What if the best way to keep your toddler entertained is to stop trying to entertain them?

In this episode, I unpack the idea of “don’t solve a problem you don’t have” and share why giving children space to be bored, observe, explore, and come up with their own ideas is an important part of building autonomy. I share stories from traveling with my own young children and explain how over-preparing can sometimes get in the way of their opportunity to practice entertaining themselves. We’ll look at how to recognize when your child truly needs something from you—and when the most helpful thing you can do is simply give them the space to figure it out. Whether you’re traveling, at home, or out and about, this episode offers a simple shift that can help you step back while still supporting your child’s learning and development.

🎤 Want to be the first to watch Cara’s upcoming TED Talk, “Grown-Ups Don’t Know Everything”? Sign up for Cara’s newsletter at ⁠caratyrrell.com⁠ to be the first to know when the talk is released!

September 29, 2026

Episode 350

How Do I Keep Toddlers Entertained During Travel? My Best Advice In One Sentence

About Your Host:

Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child’s identity, confidence, and future success.

As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the new book⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠