Q&A: How can I teach my toddler to clean up their toys without power struggles?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about...

 

• Why cleanup time can be surprisingly hard for young children.
• What's really happening in your toddler's brain and body when they are resisting transitions.
• Is repeating yourself over and over again a normal part of parenting young kids? And how do you know when it's part of the learning process versus something that needs a different approach?
• How motor planning, executive functioning, and task initiation can make something like "clean up your toys" feel overwhelming to a child.
• Why you might still be doing 90% of the cleanup work at this age (and why that can actually be part of the learning process.)
• Practical strategies to make cleanup easier, including breaking tasks into smaller steps, planning ahead for transitions, and using cues like songs and routines.
• How to shift your expectations so you can stay calm and connected instead of getting pulled into power struggles.

 

If you find yourself repeating the same requests over and over while trying to stay patient and regulated, this episode will help you understand what's developmentally normal for young children and give you practical tools to make cleanup time and transitions feel more manageable for both you and your child.

 

 

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

 

👉 Want extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and coaching to give parents the tools to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and learn how to most effectively support their child. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family.

 

💥 Tired of constant battles with your child? Watch my ✨FREE✨ workshop, Overcoming Power Struggles, where I'll teach you the exact strategies I use in my clinical practice to help parents break free from the cycle of yelling, threats, and negotiations—and instead foster cooperation, connection, and calm. Just visit drsarahbren.com/powerstruggles to get instant access to this workshop.

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

 

🎧 94. Toddler sleep: Why it's different than infant sleep and how to use the attachment relationship to help them fall asleep, with Eileen Henry

 

🎧 90. Seeing the world through your toddler's eyes: Helping your child feel seen, understood, and validated with the co-authors of the Terrific Toddlers series

 

🎧 209. How can I get my toddler to share and play nicely with other kids?

 

🎧 231. BTS: How can I build my toddler's assertiveness skills?

 

 

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

 

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!