What Many Parents Get Wrong About Toddler Behavior

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In today’s episode, Devon Kuntzman and I dive deep into what’s really happening inside your toddler’s brain when they lose it — and how you can respond without spiralling yourself.

We unpack why your child’s meltdowns aren’t your fault, what they’re trying to tell you through their behavior, and the simple mindset shift that will change how you see tantrums forever.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why is my child doing this to me?” or “I said no… why can’t they just listen?” then this episode will make you feel seen, supported, and ready for the next tantrum (yes, really).

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The real reason toddlers have tantrums (and why it’s developmentally healthy
Why “all behavior is communication” — and how to decode what your child is saying through their actions
How to stay calm and compassionate even when you’re triggered
Why giving in “just this once” actually leads to more tantrums
What to do when your child prefers the other parent — and how to not take it personally
Devon’s 3-ingredient “Recipe for Effective Discipline” that works with every tantrum
How to model emotional regulation — even if you never learned it growing up

Get Devon's book here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400252954/?bestFormat=true&k=transforming%20toddlerhood%20devon%20kuntzman&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_k1_1_9_de&crid=11L8ZPOO86D3&sprefix=devon%20kun

Follow her on Instagram: @transformingtoddlerhood

Read our blog post:

https://curiousneuron.com/2025/10/15/a-yale-study-shows-how-a-parents-calm-and-consistency-literally-shape-a-childs-brain/

Support the show

Join the Reflective Parent Book Club for only $9.99 for the year: https://reflectiveparentclub.circle.so/checkout/reflective-parenting-book-club

Watch my Tedx Talk on YouTube called The Over-Educated, Emotionally Underprepared Parent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDYJFY_9K9E&t=19s

Grab my course for $99, The Emotionally Aware Parent: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/

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