Parenting Smarts

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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...

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 yo...

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!

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!

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 famil...

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, downlo...

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...

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!

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 Paren...

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 Sma...

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...

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 Sma...