From Throwing to Lining Up: What Your Child’s Play Is Really Telling You with Ruth Vercoe
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 CommunityFollow me on Instagram @twinmom_roadmapWatch the YouTube channelCheck out the blog
7 Mai 55min
Two Secrets to Enjoying the Toddler Years
Two Secrets to Enjoying the Toddler YearsIn 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 Years00:29 Upcoming Workshop Announcement01:11 Common Toddler Struggles02:16 Understanding Shame in Parenting03:28 The Myth of Perfect Parenting08:32 Perfectionism vs. Shame09:41 Impact on Parenting Joy21:43 Breaking Free from Shame and Perfectionism23:31 Expert Support and Resources27:06 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 FastJoin the Toddler Mom CommunityFollow me on Instagram @heatherschalkparentingWatch the YouTube channelCheck out the blog
30 Apr 28min
Understanding Toddler Tantrums: Real-Life Stories + What Helped
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 Tantrums01:00 The Pizza Tantrum: Picture Perfect Mindset06:02 The Bubble Blower Incident: Frustration Unveiled10:27 The Pre-K School Visit Tantrum: Transitions and Expectations19:12 The Playground Meltdown: Overstimulation and RegulationHeather 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 CommunityFollow me on Instagram @heatherschalkparentingWatch the YouTube channelCheck out the blog
23 Apr 25min
Breast Milk, Bottles & Burnout: Surviving Baby Feeding Overwhelm with Roxie Alsruhe
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 CommunityFollow me on Instagram @twinmom_roadmapWatch the YouTube channelCheck out the blog
16 Apr 39min
This One Thing Shapes Your Toddler’s Behavior and Self-Esteem
The One Thing That Shapes Toddler Behavior and Self-EsteemIn this episode, we explore the key factor that shapes your toddler's behavior and self-esteem - your language and reactions. We'll discuss the concept of the toddler reactivity loop, how to set the stage for better behaviors, and why the attention you give is the attention you get back. Learn practical tips on redirecting rather than reacting and how to use positive praise to improve your toddler's behavior. Find out how your words and tone can shape your child's self-image and behavior over time. Plus, get a sneak peek into my upcoming book, 'The Perfectly Imperfect Family,' launching on May 8th.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-book00:00 Introduction: The Key to Shaping Toddler Behavior00:55 Setting the Stage for a Positive Day01:39 Understanding the Toddler Reactivity Loop05:28 The Power of Positive Attention10:45 The Impact of Language and Reactions23:34 Conclusion and Upcoming Events"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!------------------------------------------------------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.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 CommunityFollow me on Instagram @heatherschalkparentingWatch the YouTube channelCheck out the blog
9 Apr 25min
The Toddler Discipline Script That Backfires & What to Do Instead
The Toddler Discipline Script That Backfires & What to Do InsteadIn this episode, we're diving into the shortcomings of widely shared toddler discipline advice, particularly the 'validation boundary method.' Learn why popular scripts like 'It's okay to be mad, but we don't hit' can backfire, reinforcing unwanted behaviors and leading to parental burnout. We'll explore eight key reasons why this approach is ineffective and offer alternative strategies that focus on proactive, compassionate, and effective discipline techniques that are just a small tweak to change that could make a huge impact. Discover the importance of clear modeling, co-regulation, and addressing sensory needs to help toddlers manage their emotions constructively. Also, get a sneak peek into our upcoming book, 'The Perfectly Imperfect Family,' and how it can be a valuable resource for mindful parenting.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-book00:00 Introduction to Toddler Discipline Issues00:46 The Validation Boundary Method Explained02:06 Why the Script Fails: Eight Reasons07:55 Upcoming Book Announcement09:41 Empathy and Emotional Attunement16:20 The Importance of Visual and Physical Cues18:29 Parental Burnout and Final Thoughts"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!------------------------------------------------------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.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 CommunityFollow me on Instagram @heatherschalkparentingWatch the YouTube channelCheck out the blog
2 Apr 22min
Finding a Good Fit Babysitter for your Toddler
How to Find the Perfect Babysitter for Your ToddlerIn this episode, Heather shares valuable insights on finding a babysitter that suits your toddler's temperament and aligns with your parenting style. She discusses emotional fit, parenting style alignment, and offers tips on managing time duration and transitions. Heather shares personal experiences and emphasizes the importance of interview questions, setting expectations, and trusting your intuition. She also introduces 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-book00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:59 Emotional Fit and Parenting Style Alignment10:35 Time, Duration and Separation Tips16:40 Logistical Fit and Final Thoughts21:21 Conclusion and Encouragement"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!------------------------------------------------------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.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 CommunityFollow me on Instagram @heatherschalkparentingWatch the YouTube channelCheck out the blog
26 Mar 23min
From Books to Breakthroughs: The Parenting Advice That Changed My Life with Taylor Greenberg
Do you feel as though you've read every parenting book out there and tried all the advice without seeing any of the results?When we're looking for help for battling difficult behaviors, it seems that every parent "expert" out there has the solution to our struggles.But when we try to implement their advice, it either doesn't quite work out like we hoped or we burnout before we see results.Taylor Greenberg was experiencing this exact same thing. As a burnt-out mama of two under two, Taylor struggled to put all the pieces together in her parenting journey. In this episode, Taylor shares her experience with us and talks about how she went from reading all the books to finally reaching a breakthrough. Come join in on this exciting conversation!About Taylor: Taylor is the founder of MOMumental, an app created to help toddler moms connect with real, effective parenting advice from experts. With MOMumental, we have done all the research for you when it comes to finding community reviewed courses and coaches that are a perfect fit, no matter what issue you are experiencing in your toddlerhood journey and beyond.Taylor is a Work From Home Mom to two toddler girls and lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband and two dogs. She has a passion for helping moms save time, money, and their sanity, by making parenting just a little bit easier. Connect with Taylor on Instagram and download the MOMumental app here!------------------------------------------------------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 CommunityFollow me on Instagram @twinmom_roadmapWatch the YouTube channelCheck out the blog
19 Mar 31min
