Toddler Talk: Language, Behavior, and Parenting with Liz Swenson

Helping Families Be Happy

On today's episode of the "Helping Families Be Happy" podcast, host Christopher Robbins, co-founder of Familius Publishing, husband, father of nine, author, fisherman, backpacker, and aspirational musician based in the Central Valley of California, talks to author and illustrator Liz Swenson. Liz has written two survival guides for parents: "You Got This, Mama: From boobs to Blowouts, a Survival Guide for New Mothers" and "Raising Tiny Humans: From Potty Training to Prejudice, The Survival Guide for the Wild Toddler Years." The discussion focuses on raising toddlers and includes valuable insights into teaching children about dehumanizing language, separating behavior from the person, and fostering executive function skills.

Episode Highlights:

• 01:30: Christopher extends Valentine's Day wishes and delves into the evolution of Liz's books, "You Got This, Mama" and "Raising Tiny Humans," laying the foundation for the discussion.
• 03:04: The focus shifts to a critical aspect of parenting toddlers: teaching them about dehumanizing language and its subtle yet impactful nuances.
• 05:07: Liz emphasizes the significance of distinguishing between a child's behavior and their core identity, encouraging a healthy understanding of hurtful actions.
• 06:29: Exploring the concept of "hurt people hurting people," Liz sheds light on how understanding this dynamic can help address negative behaviors in toddlers.
• 08:00: The conversation turns to the development of executive function skills in toddlers, with Liz underlining the importance of explicit teaching in this area.
• 09:49: Liz discusses the necessity for parents to undergo mental shifts, specifically reframing tantrums as expressions of significant emotions rather than mere misbehavior.
• 11:42: The podcast delves into the crucial topic of prioritizing parental well-being and self-care, acknowledging the challenges of navigating parenthood.
• 13:50: Liz shares valuable insights gained from her journey of writing books and raising toddlers, offering a glimpse into the lessons learned along the way.
• 16:51: Liz share practical tips for "levelling up" parenting emerge, emphasizing the importance of taking intentional breaks and being mindful of language choices.

Key Points:

1. The conversation highlights the importance of nurturing executive function skills in toddlers through explicit teaching, breaking down tasks, and promoting resilience, contributing to overall cognitive and emotional development.
2. Recognizing the challenges of parenting, the discussion underscores the significance of parents prioritizing their well-being, taking intentional breaks, and practicing patience to create a supportive environment for both them and their toddlers.
3. By reframing tantrums as expressions of significant emotions rather than mere misbehavior, parents can navigate challenges with patience and empathy.

Tweetable Quotes:

• "Teaching toddlers isn't just about ABCs; it's about nurturing their executive function skills, breaking tasks into steps, and fostering resilience." - Liz Swenson
• "Parenting is a journey of self-discovery. Prioritize your well-being, take breaks, and grow alongside your child for a more fulfilling experience." - Christopher Robbins
• "Words matter. Reframing language to separate behavior from identity helps create a positive environment where toddlers learn empathy and understanding." - Liz Swenson

Resources Mentioned

• Helping Families Be Happy Podcast Apple
• https://lizswenson.org/
• Podcast Editing