Are you feeling overwhelmed with potty training your toddler? This episode breaks down the process into simple, manageable steps, emphasizing emotional readiness, physical signs, and developmental milestones. Learn how to support your child with confidence while avoiding common pitfalls like constipation and pressure.

In this episode:

The true purpose of potty training: communication, body awareness, and confidence.
The importance of emotional regulation for parents and children
Developmental signs of readiness: dry in diaper for 2 hours, predictable bowel pattern, following directions
Nighttime vs. daytime potty training timelines
Recognizing and addressing constipation as a key barrier
How hydration, fiber, and gut health influence successful toileting
Strategies for supporting children with developmental differences
When to seek professional help for feeding and sensory issues
The myth of age as the sole indicator: trusting your child's individual timeline
Practical tips for reducing stress and creating a positive potty training experience
Timestamps:

00:00 - Why potty training can be stressful for parents and kids
00:22 - What is truly involved in potty training: communication and body signals
01:12 - Accidents are data, not failure
01:38 - The role of emotional regulation in successful potty training
02:03 - Developmental milestones for bladder and bowel control
02:48 - Signs of physical readiness in toddlers
04:00 - Breaking down the steps of toilet training
05:20 - Ensuring your child can stay dry for at least two hours
06:04 - Developmental skills: understanding directions and recognizing signals
07:00 - Recognizing communication about wet or dirty diapers
07:47 - Debunking the myth that waiting too long is problematic
08:10 - The importance of training at your child's own pace, not a daycare deadline
09:01 - Constipation's impact on potty training success
10:24 - The cycle of hard stools and withholding behaviors
11:14 - Digestive support: hydration, fiber, and gut health
13:02 - Identifying dehydration and the importance of water
15:15 - Promoting whole foods rich in fiber, vitamins, and micronutrients
17:00 - Strategies for introducing healthy foods and managing food jags
17:48 - Linking foods to expand a child's palate
18:42 - The importance of fiber and water balance
20:03 - Building your child's "internal construction" with nutritious food
Resources & Links:

Middle Path Integrative Pediatrics
Tummy's Guide for Digestion & Constipation https://www.middlepathintegrativepediatrics.com/free-holistic-resources
Steven Kempler, Feeding Therapist - SOS Feeding Program https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6-S_z1GPOc&t=2s
Connect with Dr. Ellie:

This video is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to https://www.middlepathintegrativepediatrics.com/disclaimer.

https://www.middlepathintegrativepediatrics.com/
https://www.instagram.com/middlepathpeds/

To get my Free Tiny Tummies Guide visit https://www.middlepathintegrativepediatrics.com/whole-child-health-free-guide
To sign up to my course Nourish With Confidence: Feeding Your Baby in the First Year, visit https://www.middlepathintegrativepediatrics.com/courses

In this episode, Dr. Ellie MacGregor discusses the complexities of sleep training for children, emphasizing that it is not a mandatory practice but a helpful tool for parents. She addresses common concerns about attachment and emotional regulation, explains the importance of wake windows, and highlights the role of nutrition in sleep quality. Dr. Ellie also provides practical advice on creating a calming bedtime routine and implementing sleep training strategies, while reassuring parents about the importance of co-regulation and knowing when to pause training if it becomes overwhelming.

Takeaways

Sleep can make parents feel like they're doing something wrong.
Sleep training is a tool, not a test of love.
Falling asleep independently does not mean abandonment.
Wake windows are crucial for preventing overtiredness.
Nutrition impacts sleep quality significantly.
A predictable bedtime routine signals safety to children.
Check-ins during sleep training help children feel secure.
It's okay to pause sleep training if overwhelmed.
Co-regulation between parent and child is essential.
Support is available for parents struggling with sleep issues.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Sleep and Parenting Concerns
05:23 Wake Windows and Their Importance
10:40 Establishing a Bedtime Routine
15:57 When to Pause Sleep Training
20:03 Cream Modern Woman Podcast Cover.mp4

This recording is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to https://www.middlepathintegrativepediatrics.com/disclaimer.

https://www.middlepathintegrativepediatrics.com/
https://www.instagram.com/middlepathpeds/

To learn more about how I practice holistic pediatrics, visit my website at https://www.middlepathintegrativepediatrics.com/
I also practice Functional Medicine for adults who are looking to optimize their health.

In this episode of 'I Heal Kids', Dr. Ellie discusses the often misunderstood topic of fever in children. She explains that fever is a natural immune response to infection and outlines when parents should be concerned. The conversation covers both holistic and conventional approaches to managing fever, emphasizing the importance of hydration, comfort measures, and recognizing warning signs that require medical attention. Dr. Ellie also reassures parents about common myths surrounding fever and encourages them to trust their instincts when it comes to their child's health.

Fever is a natural response to infection.
Mild to moderate fevers indicate the body is fighting illness.
Seek medical care for infants with a fever of 100.4 or higher.
Lethargy in children can be a sign of serious illness.
Fever 104 or higher does not necessarily cause brain damage.
Only a small percentage of children experience febrile seizures.
Holistic treatments can help manage fever symptoms.
Hydration and rest are crucial during a fever.
Trust your parental intuition when something feels off.
Parents are doing an amazing job caring for their children.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fever and Its Importance
05:28 When to Treat a Fever: Warning Signs
09:38 Myths and Misconceptions About Fever
23:43 Conventional Treatments: When to Use Fever Reducers

This video is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to https://www.middlepathintegrativepediatrics.com/disclaimer.

https://www.middlepathintegrativepediatrics.com/
https://www.instagram.com/middlepathpeds/