If your toddler's meltdowns leave you feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next, you're not alone. During toddler tantrums, many parents have heard they should practice co-regulation, but few know what that actually looks like in the moment. In this episode, Dr. Emma Girard joins me to explain why toddlers are not melting down to manipulate you, how their brains process big emotions differently, and how positive parenting techniques can help both you and your child move through those difficult moments together.

We break down what co-regulation really means, why your own emotional state matters first, and how the CARES framework gives parents practical parenting help they can use during everyday meltdowns. You'll learn why your job isn't to fix your toddler's feelings, but to help them feel safe enough to work through them while building emotional regulation skills over time.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why toddler tantrums are different from older children's tantrums
• What co-regulation actually looks like during a meltdown
• How positive parenting techniques help toddlers develop emotional regulation
• Practical parenting help for staying calm when emotions run high
• Why regulating yourself is the first step in successful co-regulation
• How to respond to toddler tantrums without giving in or becoming punitive
• The CARES framework and other positive parenting techniques you can use today
• Simple parenting help for supporting your toddler through big emotions while maintaining healthy boundaries

If you're navigating daily toddler tantrums, trying to better understand co-regulation, or looking for practical positive parenting techniques and parenting help, this episode will give you tools you can start using with your toddler today.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

CARES Handout

LET'S CONNECT:

Thriving Child Center

PCIT Experts

Calm and Connected Program

Instagram

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CONNECT WITH EMMA GIRARD:

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