486: How to Handle Preschool Tantrums and Toddler Meltdowns

Between toddler tantrums, potty training battles, and endless power struggles, the preschool years can feel like the wild west of parenting. Today Karen is answering your preschool questions with her trademark practical tips, reminding us that structure, consistency, and patience go a long way. Above all, your daily walk with the Lord is what will sustain you during these exhausting and beautiful years!

Episode Recap:

• My husband and I are at our wit’s end with our strong-willed 4 year old’s tantrums (6:11)
• Take a deep dive into the temperaments to learn how to discipline your child (7:00)
• My husband’s job keeps him away from home often, how can I help my young children cope? (10:30)
• Help! Potty training is driving me nuts! (14:54)
• How do I help my 3 year old regulate his emotions? (17:40)
• Giving in to a tantrum makes it worse 100% of the time (19:00)
• Everything is an argument with my four year old, any advice? (23:22) 
• Your walk with the Lord truly does make a difference (27:49)

Scripture: Galatians 5:22–23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you usually respond when your preschooler throws a tantrum? Is it working? Is there a new strategy you could try this week?
2. Karen shared the importance of structure. What does a typical day look like in your home, and how could a little more routine help your preschooler?
3. When your spouse travels or works long hours (or if you are co-parenting and splitting time between parents), how can you help your kids feel connected to their parent who is away?
4. Potty training can be one of the most frustrating seasons. What’s worked (or not worked) in your family, and how do you keep patience in the process?
5. Karen reminded us that we need to lean on the Holy Spirit’s fruit to parent well. Which “fruit” do you most need to pray for in this season? Let’s pray for one another this week!

Resources:

• We are booking for 2026! Reach out to bring Karen’s wisdom to the moms in your community: https://birdsonawiremoms.com/book-karen-to-speak
• Learn more about temperaments in our most recent episode with Kathleen Edelman: https://wiretalk.transistor.fm/episodes/470-why-your-child-s-wiring-matters
• Send us your question! Use the Ask Karen function in the BOAW Moms app: App Store: https://apps.apple.com/md/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplashconsulting.s_JVZ5JB&hl=en_US

Creators and Guests

EK

Host

Emily Korosec

Co-host of the Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs podcast.

Host

Karen Stubbs

Host of Wire Talk and Founder of Birds on a Wire Moms - a ministry to encourage and equip moms.

Producer

Katie Leipprandt

Producer of the Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs podcast.

Editor

Podcircle

Premium podcast services for businesses and organizations. Visit Podcircle.com to learn more.

What is Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs?

Wire Talk was created to encourage and equip moms throughout the challenging and life-changing journey of motherhood. Each week on Wire Talk Karen Stubbs offers godly, practical advice on the topics every mother has questions about: mom guilt, our children’s faith, potty-training, divorce, our teenagers dating, and more!