The Science of Parenting

This episode highlights how parents can transition from strict control to authoritative guidance by focusing on connection and understanding the underlying systems within modern games. By utilizing natural break points for boundaries and showing genuine interest in their child's play, families can replace constant conflict with better communication and mutual trust. Support the show Send us a...

While many parents rely on ESRB ratings to judge a game's safety, these ratings primarily evaluate visual content rather than the underlying systems that drive spending and social interaction. By understanding how modern games function as digital marketplaces and social networks, parents can move from reacting with uncertainty to providing proactive guidance for their children. Support the sh...

This episode explores how digital gaming has evolved from a finished product into a continuous, living environment that continues whether a child is logged in or not. Doctoral candidate and researcher Soyoung Park joins the show to break down the four structural changes in modern games—including monetization and social obligations—that often lead to tension and conflict within families. Support th...

This wrap-up gathers reflections and practical tools from this season’s guests, highlighting joys and challenges from newborns to adults. Featuring “Across the Ages” insights, we share bonus answers on common hurdles and go-to strategies from each stage to bring our research-and-reality theme full circle. Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofpar...

We explore what it means to parent in adulthood’s most ambiguous stage—when children are grown but still growing. Extension educator and mom-of-five Cindy Thompson joins us to share insights on boundaries, financial support, and staying connected as adult children find their own way. Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution...

We explore fueling growth and movement in the pre-teen and teenage years—how nutrition and activity support rapidly changing bodies and brains. Registered dietitian Jody Gatewood shares practical tips on breakfast, key nutrients, affordable fruits/veggies, 60-minute daily movement, and family routines that build healthy, stress-free habits. Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu....

We dive into raising STEM-ready kids by encouraging exploration and innovation at school, after school, and at home. NASA Iowa Space Grant Director Sara Nelson unpacks integrated STEM and project-based learning, plus what to look for in quality programs. Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal opportunity provid...

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. Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal oppo...

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. Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @science...

From diapers to development, we unpack what parenting in the newborn stage really looks like—routines, safety, sleep, feeding, and self-care. With research-based tips and real-life stories, you’ll learn simple ways to support healthy growth while balancing older siblings and your own wellbeing. Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This i...

Parenting by Age is a season of growth that walks families through the parenting journey—from newborns to emerging adults. Blending real-life stories with expert insights, this episode offers research-based guidance to help parents understand development, set realistic expectations, and enjoy each stage along the way. Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook :...

Books are powerful tools for exploring emotions and building empathy. Stories help children navigate feelings, manage stress, and connect with characters experiencing similar situations. Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inqui...

Some children face challenges with reading, even after early exposure to books and language. Learn to recognize common signs of struggle and explore simple, effective strategies to provide support at home. Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or...

Community spaces like libraries, farmers markets, and local events offer more than entertainment—they provide valuable opportunities to support language and literacy development. Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go...

Reading for pleasure boosts cognitive development and improves literacy, yet interest often declines in the teen years. Explore how reading impacts adolescent thinking, empathy, and emotional growth. Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accomm...

Shared reading routines, accurate word reading, writing integration, and selecting engaging texts all play a key role in developing strong reading skills during the early school years. Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiri...

Preschool is a prime time for building language and literacy skills. Reading at this stage involves emerging abilities that begin to resemble more traditional reading behaviors. Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go...

Reading with the youngest children focuses on talking, listening, and building a strong foundation in language—often referred to as “language nutrition.” Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate...

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. Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go...

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. Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discriminat...

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!  Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statem...

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.  Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is...

Listen in on this episode to delve into attachment theory with our cohosts! They will explore what it is (and what it’s not) and the role that our parent-child relationship has in regulation.  Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation...

In this episode, the Science of Parenting team examines and reflects on our parenting role when it comes to regulation, self-control, and big feelings.  Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate....

Lies, tantrums, and bad attitudes, oh my! When kids have challenging behaviors, it might be that they need help learning to regulate. In this episode our cohosts dive into the topic of regulation and discuss a crucial strategy for helping our children regulate themselves.  Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal...