The Ashley Ventrice Show | Toddler Parenting & Child Development

If you've ever felt like you're carrying the entire household in your head, this episode is for you. Doctor's appointments, snack runs, nap schedules, birthday gifts, the almost-empty diaper box: the mental load of motherhood is real, and most of it happens where no one can see it. In this conversation, I sit down with Zivile, who felt that same weight and decided not to just push through. She built a system that works for her family, and she shares how it works so you can try a piece of it this week. Whether you're deep in the toddler trenches or just feeling worn thin, you'll walk away feeling seen, with something practical to try. In this episode: Why the mental load is so exhausting, and why it's so easy to miss How Zivile built a system that fits her family One small step you can take this week without overhauling everything Connect with Zivile: Instagram @zivillite  Grab "The Shared Load" Chart   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/

Ever find yourself staring at your phone at night, wondering if what your little one is doing is normal? You're not alone. In this episode, I sat down with pediatrician Dr. Meaghan Andre- Brown to answer the questions all moms are thinking at home. She shares calm, reassuring insight to help settle your worried mind, plus when to trust your gut and when to call your doctor. Grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and press play.   Meet Dr. Meaghan Andre- Brown! Follow on Instagram   Visit Her Website Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/

Struggling with toddler bedtime? In this episode, I sit down with Diana Zales, a sleep consultant, mom of two little girls, and recent graduate of a parent coaching course. We talk about how setting clear boundaries and expectations helps toddlers get the healthiest sleep, so you can get the rest you need too. Diana shares the loving, practical methods behind her sleep sessions, and I promise she's as sweet as they come. Whether you're dealing with bedtime battles, night wakings, or early mornings, this conversation will leave you feeling encouraged and ready to try something new tonight.   Check out Diana's Webpage Check out her Instagram Account Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/

Motherhood can be beautiful, messy, overwhelming, and sometimes surprisingly lonely. But finding your village can make all the difference!   In this episode of The Ashley Ventrice Show, I’m joined by Ali, the founder of NJ Stay at Home Mom, an online community with 10,000 Instagram followers dedicated to helping moms connect through free mom events and activities throughout Northern New Jersey.   We talk about the special events Ali shares and hosts, why building friendships as a mom can feel so difficult, and what motherhood looks like in today’s world. If you’re a toddler mom who wants to meet other moms but feels shy, nervous, or intimidated about showing up to a group where you don’t know anyone, this episode is for you! We share encouragement and practical tips to help you take that first step toward finding your people.   Ali and I also have so much in common! We were both teachers who decided to take our passion for helping families and turn it into an online platform to bring people together.   Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a working mom, or a mom navigating the toddler years, you deserve connection, support, and friendships that remind you you’re not alone.   In this episode, we discuss:   How NJ Stay at Home Mom helps mothers find free events and connect with other moms in Northern New Jersey Why making mom friends can feel so hard in adulthood How to overcome shyness and attend your first mom group or event The challenges of being a mom in today’s busy, demanding world How two former teachers turned their passion into online communities Why finding your village matters, especially during the toddler years   If you’re ready to get out of the house, meet new friends, and find your mom village, tune in!   Enjoyed this episode? Follow The Ashley Ventrice Show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with a mom who could use a little connection and encouragement.   Because raising emotionally resilient children starts with supporting the moms raising them, too.   Connect with Ali at thenjsahm Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/

In memory of Hayden Panettiere, who spent years speaking openly about her postpartum depression and the complicated relationship with her mother-slash-manager — this episode is about the thread that connects the two. An OT mom breaks down the real research on childhood adversity and postpartum risk, how long postpartum actually lasts (hint: way longer than six weeks), the warning signs to watch for during pregnancy, and why medication isn't one-size-fits-all. You did nothing wrong. Let's talk about it. Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/

What if the secret to raising emotionally intelligent kids was hiding in a picture book? This week, I’m joined by sisters Eunice and Sabrina Moyle — the creative duo behind Hello!Lucky, the bestselling children’s book brand known for My Mom Is Magical!, My Box of Feelings, and other joy-filled, pun-loving reads that help kids name and navigate big emotions.   As a Child Development therapist, I geeked out with them on how storytelling shapes emotional development in toddlers and preschoolers — and how parents can use books as everyday tools for building resilience, self-awareness, and connection at home. In this episode, we cover: How Hello! Lucky designs books that teach real emotional regulation skills Age-appropriate ways to talk to toddlers about feelings (without the meltdown) Using humor and play to make hard topics (potty training, transitions, big emotions) easier What Child Development-backed research says about emotional development in early childhood Practical takeaways for building your child’s “feelings vocabulary” starting today Whether you’re a toddler mom looking for your next favorite bedtime read or you just want simple tools to help your child understand their emotions, this conversation is packed with warmth, expertise, and laugh-out-loud moments.   Hello! Lucky: 👉 Website https://www.hellolucky.com 👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/helloluckykids/ 👉 Purchase “My Box of Feelings” https://amzn.to/44F1tTi    Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/ Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/

You pushed out a human. You’re chasing a toddler. And your body still doesn’t feel like yours. If you’ve been dealing with leaking when you sneeze, a heavy feeling in your pelvis, pain during sex, or a belly that still doesn’t look or feel right — this episode is for you. And before you tell yourself “it’s fine, it’s just part of having kids”… I need you to press play first. I sat down with Youstina Gerges, pelvic floor physical therapist and owner of A Rise Above Physical Therapy in Wyckoff, New Jersey, and we had the most honest, no-fluff conversation about what’s actually happening in your body after birth — and what you can do about it.   In this episode, we cover: Why so many moms are still dealing with postpartum symptoms years after having their baby What diastasis recti actually is and how it affects more than just your abs The real reason sex doesn’t feel the same (and what to do about it) What that heavy, dragging pelvic feeling actually means — and why it’s not something you just “push through” Pelvic organ prolapse: what it is, what it feels like, and when to get help Why leaking when you sneeze, jump, or laugh is common but NOT normal When to see a pelvic floor PT and what to expect at your first appointment Whether you’re 6 weeks postpartum or your “baby” just started preschool — it is never too late to get support for your body.   Enjoyed this episode? Screenshot it, share it to your stories, and tag me @ashleyventriceco — I love seeing who’s listening. And if you have a mama friend who needs to hear this, please send it her way. This is exactly the kind of conversation that changes things.   Connect with Youstina: Youstina Gerges — A Rise Above Physical Therapy Location: Wyckoff, New Jersey 👉 Website: https://riseabovept.com 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riseaboveptnj/   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/ Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/

Not all kids’ shows are created equal — and as a licensed Child Development Therapist, Ashley Ventrice is here to tell you exactly which ones are worth your toddler’s screen time and which ones are doing your child’s developing nervous system absolutely no favors. In this episode, Ashley breaks down her personal favorite shows for toddlers and young children — Little Bear, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Sofia the First, and Bluey — explaining the real developmental reasons why these shows are different from the rest. She also introduces two more mom-approved hidden gems you may not have on your radar yet. And yes, she has some thoughts about Cocomelon and Miss Rachel. Loving thoughts. Mostly. If you’re a toddler mom who wants to feel confident about what’s playing on your TV, this episode is your new best friend. Topics include: best TV shows for toddlers, toddler brain development and screen time, slow-paced shows for toddlers, Daniel Tiger social-emotional learning, Bluey developmental benefits, Little Bear toddler show, Sofia the First kindness lessons, Child Development Specialist-approved kids’ shows, toddler screen time tips from a Child Development Specialist.   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Screen-FREE play pack https://ashleyventriceco.podia.com/b25587c8-c6b3-4e72-aaeb-ce13ced75166 Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/

If you’ve ever Googled “how much screen time is okay for toddlers” at midnight while your child was mid-meltdown over the TV turning off — this episode is for you. Licensed Child Development Therapist Ashley Ventrice breaks down everything toddler moms actually want to know about screen time and technology. In this episode, Ashley answers four of the most common screen time questions she gets from real moms: how much screen time is developmentally appropriate, why toddlers completely fall apart when screens turn off and what to do about it, whether educational apps are actually beneficial or just a marketing trick, and why your toddler needs to watch Bluey on repeat for the 47th time. This is the honest, judgment-free, evidence-based screen time conversation you’ve been needing. No shame, no scare tactics — just real information from a licensed Child Development Specialist who gets it.   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Screen-FREE play pack https://ashleyventriceco.podia.com/b25587c8-c6b3-4e72-aaeb-ce13ced75166 Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/

If you’re a tired toddler mom who hasn’t slept a full night in what feels like years, this episode is for you. Child Development Specialist and mom Ashley writes a heartfelt letter to the moms in the hardest season of early motherhood — the ones who love their kids fiercely and are also, if they’re being honest, a little lost in it.   As a 40-year-old looking back on her toddler years, Ashley shares what she wishes someone had told her: what the “thick of it” actually feels like (without sugarcoating it), the ordinary moments that matter most developmentally, the specific things she misses that nobody warned her about, and the letter she needed to hear back then.   This one isn’t a framework or a strategy. It’s a permission slip. For the mom crying in the bathroom with the fan on. For the mom who loves her kids so much it scares her. For the mom who just needs someone to say: you’re not failing. You’re in the thick of it.   Topics covered: toddler mom burnout, mom identity loss, mom guilt, emotional regulation in toddlers, secure attachment, savoring motherhood, the bittersweet of kids growing up.   🎧 Share this with a toddler mom who needs it today.   Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/ Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/