The Ashley Ventrice Show

Ashley Ventrice
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Welcome to The Toddler Life Coach Show — the podcast that helps you understand your toddler’s behavior, regulate your own emotions, and build a calmer home. I’m Ashley, a child development specialist and mom of two, here to make sense of the chaos and bring peace back into parenting. 👉 Subscribe to The Ashley Ventrice Show for weekly episodes on raising emotionally healthy kids. 👉 Share this episode with a parent friend who needs a tantrum toolkit in their back pocket. 👉 Download your free Calming Toolkit for Toddlers at [https://payhip.com/b/IeRcM] to start practicing today. 👉 Check out Hands are not for Hitting at [https://amzn.to/48eX0tt] to start reading it to your toddler. 👉 Join my Emotional Regulation Master Course for Toddler Parents at [https://ashleyventriceco.podia.com/emotional-regulation-master-course-for-toddler-moms] to start the new year using proven tools with confidence. 👉 View my blog on How to Create a Cozy Calm Down Corner with my favorite products [https://ashleyventriceco.podia.com/blog]   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website https://ashleyventriceco.podia.com                     👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉    Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco Join:                                                                                                              👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/ Each episode is packed with real-life examples, emotional regulation tools, and gentle, grounded advice for parents who want to raise emotionally healthy kids — without guilt, pressure, or perfection. If you’re ready to grow forward with your toddler, hit play. 💛

  1. 16 HR AGO

    I Wasn’t Always a Child Development Specialist… (My Full Story)

    Before the credentials, the podcast, and the toddler advice — there was a girl who started in fashion and found her calling by accident. This is the real story of how I got here, and why nothing in your path is ever wasted.   You’ve heard the advice. You’ve seen the credentials. But today, I’m pulling back the curtain on the full journey — because I think you need to hear how I actually got here. In this episode, I’m sharing my honest, unfiltered origin story — from fashion merchandising at Marist College, to teaching in an urban district, to becoming a mom whose daughter needed Early Intervention, to opening my own childcare center, and eventually landing right here… in your ears. This one is personal. And I think it’ll hit different if you’ve ever felt like your path was “wrong,” or like you’re way behind where you thought you’d be. In this episode, you’ll hear: •Why I left a stable fashion career in my 20s with zero plan •The volunteer experience in my last semester of college that changed everything •How becoming a mom — and my daughter’s speech delay — pointed me toward Early Intervention •What I actually did as a developmental specialist (and why it’s different from OT, PT, and speech) •The decision to leave teaching and stay home — and the math that made it make sense •Why I eventually opened a childcare center, and what led me away from it •And the chronic illness chapter I don’t talk about enough If you’ve been wondering why I give the advice I do, or whether you can actually trust me with your child’s development — this episode is for you. Because everything I teach comes from classrooms, from homes, from my own kids, and from years of hands-on experience. Not just a textbook. 💛 If this resonated, send it to a friend who’s in a “what am I even doing” season. She needs it.

    10 min

  2. 14 APR

    Why Your Kids Fight — And What to Do About It ft. Toddler Toolkit’s Heather Schalk

    Do your kids have the same fight on repeat and you have no idea how to break the cycle? In this episode, I’m sitting down with Heather Schalk from the Toddler Toolkit Podcast to talk all things sibling relationships — how to identify the patterns showing up in your home, what’s actually driving them, and practical ways to help your kids genuinely get along. As a Pediatric OT, I’m bringing the developmental lens, and Heather is bringing the toolkit. This one is for every mom who’s tired of playing referee.   Helpful Resources:                                                                                                            👉 The Problem-Solving Bucket  👉 Cooperative Games   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/   My Guest:                                                                                                            👉 Heather Schalk Instagram 👉 Toddler Toolkit Podcast

    37 min

  3. 7 APR

    Mom Guilt, POTS, and MCAS: When Chronic Illness Meets Motherhood (And Why You Need to Let Go of the Guilt)

    What happens when you’re managing a chronic illness and drowning in mom guilt? In this episode, I’m getting personal about my diagnoses — POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) — and why I’m talking about it openly. More women than men are diagnosed with autoimmune and chronic illness conditions, and awareness matters. I share a conversation I had with a nurse at my cardiologist’s office — a mom of a toddler and a kindergartner — who was carrying a guilt so many of us know way too well: the guilt of choosing one kid over another, of working, of not being everywhere at once. Sound familiar? We’re also talking about the noise — the opinions from parents, friends, family — and how it all piles on top of an already heavy load. I’m sharing how hitting my 40s (and finally getting answers about my health) pushed me to get intentional about ditching guilt and building a life that actually works for me and my family. If you’ve ever felt the weight of everyone else’s opinions pulling you in every direction, this one’s for you. Topics covered: ∙What POTS and MCAS are and why more moms need to know ∙The real story behind mom guilt vs. a new life pattern ∙How chronic illness changed the way I show up as a mom ∙Why your 40s might just be your most intentional decade yet   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/

    12 min

  4. 24 MAR

    I Left My Kids for the First Time and It Changed Everything — On Mom Identity and Marriage

    In this deeply personal episode, I share why I took my first flight away from my children — and why it was about more than just a vacation. We talk about mom guilt, trusted caregivers, marriage health, nervous system regulation, facing fears after trauma, and the quiet identity shifts that happen in motherhood.   If you’ve ever felt pressure about leaving your children, struggled with anxiety about flying, or felt like you’ve “lost yourself” in parenting — this episode is for you.   We’ll unpack:   • Why time away can strengthen your children’s resilience • The nervous system impact of chronic self-sacrifice • How healthy marriages benefit children • Processing fear after trauma (including 9/11) • The truth about identity loss and rebirth in motherhood   This isn’t about escaping your kids.   It’s about modeling courage, balance, and emotional health.   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/   Today’s Sponsor: 👉 Skylight Calendar https://tidd.ly/4qs78VP

    9 min

  5. 17 MAR

    Is My Child Highly Sensitive? Signs, Strategies, and What a Child Development Specialist Knows

    Is your child deeply emotional, empathetic, or easily overwhelmed by loud or chaotic environments?   They may be a highly sensitive child.   In this episode, we explore the science behind highly sensitive children (HSCs), a temperament trait found in roughly 15–20% of the population. These children process emotions and sensory information more deeply than others, which can lead to big feelings—but also incredible strengths.     You’ll learn:   • What highly sensitive babies, toddlers, and children often look like • Signs your child may be highly sensitive • How sensitivity shows up in adulthood • Parenting strategies that help sensitive kids thrive • Why sensitivity can become a powerful advantage later in life   We also talk about personal experiences raising sensitive children and growing up sensitive ourselves.   If you’re raising a child who feels everything deeply, this episode will help you understand their brain and support them with compassion and confidence.   Read the blog post about how to support your highly sensitive child further.   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/   Today’s Sponsor: 👉 Skylight Calendar https://tidd.ly/4qs78VP

    14 min

  6. 10 MAR

    How to Talk to Toddlers About Death — Mom’s Honest Guide

    What if one of the most powerful ways to raise emotionally intelligent children is through loving — and eventually losing — a pet?   In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with author Kristen Griffin to talk about her beautiful children’s book Magnum’s Final Goodbye, a story that gently guides families through pet loss.   Kristen and I connected instantly over our lifelong love of animals and our shared belief that growing up with pets teaches children empathy, responsibility, compassion, and emotional depth.   We talk about: •Why pets help build emotional intelligence in children •How caring for animals fosters empathy and responsibility •How to prepare children for pet loss in healthy, age-appropriate ways •Why grief is not something to avoid — but something to walk through together   If you’ve ever wondered how to talk to your child about losing a pet — or why animals play such an important role in emotional development — this episode is for you.   Because raising emotionally healthy children doesn’t mean protecting them from grief. It means walking beside them through it.   🎧 Listen now and share with a fellow animal-loving parent.   Connect with Kristen: 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/magnumsbridge/ 👉 Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/magnumsbridge/?etsrc=sdt   Connect with Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/

    41 min

  7. 25 FEB

    What You Do With Your Toddler Now Matters More Than You Think — A Child Development Specialist's Honest Take

    If you’ve ever wondered whether the daily power struggles, tantrums, and boundary battles actually matter long term — this episode is for you.   In today’s episode, we zoom out.   You are not just managing a toddler. You are shaping a future adult.   The way you respond to whining, frustration, big emotions, and independence today wires your child’s nervous system, self-concept, and resilience for tomorrow.   We’ll talk about: •How toddler boundaries build teenage self-regulation •Why emotional coaching now prevents emotional shutdown later •The difference between compliance and internal discipline •How repair builds secure attachment (even when you mess up) •Practical scripts and examples you can use this week   If you want to raise an emotionally healthy, capable adult — it starts in the toddler years.   This episode will help you parent with long-term vision instead of short-term survival.   Favorites: 👉 Good Read The Whole Brain Child    Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/

    11 min

  8. 17 FEB

    Why Sensory Play Is More Than Messy Fun — A Child Development Specialist Explains What’s Really Happening

    Sensory play is one of my favorite forms of play — not just because it’s fun, but because you can almost instantly see a child become calmer.   In this episode, I’m sharing why sensory play was the foundation of my work in Early Intervention, especially with children with autism and nervous system dysregulation. I’ll explain why I began every single session with a sensory bin, how it builds trust and regulation, and why calm always comes before learning.   We’ll talk about the incredible developmental benefits of sensory play — including fine motor, cognitive, language, and early math skills — and how you can easily create sensory experiences at home without spending money or making things complicated.   If you’ve ever wondered how to calm your baby or toddler, encourage independent play, or create a predictable routine that supports regulation, this episode will give you simple, practical tools you can start using today.   Sensory Favorites: 👉 No Fus Sensory Play Guide 👉 Sensory Tools & Toys Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/

    12 min
See All (26)

About

Welcome to The Toddler Life Coach Show — the podcast that helps you understand your toddler’s behavior, regulate your own emotions, and build a calmer home. I’m Ashley, a child development specialist and mom of two, here to make sense of the chaos and bring peace back into parenting. 👉 Subscribe to The Ashley Ventrice Show for weekly episodes on raising emotionally healthy kids. 👉 Share this episode with a parent friend who needs a tantrum toolkit in their back pocket. 👉 Download your free Calming Toolkit for Toddlers at [https://payhip.com/b/IeRcM] to start practicing today. 👉 Check out Hands are not for Hitting at [https://amzn.to/48eX0tt] to start reading it to your toddler. 👉 Join my Emotional Regulation Master Course for Toddler Parents at [https://ashleyventriceco.podia.com/emotional-regulation-master-course-for-toddler-moms] to start the new year using proven tools with confidence. 👉 View my blog on How to Create a Cozy Calm Down Corner with my favorite products [https://ashleyventriceco.podia.com/blog]   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website https://ashleyventriceco.podia.com                     👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉    Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco Join:                                                                                                              👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/ Each episode is packed with real-life examples, emotional regulation tools, and gentle, grounded advice for parents who want to raise emotionally healthy kids — without guilt, pressure, or perfection. If you’re ready to grow forward with your toddler, hit play. 💛

Information

  • Creator
    Ashley Ventrice
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Ashley Ventrice Show