The Follow-Up: How to Handle Food Throwing, Hitting, and Big Toddler Emotions

In this The Follow-Up episode with the incredible team behind @biglittlefeelings, we're diving deeper into the everyday power struggles parents face — food throwing, hitting, biting, meltdowns, and more. I'm joined by Kristin and Deena to break down practical, compassionate scripts for managing these challenging behaviors without yelling, shaming, or losing your cool. You’ll learn: What to actually say when your toddler throws food How to respond calmly and effectively to hitting and biting Why trying to teach in the middle of a meltdown doesn’t work The difference between setting a boundary and escalating a situation How validating emotions can prevent anxiety and support long-term emotional health Whether you're parenting a 1-year-old or a 5-year-old, these tools are grounded in developmental psychology, trauma-informed care, and real-world parenting experience. If you’ve ever wondered why your child isn’t “listening” or felt stuck in a cycle of frustration, this episode is for you. Want more? Enjoy the full episode at PedsDocTalk.com Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices