Explore every episode of the podcast The Science of Parenting
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Messy Play, Big Learning | S.17 Ep.4 | 27 Nov 2025 | 00:25:47 | |
We connect messy play to meaningful learning, showing how everyday curiosity builds science, technology, engineering, and math skills. From cardboard ramps to kitchen experiments, discover simple ways to weave STEM at home into play without turning it into schoolwork. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Babyproofing Basics | S.17 Ep.3 | 20 Nov 2025 | 00:42:58 | |
Exploration and safety for little movers take center stage as we walk room-by-room through simple, research-based ways to prevent injuries at home. From outlets and cords to water temps, gates, tip-overs, and creating safe spaces to explore, you’ll learn practical steps that protect without stifling curiosity. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Reading with Infants and Toddlers | S.16 Ep.2 | 08 May 2025 | 00:32:37 | |
Reading with the youngest children focuses on talking, listening, and building a strong foundation in language—often referred to as “language nutrition.” Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Mentoring: Setting the Stage | S. 4 Ep. 5 | 04 Mar 2021 | 00:35:40 | |
Growing and developing is hard work! Mentoring kids along the way helps them learn about desired expectations and behaviors so they can reach their full potential. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Monitoring: Keeping Tabs | S. 4 Ep. 4 | 25 Feb 2021 | 00:45:43 | |
Monitoring children is not about being in total control. It is a way to guide and communicate reasonable limits and expectations. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Protect and Prevent | S. 4 Ep. 3 | 18 Feb 2021 | 00:39:04 | |
By anticipating what’s coming, parents and caregivers can help prevent problems and risky behaviors. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| React vs Respond | S.4 Ep. 2 | 11 Feb 2021 | 00:33:18 | |
Do you react with your gut or respond with your brain? Use some of our strategies to help you slow down in challenging moments and respond with intention to your children. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Parent Self-Talk: Beyond Good and Bad | S. 4 Ep. 1 | 04 Feb 2021 | 00:35:09 | |
Self-talk is one of the most important conversations parents can have. Set yourself up for success with strategies to reframe your inner self-talk that sets the tone for how you respond or react to your children (and the entire family)! Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Goalsetting with Teens | Bonus | 28 Jan 2021 | 00:22:25 | |
How do I help my teen set goals in the new year? Lori and Leah discuss some ideas in this Instagram live. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Talking with Teens | Bonus | 21 Jan 2021 | 00:18:26 | |
Lori chatted with Leah Feltz on the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Instagram page about talking to teens. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Temperament: The Big A-Ha | S.3 Ep.16 | 19 Nov 2020 | 00:34:29 | |
Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| The Spirited Temperament ft. Dr. Mary Sheedy Kurcinka | S.3 Ep.15 | 12 Nov 2020 | 01:03:24 | |
Check in with author and expert Dr. Mary Sheedy Kurcinka on her best tips for parenting spirited and feisty kids and learning to love their energy. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Flexible Temperament: About Those “Easy” Kids | S. 3 Ep. 14 | 05 Nov 2020 | 00:42:43 | |
Many children are go-with-the-flow types, but these kids have specific needs, too. Learn how to teach them how to express their own voices to create their own break-out moments. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Foundations of Literacy | S.16 Ep.1 | 01 May 2025 | 00:22:24 | |
Before children can read or write on their own, they begin developing key skills that pave the way for literacy. Early literacy builds the foundation for future reading success. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Fearful Temperament: Shy or Slow-to-Warm? ft. Robert Coplan | S. 3 Ep. 13 | 29 Oct 2020 | 00:45:14 | |
Learn how taking small steps and embracing a lifelong approach can help alleviate stress for kids who are shy. Featuring Robert Coplan. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Mood: Silly or Serious? | S.3 Ep. 12 | 22 Oct 2020 | 00:42:31 | |
Work through your child’s moodiness (hello whiny toddler or aloof teen) by focusing on the positive through your words and actions. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Regularity: Got Rhythm? | S. 3 Ep. 11 | 15 Oct 2020 | 00:59:11 | |
Although we cannot always control our children, we can influence their environment. Find out how temperament impacts pivotal moments throughout the day. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Temperament & Difficult Behavior ft. Dr. Sean McDevitt | S. 3 Ep. 10 | 08 Oct 2020 | 00:45:38 | |
Study these six basics to determine how you can develop an action plan for a child with difficult demands. Plus, how to determine if you need to call in the pros for help. Featuring Dr. Sean McDevitt. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Approach: Caution or Curiosity | S. 3 Ep. 9 | 01 Oct 2020 | 00:51:42 | |
Does your child approach a new situation carefully, or do they jump in feet first? Lori and Mackenzie discuss how quickly your child might leap based on their temperament. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Distractibility: It's in the Details | S.3 Ep. 8 | 24 Sep 2020 | 00:46:15 | |
Did you know simple tricks like making eye contact, written notes and clear commands can aid in your child’s concentration levels? Try out some of our pro tips to help his or her focus (and maybe even your own). Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Adaptability: My Way or Another Way | S. 3 Ep. 7 | 17 Sep 2020 | 00:52:28 | |
Adaptability takes shape in numerous ways. For kids who are planners, it’s following a schedule and setting them up for change. And for the adventurous types, it’s giving them a long leash to explore. Try these tips to tap into your child’s natural reactions. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Temperament & Sleep ft. Macall Gordon | S. 3 Ep. 6 | 10 Sep 2020 | 00:59:53 | |
Our experts dish on how temperament affects the way our kids catch their ZZZs featuring researcher Macall Gordon. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Activity: It Takes Energy | S. 3 Ep. 5 | 04 Sep 2020 | 00:54:40 | |
Do long car rides give you pause because of fidgety kids? Or maybe vacation days when the kids are dragging due to too many activities? Learn to strike a happy medium by doing a deep dive into how natural energy affects behavior. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Making Decisions During COVID-19 | Bonus | 31 Aug 2020 | 00:26:25 | |
Sending kids back to school this year is especially stressful and unpredictable, yet there are many decisions needing to be made. Our experts discuss characteristics of stress, moving stress patterns toward resilience, and reducing decision fatigue related to back-to-school and COVID-19. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Tackling Tough Behaviors: Leaning into Relationships | S.15 Ep.9 | 31 Oct 2024 | 00:43:33 | |
When things get tough, relationships can too. In the last episode of this season, our parenting pros discuss research-based strategies to help strengthen and preserve our positive relationships even in challenging moments. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Persistence: Celebrate it! | S. 3 Ep. 4 | 27 Aug 2020 | 00:43:49 | |
Have a child that gets super-focused and frustrated when asked to switch tasks and loves to “do it myself?” Learn how to support and embrace their persistence (and maybe even quiet your own frustration). Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Intensity: (Maybe) Not So Calm and Collected | S. 3 Ep. 3 | 20 Aug 2020 | 00:54:58 | |
Did you know taking a drink of water or cracking a silly joke can prevent a meltdown? Discover these tricks to helping kids keep their cool. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Sensitivity: It Makes Sense | S. 3 Ep. 2 | 13 Aug 2020 | 00:46:04 | |
Your child’s reactions to stimulus such as loud noises and bright lights are completely predictable. Use your powers of observation to help you guide their reactions to stimulus. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Temperament: It’s in Their Nature | S. 3 Ep. 1 | 06 Aug 2020 | 00:43:06 | |
How your child reacts is about their innate temperament (or the core of their personality). Learn how working with his or her temperament traits will boost your ability to respond. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Embrace Your Support Network | S. 2 E. 6 | 23 Jul 2020 | 00:50:56 | |
Everyone’s support system looks different when it comes to their relationships, especially when it comes to parenting. We'll talk specifics of your support system in our judgement-free zone. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Define Your Philosophy | S. 2 Ep. 5 | 16 Jul 2020 | 00:25:56 | |
Parents influence and define the character and values of their kids—and as a result how they behave as adults. See how these traits can help you shape your kids’ behaviors, whether it’s an emphasis on hard work, independence or creativity. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| How to Find Balance | S. 2 Ep. 4 | 09 Jul 2020 | 00:27:58 | |
Discover these three strategies for learning how to find the right household balance for today—and tomorrow. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Accentuate the Positive | S. 2 Ep. 3 | 25 Jun 2020 | 00:27:16 | |
Do you know your strengths as a parent? Check out our 12 characteristics to discover your parenting strengths, then learn how to make a plan for utilizing them. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Getting After Stress | S. 2 Ep. 2 | 18 Jun 2020 | 00:33:09 | |
Flip the switch on stress by learning how to gain resiliency. Learn how to pull stress apart—it might be as easy as switching to paper plates. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Talking With Children About Race and Racial Bias | Bonus | 12 Jun 2020 | 00:19:31 | |
Talking with children about race and racial bias can be challenging. Learn strategies and tips to navigate these difficult conversations. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Tackling Tough Behaviors: Risk and Protective Factors | S.15 Ep.8 | 24 Oct 2024 | 00:36:17 | |
Join our cohosts in this episode to explore characteristics that enhance resilience in kids and parents. Learn about protective factors and discover how these qualities can help your family navigate tough times! Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Being Both a Parent and a Person | S. 2 Ep. 1 | 11 Jun 2020 | 00:39:19 | |
Being a parent is just one "hat" you wear - you are still a person with your own needs. See what the research says about different ways we can practice self-care. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| What Have We Learned? | Ep. 12 | 28 May 2020 | 00:40:03 | |
We went live on Facebook where we discussed the first season of The Science of Parenting podcast, parenting foundations, and what we have learned! Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Enjoy the Joys! | Ep. 11 | 21 May 2020 | 00:26:38 | |
Celebrate the journey of parenting by focusing on the good stuff. Embrace your child’s unique personality and his or her evolution as a person. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Just Say No to Judgment | Ep. 10 | 14 May 2020 | 00:22:52 | |
Criticism can get the best of us as parents (and people). Learn to trust yourself as the expert of your own family. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Practice Not Perfect | Ep. 9 | 07 May 2020 | 00:27:46 | |
Have a plan to manage your emotions using the 4As of communication: accept, acknowledge, apologize, adjust. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Keys to Cooperation | Ep. 8 | 30 Apr 2020 | 00:40:14 | |
What does it take to get cooperation from our kids? We discussed this and more LIVE! Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| In the Heat of a Meltdown | Ep. 7 | 23 Apr 2020 | 00:44:22 | |
Fill your parenting toolbox with techniques for when emotions are high to help move kids from meltdown to calm down. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| How to Manage Meltdowns | Ep. 6 | 16 Apr 2020 | 00:37:36 | |
Do you know what is contributing to your child's meltdowns? Learn tips and tricks on how to anticipate and prevent some of the stress! Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Guilt Free Routines | Bonus | 14 Apr 2020 | 00:20:12 | |
Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Defining Parenting Styles | Ep. 5 | 09 Apr 2020 | 00:37:58 | |
Are you tapped into your kids’ feelings or wanting to always be in charge? Our experts dish on a few parenting types. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Tackling Tough Behaviors: Resilience in Tough Times | S.15 Ep.7 | 17 Oct 2024 | 00:34:34 | |
There is more than one way for a family to get through a tough time and tap into their resiliency. In this episode our parenting experts discuss skills and strategies parents can use to help raise resilient kids and introduce the concept of “bouncing forward” during tough times. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Slow Down | Ep. 4 | 02 Apr 2020 | 00:34:08 | |
Help kids gain self-awareness and minimize emotional outbursts with our favorite technique to keep stressful situations in check. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Take a Break and Take a Breath | Ep. 3 | 26 Mar 2020 | 00:38:21 | |
Use our stop, breathe, talk approach to help your kids (and yourself) keep emotions in check. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||
| Missing Out on the Big Moments | Bonus | 24 Mar 2020 | 00:13:12 | |
In the midst of COVID-19, lots of big milestone events are getting cancelled. Did you know many of these events could meet the research definition of a ritual? Listen to our Science of Parenting hosts discuss the impact of missing out on the big moments and how to talk to your kids about it. Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. | |||