How to Co-Regulate With Your Toddler (So It Actually Works) with Emma Girard

If your toddler's meltdowns leave you feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next, you're not alone. During toddler tantrums, many parents have heard they should practice co-regulation, but few know what that actually looks like in the moment. In this episode, Dr. Emma Girard joins me to explain why toddlers are not melting down to manipulate you, how their brains process big emotions differently, and how positive parenting techniques can help both you and your child move through those difficult moments together.We break down what co-regulation really means, why your own emotional state matters first, and how the CARES framework gives parents practical parenting help they can use during everyday meltdowns. You'll learn why your job isn't to fix your toddler's feelings, but to help them feel safe enough to work through them while building emotional regulation skills over time.In this episode, we cover:Why toddler tantrums are different from older children's tantrumsWhat co-regulation actually looks like during a meltdownHow positive parenting techniques help toddlers develop emotional regulationPractical parenting help for staying calm when emotions run highWhy regulating yourself is the first step in successful co-regulationHow to respond to toddler tantrums without giving in or becoming punitiveThe CARES framework and other positive parenting techniques you can use todaySimple parenting help for supporting your toddler through big emotions while maintaining healthy boundariesIf you're navigating daily toddler tantrums, trying to better understand co-regulation, or looking for practical positive parenting techniques and parenting help, this episode will give you tools you can start using with your toddler today.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:CARES HandoutLET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsCalm and Connected ProgramInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!CONNECT WITH EMMA GIRARD:Website