Ep27 10 Tips for Parenting Toddlers (and other kids of any age)

“Soon we’ll have the intimate happiness of the family, and it’s this beauty that brings us closer to God.”~ St. Louis MartinThe Terrible Twos. Three-nagers. A-Four-itarian. It's time to dive into the wild world of parenting toddlers (and kids of any age) with a blend of wisdom, humor, and relatability! Drawing from their own experiences as parents to a brood of seven children, ranging from 3 to 12 years old, Pat & Kenna share 10 valuable and hard-earned tips to help navigate the challenges that come with raising little ones.From the struggle of saying "yes" to the importance of addressing underlying needs behind challenging behaviors, this episode offers practical advice on fostering connection, emotional regulation, and secure attachment. We'll also stress the importance of asking for help and identifying one area to focus on for progress in parenting.With encouragement and authenticity, Kenna and Pat remind listeners that they are not alone on this journey and that small steps can lead to big changes in creating a joyful, connected, and fulfilling home.Chapters:0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards17:26: Intro to Parenting Toddlers23:04: #1: Connection Before Correction26:03: #2: Empathy, Empathy, Empathy28:39: #3: Physically get on their level, Emotionally do NOT get on their level31:26: #4: Prioritize things with your toddler that bring you JOY34:02: #5: Ask questions instead of making assumptions38:40: #6: Take a breath & take a break41:53: #7: Behavior demonstrates a need47:06: #8: Start with ONE thing49:53: #9: How can I say yes?53:06: #10: Ask for help56:38: Challenge By ChoiceSend us a text. We can't respond directly, but we're excited to hear what's on your mind!Click here to register for the DBT group from Jan. 20 - March 24, 2026 (MN & WI residents only)Support the showThank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.Follow us on Instagram & FacebookInterested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for IntegrationMusic: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

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