# Stop Toddler Power Struggles (Without Timeouts)

An episode of [BratBusters Parenting Podcast](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1770136136), 24 Mar 2026, 31 min.

Audio: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2404296/episodes/18816439-stop-toddler-power-struggles-without-timeouts.mp3

#153 In this episode, Lisa discusses her approach to toddler power struggles. She covers discipline methods she doesn’t recommend, expectations when it comes to toddler parenting, tantrums, and the importance of playing with your children in their world. Lastly, in this episode, Lisa addresses eight listener questions, discussing whether you should be holding a 16-month-old during a tantrum, how to handle a toddler hitting a younger sibling while they are being fed, what to do when a 20-month-old is throwing food, how to manage aggressive toddler behavior, the best way to respond to a toddler throwing things and climbing, how to handle a toddler interrupting conversations, what it means when an almost 3-year-old smirks when they act out, and how to address a 19-month-old throwing things over a baby gate. Thank you for joining us! Courses: Toddler BratBusters Bootcamp (16-35 Months) BratBusters Bootcamp (Ages 3-12) Learn More: BratBusters Behaviour Board (Plus Toddler Basics) No-Cost Mini Course Private Coaching Podcast Questions: Have a question you'd like to submit for a chance to be featured in an upcoming podcast episode? Click Here to Submit 🎙️ Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Lisa Bunnage is a Parenting Coach, mom and grandmother. Lisa is not a licensed psychologist or counsellor. Her services do not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. For a full disclaimer, please visit bratbusters.com/disclaimer

## Chapters

- 0:00 Introduction to Toddler Power Struggles
- 1:40 Discipline Methods Lisa Doesn’t Recommend
- 3:48 Expectations When it Comes to Toddler Parenting
- 5:46 Listener Question 1: Holding a 16-Month-Old During Tantrum?
- 8:54 Tantrums About Wants Compared to Needs
- 9:32 Listener Question 2: Toddler Hitting Younger Sibling When They Are Being Fed?
- 11:15 Listener Question 3: 20-Month-Old Throwing Food?
- 16:32 Listener Question 4: Aggressive Toddler Behaviour?
- 18:14 Listener Question 5: Toddler Throwing Things and Climbing?
- 20:08 The Importance of Playing With Your Children in Their World
- 21:27 Listener Question 6: Toddler Interrupting Conversations?
- 25:03 Listener Question 7: Almost 3-Year-Old Smirks When They Act Out?
- 26:39 Listener Question 8: 19-Month-Old Throwing Things Over Baby Gate?
- 28:39 Final Thoughts on Power Struggles With Your Toddler

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