Overcome Challenges. Nurture Development. Create Confidence.

Free Virtual Event

Wednesday, March 30th - Sunday, April 3rd

I want to learn more!

days of learning and growth for
parents and caregivers of kids
ages 1-5

experts on toddler behavior, health development and parenting

effective tools and strategies to transform your parenting

Overcome
the challenges. Experience
the joy.

The toddler years can be challenging. But they don’t have to be this hard. Here, you’ll find practical, ready-for-action strategies to navigate toddlerhood.

The

truth

about

toddlerhood

(it's not as terrible as you think)

Terrible twos. Threenagers. Adorable dictators. The challenges of this stage have resulted in some colorful characterizations. But in reality, behaviors often labeled “bad” are actually a normal and important part of this critical developmental period.

If we understand this development, we can better navigate (and influence) the behavior that comes with it.

90% of a child's brain develops by age 5.

Their neural connections are being made at a rate of a million per second. No wonder they need naps.

Click Here

Toddlers are built to try everything (including your patience).

Toddlers are physiologically driven to explore, experimenting with the world around them and testing boundaries, capabilities, and reactions to their actions.

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They’re developing sense-of-self.

Toddlers become aware that they are individuals. Which means they are separate from their parents. This is where many power struggles are born.

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Emotional health starts here.

Toddlers are experiencing big emotions. It is vitally important that they are taught to create a healthy relationship with their feelings, so they can grow to be resilient.

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So does your relationship.

Parent-child interactions during the toddler years set the foundation for those relationships for years to come.

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I'm Devon.

So happy you're here!

I’m a ICF certified coach and the Founder of Transforming Toddlerhood. I’m passionate about empowering toddler parents to transform their frustration, fear and self-doubt into confidence so they can overcome behavioral challenges, experience joy and create a parent-child relationship that lasts a lifetime through connection.

Today, we’re a community of more than 500,000 parents and caregivers from around the world.

Ready to start

the transformation?

No matter where you are in your parenting journey, we have something to support you.

End Power
Struggles

Real-life, ready-for action strategies that you can implement right now to start seeing change—for free!

Toddler Parenting
Starter Kit

The perfect place to begin transforming your parenting and your toddler’s behavior.

Toddler Parenting
Toolbox

Everything you need to overcome the challenges of toddlerhood and become the Loving Leader & Guide™ you envision for your child.

We're on Instagram @Transforming Toddlerhood

Follow for daily toddler parenting tips, advice and inspiration.

With the 4th of July🧨 holiday approaching and ...

Jun 29

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With the 4th of July🧨 holiday approaching and families coming together to celebrate🎉, it’s only natural to go in for the hello hug! However, for toddlers, some of these family members/friends might not be familiar, and quite possibly strangers to them. Respecting a child’s physical boundaries and obtaining consent is important. ✨

It can feel awkward and uncomfortable when family members pressure your child to show affection, I get that.❤️ And you're not alone in feeling that way! As a parent, it’s your job to remind your family and friends that your toddler gets to decide when and how they show affection. And if they choose not to, it's ok and they shouldn't be offended or make the child out to be "bad" because they won't hug them. It's your job to do what’s best for your child and to give them the tools to be safe and happy and know that they have a choice.

So if a family member is hurt or questioning your toddler's behavior, you can always explain to them, later on, what you’re doing and why you're not forcing them. But don’t make a big deal out of it in front of your child and never force a child to hug, kiss, or touch anybody. This is how we teach our children about consent. It's never too early!

How do YOU feel about cultivating consent? Do you face this challenge with a family member or friend?

🌟Take a look at the Effective Toddler Discipline Workshop at the link in my bio to learn the recipe for effective discipline and how to use it with challenging behavior!🌟

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#mamalife #toddler #toddlermoms #ftm #sahm #girldad #workingmom #newmom #dadlife #montessori #kidlife #toddlersofig #teachthemyoung #1 #toddlerlife #mytinytribe #consent #toddlerofinstagram #mommylife #bloggermom #littlefierceones #teachingconsent

Discipline vs Punishment...is there REALLY a ...

Jun 28

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Discipline vs Punishment...is there REALLY a difference? 🤔
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At its root, discipline is about learning. Teaching a child what to do is much more effective than punishing them for the things they are doing wrong. Our role is to be a child’s Loving Leader & Guide™ through these early years ❤️
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Here's what you should keep in mind:
→When in the middle of a stress response, toddlers can't regulate their behavior if they are in the downstairs brain. Toddlers need an adult to help them move to the upstairs brain (which is responsible for impulse control and regulation) where they feel safe and secure and can learn.
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→When a child is scared, they aren't able to learn skills so a better way to achieve influence and cooperation is to address the feeling, emotion or need underneath the behavior. As well as teaching your toddler skills that support their growth and development WITHIN YOUR BOUNDARIES.
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I like to think of discipline as a way to create cooperation through connection by nurturing your child’s development and building the foundation of a parent-child relationship that lasts a lifetime. Not punishing a child for their inability to meet our expectations.
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Remember, the part of the brain responsible for impulse control is very underdeveloped in toddlerhood.
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Do you notice a difference in your toddler's reaction when you approach their behavior with curiosity instead of anger/fear/threats?
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🌟Take a look at the Effective Toddler Discipline Workshop at the link in my bio to learn the recipe for effective discipline and how to use it with challenging behavior!🌟
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#mamalife #toddler #toddlermoms #ftm #sahm #girldad #workingmom #newmom #dadlife #kidlife #toddlerlife #journeyofpositiveparenting #parentinghelp #honestmomconfessions #candidmotherhood #parentingadvice #momprobs #honestlymothering #parentproblems

Do you find yourself thinking 💬 "I want to...

Jun 26

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🌟Parents and caregivers, It's time to ...

Jun 25

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🌟Parents and caregivers, It's time to NORMALIZE crying - for children and for us.🌟

Giving your toddler space to have their emotions without it being wrong is one of the greatest gifts you can give your little one. The ability to give this gift usually starts with us. Finding the patience, compassion, and understanding to be a pillar of strength for your toddler while they're experiencing these emotions and also willing to get to the root cause to help them through this difficult time. 😥

The truth is, crying is hard to hear as a parent YET, a vital part of your child's emotional health. To release the feelings they hold inside and to learn how to work through whatever it is they're experiencing in the moment.

So next time your toddler is crying, try relate to what your toddler is feeling and put yourself in their shoes. Imagine having someone there to comfort you and help you work through those feelings.

Tip: Help your toddler find their calm by SHARING your calm. After the emotional release is over, you can then try to figure out the cause of their crying BENEATH the surface!

✨ The Toddler Parenting Starter Kit is the perfect tool for you to learn how to overcome the challenges of toddlerhood. How to understand your toddler's feelings, the reasons behind them, and their capabilities at this development stage. It's only $27 at the link in my bio! ✨

What does your toddler's crying impact you? What moments does your toddler cry the most?
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#mamalife #toddler #toddlermoms #girldad #toddlersofig #teachthemyoung #mommylife #littlefierceones #tipsfortoddlers #myparentingjourney #parentinghacks #parentingadvice

When a child is feeling a tsunami 🌊 of emotions...

Jun 24

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When a child is feeling a tsunami 🌊 of emotions (including fear) they are in their lower, more primal part of the brain focused on survival. 🧠

Using fear and shame to "discipline" your toddler never gets to the root of the behavior and oftentimes can make behaviors worse in the long run due to its impact on emotional wellbeing.

For this reason, it's important for us as parents and caregivers to understand that at its root, discipline is about learning. Children are learning skills that lead to self-control.

Teaching a child what to do is much more effective than punishing them for the things they are doing wrong. Our role is to be their Loving Leader & Guide™️ through these early years, after all!

Are you struggling with toddler discipline? What questions do you have?! Tell me in the comments below. ⤵️

🌟Learn how to overcome behavior challenges without punishments, yelling or threats using positive, developmentally appropriate parenting tools with the Effective Toddler Discipline Workshop parts 1 & 2 at the link in bio.🌟

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#unconditionallovequotes #unconditionallove #parentslove #lovequotesdaily #lovequotesandsayings #connectionmatters #emotionalsupport #toddlerparenting #motherhoodintheraw #motherhoodunplugged #consciousparenting #gentleparenting _memes #gentleparenting #thegentleparent #respectfulparenting

DO YOU FEEL PRESSURED TO MAKE YOUR TODDLER ACT A ...

Jun 22

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DO YOU FEEL PRESSURED TO MAKE YOUR TODDLER ACT A CERTAIN WAY IN A SOCIAL SETTING?

Raise your hand if you've ever been in at an event and a relative tells your toddler to say hello and your toddler freezes up 🙋‍♀️

Raise your hand if your toddler has begged to go to the park to play with other kids then sits on the bench next to you and just watches the other kids from afar 🙋‍♂️

Raise your hand if you've ever felt the need to apologize to someone because your toddler doesn't greet them and for some reason, you feel embarrassed. 🙋‍♀️ 🙋‍♂️

If you can relate, you're not alone. And you don't need to feel like there's something wrong with your child or that it's your fault for not teaching better manners. That's not the case at all.

What’s important is to honor where your child is at. Respecting their feelings and fears looks like saying, “It’s ok to take your time. You can stay with me until you’re ready to play.” Creating connection and security will actually encourage your toddler to confidently explore knowing you’re there.

Learning how to help your child cope with new people, new experiences, and change in ways that suit THEIR temperament will help them work through their timidness and help them be more open to new people and to change.

(Inspired by a post from Claire Lerner and Rebecca Parlakian on zerotothree.org)

Is your child "slow to warm up" to new people? Do you feel pressured to make your toddler act a certain way in a social setting?
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#littlefierceones #mommylife #toddlerofinstagram #mytinytribe #toddlerlife #teachthemyoung #toddlersofig #kidlife #montessori #toddler #childrenlearning #tipsfortoddlers #shychildren #whysoshy #slowstart #transformingtoddlerhood

Does your toddler give you a hard time when you ...

Jun 21

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Does your toddler give you a hard time when you say NO? 🤭

I'm guessing the answer is "YES!" or "Most times."
They ask for something, we say no, and chaos ensues!

It's typical for toddlers, as curious as they are, to be left wondering why they can't have what they asked for when we give such a matter-of-fact response like, No. Usually, when we say no, it's coming from a place of power or dominance because we feel that we set the limit and that's just the way it goes, our children are supposed to accept it and listen. No questions asked. It's important to remember that toddlers are curious and it's 100% normal for them to ask why and to test boundaries, they're just experimenting! They're not intentionally trying to push your buttons or "argue" back and forth with you after you say no to something.

So, I invite you to try to change the narrative. When your toddler asks for ice cream, instead of instinctively saying "No", try "Not yet". Then tell your child the next time they can have the thing they want or give them a choice within your boundaries.

With practice and patience, you'll notice fewer power struggles when you set limits! And keep in mind, your toddler may still get upset or say no even after you give them a choice. 🌟Check out the Setting Limits with Confidence Workshop at the link in bio where you'll learn how to set limits and follow-through, even if your toddler says “No”!🌟

How does your toddler respond to you saying "No"? And what about when you say "not yet"?
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#mamalife #toddler #toddlermoms #girldad #toddlersofig #teachthemyoung #mommylife #littlefierceones #tipsfortoddlers #myparentingjourney #parentinghacks #parentingadvice #transformingtoddlerhood

✨By erasing color, we erase people.✨

...

Jun 19

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✨By erasing color, we erase people.✨

Today is Juneteenth and two days ago it became a federal holiday! Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery by marking the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free.

We teach children colors but we often forget to teach them that skin tones are a spectrum color too. I invite you to teach your child to see, embrace and celebrate our differences. Otherwise they will fill in that blank with what they learn from society and others.

When we acknowledge our differences and the different challenges that the BIPOC community experiences, we empower children to have a voice and make a difference. If we don’t give them the tools now, how will they know what to say? It’s never too early to begin giving them the tools to fight against racism. We want to lead by example as well. And remember, we don’t have to have all the answers to begin this conversation. We grow as we go!

So how do you get started? CURIOSITY. When we come from curiosity we open our minds and hearts to receive and learn. Start with the conversation with yourself and then others. What do I know? What don’t I know? And if you need support, there are so many resources for parents who are looking to have a conversation about race with their children.

Educating your child starts with educating yourself.
📌Seek out those books you’ve been meaning to buy for yourself and your toddler.
📌Do some research into Black-owned businesses in your area. Patron them next time you’re in need of their services.
📌Follow social media accounts of BIPOC families who share their stories and help shine a light on different perspectives.
📌Watch a movie or listen to a podcast about our country’s past or on what actions we can take to move forward in the conversations of racial equality.
📌Google when your next local election is and begin learning about the issues you believe in.
📌Download out Talking to Toddlers about Racism guide (link in bio)

Have you begun discussing racism with your toddler? Are there any resources you find helpful that you want to share?

🌟ARE YOU WONDERING WHY YOUR TODDLER HITS? AND ...

Jun 18

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🌟ARE YOU WONDERING WHY YOUR TODDLER HITS? AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT?🌟
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All behavior is communicating a feeling and/or a need. When you see your child exhibiting a behavior, like hitting, that you don’t think is acceptable, use this as an invitation to go deeper. What do you think could be causing this strong reaction?
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💭Is this (seemingly fun!) playdate or new environment overwhelming them?
💭Did another child take something out of their hands or make them upset?
💭Are they not feeling seen or heard and want your attention?
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For younger toddlers, they are often experimenting with their body, level of power and your reactions. Hitting always starts out as exploratory and then some kids adopt it as a form of communication when they are having big feelings.
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It’s scary for toddlers to feel out of control physically. 😓 They don't yet know how to express their feelings and lack impulse control. But when you get down on the level of your child and get curious, that can be the shift needed for resolution without punishing the behavior. ⚡️
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→ "I will not let you hit me, hitting hurts."
→ "I see that you're having a difficult time right now, tell me about what you're feeling."
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Staying calm, confident, and empowered when faced with this challenging behavior will show your little one that you are strong enough for the both of you and that they always have a safe space to express their emotions to you, without getting physical.
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How do you react when your toddler hits?👇🏼
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toddler #toddlersofinstagram #toddlermom #toddlermomlife #positiveparenting #toddlerhood #gentleparenting #momlife #dadlife #girldad #ftm #transformingtoddlerhood

DO YOU LABEL YOUR TODDLER'S BEHAVIOR AS GOOD ...

Jun 17

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$DO YOU LABEL YOUR TODDLER'S BEHAVIOR AS GOOD OR BAD? Instead of labeling your child’s behavior as good or bad, look at it as communication. All behavior is communicating a feeling, emotion, or need. ✨If you went to your doctor and said, “I have this pain in my arm that won’t go away” and the doctor simply told you to take ibuprofen every time you felt the pain, that might leave you confused and irritated. You know there’s an issue and treating the symptom is only going to help for a brief moment. Turns out, you have a fracture in your arm. Once you have the cast set and it heals properly, you feel better and no longer need short-term relief.✨ The same can be true of toddler behavior. Behaviors and feelings are rooted in an unmet need or big emotion. When you see a behavior that is outside your boundary, I encourage you to get curious. Shifting your focus from the behavior to the need, allows you to address the cause🤔 of the behavior instead of just focusing on the symptom. 🩹 Remember, behavior is a symptom of what is happening on the INSIDE. There is often an unmet need that a child is unable to properly communicate. (Yes, even toddlers who speak sometimes can’t communicate a need that they are newly discovering.) This is why it’s important to connect with your toddler, support them in calming down, and teach them words that describe their feelings and needs. Think guidance and teaching instead of instructions and punishments. ↓ What behavior has you stumped as to the unmet need behind it? ↓ If you want to get your toddler to listen without punishments, yelling, or threats then check out the Effective Toddler Discipline Workshop at the link in my bio! . . . #mamalife #toddler #toddlermoms #girldad #toddlersofig #teachthemyoung #mommylife #littlefierceones #tipsfortoddlers #myparentingjourney #parentinghacks #parentingadvice #transformingtoddlerhood$

The easiest ways for children to show the world ...

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Have you ever used screen time as a way to ...

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Transforming Toddlerhood Conference

Overcome toddlerhood challenges, nurture development and create confidence in your parenting skills.

Fifth Edition of the only online parenting event that focuses solely on the toddler years!

Free Virtual Event

Wednesday, March 30th - Sunday, April 3rd

days of learning and growth for
parents and caregivers of kids
ages 1-5

experts on toddler behavior, health development and parenting

effective tools and strategies to transform your parenting

Overcome
the challenges. Experience
the joy.

The

truth

about

toddlerhood

(it's not as terrible as you think)

Terrible twos. Threenagers. Adorable dictators. The challenges of this stage have resulted in some colorful characterizations. But in reality, behaviors often labeled “bad” are actually a normal and important part of this critical developmental period.

If we understand this development, we can better navigate (and influence) the behavior that comes with it.

Hi,

I'm Devon.

So happy you're here!

Today, we’re a community of more than 500,000 parents and caregivers from around the world.

Ready to start

the transformation?