Pocketful of Parenting

Jess Dunne, M.Ed

Tips and Tricks for Parenting Children in the Toddler and Preschool Years. Join The Life with Littles Lounge to get support on your toddler parenting journey for just $7/month. https://www.pocketfulofparenting.com/LWL

  1. 16h ago

    5 Things Your Toddler's Brain Can't Do Yet (That You're Expecting Every Day)

    Toddler behavior is known to irritate parents -- but what many parents don't realize is that toddler brains are EXTREMELY underdeveloped -- so much so that we're often expecting them to be able to do things that their brains literally aren't capable of yet! 😳 In this video, I'm walking you through 5 things your toddler's brain isn't developmentally ready for — even though most of us are asking for them every single day without realizing it. Once you understand what's actually happening in your child's developing brain, so much of toddler behavior starts to make sense (and parenting gets a whole lot calmer). As an Early Childhood Specialist with my M.Ed and over 20 years working with young children, I want you to walk away from this one knowing your toddler isn't being difficult, defiant, or "behind." Their brain is doing exactly what it's supposed to be doing for their age and stage. 💛 We'll get into the brain science behind everyday toddler behavior — and more importantly, what to do INSTEAD so you're actually building these skills with your child over time, instead of fighting the wrong battles.This is toddler brain development made simple, practical, and doable for everyday parents. 🧠 #toddlerparenting #toddlerdevelopment #toddlerbehavior 📢 Parenting little ones doesn't have to be a struggle. Join ⭐️The Life With Littles Lounge⭐️ and unlock joyful, confident, connected parenting. Learn more 👉 https://www.pocketfulofparenting.com/LWL❤️ FREE Toddler Parenting Resources! Access a growing library of over 20+ practical parenting tools, developmental activities, and printables that make toddler and preschool parenting more joyful and less stressful. 👉🏼 https://www.pocketfulofparenting.com/tprl PRODUCTS MENTIONED👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼💗 Developmental Milestone Guide and Activities (Grab it below OR get it FREE when you join The Life with Littles Membership!)👉🏼 TPT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Developmental-Milestones-Activities-for-Toddlers-and-Preschoolers-16675146 👉🏼 ETSY: https://pocketfulofparenting.etsy.com/listing/4521817394/developmental-milestones-activities-for💗 Visual Schedule Cards 👉🏼 Etsy: https://pocketfulofparenting.etsy.com/listing/1544969769/visual-schedule-daily-routine-cards-for 👉🏼 Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Visual-Schedule-Daily-Routine-Cards-for-Toddlers-Preschoolers-At-Home-10012450 💗 Visual Timer 👉🏼 https://on.ltk.com/+idDeq7kamn6IOvmHacm9lg ♡ For more positive parenting tips, check out my website: https://pocketfulofparenting.comL E T S C O N N E C T! ♡ Instagram: https://instagram.com/pocketfulofparenting♡ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@pocketfulofparenting♡ Facebook: https://facebook.com/pocketfulofparenting♡ Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/pocketfulofparentingWelcome to Pocketful of Parenting (formerly The Innovative Momma)! I’m Jess - a Parenting Coach, Certified Positive Discipline Educator, former preschool/kindergarten teacher & momma! Parenting is TOUGH - especially in the early years where the sleep is little and the feelings are BIG. My mission is to help reframe the idea of the “terrible twos,” “threenagers,” and “fournados” to help parents LOVE LIFE WITH LITTLES! I provide science-based information on your child’s developing brain to help you gain a better understanding and form a deeper connection with your little one. I’ll also be sharing tools you can use to help your child get through their big emotions while keeping your cool in the process. (Say “bye-bye” to yelling, bribes, threats & punishments!) You’ll also find easy play activities to help support your child’s development across multiple areas, such as: fine and gross motor skills, cognitive development, social-emotional development, and language development.

    13 min
  2. Jun 8

    What to Do in the First 60 Seconds of a Meltdown (This Actually Works)

    Toddler tantrums or toddler meltdowns are one of those unpleasant, yet unavoidable parts that come with the territory of parenting toddlers. When a toddler is having a meltdown, many parents make the same common mistakes that actually make the meltdowns WORSE or last longer. But doing certain things in the first 60 seconds of a meltdown can help it stop. In this video, I'm walking you through what's actually happening in your toddler's brain during a meltdown, what NOT to do in order to avoid making the meltdown last longer, and a 5-step co-regulation process that can help cut the meltdown short. #toddlertantrums #toddlermeltdown #toddlerparenting 📢 Join ⭐️The Life With Littles Lounge⭐️ and unlock joyful, confident, connected parenting. Learn more 👉 https://www.pocketfulofparenting.com/LWL❤️ FREE Toddler Parenting Resources! Access a growing library of over 18 practical parenting tools, developmental activities, and printables that make toddler and preschool parenting more joyful and less stressful. 👉🏼 https://www.pocketfulofparenting.com/tprl ♡ For more positive parenting tips, check out my website: https://pocketfulofparenting.comL E T S C O N N E C T! ♡ Instagram: https://instagram.com/pocketfulofparenting♡ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@pocketfulofparenting♡ Facebook: https://facebook.com/pocketfulofparenting♡ Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/pocketfulofparentingWelcome to Pocketful of Parenting (formerly The Innovative Momma)! I’m Jess - a Parenting Coach, Certified Positive Discipline Educator, former preschool/kindergarten teacher & momma! Parenting is TOUGH - especially in the early years where the sleep is little and the feelings are BIG. My mission is to help reframe the idea of the “terrible twos,” “threenagers,” and “fournados” to help parents LOVE LIFE WITH LITTLES! I provide science-based information on your child’s developing brain to help you gain a better understanding and form a deeper connection with your little one. I’ll also be sharing tools you can use to help your child get through their big emotions while keeping your cool in the process. (Say “bye-bye” to yelling, bribes, threats & punishments!) You’ll also find easy play activities to help support your child’s development across multiple areas, such as: fine and gross motor skills, cognitive development, social-emotional development, and language development.

    12 min
  3. Jun 1

    Why Your Toddler Melts Down When It's Time to Stop (And What Actually Helps)

    Toddler transitions, preschooler meltdowns, leaving the park, ending screen time — if any of these are a daily battle in your house, you're in the right place.If you've ever given the five-minute warning and still ended up with a screaming toddler on the floor — this video is for you.The truth is, the warning isn't the problem. It all has to do with your toddler's brain development. And once you understand what's actually happening neurologically when you ask them to stop something, the meltdowns start to make a whole lot more sense — and you'll know exactly what to do instead.In this video, I'm breaking down why transitions are so hard for toddlers and preschoolers and giving you four strategies that actually work with your toddler's brain instead of against it. These are simple, in-the-moment tools you can start using today, whether you're trying to leave the park, end screen time, stop a game, or just get out the door in the morning without it turning into a whole thing. #toddlertransitions #toddlerparenting #toddlermeltdown ⭐️ Grab the Pocket Parenting Solutions TRANSITION DECK and make difficult transitions a thing of the past! 👉🏼 Get them here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Transition-Activity-Cards-for-Toddlers-and-Preschoolers-16070119OR here: https://pocketfulofparenting.etsy.com/listing/4488579786/transition-activity-cards-for-toddlers📢 Parenting little ones doesn't have to be a struggle. Join ⭐️The Life With Littles Lounge⭐️ and unlock joyful, confident, connected parenting. Learn more 👉 https://www.pocketfulofparenting.com/LWL❤️ FREE Toddler Parenting Resources! Access a growing library of over 18 practical parenting tools, developmental activities, and printables that make toddler and preschool parenting more joyful and less stressful. 👉🏼 https://www.pocketfulofparenting.com/tprl♡ For more positive parenting tips, check out my website: https://pocketfulofparenting.comL E T S C O N N E C T! ♡ Instagram: https://instagram.com/pocketfulofparenting♡ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@pocketfulofparenting♡ Facebook: https://facebook.com/pocketfulofparenting♡ Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/pocketfulofparentingWelcome to Pocketful of Parenting (formerly The Innovative Momma)! I’m Jess - a Parenting Coach, Certified Positive Discipline Educator, former preschool/kindergarten teacher & momma! Parenting is TOUGH - especially in the early years where the sleep is little and the feelings are BIG. My mission is to help reframe the idea of the “terrible twos,” “threenagers,” and “fournados” to help parents LOVE LIFE WITH LITTLES! I provide science-based information on your child’s developing brain to help you gain a better understanding and form a deeper connection with your little one. I’ll also be sharing tools you can use to help your child get through their big emotions while keeping your cool in the process. (Say “bye-bye” to yelling, bribes, threats & punishments!) You’ll also find easy play activities to help support your child’s development across multiple areas, such as: fine and gross motor skills, cognitive development, social-emotional development, and language development.

    11 min
  4. May 25

    Why Your Toddler Listens to Everyone Except You

    Does it feel like your toddler listens to everyone except you? Their teacher tells you they're "an absolute angel" at school, but at home, they're throwing tantrums, screaming "NO!" and being defiant. They never seem to give grandma a hard time, but they push back on EVERYTHING you ask for. If you're struggling with toddler behavior at home, you're not alone — and there's actually a scientific reason why your toddler saves their worst behavior for you. While you may think this means you're doing something wrong as a parent, it actually means the opposite. In this video, I'm sharing 5 reasons why your toddler saves their worst behavior for you, PLUS what you can do to get them to cooperate more.#toddlerbehavior #toddlerparenting #positiveparenting 📢 Parenting little ones doesn't have to be a struggle. Join ⭐️The Life With Littles Lounge⭐️ and unlock joyful, confident, connected parenting. Learn more 👉 https://www.pocketfulofparenting.com/LWL❤️ FREE Toddler Parenting Resources! Access a growing library of over 20 practical parenting tools, developmental activities, and printables that make toddler and preschool parenting more joyful and less stressful. 👉🏼 https://www.pocketfulofparenting.com/tprl❤️ Subscribe here! → https://bit.ly/30L9W71❤️ Help support my channel by buying me a coffee! 👉🏼 https://bit.ly/support-the-innovative-momma *Keeping it honest✌🏼: This video contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you, which is VERY much appreciated. 💕 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.PRODUCTS MENTIONED👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼💗 20 FREE Toddler and Preschool Parenting Resources 👉🏼 https://www.pocketfulofparenting.com/tprl⭐️ My favorite products for "mom life" 👉🏼https://bit.ly/PocketfulofParentingLTK⭐️📚 Audiobooks have been a LIFESAVER to get some good reads in while multitasking! Try Audible FREE for 30 days! (Trust me, you'll thank me!) 👉🏼 https://amzn.to/3plmqMQWatch More Here 👇🏼💗 The Connection Mistake Almost Every Toddler Parent Makes👉🏼 https://youtu.be/n-UPA8VGlHk?si=WeMHK1RxYMIILuOT 💗 Get Your Child to Listen 👉🏼 https://youtu.be/7TcS7zcXO-o?si=pgmJEvZ8O6pX8FYV💗 5 Things Toddlers Need From Their Parents to Thrive 👉🏼 https://youtu.be/2Lxa1vDKBN0?si=74Vf7BiMM0wXd8zK♡ For more positive parenting tips, check out my website: https://pocketfulofparenting.comL E T S C O N N E C T! ♡ Instagram: https://instagram.com/pocketfulofparenting♡ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@pocketfulofparenting♡ Facebook: https://facebook.com/pocketfulofparenting♡ Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/pocketfulofparentingWelcome to Pocketful of Parenting (formerly The Innovative Momma)! I’m Jess - a Parenting Coach, Certified Positive Discipline Educator, former preschool/kindergarten teacher & momma! Parenting is TOUGH - especially in the early years where the sleep is little and the feelings are BIG. My mission is to help reframe the idea of the “terrible twos,” “threenagers,” and “fournados” to help parents LOVE LIFE WITH LITTLES! I provide science-based information on your child’s developing brain to help you gain a better understanding and form a deeper connection with your little one. I’ll also be sharing tools you can use to help your child get through their big emotions while keeping your cool in the process. (Say “bye-bye” to yelling, bribes, threats & punishments!) You’ll also find easy play activities to help support your child’s development across multiple areas, such as: fine and gross motor skills, cognitive development, social-emotional development, and language development.

    10 min
  5. May 18

    The Connection Mistake Almost Every Toddler Parent Makes Without Realizing It

    There's a connection mistake almost every toddler parent makes, and most don't even realize they're doing it. It's not about screen time. It's not about how many activities you do together. It's something much more subtle — and it's affecting your toddler's behavior, emotional regulation, and sense of security more than you think.In this video, I'm breaking down what's really happening when toddlers escalate, act out, or suddenly fall apart — and why the answer almost always comes back to connection. You'll learn what toddler connection actually looks like in real life, why quality presence beats quantity every time, and three simple shifts you can make today to start filling your child's cup in a way that actually sticks.If you've ever wondered why your toddler seems clingy, hard to reach, or quick to melt down even when you've been together all day — this one's for you.❤️ GRAB MY CONNECTION CARDS HERE: https://pocketfulofparenting.etsy.com/listing/4488020996/connection-activity-cards-for-toddlers OR HERE: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Connection-Activity-Cards-for-Toddlers-and-Preschoolers-16061047#connectedparenting #toddlerparenting #parentingsupport 📢 Parenting little ones doesn't have to be a struggle. Join ⭐️The Life With Littles Lounge⭐️ and unlock joyful, confident, connected parenting. Learn more 👉 https://www.pocketfulofparenting.com/LWL❤️ FREE Toddler Parenting Resources! Access a growing library of over 18 practical parenting tools, developmental activities, and printables that make toddler and preschool parenting more joyful and less stressful. 👉🏼 https://www.pocketfulofparenting.com/tprl❤️ Subscribe here! → https://bit.ly/30L9W71❤️ Help support my channel by buying me a coffee! 👉🏼 https://bit.ly/support-the-innovative-momma *Keeping it honest✌🏼: This video contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you, which is VERY much appreciated. 💕 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.PRODUCTS MENTIONED👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼💗 Pocket Parenting Solutions Connection Cards👉🏼 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Connection-Activity-Cards-for-Toddlers-and-Preschoolers-16061047 OR https://pocketfulofparenting.etsy.com/listing/4488020996/connection-activity-cards-for-toddlers ⭐️ My favorite products for "mom life" 👉🏼https://bit.ly/PocketfulofParentingLTK⭐️📚 Audiobooks have been a LIFESAVER to get some good reads in while multitasking! Try Audible FREE for 30 days! (Trust me, you'll thank me!) 👉🏼 https://amzn.to/3plmqMQ♡ For more positive parenting tips, check out my website: https://pocketfulofparenting.comL E T S C O N N E C T! ♡ Instagram: https://instagram.com/pocketfulofparenting♡ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@pocketfulofparenting♡ Facebook: https://facebook.com/pocketfulofparenting♡ Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/pocketfulofparentingWelcome to Pocketful of Parenting (formerly The Innovative Momma)! I’m Jess - a Parenting Coach, Certified Positive Discipline Educator, former preschool/kindergarten teacher & momma! Parenting is TOUGH - especially in the early years where the sleep is little and the feelings are BIG. My mission is to help reframe the idea of the “terrible twos,” “threenagers,” and “fournados” to help parents LOVE LIFE WITH LITTLES! I provide science-based information on your child’s developing brain to help you gain a better understanding and form a deeper connection with your little one. I’ll also be sharing tools you can use to help your child get through their big emotions while keeping your cool in the process. (Say “bye-bye” to yelling, bribes, threats & punishments!) You’ll also find easy play activities to help support your child’s development across multiple areas, such as: fine and gross motor skills, cognitive development, social-emotional development, and language development.

    10 min
  6. May 12

    The Biggest Toddler Discipline Mistakes Parents Make

    If you're wondering how to discipline your toddler effectively, you may have gotten some well-meaning advice from family, friends, or elsewhere, but the truth is that the well-meaning discipline methods that have been passed along don't align with toddler brain development. This makes discipline measures seem to not work, fail, or even make your toddler's behavior WORSE. In this video, I'm breaking down why some things you may have learned about toddler discipline may not be working for you, WHY they don't align with your young child's brain development and what you should do instead!#toddlerdiscipline #toddlerparenting #parentingsupport ❤️ Grab my FREE Little Guide to Big Emotions PLUS a growing library of over 21 practical parenting tools, developmental activities, and printables that make toddler and preschool parenting more joyful and less stressful. 👉🏼 https://www.pocketfulofparenting.com/tprl 📢 Parenting little ones doesn't have to be a struggle. Join ⭐️The Life With Littles Lounge⭐️ and unlock joyful, confident, connected parenting. Learn more 👉 https://www.pocketfulofparenting.com/LWL❤️ Subscribe here! → https://bit.ly/30L9W71❤️ Help support my channel by buying me a coffee! 👉🏼 https://bit.ly/support-the-innovative-momma *Keeping it honest✌🏼: This video contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you, which is VERY much appreciated. 💕 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.PRODUCTS MENTIONED👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼💗 Little Guide to Big Emotions 👉🏼 https://www.pocketfulofparenting.com/tprl ⭐️ My favorite products for "mom life" 👉🏼https://bit.ly/PocketfulofParentingLTK⭐️📚 Audiobooks have been a LIFESAVER to get some good reads in while multitasking! Try Audible FREE for 30 days! (Trust me, you'll thank me!) 👉🏼 https://amzn.to/3plmqMQWatch More Here 👇🏼💗 How to Be a Calm Parent👉🏼 https://youtu.be/MzyGzMSTspg?si=Or9i4keIMz4JIXN3 💗 How to Discipline without Punishment👉🏼 https://youtu.be/eIICXs5uFSs?si=gJeVdGB8tmiFHDx2💗 Step-By-Step Guide to Setting Boundaries👉🏼 https://youtu.be/3DM9ThIy7ic?si=cE8fjAd80pTfeVtp♡ For more positive parenting tips, check out my website: https://pocketfulofparenting.comL E T S C O N N E C T! ♡ Instagram: https://instagram.com/pocketfulofparenting♡ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@pocketfulofparenting♡ Facebook: https://facebook.com/pocketfulofparenting♡ Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/pocketfulofparenting

    12 min
  7. May 5

    How to Have an Easier Bedtime with Toddlers

    If you find yourself struggling at bedtime with your toddler or preschooler every night and you're looking for some toddler bedtime tips, you're not alone. Bedtime battles are one of the biggest pains of toddler parents, BUT I'm happy to tell you that it doesn't have to be that way! As an early childhood specialist, parenting coach, and mom of two littles, I've spent years studying child development and what toddlers and preschoolers need to make bedtime EASIER, which is exactly what I teach you in this video. I'll share 5 things your little ones need to actually calm their bodies before bed, PLUS 5 activities that you can do TONIGHT to support them. We'll explore strategies to ease into sleep to help both parents and children find more peace during this challenging time. #toddlersleep #toddlerbedtime #toddlerparenting 👉 Grab My Bedtime Activity Cards Here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bedtime-Activity-Cards-for-Toddlers-and-Preschoolers-16030860 or https://pocketfulofparenting.etsy.com/listing/4486510512/bedtime-activity-cards-for-toddlers❤️ FREE Toddler Parenting Resources! Access a growing library of over 18 practical parenting tools, developmental activities, and printables that make toddler and preschool parenting more joyful and less stressful. 👉🏼 https://www.pocketfulofparenting.com/tprl📢 Parenting little ones doesn't have to be a struggle. Join ⭐️The Life With Littles Lounge⭐️ and unlock joyful, confident, connected parenting. Learn more 👉 https://www.pocketfulofparenting.com/LWL ♡ For more positive parenting tips, check out my website: https://pocketfulofparenting.com L E T S C O N N E C T! ♡ Instagram: https://instagram.com/pocketfulofparenting ♡ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@pocketfulofparenting ♡ Facebook: https://facebook.com/pocketfulofparenting ♡ Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/pocketfulofparenting Welcome to Pocketful of Parenting (formerly The Innovative Momma)! I’m Jess - a Parenting Coach, Certified Positive Discipline Educator, former preschool/kindergarten teacher & momma! Parenting is TOUGH - especially in the early years where the sleep is little and the feelings are BIG. My mission is to help reframe the idea of the “terrible twos,” “threenagers,” and “fournados” to help parents LOVE LIFE WITH LITTLES! I provide science-based information on your child’s developing brain to help you gain a better understanding and form a deeper connection with your little one. I’ll also be sharing tools you can use to help your child get through their big emotions while keeping your cool in the process. (Say “bye-bye” to yelling, bribes, threats & punishments!) You’ll also find easy play activities to help support your child’s development across multiple areas, such as: fine and gross motor skills, cognitive development, social-emotional development, and language development.

    14 min
  8. Mar 16

    Why Good Parents Still Feel Like They're Failing

    Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything you can as a parent… and still somehow feel like you’re failing? Modern parenting can feel like a constant mix of emotions. One minute you feel like you’re doing something right… and the next you’re questioning everything.In this episode, I’m talking about something many toddler and preschool parents experience but don’t always say out loud — the complicated reality of raising young kids today. If you’ve ever struggled with parenting pressure, self-doubt, or the feeling that you’re not doing enough, you’re definitely not alone.We’ll explore some of the challenges parents face today, why parenting can feel so overwhelming at times, and a perspective that can completely change the way you look at your parenting journey.If you're a parent of toddlers or preschoolers who cares deeply about raising your kids well, this conversation is for you.Because parenting isn’t about having it all figured out — it’s about learning, growing, and showing up again and again.#toddlerparenting #parentingsupport #parentingjourney 📢 Parenting little ones doesn't have to be a struggle. Join ⭐️The Life With Littles Lounge⭐️ and unlock joyful, confident, connected parenting. Learn more 👉 https://www.pocketfulofparenting.com/LWL ❤️ FREE Toddler Parenting Resources! Access a growing library of over 20 practical parenting tools, developmental activities, and printables that make toddler and preschool parenting more joyful and less stressful. 👉🏼 https://www.pocketfulofparenting.com/tprlL E T S C O N N E C T! ♡ Instagram: https://instagram.com/pocketfulofparenting♡ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@pocketfulofparenting♡ Facebook: https://facebook.com/pocketfulofparenting♡ Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/pocketfulofparenting

    10 min

About

Tips and Tricks for Parenting Children in the Toddler and Preschool Years. Join The Life with Littles Lounge to get support on your toddler parenting journey for just $7/month. https://www.pocketfulofparenting.com/LWL