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. 

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.

84: Travel

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

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

83: Transitions

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.

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.

82: Boredom

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. 

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.

81: Spiritual Authority

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. 

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.

80: Anger

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. 

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.

79: Justice

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.

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.

78: Happiness

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.

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.

77: Loneliness and Connection

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.

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.

76: Suffering and Grief

Bishop Dolan

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.

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.

75: Mental Health with Bishop Dolan

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!

Love this show. I’m a practicing Catholic dad and I’ve learned a lot here.

Yeah!

Thank you for this!! So helpful especially that it is Catholic based!

Super helpful!

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!

Parenting Smarts

Discipline 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 Parenting Smarts!

Discipline 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 Parenting Smarts!

24: Discipline

How 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!

How 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!

13: Dealing With Feelings

What'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 some Parenting Smarts!

What'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 some Parenting Smarts!

26: How to teach the Kerygma

Chores, 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 subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Chores, 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 subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

10: Motivation Theory

How 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, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

How 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, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

23: Attachment Parenting

Babies, 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!

Babies, 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!

11: Go to Sleep!

We 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!

We 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!

2: You Have To Eat Something

Is 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 some Parenting Smarts!

Is 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 some Parenting Smarts!

27: How Screens Affect the Brain

Thanksgiving 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!

Thanksgiving 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!

4: Raising Thankful Kids

It'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 subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

It'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 subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

14: Pornography

What 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!

What 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!

22: Lessons Learned

We 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 could use some Parenting Smarts!

We 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 could use some Parenting Smarts!

20: Knowing Your Worth

We 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 subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

We 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 subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

7: Sit Still!

This 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 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!

This 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 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!

18: Don't Be A Gossip

Our 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 know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Our 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 know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

19: Make Good Choices

Is 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!

Is 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!

16: How to Handle a Diva

MaryRuth 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 helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

MaryRuth 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 helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

6: Questions Kids Ask

Many 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!

Many 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!

28: How to Handle Procrastination

How 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 use some Parenting Smarts!

How 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 use some Parenting Smarts!

25: Learning Disabilities

We 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 Smarts!

We 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 Smarts!

3: Help! My Kids Are Dating!

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