18/11/2025
Toddlers feel everything with their whole little bodies — and sometimes it bubbles over in ways that can feel huge for us too. 🌿
I love this gentle reminder from Queensland Health: when a toddler is overwhelmed, they’re not trying to be difficult… their brain is still learning what to do with all those big emotions.
Our calm presence becomes the thing that teaches them safety, regulation, and connection — not perfection. 💛
Sharing this conversation because it explains it beautifully, and I know many of the families I work with will find it comforting and incredibly helpful.
'Toddlers are busy brain builders; they're literally wiring their brains to manage emotions. When big feelings erupt, they're telling us they need our help.'
As an early intervention clinician, Karen knows first-hand the rollercoaster ride parents face with toddlers.🎢
Her role involves helping parents to navigate the crucial early years, building skills that foster lasting emotional health for their little ones and themselves.
'When a toddler has a tantrum, it's because their emotional system is overloaded. They're not giving you a hard time; they're having a hard time,' she explained.
'As caregivers, staying calm in these moments teaches our kids it's safe to feel their emotions and that we'll guide them through.'
For Karen, effective parenting isn't about perfection, but about connection and consistency. 👐
Discipline, she said, actually means 'to teach'. It's less about control and more about clearly and calmly helping children understand boundaries, making them feel secure.
Karen also champions the importance of emotional literacy, advocating the use of stories and everyday moments to help children name and understand their feelings.
'Even toddlers benefit from learning words for their emotions, like jealousy, excitement and frustration. It builds their self-esteem and gives them tools they'll use their whole lives.'
Her best advice for parents? 'Be kind to yourself. Parenting is tough, and it's okay to make mistakes. It's how we reconnect afterward, like admitting when we're wrong, talking through emotions, that truly strengthens our bond with our kids.'
Thanks for your invaluable insights, Karen, and all you do to support Queensland families! ❤️
👉 Hear more from Karen in the latest season of It Can’t Hurt To Ask: our mental wellbeing podcast for parents. Available now wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧
https://it-cant-hurt-to-ask.captivate.fm/listen
