Parenting Understood

In this episode, we are thrilled to be joined by Dr. Lauren Girouard-Hallam, an expert in children's development and technology, to discuss the impact of AI on children aged three to twelve. Lauren discusses her current research focusing on how children trust technology over human sources. Her studies reveal an "inverse U" pattern: young children are skeptical, trust peaks around seven to ten years, and declines as they grow older and become more discerning. The conversation highlights the importance of co-viewing technology with children and fostering open discussions about online interactions. Lauren advises parents to engage their children with curiosity and positivity, emphasizing the value of maintaining healthy digital habits and privacy awareness.

In this episode of "Parenty Understood," we welcome Dr. Jessica Zucker, a Los Angeles-based psychologist specializing in women's reproductive and maternal mental health. We discuss Dr. Zucker's forthcoming book, "Normalize It: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame that Shape Women's Lives," which aims to challenge societal taboos surrounding women's health issues from menstruation to menopause. Dr. Zucker shares her personal journey, including her own experience with miscarriage, and her efforts to start the "I Had a Miscarriage" campaign. The conversation underscores the importance of open dialogue to break the cycle of silence, stigma, and shame. To learn more about Dr. Zucker and her work please visit: her instagram @ihadamisscarriage and her website. Her latest book is available everywhere books are sold including amazon book shop.  

Understanding temperament can transform parenting approaches, bringing harmony to the often turbulent journey of raising children. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Sandee McClowry about recognizing that each child's temperament is unique, and how this allows parents to cater their strategies to individual children's needs. Whether your child is industrious, friendly, cautious, or high maintenance, acknowledging these traits helps in crafting supportive environments. We also discuss how parents must also be aware of their own temperaments to foster better interactions. Using tools like secret signals and timers can ease repetitive conflicts, while puppets and role-play enhance empathy and perspective-taking. Ultimately, the key is respecting each other's temperamental differences for a more peaceful family dynamic.  

Dr. Ronald Mah and Michelle discuss how a parent with narcissistic tendencies can impact a child and their development of self. He discusses entitlement, grandiosity, and righteousness, which create a mindset where rules don't apply. Parenting styles are examined, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries with sensitivity for healthy child development. Problematic parenting styles include permissiveness (too sensitive, no boundaries) and neglect (no sensitivity, no boundaries). The discussion ties into attachment theory, highlighting secure attachment as fostering availability, attunement, and sensitivity.

This week we are re-airing a previous episode with Dr Clancy Blair on self-regulation  in honor of his life and legacy. Sadly Clancy passed away on Dec. 19th. Clancy was a groundbreaking professor of child development at New York University, died December 19, 2024 in Nashville, TN. He was 63. The author of over 200 scientific articles, Blair was one of the most influential developmental psychologists of his generation. His research fundamentally changed how scientists understand the ways that children are shaped by family, neighborhood, and schools; Professor Blair has had a lasting effect on both scientific research and public policy. Clancy was born December 27, 1960, in Birmingham, Alabama. He earned a BA from McGill University in 1983, and returned home to Birmingham to earn MA, MPH, and PhD degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.   From 1998 to 2022, Clancy was a professor of developmental psychology, first at Penn State University, and then at New York University. He was known as a brilliant, generous scholar and loving husband and father. With friends, colleagues and family, Blair shared his brilliant wit, his seemingly limitless embrace of life and his confidence in the world's goodness. He wore Converse high-tops and an irrepressible smile. His students remember him as kind and supportive, a mentor as excited by their ideas as his own.   Shortly after moving to Nashville in 2021 with his wife, Cybele, Clancy was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia. He retired from NYU in 2022. Clancy continued to give back to his community in vibrant, creative ways including through advocacy for people living with dementia, songwriting, ceramics, and volunteering at Nashville's Room in the Inn until a few weeks before he died.  

In this episode, we chat with Amanda DeLuca, founder and CEO of Riley, a platform designed to support new parents with evidence-based information and technology. Amanda shares her journey from a career in technology to becoming a parent and the challenges she faced, including postpartum depression and anxiety. Despite meticulous planning, she and her husband found themselves unprepared for the realities of parenthood. This experience led them to create Riley, an app that provides parents with access to reliable data and personalized advice, alleviating the overwhelming cognitive load. The app personalizes user experiences by integrating data, such as family demographics and calendar events, to provide relevant advice and support. With features like developmental milestone tracking and practical tips, Riley seeks to empower parents, helping them focus on what truly matters: loving and supporting their children. To learn more about Riley and sign up for the beta program, visit https://rileyapp.com/ or follow along on LinkedIn and Instagram. Also for a free 30 day subscription to Riley use code RILEYUNDERSTOOD30 at checkout.

In this episode, we are joined by my colleague, Dr. Robin Neuhaus, to discuss recent research of ours on Perinatal Mood Disorders (PMADs) and parenting supports. We highlight the stigma associated with PMADs, leading to underreporting and inadequate support. We emphasize the need for improved screening methods, increased awareness among healthcare providers, and accessible resources for parents. The conversation also touches on the impact of parental leave policies and the importance of support networks. We conclude by advocating for greater inclusivity in research and resources, recognizing the diverse experiences of caregivers.   For information on the study featured and this episode please visit Nested and @nested.institute on instagram.

In this episode, we catch up after a short break, and chat about strategies for easing school transitions, particularly for children experiencing separation anxiety. We discuss the special importance of parental support through acceptance, validation, and confidence-building. We also emphasize establishing routines to provide children with a sense of security and familiarity. We finish up by discussing our personal and professional goals for 2025. 

This episode of Parenting Understood features Dr. Robyn Koslowitz, author of the upcoming book "Post Traumatic Parenting". Dr. Koslowitz, an expert in child development and trauma, discusses the often-overlooked impact of past trauma on parenting. Robyn explains how common coping mechanisms developed in childhood, like people-pleasing, dissociation, and perfectionism, can become obstacles in parenting. These ingrained responses, once helpful, can lead to stress, anger, and disengagement when raising children. Dr. Koslowitz identifies five distinct "post traumatic parenting types". She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and recognizing these patterns. By acknowledging their trauma and its influence, parents can begin to heal and break the cycle. Dr. Koslowitz shares practical strategies like journaling, inner child work, and personifying emotions to manage triggers and respond more effectively to challenging situations. The conversation highlights the potential for parenting to be a catalyst for personal growth and healing. By confronting their own past traumas, parents can develop healthier coping mechanisms and create a more positive environment for their children. Find Dr. Koslowitz: Book: "Post Traumatic Parenting" (available for pre-order) Podcast & YouTube: Post Traumatic Parenting Instagram: @doctorKoslowitzpsychology

This episode of Parenting Understood explores the crucial topic of emotional regulation for both parents and children. Dr. Cindy Hovington, a neuroscientist and parenting expert, explains that emotional regulation is about responding thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively. She emphasizes that parents' emotional states deeply impact their children, highlighting the importance of modeling healthy emotional responses. The discussion delves into the difference between suppression and true calm, advocating for cognitive reappraisal as a tool to manage emotions effectively. Practical advice includes daily reflection to identify emotional patterns and revisiting challenging situations with children to foster their understanding and growth. Hovington also encourages parents to embrace their own emotional journeys and create a supportive environment for their children to develop essential emotional regulation skills.

In episode 145, Erin and Michelle delve into the concepts of attachment and self-regulation, highlighting their significance in parenting and child development. The hosts discuss how attachment forms a secure base, allowing children to regulate stress and explore their environment. Attachment theory categorizes relationships as either secure, which supports effective self-regulation, or insecure, where stress regulation can be more challenging. Brain research reveals that secure attachments foster more integrated neural activity between the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for emotional regulation. The conversation touches on the potential effects of having mixed attachment styles with different caregivers and how secure attachments can mitigate the impact of insecure ones. As children grow, they develop social referencing skills, using their caregivers to navigate and interpret social and emotional contexts. Co-regulation—where caregivers model emotional regulation and validate children's emotions—is emphasized as a key supportive strategy. Emotional awareness and using natural, age-appropriate language to describe emotions help children understand and articulate their feelings. Practical techniques like deep breathing are also explored as essential tools to support self-regulation, even if results take time and consistency.

In this latest episode, we discuss with Professor Selcuk Sirin the potential influences of our expanding digital world on parenting and child development. We speak about both preparing children for entering the digital world, as well as supporting them once they are in it. We also touch upon the development of technology, and the various generational responses to it.  As an applied psychologist, Dr. Sirin uses empirical research methods to better understand the needs of children and families, and to arm professionals and policy makers with this knowledge so as to better address the needs of the most vulnerable. The goal that unites all of his work is to enhance the lives of marginalized children using development in context as a general framework. He focuses on immigrant children in New York, Muslim youth in the US, refugees in Turkey and Norway, and students at risk in US schools. He has published his work in top journals, such as Child Development, Developmental Psychology, Review of Educational Research, and Pediatrics, in an effort to inform scholars, practitioners, and policy makers about marginalized children. He has also made a concerted effort to get his work to a wider audience both locally and globally, as he believes strongly in “giving scientific knowledge away.” He has served on several policy committees such as the National Academy of Sciences, the Urban Institute, and the Migration Policy Institute. He has also collaborated with UNESCO and Save the Children, in their efforts to improve the lives of refugee children. Please visit his lab's web page for most recent work and volunteering opportunities. Sirin Lab  For those from Turkey here is his Turkish web page: http://www.selcuksirin.com/  Turkçe web sayfam için lütfen şu sayfayı ziyaret edin:  http://www.selcuksirin.com/   

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Diana Turk to discuss civic engagement and supporting children in their engagement. We explore traditional and critical civic engagement. Diana provides a definition of civic engagement that includes community building, empathy, and understanding diverse perspectives. She emphasizes the importance of involving children in civic activities from a young age, modeling thoughtful discussions, and explaining the "why" behind our actions. Diana provides practical examples, like discussing the reasoning behind supporting a particular cause or candidate, and involving children in community service. She also highlights the importance of empowering neurodivergent children to participate in civic life and provides resources for families to support their children's civic engagement. For more information on Dr. Turk and her work please visit her website   Diana Turk is the Director of Teacher Education at NYU Steinhardt's School of Culture Education, and Human Development and an associate professor of Teaching and Learning. Diana received her MA and PhD in American Studies from the University of Maryland at College Park. She brings to her work in teacher education a passion for civic engagement, a commitment to teaching for democratic change, and a dedication to the fundamental belief that all teachers must be prepared to reach and teach all learners. Actively committed to an ongoing anti-racist journey, Diana recognizes the need for all students to have teachers who see, know, and understand them, as well as look like them, Diana is passionate about building a highly diverse and effective teacher corps that is anti-racist, culturally sustaining, and rigorously dedicated to teaching and guiding the nation's children.   

This is the first episode in our new biweekly release schedule. In this episode, we discuss permissive grandparents and how to navigate, at times, different parenting styles between parents and grandparents. We acknowledge the vital role grandparents play in a child's life while recognizing the potential challenges of inconsistent parenting styles. We further offer practical advice for parents, when having discussions with grandparents around parenting styles. We stress the importance of patience and understanding, recognizing that changing ingrained behaviors takes time. Ultimately, we provide valuable tools for parents seeking to maintain healthy relationships with grandparents while ensuring consistent guidance for their children.

In this episode of Parenting Understood, we delve into early literacy with Dr. Susan Neuman. We discuss creating child-centered learning environments that foster literacy development. Dr. Neuman emphasizes the importance of responsive teacher-child conversations, play, reading, writing, and singing. She highlights the need for a balanced approach to alphabetics and encourages parents to engage children in informational texts. The conversation also touches upon the influence of research on educational policies and the significance of recognizing individual learning styles. To learn more about Dr. Neuman and her work please visit her website Susan Neuman | NYU Steinhardt, LinkedIn profile and Susan B. Neuman on X.

This episode of Parents Understood features Dr. Rose Perry and Dr. Natalie Brito discussing Social Creatures, a non-profit focused on social health. Dr. Perry, a social neuroscientist, discusses her research highlighting the impact of early social connections on lifelong well-being, and how her recognizing the societal undervaluing of these connections lead to her founding Social Creatures, which aims to promote health through community building. Drs. Perry and Brito also discuss Social Creatures' program, Bonded by Baby, which addresses the high prevalence of loneliness among new parents. By connecting parents with similar-aged infants, the program offers crucial social support and combats postpartum depression and anxiety. Additionally, Drs. Perry and Brito provide practical advice for parents, emphasizing the importance of open communication, self-care, and maintaining diverse connections. For more information on Dr. Perry and Social Creatures please visit her LinkedIn page, as well as the Social Creatures website. For more information on Dr. Natalie Brito please visit her LinkedIn page and her lab website ISLAND. 

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Katie Scott Newhouse, Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Director of Special Education at New York University, to discuss supporting neurodiverse students in middle childhood. Dr. Newhouse emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual differences and tailoring support strategies accordingly. Transitions, especially back-to-school after summer, can be challenging for neurodiverse students. Strategies discussed include open communication between parents and teachers, visual schedules, social stories, and classroom placement considerations. We highlight the importance of parent advocacy and connecting with community resources. We also touch on the challenges of navigating the school system and the need for proactive support.  For more information on Dr. Newhouse and her work please visit: Dr. Katie Newhouse

In this episode, we discuss with Dr. Fabienne Doucet her new bilingual picture book "Love is Still Winning." The book tells a story of a child reminding their mother about the enduring power of love and kindness in the world. Fabienne's professional background in education and her passion for children's literature have intertwined in this project. She sees stories as a powerful tool to initiate conversations about complex issues and to foster understanding. The book encourages readers to explore acts of love in their own lives and communities, promoting a message of hope and resilience. We discuss various ways in which caregivers can use the book to engage in meaningful conversations. You can find the book at independent bookstores and online retailers, and follow Fabienne on social media @Bailabomba for updates on events and future projects.  

In this latest episode, we speak with Dr. Lindsey Cormack about ways parents can support their children in becoming engaged citizens. Lindsey is a civics expert and the author of the book HOW TO RAISE A CITIZEN (And Why It's Up to You to Do It). We speak with Lindsey about how Americans' civic knowledge is alarmingly low; how young voters struggle to navigate the complicated system of voter registration, and that civics instruction receives the lowest number of K-12 hours out of any subject. Further, as Lindsey notes, we have a culture of considering political talk to be taboo which means many adults, on both sides of the aisle, aren't having productive conversations with children about government issues. Because of this, Lindsey speaks to how parents and caregivers can create a solid foundation of civics knowledge for their children and provide them with strategies and necessary know-how to be able to raise engaged and informed citizens.  Lindsey Cormack is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the Diplomacy Lab at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. She earned her PhD in Government from New York University and is raising a daughter on the Upper East Side. She currently serves as the Secretary for Community Board 8 in Manhattan. She created and maintains the digital database of all official Congress-to-constituent e-newsletters in the DCInbox Project.    

In this last episode of our back to school series, we speak about starting a new school from the perspectives of parent and child. We draw on our own personal experiences, as well as research in this conversation. We pay special attention to the role of social capital in the transition to a new school year. We also speak on best practices for speaking with our children about how their day went and what they have learned beyond just asking “How was school today?”. 

We are thrilled to be joined in our first episode of the New Year by Jessica Grose. Jessica is an opinion writer at The New York Times who writes a popular newsletter on parenting. Jessica was the founding editor of Lenny, the email newsletter and website. She also writes about women's health, culture, politics and grizzly bears. She was named one of LinkedIn's Next Wave top professionals 35 and under in 2016 and a Glamour “Game Changer” in 2020 for her coverage of parenting in the pandemic. She is the author of the novels Soulmates and Sad Desk Salad. She was formerly a senior editor at Slate, and an editor at Jezebel. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, New York, the Washington Post, Businessweek, Elle, Cosmopolitan, and many other publications. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and daughters.

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Matthew Zakrowski, a psychologist specializing in gifted and talented, and twice-exceptional children. We define what it means to be gifted and talented, moving beyond the stereotype of high-achieving students to recognizing the unique neurodivergence of gifted children. Dr. Zakrowski emphasizes that parenting gifted children involves comprehensive 360-degree support. Further, he shares insights into the complexities of raising gifted children, noting their intellectual intensity and often precocious behavior. He also provides examples of how children might show their giftedness in unconventional ways. Additionally, he delves into the challenges some gifted children face, including perfectionism and social-emotional asynchrony where their intellectual and social ages do not align. For more information on Dr. Zakrowski and his work please visit his website: The Neurodivergent Collective

In today's first of two episodes with Dr. Jeanne Donaldson, we discuss using token economies with children to help them establish positive behaviors. Dr. Donaldson defines what a reward/token economy is and how the functions of a reward system can be used, as well as how to avoid misusing them. Dr. Jeanne Donaldson earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Florida and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the John Hopkins University School of Medicine at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. Her research focuses on solving issues common in early childhood and assessing child and adult interventions. To learn more or contact Dr. Donaldson, you can reach out to her via email at jdonaldson@lsu.edu.

In this episode, Dr. Jess Gaulton of FamilyWell Health discusses the increasing awareness and evolving support for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). She highlights the progress made in recognizing these conditions, which were previously dismissed or stigmatized. Dr. Gaulton emphasizes the importance of breaking the stigma by sharing personal experiences, as she did with her own struggles with postpartum depression. She introduces FamilyWell Health's innovative care delivery model, which integrates perinatal mental health services directly into existing healthcare systems. This approach involves a collaborative care team of social workers, coaches, therapists, and psychiatric providers, offering comprehensive support through telehealth. Dr. Gaulton emphasizes the importance of personalized care, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs, and the value of early intervention and peer support. She also discusses the development of a coach certification program aimed at empowering individuals to provide effective support to perinatal individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The episode concludes with a call for continued awareness and storytelling to further destigmatize PMADs and promote accessible, comprehensive support. For more information on Dr. Gaulton and FamilyWell Health visit FamilyWell Health and LinkedIn.

In this podcast episode, Kevin Seldon, founder of the nonprofit "All Parents Welcome," shares his personal experience of feeling unsupported and isolated as a non-birthing parent. He discusses the lack of resources and awareness for the mental health struggles of non-birthing parents around perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Kevin emphasizes the importance of changing terminology to include all parents, regardless of gender or birthing experience. He also highlights the need for more research on non-birthing parents, the creation of a self-assessment tool for PMADs, and the importance of involving all parents in the conversation to improve the mental health of all. He encourages listeners to get involved and support the cause by spreading the word and advocating for inclusivity in parenting culture. To join the APW movement please click here APW Join the Movement sign up and to contribute to the daddy campaign please click here daffy campaign.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Damour about the emotional lives of teenagers. We pay especial attention to the pressures that both genders feel yet how those may be manifested differently across genders, at times. Dr. Damour unpacks parent-child relationships, especially the mother-daughter relationship, and the role of identification in that relationship as girls mature. We also discuss how research methods may not always allow for the identification of areas of concern for boys.  Dr. Lisa Damour is the author of three New York Times best sellers: Untangled, Under Pressure, and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers. She co-hosts the Ask Lisa podcast, works in collaboration with UNICEF, and is recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association. Dr. Damour is also a regular contributor to The New York Times and CBS News. Dr. Damour serves as a Senior Advisor to the Schubert Center for Child Studies at Case Western Reserve University and has written numerous academic papers, chapters, and books related to education and child development. She maintains a clinical practice and also speaks to schools, professional organizations, and corporate groups around the world on the topics of child and adolescent development, family mental health, and adult well-being. Dr. Damour graduated with honors from Yale University and worked for the Yale Child Study Center before earning her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Michigan. She has been a fellow at Yale's Edward Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy and the University of Michigan's Power Foundation. She and her husband are the proud parents of two daughters. To learn more about Dr. Damour and her work please visit https://drlisadamour.com/ and follow her on instagram @lisa.damour 

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Niobe Way about her new book, Rebels with a Cause, which expands on her earlier work about boys and friendships. Niobe explores "boy culture," a term she uses to describe the privileging of stereotypically masculine qualities over feminine ones. As she discusses, this creates a crisis of connection for everyone, not just boys and men. Niobe further emphasizes that "hard" and "soft" skills are equally important for being a full human, and should stop being gendered. She also discusses how this cultural imbalance regarding skills affects parenting, research, and societal issues. She encourages parents to foster emotional sensitivity and perspective-taking in their children and to model self-reflection and curiosity. Additionally, Niobe emphasizes the importance of prioritizing relationships and listening to others.  Please join Dr. Way for her book launch of Rebels with a Cause on July 9th at McNally Jackson, Seaport, 4 Fulton Street, New York, NY at 6:30pm.  RSVP

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Ashley Fallon, PhD in Early Childhood and Childhood Education from New York University and Director of Mansfield Children's Center, regarding how to produce summer activities for our children when we are all out of ideas. Dr. Fallon will demonstrate ways to introduce structured and unstructured learning into the summer days to combat “The Summer Slide.” After this episode, you will have easy, fun ways to add learning into children's and parent's daily schedules! For any questions or more information regarding this episode, you can reach out to Dr. Fallon at ashley.fallon@nyu.edu

On this episode of Parenting Understood, we are joined by Jamie H. Davis, partner in the family law firm Gailor, Hunt, Davis, Taylor & Gibbs, and podcast host of A Year and A Day: Divorce without Destruction. Jamie discusses the complexities of divorce and how to support both oneself and children through the process. Throughout, she emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the best interests of children during a divorce, advising parents to avoid involving children in adult conflicts and to ensure they have a stable and predictable routine. Davis offers several tips for parents, including maintaining emotional health by seeking therapy and avoiding self-medication. She also highlights the importance of self-care and grieving the end of the relationship as part of the healing process. For those beginning the separation process, Davis advises consulting a lawyer, ensuring the decision to separate is firm, and keeping the focus on the child's well-being.  For more information on Jamie and her work, including new book, please consult: Jamie Davis

In this episode of Parents Understood, we discuss the importance of micro moments in parenting, and how they can positively impact children and parent-child relationships. We emphasize noticing the good in children's behavior, using soft and gentle touch paired with praise, practicing active listening and validation, incorporating mindful moments to build self-regulation, and setting clear boundaries to promote distress tolerance. These small but meaningful interactions foster a safe and secure environment for children, leading to stronger connections and better communication within the family. We give examples of how these micro moments can be integrated into everyday activities and routines. We also acknowledge the challenges of implementing these strategies consistently, especially in stressful situations.   

 In this episode of Parenting Understood, we are joined by Dr. Jessica Gaulton, a neonatologist and founder of Familywell, about perinatal and postpartum health. We discuss the definition of PMADs (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders), emphasizing that it encompasses any mood disorder experienced during pregnancy or within a year after birth. We also highlight the lack of screening for PMADs and the resulting underestimation of their prevalence, emphasizing the importance of recognizing symptoms in both birthing and non-birthing parents. We touch on the sobering statistic that the leading cause of death in the perinatal period is suicide and overdose, often occurring in the period between six weeks and a year postpartum, when many new parents lack adequate support. Jessica explains how Familywell aims to integrate mental health support into OB care by embedding resources directly into clinics and making them accessible through insurance coverage.   To learn more about Dr. Gaulton and her work please visit www.familywellhealth.com, @familywellhealth and on LinkedIn at Jessica Shiffman-Gaulton or FamilyWell Health. 

In this episode of Parenting Understood, we are thrilled to be joined by Dr. Rebecca Dekker founder of Evidence Based Birth. Rebecca is a nurse and researcher who is dedicated to supporting parents in pregnancy and the birthing process. She recounts her traumatic first birth experience, which involved unnecessary interventions and separation from her newborn, and how it led her to research the evidence behind common birthing practices. She found that many practices were not supported by evidence and could even be harmful. This led her to create a platform to share evidence-based birthing information with millions of people. In this episode, she discusses the importance of self-advocacy during pregnancy and birth, provides tips for managing pain during labor with and without medication, and addresses the rise of elective inductions at 39 weeks, highlighting both the benefits and potential risks of this practice.   For more information on Dr. Rebecca Dekker and her work please visit:  Evidence Based Birth  

In this episode, we discuss boundaries with parent coach Cindy Shuster. We talk about what boundaries are and how to establish them with ourselves and our children. We further discuss the core principle of boundaries and why we have them. Additionally, we speak about how to change boundaries once they have been set. Lastly, we address mutual boundary setting.  Cindy Shuster, founder of Partner in Parenting, LLC, is a PCI® certified parent coach and a Nurtured Heart Approach® Advanced Trainer. Before earning her parent coach certification, Cindy was a classroom teacher for 10 years and has a B.S. and M.S. in education. She has 3 adult sons, so she understands firsthand the many challenges of parenting, especially in today's fast-paced and complicated world! Cindy lives in the Baltimore area with her husband, Dave, and her dog Haley, but she coaches her clients by phone or Zoom, so she can work with parents from most locations. To learn more about Cindy and her work visit please visit parentcoachcindy.com and @parentcoachcindy.  

In this episode of Parenting Understood we are joined by Chelsey Goodan, author of Underestimated: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls. In this episode we talk about girls' experiences feeling unheard while also experiencing societal pressures to be perfect and likable. We delve into the role of social media in girls' views of themselves and others. We further discuss the role of gender in girls and boys identity development. Chelsey also offers advice on how to support girls and to provide strong relationships for them.  To learn more about Chelsey and her work please visit:    Chelsey Goodan | Author & Speaker  

This week we discuss how AI language models, specifically ChatGPT and Gemini, can support us in parenting. We delve into how ChatGPT and Gemini may help with things from crafting meals to creating personalized bedtime stories, generating craft ideas and developing educational games. We note, however, that AI models are best used as a starting point for evidence-based information and should not replace the input of a qualified professional.

In this episode of Parenting Understood we speak with Dr. Harriet Tenenbaum about the importance of parent-child talk for a child's development. As we discuss, parents who speak more about emotions with their children help their children understand emotions better. Interestingly, there does not appear to be a large difference between explaining emotions to children and asking them questions about emotions in supporting their learning about emotions. We also address the role of parent talk in both children's understanding of scientific principles, and in gender stereotyping.  For more information on Dr. Tenenbaum and her work please visit: Prof Harriet Tenenbaum | University of Surrey

In this episode, we discuss how a reward chart can support young children when traveling. More specifically, we walk through the key steps to using a reward chart, and the role of supporting positive behaviors. Traveling is a time of transition and often stress for children (and parents) but there are evidence based strategies to support children in the experience.  For more information on Spot It and to get a copy please e-mail Michelle at thrivingtoddler@gmail.com

We are thrilled to be re-releasing our episode with Dr. Clancy Blair as part of our four week back to school series before our reflection on the past 100 plus episodes in two weeks. Dr. Blair is a developmental psychologist and Professor at New York University, who studies self-regulation in young children. His primary interest concerns the development of cognitive abilities, referred to as executive functions, and the ways in which these aspects of cognition are important for school readiness and early school achievement. He is also interested in the development and evaluation of preschool and elementary school curricula designed to promote executive functions as a means of preventing school failure. Prior to coming to NYU, Blair spent ten years as an Assistant and then Associate Professor in the department of Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State.    Dr. Blair spoke with us regarding self-regulation, and the different stages that can be expected in children as they age from infants to adolescents. We also explored the ways in which the environment can impact self-regulation, and how parents can utilize different strategies for trying to best promote positive self-regulation.   If you would like to learn more about the work of Dr. Blair, you can visit his Google Scholar page at https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=duCRaqgAAAAJ&hl=en

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Holly Gover, a board-certified behavior analyst with extensive experience working with children with developmental disabilities. Dr. Gover, currently a faculty member in pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, joins us to tackle a common concern for parents: picky eaters. Dr. Gover shares valuable insights on how to encourage children to try new foods in a relaxed and enjoyable manner, empowering them to feel in control of their eating choices. We also explore the warning signs that may indicate the presence of an eating disorder and discuss the pressures faced by parents when preparing meals for their children and families. Delving deeper, we uncover three essential techniques: creating a culture of trying, increasing exposure to diverse foods, and avoiding mealtime battles. These strategies serve as powerful tools for parents seeking to overcome the challenges of picky eating and to foster healthier eating habits in their children. Join us for this discussion that empowers parents with practical advice and effective approaches to navigate the world of picky eaters, ultimately creating a positive mealtime experience for the entire family.   To learn more about Michelle's Pocket Parent membership, please visit https://www.thrivingtoddler.com/pocketparent You can reach out to Dr. Gover by contacting her at holly.gover@vumc.org or by visiting her webpage at https://pediatrics.vumc.org/person/holly-c-gover-phd-bcba-d

In this episode, we are joined by Lauren Smith-Brody, founder of the Fifth Trimester movement and the author of The Fifth Trimester: The Working Mom's Guide to Style, Sanity, and Big Success After Baby. We discuss with Lauren how her work addresses the research and policy around early parenthood, as well as the practical. Lauren speaks about how her work dissects the systems that drive the inequities that make new motherhood, and especially new employed motherhood, so challenging, and her mission to recruit others to speak up about caregivers in their workplace and their needs. Lauren addresses the parallels between infants' fourth trimester and mothers' fifth trimester. She further talks about child care, especially in regards to thinking about how one gets comfortable with one's decision about care, and how decisions are made. We further talk about the roles of ambivalence and agency in parenting. Lauren also speaks about her current work around rights and caregivers in the workforce.    For more information on Lauren please visit:  http://www.thefifthtrimester.com/founder   For more information on Chambers of Mothers please visit: https://www.chamberofmothers.com/

In this episode, we discuss 9 key principles to consider when having conversations with children around difficult topics, such as illness. We discuss ways to be developmentally appropriate with one's approach, especially for younger children. In addition, we talk about supports to consider when having these conversations, and the importance of gearing one's approach towards one's own child's needs.    Resources: Talking to Children about Cancer  Talking to Children about Mental Illness  Talking to Children about Death  

In this episode we are joined by Harvard Professor, Dr. Paul Harris, to delve into the intricate world of children's imagination and its developmental significance. Drawing on his research, Dr. Harris challenges historical views, notably those of Freud and Piaget, highlighting the pragmatic value of children's imaginative play. He shares experiments involving young children's responses to pretend scenarios, revealing their sophisticated understanding and application of imagination in everyday situations. Moreover, Dr. Harris explores children's willingness to believe in unseen phenomena, shedding light on the role of trust, consensus, and attachment in shaping their perceptions. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Harris provides practical insights and thought-provoking reflections, offering a deeper understanding of child development and the dynamics of parent-child interactions.   To learn more about Dr. Harris and his research please visit his website Dr. Paul Harris.  

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Felienne Hermans to delve into the world of programming and its significance in children's development. We explore why programming is vital for children, emphasizing their shift from being digital consumers to creators. Felienne underscores the importance of fostering creativity in the digital realm, highlighting how programming empowers children to craft their own digital creations. Felienne also offers insights into age-appropriate programming activities. Moreover, she addresses common misconceptions about programming and offers practical advice for parents looking to engage their children in coding. She stresses the value of choosing activities aligned with children's interests, whether it's art, storytelling, or gaming. Felienne also encourages parents to embrace learning alongside their children, emphasizing the importance of modeling curiosity and resilience. To learn more about Dr. Hermans and her coding program, please visit her website https://www.felienne.com/ and https://www.hedycode.com/  

In this episode, we are joined by Danielle DuBosie, co-Founder of Sakara Life, which merges modern science and ancient healing wisdom. We explore the intricate connection between nutrition, emotions, and childhood development. Danielle, who had a background in functional medicine, delves into the emerging research on the gut microbiome's impact on emotional well-being, emphasizing how food directly influences gut health, which in turn affects mood and mental health. She also advocate for teaching children to discern how different foods make them feel.  Danielle shares strategies for fostering a positive relationship with food, such as involving children in meal preparation and emphasizing diversity in food choices. We also discuss practical meal ideas and the importance of avoiding processed foods. Throughout, Danielle highlights the complexity of nutrition and the importance of nurturing a holistic approach to well-being.   To learn more about Danielle and her work please visit her on instagram @danielleduboise and @sakaralife and listen to The Sakara Life podcast. 

In this latest episode, Professor Noguera argues for a shift in education, prioritizing both academic achievement and social-emotional development. He highlights how schools often neglect fostering positive student-adult relationships, which are crucial for well-being. Dr. Noguera proposes a holistic approach, emphasizing a supportive environment in schools. Further, we discuss how parents are key in promoting balanced lifestyles and social interactions. We also touch on broader societal trends and the potential impact of AI in education, acknowledging both its potential benefits and concerns about hindering critical thinking skills. To learn more about Dr. Pedro Noguera and his work please visit: Dr. Noguera-UCLA  

In this episode, we are joined by Drs Marc Brackett and Niobe Way to discuss the importance of human connection for children, teenagers, and adults. We talk about the significance of supportive relationships for healthy social emotional development, and the potential negative effects of a lack of supportive relationships, including violence and self-harm. Further, Marc and Niobe dive into the topic of relational intelligence and ways in which this can be understood and learned. Finally, we discuss how parents can find ways to be the person their children can turn to and how they can go from passing judgment to being curious role models. To learn more about Dr. Marc Brackett please visit: https://www.marcbrackett.com and howwefeel.org To learn more about Dr. Niobe Way please visit:  https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/people/niobe-way and listen to her Ted talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFsZsn7SRAc   To learn more about Dr. Way's research and the movie Close please visit: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2023-01-27/lukas-dhont-close-oscar-nominee

In this episode we speak with Dr. Keegan Tangeman about the use of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to support children and adults in overcoming difficult thoughts and behaviors. We speak about the use of this type of therapy in general, as well as with suicidal adolescents. Further, we discuss how the principles of DBT can be used to support children not only in therapy but in their interactions with others.    Dr. Tangeman is a licensed, child and adolescent psychologist. He received his doctorate from Pepperdine University and completed his pre-doctoral internship at Morrison Child and Family Services, an APA-Accredited clinical internship in Portland, Oregon with rotations in community mental health and juvenile forensic settings. Dr. Tangeman completed two, APA-Accredited postdoctoral fellowships in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry program at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he specialized in child and adolescent trauma, child psychological assessment, as well as evidence-based treatments for children and adolescents. Dr. Tangeman developed and directed the Behavioral Assessment and Treatment clinic for disruptive behavior disorders at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and served the role of Clinical Project Director for a multi-site, randomized controlled trial of Dialectical Behavior Therapy with adolescents, affiliated with the University of Washington and the University of California at Los Angeles.   To learn more about Dr. Keegan visit https://www.drkeegan.com/drtangeman  

We are thrilled to be joined in our first episode of the New Year by Jessica Grose. Jessica is an opinion writer at The New York Times who writes a popular newsletter on parenting. Jessica was the founding editor of Lenny, the email newsletter and website. She also writes about women's health, culture, politics and grizzly bears. She was named one of LinkedIn's Next Wave top professionals 35 and under in 2016 and a Glamour “Game Changer” in 2020 for her coverage of parenting in the pandemic. She is the author of the novels Soulmates and Sad Desk Salad. She was formerly a senior editor at Slate, and an editor at Jezebel. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, New York, the Washington Post, Businessweek, Elle, Cosmopolitan, and many other publications. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and daughters.   In this episode, we discuss Jessica's new book Screaming on the Inside: The unsustainability of American motherhood. Jessica highlights some of the enduring themes of motherhood she saw in her research for the book, and the role of those themes in modern motherhood. We also talk about how social media impacts attitudes towards mothering and community development. Lastly, Jessica discusses her own experiences with parenting and career.  For more information on Jessica and her recent book, please visit the following sites:   https://jessicagrose.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Screaming-Inside-Unsustainability-American-Motherhood/dp/006307835X https://www.nytimes.com/by/jessica-grose For more information on Cooper please visit us on instagram @your_cooper and on-line at beta.yourcooper.com . If you are interested in joining a Cooper group please click join Cooper, where you'll fill out a brief onboarding to tell us more about yourself, your family and your parenting needs. Enter code 'ParentingUnderstood' at checkout to receive 20% off your Cooper Membership!

In this episode, Dr. Whitney discusses her book "Doing It All: Stop Over-Functioning and Become the Mom and Person You're Meant to Be." She addresses the challenges faced by mothers who feel overwhelmed and pulled in multiple directions, offering strategies for self-compassion, setting boundaries, and prioritizing what matters most. Dr. Whitney emphasizes the importance of being sensitive and responsive to children's needs, establishing routines, nurturing internal motivation, and modeling emotional regulation. She also advises stressed moms to practice self-compassion, commit to doing less, and focus on the things that matter most to them.   Throughout the discussion, we delve into the challenges of parenting in a fast-paced, media-driven society, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and mindful prioritization. We highlight the significance of allowing children time for unconstrained skill development, encouraging parents to focus on what truly matters in the midst of overwhelming demands. Dr. Whitney's personal experiences and academic insights provide a relatable and evidence-based approach to parenting, offering practical guidance for mothers seeking to navigate the complexities of modern parenting with grace and resilience.   Links:  https://modernmommydoc.com/ @modermommydoc  Modern Mommy Doc Podcast

In this episode, we are joined by Professor Susan Neuman to explore early literacy and how parents can best support their young children. Susan emphasizes the importance of understanding the science of reading and highlights key skills that contribute to a child's success as a reader. The conversation delves into various aspects of early literacy, such as phonological awareness, representational language, and the significance of play. Susan encourages parents to engage in activities that align with their child's interests and emphasizes the need for a balance between structured learning and maintaining the joy of childhood. A specific focus is placed on evaluating school reading programs, especially in the context of New York City's changes in literacy education. Susan advises parents to look for structured reading programs while being cautious of excessive time spent on specific activities, ensuring that children still have time for play and diverse learning experiences. We also speak about the importance of the home-school connection.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Richard Weissbourd to speak about achievement pressure. We discuss how parents can be mindful of the messages they send and how to prioritize children's well-being over external validation. Dr. Weissbourd speaks as to how collective action is critical to address systemic issues that are fueling achievement pressure.  Richard Weissbourd is a Senior Lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Kennedy School of Government. His work focuses on moral development, the nature of hope, vulnerability and resilience in childhood, parenting and effective schools and services for children. He directs the Making Caring Common Project, a national effort to make moral and social development priorities in child-raising and to provide strategies to schools and parents for promoting in children caring, a commitment to justice and other key moral and social capacities. He leads an initiative to reform college admissions, Turning the Tide, which has engaged over 300 college admissions offices. This initiative seeks to elevate ethical character, reduce excessive achievement pressure and increase equity and access in the college admissions process. He is also conducting research on how older adults can better mentor young adults and teenagers in developing caring, ethical, mature romantic relationships.    He is a founder of several interventions for children facing risks, including ReadBoston and WriteBoston, city-wide literacy initiatives led by Mayor Menino. He is also a founder of a pilot school in Boston, the Lee Academy, that begins with children at 3 years old. He has advised on the city, state and federal levels on family policy, parenting and school reform and has written for numerous scholarly and popular publications and blogs, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Psychology Today and NPR.  He is the author of The Vulnerable Child: What Really Hurts America's Children and What We Can Do About It (Addison-Wesley, 1996), named by the American School Board Journal as one of the top 10 education books of all time.  His most recent book, The Parents We Mean to Be: How Well-Intentioned Adults Undermine Children's Moral and Emotional Development (Houghton Mifflin 2009), was named by The New Yorker as one of the top 24 books of 2009.  To learn more about Dr. Weissbourd's work visit https://www.gse.harvard.edu/directory/faculty/richard-weissbourd