introduction: From Control to Connection
    01:35 Understanding Control Language
    02:44 The Importance of Connection Language
    04:42 12 Helpful Swaps from Control to Connection
    10:18 Real-Life Examples and Final Thoughts
    12:25 Upcoming Events and Conclusion

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

    Heather has her M.Ed, and a proud Twin Mama of busy toddlers. She's the Toddler Toolkit Podcast Host, a co-author of the #1 International Best Selling Book, The Perfectly Imperfect Family & the founder of the Happy Toddler, Confident Parent Cohort and Course. 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
    14 m
  • From Tantrums to ‘I’m Sorry’: Emotional Milestones Every Parent Should Know

    From Tantrums to ‘I’m Sorry’: Emotional Milestones Every Parent Should Know
    Sep 15 2025

    From Tantrums to ‘I’m Sorry’: Emotional Milestones Every Parent Should Know

    "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!

    Watch us Chat for the Podcast Interviews with YouTube Video HERE!

    Episode Mentions:

    3 Phrases That Calm Toddler Meltdowns Over Mistakes

    What You Do in Your Child’s 'Big Emotional Moments' Changes Everything


    Today's Episode:
    Parents love celebrating first steps and words, but what about emotional milestones?

    In this episode of Toddler Toolkit, we'll talk about key emotional milestones like empathy, self-calming, and remorse.

    Join us as we share practical tips and real-life stories, including an embarrassing but insightful incident at Chick-fil-A, to help you recognize and celebrate your child's emotional growth.

    Learn how to notice and name these important skills and how to support your toddler’s emotional development. Plus, hear about special announcements including upcoming conferences and our second anniversary celebration!

    00:00 Introduction to Emotional Milestones
    01:06 The Indoor Play Place Incident
    04:35 Key Emotional Milestones
    07:29 7 Notice and Name Scripts
    09:40 Understanding Delayed Processing
    11:21 Regret vs. Remorse
    13:06 Supporting Emotional Growth
    14:46 Announcements and Upcoming Events

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

    Heather has her M.Ed, and a proud Twin Mama of busy toddlers. She's the Toddler Toolkit Podcast Host, a co-author of the #1 International Best Selling Book, The Perfectly Imperfect Family & the founder of the Happy Toddler, Confident Parent Cohort and Course. 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
    18 m