Understanding Toddler Behavior

As a parent, I understand how challenging it can be to manage toddler behavior. In this episode, Sara Whaley, a parent coach and behavior analyst, sheds light on how toddlers communicate through their actions. Sara reminds us that every tantrum or outburst is a form of communication, signaling needs that your child cannot yet express verbally. As parents, it's our job to help guide that communication into more appropriate behaviors.

Joyful Parenting Amidst Challenges

Sara shares her experience of parenting two toddlers close in age, emphasizing how her background in behavior analysis helped her navigate the double toddler stage. She explains that understanding toddler development can transform frustration into joy, enabling parents to appreciate the toddler years. 

Her key message:

Setting Boundaries with Compassion

One of Sara’s main strategies for joyful parenting is setting firm, clear boundaries in a loving way. Gentle parenting, as she defines it, is not permissive—it’s about being kind but firm, ensuring that your child feels secure in those boundaries. This can make everyday routines, such as bedtime, mealtimes, playtimes much smoother and help foster better sleep for the whole family.

Real-Life Story: Adjusting Expectations

In one relatable moment, Sara recounts a walk with her toddlers, who wanted to stop and inspect everything—acorns, strings, you name it! While frustrating at first, she shifted her mindset to appreciate this as part of their learning. By adjusting her expectations, she was able to find joy in the slower pace her toddlers brought to daily life.



Parenting toddlers is tough enough, but when poor sleep is added into the mix, it can feel overwhelming. Sara’s advice in this episode resonates deeply with my work as a sleep coach because it reminds us how crucial it is to address not just the child’s behavior, but the parent’s emotional regulation as well. By fostering better communication and setting boundaries during wakeful moments, we make bedtime smoother and more restful. Implementing these lessons in our homes helps create a peaceful, well-rested environment for both parents and children.

Key Loving Lessons Learned in this episode: 

🟣 Behavior is communication. Toddlers use actions like tantrums and hitting because they don't yet know how to express themselves verbally.

🟣 Gentle parenting involves setting firm but loving boundaries, allowing toddlers to feel secure.

🟣 Parents need to regulate their own emotions to model appropriate behavior for their children.

🟣 Slowing down and adjusting expectations can lead to joyful experiences, even in frustrating moments.

🟣 Helping toddlers navigate their big emotions reduces stress, making sleep routines more peaceful.

Resources mentioned to help you keep learning & growing: 

⭐ Learn more about Sara Whaley at Joyful Toddler Parenting

Follow her on Instagram for more toddler tips

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