The Ashley Ventrice Show

If you’re a tired toddler mom who hasn’t slept a full night in what feels like years, this episode is for you. Child Development Specialist and mom Ashley writes a heartfelt letter to the moms in the hardest season of early motherhood — the ones who love their kids fiercely and are also, if they’re being honest, a little lost in it.   As a 40-year-old looking back on her toddler years, Ashley shares what she wishes someone had told her: what the “thick of it” actually feels like (without sugarcoating it), the ordinary moments that matter most developmentally, the specific things she misses that nobody warned her about, and the letter she needed to hear back then.   This one isn’t a framework or a strategy. It’s a permission slip. For the mom crying in the bathroom with the fan on. For the mom who loves her kids so much it scares her. For the mom who just needs someone to say: you’re not failing. You’re in the thick of it.   Topics covered: toddler mom burnout, mom identity loss, mom guilt, emotional regulation in toddlers, secure attachment, savoring motherhood, the bittersweet of kids growing up.   🎧 Share this with a toddler mom who needs it today.   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/

Are you a burned-out toddler mom who can’t stop comparing yourself to what you see on Instagram? A Child Development Specialist gets real about what social media comparison is actually doing to your nervous system — and why it’s affecting your parenting more than you realize.   In this episode, Ashley (licensed Child Development Specialist and mom) breaks down the science behind mom- comparison culture, the hidden toll it takes on your nervous system, and why your stress response doesn’t know the difference between a real threat and a picture-perfect Instagram feed.   What you’ll hear in this episode:   •Why chronic social media comparison creates chronic low-grade stress — and what that means for your parenting •The gender comment story that stopped Ashley cold: how Instagram is now influencing family planning decisions •What a Child Development Specialist sees behind the scenes that curated feeds will never show you •Why you CANNOT co-regulate a dysregulated toddler when your own nervous system is fried •A full permission slip to be a good mom in invisible ways — the ways that actually matter   This episode is for you if:   •You scroll Instagram and feel like every other toddler mom has it more together than you •You’ve ever felt guilty about losing it with your toddler after a morning of comparison scrolling •You’re exhausted by the performance of “perfect” motherhood and desperate for something real •You want to understand the actual science of why social media affects your mood and your parenting   Resources mentioned: •72-Hour Toddler Reset Course    Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/

Ashley shares a real backyard conversation with her neighbor — a first-time mom who somehow radiates calm — and unpacks why new moms lose their instincts to the chorus of unsolicited opinions. From barefoot babies to formula side-eyes, if you’ve ever been audited as a mom in public, this episode is for you.   In This Episode: •The neighbor moment that stopped Ashley cold •Why even a Child Development Specialist second-guessed herself as a new mom •The real reason unsolicited advice is so hard to shake — even when you know better •The “Greatest Hits” of comments every mom has heard (and what the research actually says) •Why protecting your peace isn’t selfish — it’s parenting •What to do the next time someone has an opinion about your barefoot baby   Key Takeaways: Simplicity is a strategy. Ashley’s neighbor wasn’t calm because parenting is easy. She committed to one rule: keep it simple and listen — to herself and to her baby. Intent doesn’t equal impact. Most people offering unsolicited advice aren’t trying to undermine you. But whether the intent is good or not, the impact is the same: it chips away at your confidence and your instinct. Barefoot babies are fine. As a Developmental Interventionist, Ashley is here to tell you: babies have navigated life barefoot for the entirety of human history. You are not in a crisis. Your nervous system is talking to your child’s nervous system — all day. When you are calm, they feel it. Holding onto your peace is one of the most powerful things you can do for your child’s development. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. You are allowed to smile, nod, and let it go.   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/    

If you’ve ever wondered, “How many words should my toddler have?”—you’re not alone. This is one of the most searched parenting questions, and in this episode, we’re breaking it down in a way that’s clear, realistic, and not fear-based.   Using research-backed guidance from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and other pediatric developmental sources, we walk through toddler speech milestones by age, including what’s typical at 12 months, 18 months, 2 years, 3 years, and beyond.   Learn With Ashley: 👉 Printable Worksheet Membership   Toys I love: 👉 Speech Boosting Toys   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/  

You had it all planned out.  You knew exactly what kind of mom you were going to be - whether that meant confidentiality heading back into the office or blissfully staying home with your baby.  Then they placed that tiny human in your arms...and everything you thought you knew went out that window.   If you're wresting the "working mom" vs. the "stay-at-home mom" decision or the decision  was made for you and you're grieving it- this episode is for you.   In this episode, your host, Child Development Specialist breaks down: - The real developmental research of working mom vs. stay-at-home mom - The staggering cost of childcare in 2026 - Why your mental health is your child's developmental environment  - Permission to stop chasing "balance" and start chasing alignment   USA Today Article   Learn With Ashley: 👉 Printable Worksheet Membership   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/

Before the credentials, the podcast, and the toddler advice — there was a girl who started in fashion and found her calling by accident. This is the real story of how I got here, and why nothing in your path is ever wasted.   You’ve heard the advice. You’ve seen the credentials. But today, I’m pulling back the curtain on the full journey — because I think you need to hear how I actually got here. In this episode, I’m sharing my honest, unfiltered origin story — from fashion merchandising at Marist College, to teaching in an urban district, to becoming a mom whose daughter needed Early Intervention, to opening my own childcare center, and eventually landing right here… in your ears. This one is personal. And I think it’ll hit different if you’ve ever felt like your path was “wrong,” or like you’re way behind where you thought you’d be. In this episode, you’ll hear: •Why I left a stable fashion career in my 20s with zero plan •The volunteer experience in my last semester of college that changed everything •How becoming a mom — and my daughter’s speech delay — pointed me toward Early Intervention •What I actually did as a developmental specialist (and why it’s different from OT, PT, and speech) •The decision to leave teaching and stay home — and the math that made it make sense •Why I eventually opened a childcare center, and what led me away from it •And the chronic illness chapter I don’t talk about enough If you’ve been wondering why I give the advice I do, or whether you can actually trust me with your child’s development — this episode is for you. Because everything I teach comes from classrooms, from homes, from my own kids, and from years of hands-on experience. Not just a textbook. 💛 If this resonated, send it to a friend who’s in a “what am I even doing” season. She needs it.   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/

Do your kids have the same fight on repeat and you have no idea how to break the cycle? In this episode, I’m sitting down with Heather Schalk from the Toddler Toolkit Podcast to talk all things sibling relationships — how to identify the patterns showing up in your home, what’s actually driving them, and practical ways to help your kids genuinely get along. As a Pediatric OT, I’m bringing the developmental lens, and Heather is bringing the toolkit. This one is for every mom who’s tired of playing referee.   Helpful Resources:                                                                                                            👉 The Problem-Solving Bucket  👉 Cooperative Games   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/   My Guest:                                                                                                            👉 Heather Schalk Instagram 👉 Toddler Toolkit Podcast  

What happens when you’re managing a chronic illness and drowning in mom guilt? In this episode, I’m getting personal about my diagnoses — POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) — and why I’m talking about it openly. More women than men are diagnosed with autoimmune and chronic illness conditions, and awareness matters. I share a conversation I had with a nurse at my cardiologist’s office — a mom of a toddler and a kindergartner — who was carrying a guilt so many of us know way too well: the guilt of choosing one kid over another, of working, of not being everywhere at once. Sound familiar? We’re also talking about the noise — the opinions from parents, friends, family — and how it all piles on top of an already heavy load. I’m sharing how hitting my 40s (and finally getting answers about my health) pushed me to get intentional about ditching guilt and building a life that actually works for me and my family. If you’ve ever felt the weight of everyone else’s opinions pulling you in every direction, this one’s for you. Topics covered: ∙What POTS and MCAS are and why more moms need to know ∙The real story behind mom guilt vs. a new life pattern ∙How chronic illness changed the way I show up as a mom ∙Why your 40s might just be your most intentional decade yet   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/  

In this deeply personal episode, I share why I took my first flight away from my children — and why it was about more than just a vacation. We talk about mom guilt, trusted caregivers, marriage health, nervous system regulation, facing fears after trauma, and the quiet identity shifts that happen in motherhood.   If you’ve ever felt pressure about leaving your children, struggled with anxiety about flying, or felt like you’ve “lost yourself” in parenting — this episode is for you.   We’ll unpack:   • Why time away can strengthen your children’s resilience • The nervous system impact of chronic self-sacrifice • How healthy marriages benefit children • Processing fear after trauma (including 9/11) • The truth about identity loss and rebirth in motherhood   This isn’t about escaping your kids.   It’s about modeling courage, balance, and emotional health.   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/   Today’s Sponsor: 👉 Skylight Calendar https://tidd.ly/4qs78VP

Is your child deeply emotional, empathetic, or easily overwhelmed by loud or chaotic environments?   They may be a highly sensitive child.   In this episode, we explore the science behind highly sensitive children (HSCs), a temperament trait found in roughly 15–20% of the population. These children process emotions and sensory information more deeply than others, which can lead to big feelings—but also incredible strengths.     You’ll learn:   • What highly sensitive babies, toddlers, and children often look like • Signs your child may be highly sensitive • How sensitivity shows up in adulthood • Parenting strategies that help sensitive kids thrive • Why sensitivity can become a powerful advantage later in life   We also talk about personal experiences raising sensitive children and growing up sensitive ourselves.   If you’re raising a child who feels everything deeply, this episode will help you understand their brain and support them with compassion and confidence.   Read the blog post about how to support your highly sensitive child further.   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/   Today’s Sponsor: 👉 Skylight Calendar https://tidd.ly/4qs78VP

What if one of the most powerful ways to raise emotionally intelligent children is through loving — and eventually losing — a pet?   In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with author Kristen Griffin to talk about her beautiful children’s book Magnum’s Final Goodbye, a story that gently guides families through pet loss.   Kristen and I connected instantly over our lifelong love of animals and our shared belief that growing up with pets teaches children empathy, responsibility, compassion, and emotional depth.   We talk about: •Why pets help build emotional intelligence in children •How caring for animals fosters empathy and responsibility •How to prepare children for pet loss in healthy, age-appropriate ways •Why grief is not something to avoid — but something to walk through together   If you’ve ever wondered how to talk to your child about losing a pet — or why animals play such an important role in emotional development — this episode is for you.   Because raising emotionally healthy children doesn’t mean protecting them from grief. It means walking beside them through it.   🎧 Listen now and share with a fellow animal-loving parent.   Connect with Kristen: 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/magnumsbridge/ 👉 Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/magnumsbridge/?etsrc=sdt   Connect with Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/  

If you’ve ever wondered whether the daily power struggles, tantrums, and boundary battles actually matter long term — this episode is for you.   In today’s episode, we zoom out.   You are not just managing a toddler. You are shaping a future adult.   The way you respond to whining, frustration, big emotions, and independence today wires your child’s nervous system, self-concept, and resilience for tomorrow.   We’ll talk about: •How toddler boundaries build teenage self-regulation •Why emotional coaching now prevents emotional shutdown later •The difference between compliance and internal discipline •How repair builds secure attachment (even when you mess up) •Practical scripts and examples you can use this week   If you want to raise an emotionally healthy, capable adult — it starts in the toddler years.   This episode will help you parent with long-term vision instead of short-term survival.   Favorites: 👉 Good Read The Whole Brain Child    Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/    

Sensory play is one of my favorite forms of play — not just because it’s fun, but because you can almost instantly see a child become calmer.   In this episode, I’m sharing why sensory play was the foundation of my work in Early Intervention, especially with children with autism and nervous system dysregulation. I’ll explain why I began every single session with a sensory bin, how it builds trust and regulation, and why calm always comes before learning.   We’ll talk about the incredible developmental benefits of sensory play — including fine motor, cognitive, language, and early math skills — and how you can easily create sensory experiences at home without spending money or making things complicated.   If you’ve ever wondered how to calm your baby or toddler, encourage independent play, or create a predictable routine that supports regulation, this episode will give you simple, practical tools you can start using today.   Sensory Favorites: 👉 No Fus Sensory Play Guide 👉 Sensory Tools & Toys Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/    

In this episode, we explore why the Montessori approach is so powerful for toddlers and their parents. Montessori isn’t just a classroom philosophy — it’s a way of life that empowers toddlers to build real skills, confidence, independence, and a deep sense of being part of the family. We’ll dive into research-backed benefits, share real examples of practical life activities (like cooking with your toddler), and offer easy ways to implement Montessori principles at home. Whether you’re Montessori curious or already practicing at home, this conversation will help you see everyday routines in a whole new light.   My Favorites: 👉 Skylight Calendar 👉 Montessori at Home Tools   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/  

Why does bedtime turn into a sudden flood of needs — water, snacks, questions, emotions — right when the lights go out?   In this episode, I sit down with a pediatric sleep consultant, Brittany, to unpack what’s really happening during bedtime resistance. We talk about why children often appear “dehydrated” or emotionally needy at night, how daytime boundaries impact nighttime sleep, and what parents can do to create calmer, more predictable bedtimes without power struggles.   This conversation is especially helpful for parents of toddlers and young children who want gentle, developmentally appropriate sleep support — without rigid rules or crying it out.   If bedtime feels exhausting, chaotic, or emotionally charged, this episode will help you reframe what your child is asking for and how to respond with confidence.   My Favorites: 👉 Skylight Calendar 👉 Sleep tools https://www.amazon.com/shop/ashleyventriceco/list/2WLZ45PFLYFL8?ref_=aipsflist    Resources: 👉 Routine Podcast on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ashley-ventrice-show/id1847402433?i=1000736251305 👉 Visual Schedule https://ashleyventriceco.etsy.com/listing/4403618690/editable-the-neurodiverse-toddler-daily    Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/   👉 Connect with Brittany https://www.instagram.com/brittany_sleepconsultant/ Or https://www.goodnightnursebh.com   

Today we talk about five books that have shaped how I think about parenting, child development, and how we show up in family life. These books helped me move from hustle and stress to intention and calm:   📘 The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins 📘 The 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman & Ross Campbell 📘 The Danish Way of Parenting by Jessica Joelle Alexander & Iben Sandahl 📘 The Hurried Child by David Elkind 📘 Atomic Habits by James Clear   Each one offers timeless wisdom about emotional freedom, connection, play, healthy pace of life, and building habits that stick. Join me as I break down not just what these books say, but how they’ve changed my parenting and my mindset — as a child development specialist and as a mom.     My Favorites: 👉 Skylight Calendar 👉 Book List     Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/  

In this episode we’re sharing fun, therapist-approved movement ideas for toddlers who are cooped up because of winter weather or sick days. We’ll talk playful gross-motor activities you can do in tiny spaces, indoor games like floor is lava with pillows, and the best YouTube movement channels for toddlers (Cosmic Kids Yoga, GoNoodle, Danny Go and more). We’ll also help you track emotions vs. energy so you know when it’s play time — and when it’s snack or nap time. Perfect for parents who need realistic, joyful ways to add movement into the day!   My Favorites: 👉 My Red Light Therapy Mask 👉 My Favorite Indoor Gross Motor Finds   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/    

Feeling overwhelmed, behind, or wondering “what did I even do all day?” In this New Year’s episode, early childhood specialist and mom shares gentle, realistic organization strategies for moms with babies, toddlers, and young children. Learn how predictable routines, visual schedules, morning meetings, and simple home systems can reduce anxiety, support emotional regulation, and help moms feel calm and capable again—without perfection or pressure. Perfect for stay-at-home moms, working moms, anxious moms, and moms managing chronic illness.   Red Light Therapy Mask  No-fuss Toddler Meal Plan  Toy Bin Labels  Toy Room Reset Guide  Meal Planning With Littles  My Favorite Calendar  

In this deeply personal episode, I share my journey of living with multiple autoimmune illnesses while navigating motherhood, childcare work, and chronic nervous system overload. We talk about being raised as the “good girl,” becoming a people pleaser, and how my body eventually forced me to slow down and learn regulation, boundaries, and self-advocacy.   This episode covers practical nervous system tools, vagus nerve regulation, chronic illness warning signs, advocating for medical care, motherhood burnout, raising emotionally healthy children, and how structure and predictability help both toddlers and autoimmune bodies thrive.   If you’re a mother who feels exhausted beyond normal tired, struggles with guilt, lives with chronic illness, or wants to raise kind, resilient children without sacrificing yourself — this episode is for you.   Topics include: autoimmune illness, MS, POTS, nervous system regulation, motherhood burnout, people pleasing, vagus nerve stimulation, childhood emotional health, gentle parenting, Montessori, advocacy in healthcare, and chronic fatigue.

Bringing a new baby home can be one of the biggest emotional transitions for a toddler—and for parents. In this episode, we talk about how to introduce your toddler to a new baby in a way that supports emotional safety, reduces jealousy, and builds secure attachment.   Using a real-life story about introducing a new puppy to an older dog, we explore the surprising similarities between sibling transitions and pet dynamics—and what they teach us about preparation, patience, and grace.   You’ll learn: •How to prepare your toddler for a new baby before birth •What to say (and what NOT to say) to avoid pressure and resentment •The dos and don’ts once the baby is home •Why toddler regression is normal after a new sibling arrives •How to give yourself grace during postpartum and early parenting adjustments   This episode is perfect for: •Expecting parents with toddlers •Parents struggling with toddler jealousy after a new baby •Caregivers wanting gentle, emotionally informed parenting strategies   🎧 Share this episode with a friend who’s preparing for a new baby or navigating sibling transitions.   💛 You are raising emotionally resilient children—and that changes the world.

In this episode, we talk about the real December toddler patterns no one prepares you for — the clinginess, the schedule slips, the sugar meltdowns, the holiday overstimulation, and the mysteriously large emotions that appear the moment you’re already overwhelmed.   You’ll learn: ✨ Why toddlers struggle more in December ✨ How routine disruptions impact their behavior ✨ The surprisingly big effect of holiday foods ✨ How to calm overstimulated little nervous systems ✨ The ONE ritual that helps everything feel more stable ✨ Simple ways to get back on track without power struggles ✨ A gentle mindset shift to carry through the month   If you’ve been wondering, “Is it just us?” — it’s definitely not just you.   Share this with a friend who needs this. And remember: you are a world changer in raising an emotionally resilient child. Sign up for the January- May Play Membership HERE    

In this episode, we dive into gentle, emotionally-aware potty training based on toddler development and regulation.   You’ll learn: •How to know if your toddler is truly ready •Why potty training feels so overwhelming (spoiler: it’s not you!) •A simple 3-phase plan that aligns with my free potty training guide •What to say during accidents •How to avoid common potty training mistakes •How to stay calm and connected through the whole process   Resources: – Grab the free potty training guide Download Your Guide – Grab my potty training favorites Potty Training Favorites   You’re raising an emotionally resilient child — and that makes you a world changer.

If you’re in the season of “No, I don’t like that!”—even when your toddler liked it yesterday—this episode is going to feel like a warm exhale. Today, we’re diving into why toddlers become picky eaters and how you can gently support them using OT-backed strategies, emotional regulation tools, and realistic routines that actually work.   Inside this episode, you’ll learn: •Why toddler picky eating is developmentally normal •How to reduce mealtime stress for YOU and your child •OT-approved strategies to encourage curiosity with new foods •What to do when they only want beige foods •How to build a “safe” plate that still introduces variety •Why pressure backfires—and what works instead •Easy meal ideas toddlers actually eat •How to stop the food battles and bring calm back to your table   Plus, I share my picky eater favorites, including our beloved waffle + peanut butter + fruit-animal breakfast that turns resistance into fun engagement.   📌 Resources & Instagram Accounts Mentioned: @kidfriendly.meals @yummytoddlerfood @feedingtinybellies @reallittlemeals @mytoddlerskitchen My episode about Routines that Work on Apple My picky eater shoppable  FAVORITES My blog about fun meal ideas  

Feeling lonely or disconnected in motherhood? You are so not alone. In today’s episode, I sit down with Daliesha Rivera, a mom who decided to stop waiting for her village… and build it instead. She created a thriving local mom meet-up group that’s helping moms in her area find connection, support, and actual friendship beyond the daily chaos of toddlers.   We talk about: •What inspired her to start a mom meet-up group •The biggest challenges she faced (and how she worked through them) •How she found her first members •What types of gatherings help moms feel safe, supported, and welcomed •How YOU can start your own mom meet-up group in your area — even if you’re shy, overwhelmed, or don’t know where to begin •Why community matters so much for our emotional health as parents •How motherhood changes when you finally feel like you belong   Whether you’re craving connection or curious about starting something in your own town, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered, inspired, and a little less alone.   ✨ Mentioned in the Episode Dee’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamdalieshaann/ It’s the Mom’s Circle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsthemomscircle/ Dee’s Mom Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1GA76N95un/  My fun food ideas + toddler activities: https://ashleyventriceco.podia.com/blog Tools for calmer toddler days: https://ashleyventriceco.podia.com/cc7371f4-1c8a-4abc-9681-143b83c4b69c   📩 Want more support?   Follow the show, share it with a mom friend who needs encouragement, and don’t forget to leave a quick review — it helps more moms find their village, too.   Join my Toddler Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1RWQPLYPLF/ 

Is your toddler suddenly a master negotiator at bedtime? You know the drill — “Just one more story… one more drink… one more hug…” and suddenly it’s an hour past bedtime. 😅   In this episode, we’ll talk about what’s really happening during those endless bedtime battles and how you can respond calmly without losing your mind (or your evening). You’ll learn: ✨ Why toddlers stall bedtime — and what their brains are trying to tell you 🛏️ How to create a predictable bedtime routine that signals “it’s time to sleep” 💬 Gentle phrases that end the “just one more” cycle without power struggles 💖 Simple connection rituals that help your toddler feel safe enough to let go of the day   If bedtime feels like a nightly negotiation, this episode will help you reclaim your evenings — with more peace, fewer battles, and a lot less guilt.   👉 Join my Toddler Community Group on Facebook 👉 Grab my FREE BEDTIME PASSES 👉 Check out my shoppable bedtime favorites  👉 Check out my Toddler Feeling Master Course

Struggling with chaotic mornings, picky mealtimes, or bedtime battles? Toddlers thrive on routines—but not the rigid kind you see on Pinterest.   In this episode of The Ashley Ventrice Show, child development specialist and mom Ashley Ventrice shares how to create daily routines that actually work with toddlers. From mornings to mealtimes to bedtime, you’ll learn practical tools, simple scripts, and easy systems that make life calmer and smoother for the whole family.   What you’ll learn: ✔ Why routines matter for toddler brain development ✔ Morning, mealtime, and bedtime routines that stick ✔ Word-for-word scripts to avoid power struggles ✔ How to use timers, charts, and transitions to reduce meltdowns ✔ The truth about routines: flexible rhythms vs rigid schedules   If you’re ready to trade daily chaos for more calm, this episode is your roadmap.   👉 Share this episode with a parent friend who’s stuck in the bedtime battle cycle. 👉 Subscribe to The Ashley Ventrice Show for weekly tools to raise emotionally healthy kids. 👉 Check out the Toddler Emotional Regulation Course HERE 👉 Look at my toddler routine favorites HERE 👉 Join our Toddler Parent Community https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1H3Nfpue7e/

Is your playroom overflowing with toys, yet your toddler seems bored? You’re not alone. Playroom chaos overwhelms both parents and kids—but the good news is, you don’t need to spend hours organizing or thousands of dollars on Pinterest-worthy systems.   In this episode, child development specialist and mom Ashley Ventrice shares practical, simple systems that actually work with toddlers. Learn how to set up toy rotation, create playroom zones, and make clean-up time less of a battle and more of a bonding moment.   What you’ll learn: ✔ Why clutter overwhelms toddlers (and what to do about it) ✔ How to set up a toy rotation that keeps kids engaged ✔ The 4 playroom zones that make play easier and calmer ✔ Word-for-word parent scripts to encourage clean-up cooperation ✔ Quick daily reset habits that stick long-term   Say goodbye to playroom overwhelm and hello to calmer, more focused play.   👉 Share this episode with a friend who’s drowning in toy clutter. 👉 Subscribe to The Ashley Ventrice Show for weekly parenting tools and encouragement. 👉 Download Toy Printable Labels at Montessori Labels 👉 Decorate your playroom with ease How to Create a Purposeful Playroom 👉 My favorite Toy Room Storage 👉 My favorite timer My Favorite Timer

Toddler tantrums are overwhelming—for kids and parents. But what if meltdowns could become opportunities for connection instead of chaos?   In this episode of The Ashley Ventrice Show, child development specialist and mom, shares a practical tantrum toolkit designed for both toddlers and parents. You’ll learn why tantrums happen, how to support your child through big feelings, and—most importantly—how to keep your own cool when emotions run high.   We’ll cover: The brain science behind toddler tantrums Step-by-step tools to calm your child during meltdowns Parent strategies to regulate your own emotions Repairing the connection after the storm passes   If you’ve ever felt drained, guilty, or powerless in the face of tantrums, this episode will give you the calm confidence you need.   👉 Subscribe to The Ashley Ventrice Show for weekly episodes on raising emotionally healthy kids. 👉 Share this episode with a parent friend who needs a tantrum toolkit in their back pocket. 👉 Download your free Calming Toolkit for Toddlers HERE to start practicing today. 👉 Check out  Cozy Corner Printable Poster 👉 Check out Hands are not for Hitting at AMAZON to start reading it to your toddler. 👉 Check out the entire Calming Toolkit for Toddlers https://ashleyventriceco.etsy.com/listing/4403618690/editable-the-neurodiverse-toddler-daily  👉 View my blog on How to Create a Cozy Calm Down Corner with my favorite products  CREATE YOURS TODAY Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/  

Are you a stay-at-home mom running on cold coffee, leftover toddler snacks, and sheer willpower? You’re not alone. In this episode, Ashley dives deep into what it really means when people say, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”   Using the powerful (and funny) metaphor of rubber and glass balls, Ashley shares how moms can figure out what tasks can bounce (like laundry or dishes) and what needs protection because it can shatter (like your mental health, your marriage, and your sense of self).   This heartwarming and relatable conversation is packed with real-life mom moments, humor, and practical self-care strategies that actually fit into a stay-at-home mom’s daily life. Forget bubble baths and spa days—this episode is about small, doable changes that help you guard your energy and refill your cup without guilt.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The truth about what “empty cup syndrome” really looks like for stay-at-home moms. How to use the rubber and glass balls metaphor to protect your energy. Relatable (and funny) examples of how moms forget themselves while juggling toddlers. Simple, realistic self-care strategies that can fit into a mom’s busy schedule. Why guilt is the biggest glass ball you can put down—and how to let it go. How small daily resets (showers, hot coffee, connection, and micro-mom breaks) make all the difference.   If you’re tired, touched-out, or feeling like you’ve lost yourself in motherhood, this episode will encourage you, make you laugh, and remind you that your well-being matters just as much as your kids’.   ✨ Share this with a mom friend who needs the reminder that she’s a glass ball worth protecting.   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website https://ashleyventriceco.podia.com                     👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉    Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/

In this very first episode, Ashley—child development specialist, show host, and mom—opens her heart about a huge life change: closing the doors to her beloved childcare business.   She shares the emotional journey of saying goodbye, the impact of chronic illness on her decision, and how she’s finding new ways to serve parents from home. Ashley reflects on her career in early intervention and childcare, the joy she found in conversations with parents, and how those connections inspired her to launch this podcast.   You’ll also hear a powerful parenting metaphor—juggling glass and rubber balls—that reminds us to focus on what truly matters: our health, our relationships, and our children’s trust.   Whether you’re in the thick of toddler tantrums, trying to balance parenthood with self-care, or simply needing encouragement, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and hopeful.   ⸻ If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss a new episode. And if you know another parent who could use a little encouragement, share this episode with them—because we’re all in this together. 💛   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website https://ashleyventriceco.podia.com                     👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉    Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/

Welcome to The Toddler Life Coach Show — the podcast that helps you understand your toddler’s behavior, regulate your own emotions, and build a calmer home.   I’m Ashley, a child development specialist and mom of two, here to make sense of the chaos and bring peace back into parenting.   Each episode is packed with real-life examples, emotional regulation tools, and gentle, grounded advice for parents who want to raise emotionally healthy kids — without guilt, pressure, or perfection.   If you’re ready to grow forward with your toddler, hit play. 💛   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website https://ashleyventriceco.podia.com                     👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉    Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/