What Many Parents Get Wrong About Toddler Behavior

Reflective Parenting by Curious Neuron

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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 our Reflective Parenting Program to learn the science-based skills parents (and their kids) need to thrive: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/

Record your question, or share a parenting insight in a 1 min audio we will share on the podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast

Book a spot in my calendar to chat about your challenges:

https://calendly.com/curious_neuron/chat-with-cindy-reflective-parent-club-clone

Grab a Free Resource: FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn’t: A Parent’s Guide to Triggers and Emotions

Email: [email protected]

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