Transforming The Toddler Years- Parents and Educators Raising Calm, Connected, Capable Kids

Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed, Creator of The Collaborative Parenting Methodology
  • 4.9 (74)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Biweekly

Transforming the Toddler Years is the go-to podcast for parents, caregivers, and educators who see tantrums as opportunities for learning. Hosted by Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. early language expert, author, parent educator, and founder of Core4Parenting, each episode blends the science of early childhood and the soul of human connection to raise emotionally intelligent kids. Learn to use intentional language to connect in the chaos and turn tantrums into teachable moments. If you want to raise kids who feel seen, heard, and secure this podcast is for you.

  1. 17h ago

    Raising Smart Kids in a Digital World - Part 4 - Questions That Teach Perspective

    What happens when your child has to navigate relationships with people they simply don't click with? In this episode, I take a deeper dive into relational intelligence, exploring how children can learn empathy, compassion, and perspective-taking when faced with challenging interpersonal dynamics. Drawing from my own experience supporting a child through a difficult teacher-student relationship, I share practical strategies for helping children understand that different perspectives and personalities don't make someone "bad"—just different. Discover how teaching perspective-taking today can help your child build stronger, more respectful relationships throughout life.This week’s challenge: When your child faces a challenging relationship or conflict, use “What do you think…” and “I wonder…” questions to help them step into someone else’s perspective and build empathy, respect, and understanding of differences. June 30, 2026 Episode 335 Raising Smart Kids in a Digital World - Part 4 - Questions That Teach Perspective About Your Host: Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success. As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

    15 min

  2. Jun 23

    Raising Smart Kids in a Digital World - Part 3 - Relational Intelligence

    What if your child's future success depends less on what they know and more on how they connect with others? In this episode of the Raising Smart Kids in a Digital World series, I explore relational intelligence and why strong, authentic relationships are essential for learning, resilience, and personal growth. I explain how children develop their understanding of trust, respect, communication, and connection through their earliest relationships—especially those they observe at home. Through practical examples, I highlight the powerful role parents play in modeling healthy interactions and creating a foundation of honesty, respect, and meaningful conversation. Read or revisit the section on the Core Four Connectors in Talk to Them Early and Often and apply the principles of collaborative discipline and relationship-building discussed! June 23, 2026 Episode 334 Raising Smart Kids in a Digital World - Part 3 - Relational Intelligence About Your Host: Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success. As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

    16 min

  3. Jun 16

    Raising Smart Kids in a Digital World - Part 2 - Cultivating Their Character

    What if the most important thing you can teach your child is who they are, not what they can do? In this episode, I continue the Raising Smart Kids in a Digital World series by exploring how self-awareness and identity form the foundation of emotional intelligence and lifelong learning. I explain why children are born with unique temperaments, strengths, and character traits, and how parents can nurture these qualities through observation and intentional language. Tune in to discover how recognizing and affirming your child's natural gifts can strengthen relationships, build character, and support their long-term success. Want to take your parenting journey to another level?⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Book your complimentary connection call now! June 16, 2026 Episode 333 Raising Smart Kids in a Digital World - Part 2 - Cultivating Their Character About Your Host: Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success. As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠

    14 min

  4. Jun 9

    Raising Smart Kids in a Digital World - Part 1 - Emotional Intelligence

    What if the key to raising resilient, capable kids isn't academic achievement, but emotional intelligence? In this first episode of the Raising Smart Kids in a Digital World, I explore why emotional awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence and ultimately learning itself. Through relatable parenting examples and real-life observations, I explain the difference between reacting to emotions and recognizing, naming, and managing them. You'll learn why toddlers can't develop emotional skills during meltdowns and how calm, connected moments create the best opportunities for teaching emotional awareness. Tune in to discover practical ways to observe, support, and strengthen your child's emotional intelligence from the inside out! Your task for the week: Check out your kids. Watch them in action. Watch them in play. Listen to them as they communicate with you. Have moments where your only goal is to assess their energy and to see where they are on this scale. June 9, 2026 Episode 332 Raising Smart Kids in a Digital World - Part 1 - Emotional Intelligence About Your Host: Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠ A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success. As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠

    18 min

  5. Jun 2

    AI in Education - What This Means For Your Family

    Is the education system preparing our children for the future—or failing them before they even begin? In this episode, we explore the growing challenges facing families, from soaring childcare costs and declining school enrollment to the rapid transformation of education in the age of AI. Discover why character, self-management, and human-centered skills may be the most important tools children need to thrive in a world where learning, work, and opportunity are being redefined. This week, start an honest conversation with your partner and your child about what education should look like in a rapidly changing world—and whether their current learning experience is helping them become the person they want to be. June 2, 2026 Episode 331 AI in Education - What This Means For Your Family About Your Host: Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠ A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success. As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠

    22 min

  6. May 26

    A Vunerable Story: My Daughter, Her Wedding & Letting Go of Expectations

    What does it feel like when the independent, world-ready child you raised begins building a life far beyond what you imagined? In this deeply personal episode, I share the emotional journey of supporting my daughter’s upcoming wedding in Japan while navigating the heartbreak of not being able to attend in person. I reflect on the powerful parenting lesson of separating our expectations from our children’s unique life paths and embracing perspective shifts rooted in love and trust. This heartfelt conversation is a reminder that raising confident, autonomous children is both beautiful and bittersweet—and that sometimes the greatest act of parenting is learning to cheer them on from afar. If this episode touched your heart or helped you feel a little less alone in your parenting journey, would you take a moment to rate and review the show? Your support helps more parents find this space to feel seen, encouraged, and empowered as they raise incredible humans. May 26, 2026 Episode 330 A Vunerable Story: My Daughter, Her Wedding & Letting Go of Expectations About Your Host: Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠ A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success. As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠

    15 min

  7. May 21

    Building Your Family Culture - Parenting On Purpose with Nancy and Steven Shapiro

    What if the secret to raising resilient, emotionally healthy kids starts with intentionally creating your family’s culture? In this heartfelt conversation, educators Nancy and Steven Shapiro share how families can move from parenting by default to parenting by design through simple daily practices rooted in shared values and connection. Drawing from nearly a century of combined experience in education, the discussion explores how modeling behaviors like kindness, self-regulation, and empathy helps children build strong identities and meaningful relationships. The episode also dives into the realities of blended families, mental health, and the power of creating a home where children always feel they belong. Steven Shapiro and Nancy Shapiro Rapport are a brother-sister team with a combined 68 years of experience in public education. Their work as educators gave them a front row seat to the youth mental health crisis and the enormous challenges of modern parenting. Steven and Nancy are committed to helping parents raise emotionally healthy kids in close knit, connected families through the creation of intentional family cultures rooted in parents’ deepest-held values. Check out the groundbreaking mobile app, Our Family Culture. A one-of-a-kind, time-tested system that produces profound results for parents and kids alike. Nancy and Steven are currently offering a low cost Our Family Culture subscription as a welcome offer to new families. No code is needed! Parents can access the app and offer through the app store on their cell phone. Want to take your parenting journey to another level?⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Book your complimentary connection call now!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ May 21, 2026 Episode 329 Building Your Family Culture - Parenting On Purpose with Nancy and Steven Shapiro About Your Host: Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success. As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

    46 min

  8. May 19

    The Power of Complimenting Parents in Public

    What if one heartfelt compliment could completely change another parent’s day? In this episode, I explore how quick we can be to notice parenting struggles in public while often overlooking the moments of patience, connection, and love happening all around us. The conversation highlights the importance of remembering that every family has a story we cannot see and that one difficult moment never defines a parent or child. This episode will inspire you to shift your focus toward compassion, community, and celebrating the everyday wins of parenting. Interested in a Toddler Tribe Community full of resources and connection? ⁠DM ⁠me "Community" on ⁠Instagram ⁠so we can connect! May 19, 2026 Episode 328 The Power of Complimenting Parents in Public About Your Host: Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success. As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠

    15 min
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Transforming the Toddler Years is the go-to podcast for parents, caregivers, and educators who see tantrums as opportunities for learning. Hosted by Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. early language expert, author, parent educator, and founder of Core4Parenting, each episode blends the science of early childhood and the soul of human connection to raise emotionally intelligent kids. Learn to use intentional language to connect in the chaos and turn tantrums into teachable moments. If you want to raise kids who feel seen, heard, and secure this podcast is for you.

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