Podcast · Kids & Family

Toddler Toolkit

by Heather Schalk, M.Ed. · English · Kids & Family

The complete toolkit for understanding toddler behavior (e.g. hitting, throwing, biting, pushing), navigating tantrums and meltdowns, fostering healthy sibling relationships and dynamics so your kids can get along and raising skilled resilient self-regulated toddlers. If you have toddlers that are c

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 17 min
Latest: 30 Mar 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

30 Mar 2026 · 16 min

When Your Child Feels Harder Than Everyone Else’s… Listen to This

Follow and Subscribe: 🎉 New YouTube Channel🎉 : @TheHeatherSchalk Heather will be pouring more energy into YouTube for a more personal and face to face experience with her listeners and to help reach more parents in need. If you enjoyed this podcast or it meant something to you/ shifting something for you... please help support this new channel by listening on YouTube. Thank you :) Listen on YouTube Here! If you’ve ever felt like your child is harder than everyone else’s… or like nothing you’re doing is working… you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything wrong. I made something to help…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E116 · 9 Mar 2026 · 16 min
Why Your Toddler Looks Like They’re Ignoring You (And What To Do Instead)
When Your Toddler Looks at You and Still Does It (What’s Really Happening + What to Do) Mentioned episodes: From Throwing to Lining Up: What Your Child’s Play Is Really Telling You with Ruth Vercoe The Missing Piece in Gentle Parenting (And Why It Feels So Hard) 🎉 New YouTube Channel🎉 : @TheHeatherSchalk "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! This episode explains why toddlers sometimes make eye contact, hear…
E115 · 2 Mar 2026 · 15 min
The Missing Piece in Gentle Parenting (And Why It Feels So Hard)
The Missing Piece in Gentle Parenting (And Why It Feels So Hard) 🎉 New YouTube Channel🎉 : @TheHeatherSchalk "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! This episode explains why gentle parenting can feel harder than yelling when it’s done without enough structure. When kids are dysregulated, language processing drops, so long explanations and collaboration during meltdowns often backfire and leave parents carrying…
E114 · 23 Feb 2026 · 33 min
Why 'Doing More' Is Backfiring With Your Toddler w/ Ashley Ventrice
Why 'Doing More' Is Backfiring With Your Toddler w/ Ashley Ventrice Follow Ashley Ventrice: Instagram: @ashleyventriceco Ashley on Facebook Ashley Ventrice Show (podcast) Watch us Chat for the Podcast Interviews with YouTube Video HERE! In this episode of the Toddler Toolkit podcast, Heather talks with Ashley Ventrice, a parent, educator, and host of The Ashley Ventrice Show, about how nervous system safety and emotional regulation start with the adults. Ashley shares how she built a childcare center designed for both toddlers and parents, including structured play, sensory learning,…
E113 · 16 Feb 2026 · 17 min
Before You Call Them a Bully: What’s Really Happening in Sibling & Friend Power Struggles
Before You Call Them a Bully: What’s Really Happening in Sibling & Friend Power Struggles This episode is part of a 4 Part Valentine's Series! Click the link below to listen 🎧 🎧 Episode 1 — Why Siblings and Friends Spiral Faster Together (It's not Bad Behavior) 🎧 Episode 2 — Which Role Does Your Child Fall Into? (It’s Not What You Think) 🎧 Episode 3 — When Play Makes Things Worse: Protecting Your Child Without Breaking Connection 🎧 Episode 4 — Before You Call Them a Bully: What’s Really Happening in Sibling & Friend Power Struggles(this episode) 🎉 New YouTube Channel🎉 : @TheHeatherSchalk "If…
E112 · 9 Feb 2026 · 15 min
When Play Makes Things Worse: Protecting Your Child Without Breaking Connection
When Play Makes Things Worse: Protecting Your Child Without Breaking Connection | Toddler Toolkit Podcast This episode is part of a 4 Part Valentine's Series! Episodes to be linked soon! 🎧 Episode 1 — Why Siblings and Friends Spiral Faster Together (It's not Bad Behavior) 🎧 Episode 2 — Which Role Does Your Child Fall Into? (It’s Not What You Think) 🎧 Episode 3 — When Play Makes Things Worse: Protecting Your Child Without Breaking Connection (this episode) 🎧 Episode 4 — Not a Bully (The moment everyone misreads)(coming soon!) 🎉 New YouTube Channel🎉 : @TheHeatherSchalk "If you’re struggling…
E111 · 2 Feb 2026 · 16 min
Which Role Does Your Child Fall Into? (It’s Not What You Think)
Which Role Does Your Child Fall Into? (It’s Not What You Think) | Toddler Toolkit Podcast This episode is part of a 4 Part Valentine's Series! Episodes to be linked soon! 🎧 Episode 1 — Why Siblings and Friends Spiral Faster Together (It's not Bad Behavior) 🎧 Episode 2 — Which Role Does Your Child Fall Into? (It’s Not What You Think) 🎧 Episode 3 — Protection Without Ending Relationships (Adult leadership + boundaries) (coming soon!) 🎧 Episode 4 — Not a Bully (The moment everyone misreads)(coming soon!) 🎉 New YouTube Channel🎉 : @TheHeatherSchalk "If you’re struggling with toddler tantrums and…
E110 · 26 Jan 2026 · 16 min
Why Siblings and Friends Spiral Faster Together (It's not Bad Behavior)
Why Siblings and Friends Spiral Faster Together (It's not Bad Behavior) 🎉 New YouTube Channel🎉 : @TheHeatherSchalk "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! Ever wondered why your child acts differently with their sibling or a close friend? This episode kicks off a series that explores how children's relationships, especially with siblings and close friends, impact their behavior. It's not about bad behavior, but…
E109 · 19 Jan 2026 · 17 min
What Your Toddler’s Tantrum Is Actually About
What Your Toddler’s Tantrum Is Actually About "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! Referenced Epsiode: - Why Your Toddler Keeps Melting Down: The Pattern You’re Missing 🎉 New YouTube Channel🎉 : @TheHeatherSchalk Ever been baffled by your toddler’s sudden meltdown — even when you stayed calm, explained, and did “everything right”? In this episode, we’re unpacking what toddler tantrums are actually about — and…
E108 · 12 Jan 2026 · 15 min
Two Reasons Toddlers Don’t Listen (and Why Certain Strategies Fail)
Two Reasons Toddlers Don’t Listen (and Why Certain Strategies Fail) Join our Free Facebook Group here . "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 this episode, we tackle a common frustration among parents: 'Why doesn't my toddler listen even when I'm calm?' The answer might surprise you—it's often not a listening problem but a nervous system issue. Learn why toddlers'…
E107 · 5 Jan 2026 · 24 min
Toddlers Don’t Lie — They’re Communicating (Here’s What to Do)
Toddlers Don’t Lie — They’re Communicating (Here’s What to Do) "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 Toddler Toolkit Podcast! In this episode, we talk about why toddlers and preschoolers say 'I don't wanna go' and how they communicate distress through behavior, stories, and resistance. We'll explore how different rules and environments can create nervous system distress in children and how parents…
E106 · 29 Dec 2025 · 16 min
Why Your Toddler Keeps Melting Down: The Pattern You’re Missing
Why Your Toddler Keeps Melting Down: The Pattern You’re Missing ✨📝 Featured Article: 10 Toddler Parenting Tips From Experts You Can Use Today (What Toddler Experts Wish Every Parent Knew) Companion Episode: The Hidden Reason You Snap and 4 Things That Stop the Cycle I n this episode of the Toddler Toolkit Podcast, we'll explore how the hardest moments with your toddler – tantrums, meltdowns, power struggles – aren't the real problem . Learn about the underlying patterns in both your toddler's behavior and your own reactions. Discover how changing these patterns can ease perfectionism, shame,…
E105 · 17 Dec 2025 · 46 min
Is Your Dog Really “Fine”? The Hidden Signals Parents Miss (w/ Dog Meets Baby’s Dominika Knossalla-Pado)
Is Your Dog Really “Fine”? The Hidden Signals Parents Miss (w/ Dog Meets Baby’s Dominika Knossalla-Pado) - Toddler Toolkit Podcast Get Lola and the Bubble Mission on Amazon (USA) Get Lola and the Bubble Mission on Amazon (UK) More information about the book, Lola and the Bubble Mission, here. Connect & Get Dominika's Freebies: W: https://www.dogmeetsbaby.expert/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/dogmeets_baby/ YT: https://bit.ly/dogmeetsbaby FB: https://www.facebook.com/DogMeetsBabyByDominika In this episode of the Toddler Toolkit podcast, host welcomes Dominika Knossalla-Pado, a professional…
E104 · 9 Dec 2025 · 16 min
Your Toddler Isn’t Misbehaving — They’re Unanchored (Here’s What They Need)
Your Toddler Isn’t Misbehaving — They’re Unanchored (Here’s What They Need) "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 dive into the real reasons behind toddler meltdowns and unruly behavior. Learn how understanding your child's 'state' and nervous system can help you guide them back to calmness without power struggles. From changing the environment to sensory…
E103 · 25 Nov 2025 · 23 min
Reset Your Toddler Before the Holidays: How to Bank Calm in Their Nervous System (and Yours)
Reset Your Toddler Before the Holidays: How to Bank Calm in Their Nervous System (and Yours) | 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! When you get the FREE Guide, you get access to my Black Friday Deals this Week! Don’t forget to mark your calendar: ✨ Wednesday 11/26: The 5-Workshop Vault — $3 ✨ Friday 11/28 : The Calm Parent Holiday Pass — $7 ✨ Cyber Monday 12/1: The Premium Calm…
E102 · 24 Nov 2025 · 19 min
Holiday Overwhelm: Why Your Toddler Falls Apart Around Family (and How to Make Thanksgiving Easier)
Holiday Overwhelm: Why Your Toddler Falls Apart Around Family (and How to Make Thanksgiving Easier) "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! When you get the FREE Guide, you get access to my Black Friday Deals this Week! Don’t forget to mark your calendar: ✨ Wednesday 11/26: The 5-Workshop Vault — $3 ✨ Friday 11/28 : The Calm Parent Holiday Pass — $7 ✨ Cyber Monday 12/1: The Premium Calm Superpower Transformation…
E101 · 20 Nov 2025 · 20 min
The 7 Types of Toddler NO’s (and How to Respond to Each One)
The 7 Types of Toddler NO’s (and How to Respond to Each One) "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! Recommended Podcast Episodes Referenced in the episode: How Your Child’s Hurtful Words Reveal the #1 Thing You Need Most What “No!”, “Go Away!”, and Other Toddler Phrases Actually Mean In this Toddler Toolkit podcast episode, we discuss the seven types of toddler 'no's and the best strategies for each one. We'll…
E100 · 12 Nov 2025 · 12 min
5 Mistakes Parents Make When Their Toddler Says ‘No’ (and What to Do Instead)
5 Mistakes Parents Make When Toddlers Say No (And What to Do Instead!) Welcome to the 100th episode of Toddler Toolkit Podcast! Join 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 superpower You’ll get live Q&As , short lessons , and strategies that actually work in real life. In this episode, we discuss the five common mistakes parents make when their toddlers say 'no' and provide effective…
E99 · 5 Nov 2025 · 46 min
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) 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 - Here In this special episode of the Toddler…
E98 · 27 Oct 2025 · 23 min
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 Join 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 superpower You’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…
E96 · 21 Oct 2025 · 46 min
The New Way to Handle Toddler Tantrums and Big Emotions w/ Devon Kuntzman, Transforming Toddlerhood
Transforming Toddlerhood: How to Embrace and Enjoy Parenting with Devin Kuntzman! Follow Devon Kuntzman here on Instagram Get Devon's new book, Transforming Toddlerhood here! Welcome to the Toddler Toolkit podcast! In this episode, we're thrilled to have modern parenting expert Devin Kuntzman. Devin is well-known for her work on Instagram as the original toddler parenting coach, trusted by millions of parents worldwide. Devin shares her mission to shift the narrative around toddlerhood, viewing it as a stage filled with opportunities rather than challenges. She discusses her comprehensive…
E97 · 20 Oct 2025 · 20 min
Stop Trying to Get Your Toddler to Listen: Right Intention, Wrong Strategy
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…
E95 · 13 Oct 2025 · 17 min
The Hidden Reason You Snap and 4 Things That Stop the Cycle
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…
E94 · 6 Oct 2025 · 22 min
Toddler Fighting You? 3 Ways Parents Accidentally Shut Down Kindness
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…
E93 · 29 Sep 2025 · 38 min
What Really Holds Moms Back in Fitness & This Truth That Works Instead w/ Athena Concannon
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 !…
E92 · 22 Sep 2025 · 14 min
Why ‘Calm Down’ Backfires & What to Say Instead During Meltdowns
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…
E91 · 15 Sep 2025 · 18 min
From Tantrums to ‘I’m Sorry’: Emotional Milestones Every Parent Should Know
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…
E90 · 8 Sep 2025 · 15 min
3 Phrases That Calm Toddler Meltdowns Over Mistakes
3 Phrases That Calm Toddler Meltdowns Over Mistakes "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, Heather shares personal stories and practical tips for parents to help their toddlers build resilience. Through reassurance and a growth mindset, toddlers can overcome frustration and perfectionism. The episode includes specific scripts for parents to use, discusses common toddler struggles, and emphasizes…
E89 · 1 Sep 2025 · 12 min
Why School Drop-Off Can Get Hard & What to Do About Late Separation Anxiety
Why School Drop-Off Can Get Hard & What to Do About Late Separation Anxiety "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 why separation anxiety can show up later than expected and offer creative strategies to ease drop-offs. Sharing personal experiences and practical tips like Jobs of Connection, you'll learn how to help your toddler feel more secure and…
E88 · 25 Aug 2025 · 26 min
The 4 Tantrum Styles: Which One Are You (and How to Handle Meltdowns Better)
Understanding Your Toddler's Tantrums: Find Your Parenting Style "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! This episode was referenced for you to also listen to: What You Do in Your Child’s 'Big Emotional Moments' Changes Everything Why Your Toddler Can’t Hear You in a Meltdown & What to Do Instead Welcome to the Toddler Toolkit podcast! In this episode, we tackle toddler tantrums and the different styles parents…

About Toddler Toolkit

Toddler Toolkit is a English kids & family podcast from Heather Schalk, M.Ed.. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Heather Schalk, M.Ed.
Language: English
Category: Kids & Family
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 17 min
Latest episode: 30 Mar 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1710624540

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