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 Spotify
Jonathan 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 Spotify
Yawnimals on Hoopla
Yawnimals on Libby
Yawnimals on Audible
Yawnimals on Apple Books
Yawnimals on Amazon (Kindle Addition)
Follow Yawnimals on Social Media:
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Facebook
Youtube
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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.
