Parenting Smarts artwork

Parenting Smarts

100 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★★ - 138 ratings

Parenting Smarts! We need them, and sometimes we feel them. Our host, Dr. MaryRuth Hackett, is a mom of four with a doctorate in educational psychology, specializing in child development. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with the people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

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Episodes

97: Dealing with Emotions

March 20, 2024 07:00 - 48 minutes - 44.5 MB

Parenting can be an emotional rollercoaster. How can we teach our children to understand and deal with emotions? How can we handle our own feelings as well? Cindy Bird joins MaryRuth help us with our emotional health.

96: The Grandparent Effect

March 06, 2024 08:00 - 47 minutes - 43.5 MB

How do children benefit from grandparents? How about grandparents from grandchildren? Anita Hackett and Carol Damaso join MaryRuth to explore the grandparent effect and how to cultivate healthy multigenenerational dynamics.

95: Grit

February 21, 2024 18:04 - 28 minutes - 26.9 MB

How do you help your kids learn to follow through to get things done? MaryRuth explores the definition of grit and how to encourage its development in our children.

94: Silence

February 07, 2024 16:09 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MB

We live in a noisy, distracting culture. How do we cultivate silence for our ourselves and our families? Nell O'Leary joins MaryRuth to help us find ways to invite exterior and interior silence into our lives.

93: Q & A

January 31, 2024 08:00 - 1 hour - 62 MB

Get practical answers to your parenting questions. MaryRuth and Christy Isinger tackle questions that were submitted by listeners. 

92: Social Media - The Research Episode

January 10, 2024 08:00 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MB

When and how to allow social media is a popular question parents ask. It's a complicated answer. MaryRuth explores the research on mental health and social media to equip you to find the right answers for your children.

91: Decisions, Decisions

December 27, 2023 08:00 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MB

Every day we're faced with big and small decisions. Some decisions require discernment, a longer period of prayerful time before making a decision. Claire Dwyer joins MaryRuth to explore some strategies for making sound decisions and cultivating those skills in our families.

90: Adolescent Identity

December 13, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 58.1 MB

Parenting teens can be challenging. Deb Herback joins MaryRuth to discuss how to create a culture that helps young people grow, understand boundaries, know their worth and cultivate faith.

89: You Are Enough - Part 2

December 07, 2023 21:54 - 33 minutes - 31.4 MB

MaryRuth explores the development of self-perception and self-worth along with tips to help cultivate it in ourselves and in our children.

88: You Are Enough - Part 1

November 15, 2023 16:00 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MB

Eric Brooker joins MaryRuth to share about his journey toward discovering his worth. His book is You Are Enough: Overcoming Lifelong Doubts of Worthiness.

87: Making Friends with Saints

November 01, 2023 14:09 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MB

The saints are our friends in Heaven. They want to intercede for us, to be part of our faith family! Katie Burke joins MaryRuth to explore ways to cultivate friendships with saints in our families.

86: Meet Mr. Hackett

October 18, 2023 18:01 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MB

What's it like to parent alongside a parenting expert? We'll find out when MaryRuth is joined by her husband, Bob Hackett. 

85: What's in Your Backpack?

October 04, 2023 14:19 - 54 minutes - 49.9 MB

Susie Garlick joins MaryRuth to explore how our experiences and background influence our parenting. Her book is The Parenting Backpack.

84: Travel

June 12, 2023 15:57 - 1 hour - 55.3 MB

Traveling with your family can be challenging, but it is worth it! Being together sharing new experiences is good for our brains and good for our relationships. Brina Sauers joins MaryRuth to share tips on how to travel well with children. 

83: Transitions

May 17, 2023 20:21 - 43 minutes - 40.5 MB

Raising children is full of transitions. Jennifer Ellis joins MaryRuth to explore how parents can adjust to change as their children grow up.

82: Boredom

May 03, 2023 17:00 - 15 minutes - 14.9 MB

Summer is almost here and the kids will get bored. MaryRuth takes a look at how boredom affects brain function and gives us tips on how to deal with boredom.

81: Spiritual Authority

April 27, 2023 19:57 - 52 minutes - 48.5 MB

Parents have a duty to pray for their kids and their prayers are especially powerful. Kathleen Beckman joins MaryRuth to explore spiritual authority including ways to protect and pray for our children. 

80: Anger

April 05, 2023 16:46 - 40 minutes - 38 MB

Are you an angry parent? Are your children angry? How do we teach our children how to regulate emotions, especially anger? MaryRuth outlines strategies to deal with strong emotions in a healthy way. 

79: Justice

March 22, 2023 15:52 - 41 minutes - 38.6 MB

Our God is merciful and just, perfectly merciful and perfectly just. How do we cultivate an understanding of justice that balances mercy and forgiveness in our children? Justice Kathryn King joins MaryRuth to explore how we can communicate these concepts through our parenting. 

78: Happiness

March 08, 2023 17:49 - 37 minutes - 34.5 MB

What does it take to thrive, to have well being, to be happy? MaryRuth discusses the five factors that contribute to happiness and challenges us to take a closer look at how these areas operate in our lives.

77: Loneliness and Connection

February 22, 2023 17:38 - 44 minutes - 41.6 MB

We are built for relationships. If we don't three different types of relationships - intimacy, friendship and community, we can be lonely. Michelle Benzinger joins MaryRuth to discuss creating connections and building good relationships.

76: Suffering and Grief

February 08, 2023 17:06 - 58 minutes - 54.4 MB

All of us will suffer. Grief is part of life. How do we deal with loss and how do we help our children with suffering and grief? Rita Morton joins MaryRuth to explore grief, suffering, loss and healing.

75: Mental Health with Bishop Dolan

January 25, 2023 16:00 - 40 minutes - 37.7 MB

We are in a mental health crisis, especially with children and teens. What are parents to do? Bishop Dolan joins MaryRuth to explore strategies and resources to help those who suffer.

74: Phones

January 11, 2023 19:59 - 22 minutes - 21.4 MB

When is a good time to get your kid a phone? It's a tough question and one that varies from family to family, and child to child. MaryRuth breaks down some of the considerations to keep in mind when making decisions about phones.

73: Personality Tests and Enneagrams

December 28, 2022 08:00 - 37 minutes - 35 MB

Personality tests, especially enneagrams are so popular, but are spiritually dangerous. In addition to not being based in science or truth, enneagrams have their foundations in the occult.  Jordan Burke joins MaryRuth to explore the validity and spirituality behind these practices.

72: Healthy Masculinity

December 14, 2022 19:30 - 42 minutes - 39.7 MB

What is it to be a son of God? Mike Phelan joins MaryRuth to discuss what healthy masculinity is and how to cultivate it in our sons.

71: Healthy Femininity

November 30, 2022 14:17 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MB

What does it mean to be a daughter of God? MaryRuth is interviewed by Dulce Aguirre to explore what it means to cultivate a healthy concept of femininity. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

70: Puberty and Intimacy - Boys

November 16, 2022 16:38 - 58 minutes - 54.1 MB

Where do we begin to talk about sex, intimacy and puberty with our sons? Michael Villanueva, Coordinator for the St. John Paul II Resource Center, joins MaryRuth to explore language, tips and ideas for cultivating healthy conversations about these potentially awkward topics.

69: Puberty and Intimacy - Girls

November 02, 2022 20:18 - 55 minutes - 51.1 MB

Where do we begin to talk about sex, intimacy and puberty with our daughters? Kris Forbes and Katy Hansen, leaders with the St. Philomena retreats, join MaryRuth to explore language, tips and ideas for cultivating healthy conversations about these potentially awkward topics. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parentin...

68: Spiritual Doubt

October 19, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 60.8 MB

As part of natural development kids will likely have doubt about the faith. Mark Hart joins MaryRuth to explore how to create a Catholic family culture, as well as face the hard questions with confidence and love.   Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

67: Parent Development

September 28, 2022 21:04 - 34 minutes - 32.4 MB

While kids are developing, parents are too! MaryRuth explores how parents grow and strategies change as we experience stages of development with our kids. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

66: Fatherhood

June 15, 2022 19:00 - 49 minutes - 45.9 MB

Today, Maryruth takes a deep dive in the role of fathers and the importance of taking a leadership role within the family with Deacon Neil Tift.  Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

65: Motherhood

May 04, 2022 21:45 - 52 minutes - 48.4 MB

Claire Dwyer joins MaryRuth to explore motherhood, what moms have to offer spiritually and emotionally to their families. God has designed us to be the mothers, in this particular time, to our particular family. Get inspired with tips and ideas to stay focused on the mission God has for us in our families. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you kno...

64: Renewal That Lasts

April 06, 2022 22:00 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MB

Cultivating holy habits leads to lasting change. This episode provides tips for living authentically, helping teach our children how to love God and being intentional about change that leads to renewal that lasts. Accept the invitation to greatness! Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

63: Kingship with Shalini Blubaugh

March 23, 2022 19:00 - 40 minutes - 37.8 MB

What does kingship mean in the context of our spiritual life and family life? It has to do with putting our lives in right order, living with integrity and wholeness. Shalini Blubaugh joins MaryRuth to explore how to integrate all the parts of our lives and orient them to kingdom living. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use ...

62: Evangelization with Mary Castner

March 09, 2022 21:34 - 54 minutes - 50.6 MB

On this episode, Maryruth has a candid conversation with Mary Castner about evangelization and some best practices for sharing Jesus with our kids. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

61: Suffering, Sacrifice and Prayer

February 23, 2022 20:00 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MB

How can we help our kids understand and cope with suffering? Maryruth takes a look at the issue of suffering and offers some beautiful ideas to help our children with this tough topic. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

60: Love for the Poor with Mytae Carrasco

February 09, 2022 20:56 - 55 minutes - 51 MB

Maryruth is joined by Mytae Carrasco for candid conversation on cultivating a love for the poor within the family, including practical ideas to use in your own domestic church. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

59: Simplicity with Leana Bowler

January 26, 2022 20:00 - 38 minutes - 36 MB

Simplicity, both with material possessions and activities is crucial for growing in holiness. It is difficult and counter-cultural to live simply. Leana Bowler joins MaryRuth to explore how to intentionally make decisions that allow more space for the Lord. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

58: Catholic Culture

January 12, 2022 01:00 - 45 minutes - 41.7 MB

We all want our kids to be Catholic, but how do we create a Catholic culture in our homes? MaryRuth explores strategies for building a family culture with Christ at the center. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

57: Community with Gina Fensterer

December 29, 2021 17:53 - 48 minutes - 44.5 MB

Why is community so important? Gina Fensterer and MaryRuth discuss different aspects of community and how to cultivate community both inside and outside the home.  Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

56: Friendship

December 15, 2021 21:00 - 45 minutes - 42.6 MB

What makes a good friendship? How can our kids make good friends? MaryRuth and Jennifer Ellis explore different aspects of friendships and how to help our children cultivate healthy ones. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

55: Marriage with Mike and Jenna Guizar

December 06, 2021 22:00 - 35 minutes - 33 MB

Good parenting starts with strong marriages. MaryRuth explores the science behind healthy relationship. Guests, Mike and Jenna Guizar, share some of the ways they nurture their marriage. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

54: Prayer with Andrea Boring

November 17, 2021 14:51 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MB

How can we cultivate good prayer habits with our children? Prayer is about a relationship. Start with your own relationship with God and with your kids. MaryRuth breaks down the science that affects faith in kids and then explores prayer with Andrea Boring. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

52: Welcome to Season 4

October 20, 2021 17:16 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MB

Welcome to Season 4! This season will be built on the concept of building habits. MaryRuth is joined by Jennifer Ellis and Andrea Boring to preview what you can expect. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

53: Habits for Holiness, Fr. Mark Mary Ames

September 28, 2021 17:46 - 39 minutes - 37 MB

Developmental science meets faith formation. How can we grow in virtue? Well, we develop good habits. What is the science behind forming good habits? How does that relate to forming holy habits?  Fr. Mark Mary Ames joins MaryRuth to explore the framework for Season 4, his book, Habits for Holiness. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who...

51: Theology of Home, Noelle Mering

May 24, 2021 18:40 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MB

Home, a place where we learn love, the union of the material with the immaterial. What makes a home a place where families flourish? Joining MaryRuth is Noelle Mering, co-author of Theology of Home and Theology of Home 2 to explore how to make the most of home life for families. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Pare...

50: Baby Brains

May 05, 2021 17:28 - 49 minutes - 45.8 MB

Newborns might not be able to do much physically, but their brains are working nonstop! What parents do during this critical time is so important for their healthy development. Missy Powers joins MaryRuth to help us understand baby brains and how we can nurture healthy growth. Spoiler alert: screens are bad. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people yo...

49: Teens

April 20, 2021 22:58 - 56 minutes - 52.5 MB

Navigating the teen years is not easy! Their brains are reorganizing, they are trying to figure out who they are, and sometimes making poor decisions. MaryRuth explores how teen brains work and provides tips for parents in dealing with teens. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

48: Prayer

April 07, 2021 17:46 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MB

Growing in relationship with God takes effort. Prayer takes effort and discipline. Katie Prejean-McGrady joins MaryRuth to talk about practical ways to cultivate fruitful prayer for ourselves and our children. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!