In this heartwarming episode of
The Toddler Toolkit, Heather sits down with
Jonathan Martinez—dad of two, former special education teacher, registered nurse, and creator of Yawnimals, a soothing bedtime audiobook series helping families find calm at the end of the day.
🎧
Listen to Yawnimals on SpotifyJonathan shares how his unique path—from caring for patients on their hardest days to leading classrooms with compassion—inspired him to create stories that are more than bedtime entertainment. They’re a way for parents to be the emotional anchor, the steady mountain children can lean on.
Together, they explore why rest is about more than sleep, how setting clear expectations creates security, and why helping kids wind down isn’t a battle—it’s a bridge to connection. You’ll hear Jonathan’s perspective on bringing entrepreneurship into parenting, thinking creatively to serve others, and modeling resilience and presence for your kids.
Whether you’re
struggling with bedtime meltdowns or simply
want to make evenings more peaceful, this conversation will inspire you to approach bedtime as a time to connect, restore, and show up as your child’s safe place—
even on the toughest days.
Tune in to hear about his innovative bedtime strategies, his children's involvement in the project, and insights about maintaining compassion and regulation as both a parent and professional caregiver.
00:00 Welcome to Toddler Toolkit Podcast
01:03 Meet Jonathan Martinez: A Multifaceted Journey
02:35 Lessons from Special Education
06:51 From Teaching to Nursing
08:09 The Birth of Yawn Animals
12:07 Creative Entrepreneurship with Kids
16:46 Bedtime Challenges and Solutions
22:35 The Power of Imagination in Children's Bedtime
23:51 Transitioning Through Toddler Years
25:01 Engaging Bedtime Routines
26:21 Parental Strategies for Bedtime
30:30 The Importance of Rest for Parents
36:58 Emotional Regulation and Compassion
40:44 New Projects and Social Media
45:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Listen to Yawnimals: Yawnimals on SpotifyYawnimals on HooplaYawnimals on LibbyYawnimals on AudibleYawnimals on Apple BooksYawnimals on Amazon (Kindle Addition)Follow Yawnimals on Social Media: InstagramFacebookYoutubeTikTokX------------------------------------------------------
Heather has her M.Ed, and a proud Twin Mama of busy toddlers. She's the
Toddler Toolkit Podcast Host, a co-author of the
#1 International Best Selling Book,
The Perfectly Imperfect Family & the
founder of the Happy Toddler, Confident Parent Cohort and Course. You might've tried advice tailored for one child, but that's not our journey, right? With a decade of teaching experience under her belt, she's seen it all – from toddlers to teenagers in the classroom. Now, as a parent to toddlers, she's experiencing the flip side of the coin. She's discovered a toolbox to help parents with everything toddler times two!
Let's unlock the secrets to understanding toddler behavior, preventing meltdowns, and raising intuitive, resilient children.
What is Toddler Toolkit?
The complete toolkit for understanding toddler behavior (e.g. hitting, throwing, biting, pushing), navigating tantrums and meltdowns, fostering healthy sibling relationships and dynamics so your kids can get along and raising skilled resilient self-regulated toddlers. If you have toddlers that are close in age or multiple kids then this podcast is made for you! Heather helps parents transform their aggressive toddlers behavior into a calm, kind and caring toddler with a more peaceful and joyful home.
Heather is the Founder of Heather Schalk Parenting, a Twin Mama, Toddler Toolkit Podcast Host, Teacher for 10 years (pre-k through 9th grade), specialization in behavior, with her M.Ed.
Heather's passion is helping moms of toddlers who have disruptive tantrums develop proactive and 'in the moment' strategies to Transform their toddlers disruptive tantrums, aggressive ‘button-pushing’ behavior into a Calm, Kind and Caring Toddler so you have a joyful family and enjoy motherhood.
Next Toddler Mom Cohort to Transform Aggressive Toddler Behavior taught by Heather is in September 2024!