Parenting Smarts
100 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 138 ratingsParenting 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.
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Episodes
47: Nutrition
March 24, 2021 07:00 - 51 minutes - 47.7 MBOur bodies are temples, let's get better at taking care of them. Kelli Shallal joins MaryRuth to discuss nutrition; how to make good food choices for ourselves and our children. It's a refreshing look at how to approach food, choose language about food and examine attitudes about food. 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 so...
46: Potty Training
March 10, 2021 18:14 - 24 minutes - 23.3 MBIt's a messy job, but we all have to do it. Getting rid of diapers is worth it! Every child starts at their own time, but usually complete it around the same age. MaryRuth helps us understand how to know when your child is ready. She gives us some tips on making a successful transition. 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 s...
45: Anxiety
February 24, 2021 17:38 - 38 minutes - 36 MBMany of us have experienced some level of anxiety, especially in 2020. MaryRuth and Maraeca Butler explore the brain, what anxiety looks like. Find out how to recognize signs of anxiety and how to help your 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!
44: Pandemic Parenting
February 10, 2021 17:18 - 21 minutes - 20.5 MBTo say 2020 has been a challenge for children and parents is an understatement. For most of us all the normal habits and rules have been thrown out the window. How do we cope during these times? What can we do to minimize the damage done or maybe even thrive while surviving through a global pandemic? MaryRuth brings some clarity and tips to help us weather this storm. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. B...
43: Leadership
January 27, 2021 13:51 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MBWe all want our kids to be responsible, to be leaders. What does it take to develop leadership qualities in our kids? It's about modeling behaviors as well as providing opportunities for kids to lead, to shine, to take responsibility. Check out this episode with fellow podcaster, Eric Brooker. 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 coul...
42: Finding Purpose
January 13, 2021 08:00 - 27 minutes - 26 MBGod has a special mission for each of us, but how do we find it? How do we help our kids discover their purpose? Praying with our kids, recognizing their passions, encouraging their natural talents all help them uncover God's plan for them. 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!
41: Siblings
December 30, 2020 17:29 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBSibling issues began with the very first siblings, Cain and Abel. From jealousy to crabbiness, kids need help working through issues with their siblings. Today MaryRuth and Beth Williby talk through some strategies to help parents cultivate healthy sibling relationships. 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 Sm...
40: Honesty
December 16, 2020 17:54 - 46 minutes - 43 MBKids will lie. Research proves it. The challenge for parents is how to teach children to be honest. MaryRuth explores how the brain works and strategies for helping encourage honesty. 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!
38: What Makes a Good Parent?
November 18, 2020 16:52 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MBWe all want to be good parents, but what does it take? Today MaryRuth answers the question she asked her guests last season. She explores different types of parenting and goals for those striving to be the best parents possible. 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!
39: Boundaries
October 05, 2020 18:37 - 42 minutes - 39 MBSetting boundaries can be a challenge. How do we evaluate and set boundaries for ourselves and in our families? How do we help our children learn to set their own boundaries? 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!
37: Talking to Kids about Race
June 22, 2020 20:01 - 44 minutes - 41.5 MBDiversity is beautiful, all of God's creation is beautiful. How do we impart this truth to our children? It's good to talk with our children about race. It's important to acknowledge physical differences as well as talk about similarities we share, read books about the history or race in America, introduce them to heroes of different races and more great ideas. Leana Bowler joins MaryRuth to explore this topic and provide tips and tools for parents. Parenting Smarts blends together the sci...
36: Transition to College
June 17, 2020 07:00 - 28 minutes - 26.7 MBOne day our kids will grow up and leave our home. Will they be ready? How do we prepare them for adulthood? Today we get tips on cultivating autonomy, independence and helping our kids discover their unique gifts. We'll also hear from a young adult, Sophie Welter about her own transition to college. 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 wh...
35: Shame
May 27, 2020 16:25 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBWhat's the difference between guilt and shame? Guilt is related to how a person feels about a particular action, shame is how someone fells about themselves. Today, MaryRuth and Kristin Maher talk about helping our children to understand the difference. How can we correct behaviors, and not be critical? Tune in to get tips on how to silence the voice of shame and help our kids be confident about their worth. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realit...
33: Becky Greene - Gender Identity
April 29, 2020 20:03 - 54 minutes - 50.4 MBHow do we help our children embrace their biology? Our masculinity or femininity is stamped into our very being. Becky Greene joins MaryRuth to talk about how parents can cultivate healthy attitudes about their biological sex. 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!
32: Body Image
March 24, 2020 21:24 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBGod made our bodies and they are good! Many factors can affect how we feel about our bodies. A negative body image can lead to eating disorders and other issues. MaryRuth is joined by Maraeca Butler to help us understand how to cultivate a positive body image and a healthy relationship with food for ourselves and 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 ...
31: Integrity
March 11, 2020 07:00 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MBWholeness, authenticity, retaining your true self regardless of circumstances... that's integrity. It's a trait we typically admire in others and would like to cultivate in ourselves. Fr. Aaron Agorsor and MaryRuth explore what integrity looks like and how to help our children develop it. 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...
30: Perfectionism
February 26, 2020 08:00 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBWhat is the difference between doing their best and perfectionism? MaryRuth explores the connections between perfectionism and anxiety and depression. She helps us see the difference between achievement and perfectionism. Tune in to help your kids be their best while maintaining their well-being. 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 c...
29: Addiction
February 12, 2020 08:00 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MBIt's something we hope we never have to face, but it can affect any family... addiction. AJ Creswell from Full Circle Ministry joins MaryRuth to share tips, warning signs and tools for recognizing and battling addiction. 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!
34: Obedience - Not Just for Toddlers and Teens
February 04, 2020 17:56 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBCultivating obedience is good for all of us. What motivates us to do what we're told? Is it fear? Is it love? Well it's both. In this episode you'll hear the stages of moral development and come to understand how we learn to make make decisions. Not only can we grow in humility and obedience, but also we can learn how to best grow these virtues in 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 ...
28: How to Handle Procrastination
January 29, 2020 08:00 - 34 minutes - 32.4 MBMany of us do it. It makes some of us crazy. What is going on in the brain when your kids procrastinate? MaryRuth looks at different factors that cause procrastination and how to help your kids manage getting things done without losing your mind. 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!
27: How Screens Affect the Brain
January 15, 2020 08:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MBIs a learning game on a tablet a good idea? What about video games? How about watching TV? Kids use screens in so many ways at various ages. MaryRuth has researched the latest studies on how screens affect brain development. You might be surprised at what you find out in this episode. 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 som...
26: How to teach the Kerygma
January 01, 2020 08:00 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MBWhat's the Kerygma and how do we teach it to our kids? The best gift we can give our kids is faith, but it can be daunting to bring the Good News to our families. Fr. John Parks, Vicar for Evangelization joins MaryRuth to inspire, encourage and show us how to share the best news ever! 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 som...
Christmas Blessings from the Bishop
December 23, 2019 16:39 - 36 seconds - 1.02 MBJoin us in giving glory and praise to Our Lord Jesus Christ, who brings to the world light, goodness and hope. Seamos siempre agradecidos y recordemos la eterna fidelidad de Cristo hacia nosotros, hasta el fin de los tiempos. Share this Christmas message from Bishop Olmsted with your family and friends. Merry Christmas y Feliz Navidad!
25: Learning Disabilities
December 18, 2019 08:00 - 37 minutes - 35.2 MBHow can we make sure our children are getting what they need at school? What if they have learning disabilities or other special needs? Dr. Kelly Shewbridge joins MaryRuth to help parents understand how to collaborate with teachers and administrators to get the best education for their 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 ...
24: Discipline
December 04, 2019 08:00 - 46 minutes - 43.3 MBDiscipline is hard! Is it best to call for a time out, implement rewards, take away privileges? What is going to work to get your kids to do (or not do) certain things? MaryRuth explores this with two special guests today who offer tips and various approaches to managing behavior. 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 Pa...
23: Attachment Parenting
November 20, 2019 20:00 - 45 minutes - 42.4 MBHow can we create the strongest bond with our child? Is it best to keep our baby attached to us at all times or help them foster independence with alone time? MaryRuth explores the ways to bond with our children with her friend, Nell from the Whole Parenting Family blog. Tune in and start nurturing the bonds that will foster confidence in your 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...
22: Lessons Learned
November 06, 2019 08:00 - 35 minutes - 33.3 MBWhat have you done well? What would you do differently? MaryRuth invites seasoned mom, Trish Brandtfox to offer her wisdom and invite us to reflect on the parenting lessons we're learning. 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!
NEW: What's Wrong With the World
September 13, 2019 20:36 - 3 minutes - 16.8 MBAccording to legend, when GK Chesterton was asked "What's wrong with the world today?" he responded with a pithy "I am." In that Chestertonian spirit, Fr. John Parks, Vicar for Evangelization, and Mr. Stephen L. Greene, Director of Kino Catechetical Institute, bring you "What's Wrong With the World," a new podcast from the Diocese of Phoenix. The world today is full of questions, and the Church has the answers people are looking for! Tune in every other Monday to YouTube, or listen on Appl...
21: Summertime - Can the Living Be Easy Yet?
July 10, 2019 16:49 - 40 minutes - 38 MBWe're in just about mid-July, about to hit a heat-wave, and getting ready to hunker down in the AC. So what on earth do we do with these hot, antsy, "bored" children for another month and a half plus? Andrea Boring joins MaryRuth to talk about not just surviving the summer, but maybe even enjoying it. 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...
20: Knowing Your Worth
June 28, 2019 21:37 - 37 minutes - 35 MBWe are unique, unrepeatable, beloved sons and daughters of God, created in love and for a purpose. Do we believe it? How can we help our kids to believe the truth about their infinite worth? Melanie Pritchard joins MaryRuth for an inspiring and practical conversation. You'll be glad you listened! 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 c...
19: Make Good Choices
June 24, 2019 21:29 - 43 minutes - 40.3 MBOur biggest goal as parents is to raise up children who know right from wrong and are able to make a choice for the right when the time comes. Good, that's easy, right? No, it's not easy... Today MaryRuth chats with Mike Phelan about how to lay the foundation for strong moral decision making. Don't miss it. 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...
18: Don't Be A Gossip
May 28, 2019 18:30 - 41 minutes - 38.8 MBThis is not the standard scolding from a nun about the sin you've been committing since grade school. It is, however, practical advice for teaching your kids how to make better choices. Sr. Maria Cristina Linares of the Servants of the Plan of God at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel joins MaryRuth to talk about gossip and prudence. We're not saying you need it too, but there might be some things parents can learn for themselves in this one. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child devel...
17: Sleepovers
May 14, 2019 19:00 - 22 minutes - 20.6 MBSleepovers. Maybe the day hasn't come for you yet, but it will. Let's make a plan to get through it now. Nellie Welter joins MaryRuth to bring you the encouragement you need. 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!
16: How to Handle a Diva
April 30, 2019 16:22 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBIs your daughter a diva? There is hope for your child and your sanity. Mary Crowell joins Mary Ruth for a conversation about teaching virtue and perspective to help kids move their focus off of themselves and to others. 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!
15: Divorce
April 16, 2019 16:52 - 32 minutes - 30.3 MBDivorce is a painful topic, and it can be so hard to truly understand if it hasn't directly effected you. Today, Mary Ruth brings the psychology of divorce survival to Fr. John Parks' personal experiences as a child of divorce for a heart-felt, inspiring conversation. 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 Smar...
14: Pornography
April 02, 2019 17:42 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBIt's awkward and uncomfortable to talk about, but we have to do it. In a world where the average age of exposure is nine, parents need to know how to protect their children. Let's look at the truth about porn - how it affects the brain, why it's bad in other ways, and how to keep our kids safe. Mike Phelan joins MaryRuth for a candid talk about pornography. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to s...
13: Dealing With Feelings
March 19, 2019 21:28 - 30 minutes - 27.9 MBHow do we help our kids deal with feelings that we sometimes can't handle ourselves? Mareca Butler joins MaryRuth to share tips about developing emotional resilience in our children (and maybe in ourselves too.) 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!
12: Playdates
March 05, 2019 20:52 - 28 minutes - 26.9 MBKids always want them, parents sometimes don't. Let's look at how to make playdates enjoyable for everyone. MaryRuth is joined in studio by her friend and fellow mom, Nellie Welter for a conversation that is fun, structured and has an agreed-upon end time. 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!
11: Go to Sleep!
February 19, 2019 17:00 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MBBabies, toddlers, teens... they all have trouble sleeping sometimes. Let's look at what's going on in their brains and how we can help them get a good night's rest. P.S., you need it too! 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!
10: Motivation Theory
February 04, 2019 20:56 - 39 minutes - 36.9 MBChores, homework, hygiene and everything else you've been yelling about all week. Yes, they can hear you. Yes, they (kind of) know what they need to do. Yes, you run a risk letting them practice responsibility. But the lessons are worth it. Let's look at the science behind teaching good habits, getting your kids to do what they need and keeping your sanity. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to...
9: Be a Good Sport Part 2
January 18, 2019 21:19 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MBMike Phelan joins MaryRuth Hackett for part two of a conversation about all things sports. Today we'll talk about the role parents play - how cheering is helpful and sideline coaching is not, how to keep perspective that growing in virtue is a win regardless of the final score. 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 Paren...
8: Be a Good Sport Part 1
January 08, 2019 21:27 - 30 minutes - 28.7 MBMike Phelan joins MaryRuth Hackett for a conversation about all things sports. We'll talk about what kids can learn from sports, the benefits of good coaching, sticking with it when you don't want to, and how to get through the hard times. Part one will be a conversation focused on our kids playing sports. Join us in two weeks for part two when we'll talk about the role parents play on the team. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family l...
7: Sit Still!
December 25, 2018 18:00 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBWe know it's a challenge with children of all ages, but sometimes they just need to sit still! Get the why behind the difficulty and some helpful tips for managing those times when kids need to be still. What better topic for Christmas, when Mass and family and excitement and gifts all combine to a fun, but maybe a bit overwhelming, day for our little ones? Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to s...
6: Questions Kids Ask
December 10, 2018 17:51 - 41 minutes - 38.9 MBMaryRuth is joined by her daughter, Ella, for Questions Kids Ask. Answering these great questions is Fr. Paul Sullivan, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Phoenix and Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Phoenix. Fr. Sullivan is a priest of Jesus Christ, and he's one of eight children in his own family. Ella asks some tough questions, but Fr. Sullivan has some great answers! Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it hel...
5: Bullying
November 26, 2018 21:38 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBIt's not easy being a kid these days. More and more, it seems that bullying becomes the norm in schools and online. Today, MaryRuth sits down with Mike Phelan to talk about how we can equip our children to be good Catholic Christians and handle those bullies too. 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!
4: Raising Thankful Kids
November 12, 2018 19:19 - 35 minutes - 33.3 MBThanksgiving is right around the corner, and we're wondering: how do you cultivate thankfulness in your kids? Kimberly Trichel, Executive Director of HopeKids Arizona, joins MaryRuth for a conversation about gratitude, humility, and service. 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!
3: Help! My Kids Are Dating!
October 30, 2018 17:09 - 28 minutes - 26.7 MBWe couldn't think of a more terrifying topic for Halloween week. MaryRuth is joined by Sarah Erickson, a Notre Dame Prep alumna and current student at Catholic University of America, to talk about the realities of dating today and what's really going on in those brains. 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 Sma...
2: You Have To Eat Something
October 16, 2018 21:01 - 22 minutes - 21.2 MBWe all know healthy eating is important, but why is it such a challenge to convince our kids? Whether you're dealing with Littles or Bigs, your kids have probably put you through the ringer at the dinner table. MaryRuth can help! 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!
1: I Hate Video Games... But They're Not All Bad
October 02, 2018 21:17 - 34 minutes - 32.3 MBVideo games... there's just no escaping them! The difficulties of setting boundaries, teaching sharing, and wanting your kids to get outside and play for a minute can feel intense. The good news is things can get better, and video game play isn't necessarily all that 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 you know who could use some Parenting ...
0: Parenting Smarts Teaser Episode
September 25, 2018 18:54 - 2 minutes - 2.99 MBWelcome to this quick preview and introduction to the Parenting Smarts podcast! Please subscribe and tell your friends to do the same. Our host, 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!