The Science of Parenting

With the recent changes to the CDC’s milestone checklists, we know that some parents have had questions about what changed, why they changed them, and what it means for their family. Check out our bonus podcast episode to get more in-depth answers and information! Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal opportun...

It’s inevitable: our child won’t always behave in ways we love. This week Lori and Mackenzie look at specific parenting practices and situations to help you find effective guidance and discipline strategies. 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 o...

What we use with our toddler won’t always work with our teenager (or will it?). This episode the hosts look at how to adapt and adjust our discipline strategies to meet our kids where they are at developmentally. 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...

We all hope we have a positive relationship with our child, but did you know the climate of that relationship is a major factor in how resistant or cooperative your child is with your attempts to shape their behavior? Listen in for suggestions on how to promote a warm parent-child relationship. Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This i...

I've got a feeling that emotions play a big part in our interactions with our children. The hosts discuss the emotional process, and they dig back out one of their favorite concepts to explain the effect our emotions have on our guidance and discipline. Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal opportunity pr...

Research tells us that there are influences on our discipline choices that are subtle and that sometimes go unrecognized. Take a moment to listen and reflect, and maybe have your own “a-ha” moment on what secretly impacts your choices. 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 no...

Discipline is one of the most requested topics we get as parenting educators. Learn how we define discipline, explore different types, and learn a straightforward flip to help your child meet your expectations more often. 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-discriminati...

Children with diverse abilities or special needs have temperament traits too.  Many techniques that work for adapting to diverse needs can be used to work with your child's temperament too (and vice versa)! Goodness of fit is important!  Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the...

How do temperament traits play out in teens and pre-teens? They face hormone changes, friend drama, risk-taking, and more… all while dealing with their “factory settings.” Hear how we can help our teens balance their temperament with their daily environment!  Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal opportunity p...

School-agers face many things that may bring out – or go up against – their natural set point. Homework, teacher/child interactions, friendships, organized activities… all times when their temperament can be noticed! Learn ways to help your 6 to 11-year-old navigate life through a temperament lens.  Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. T...

Temperament impacts preschool behaviors such as play groups, physical activities, independence, and following directions. Parents can learn their child’s temperament and create environments that play to their child’s natural tendencies instead of struggling with them. Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal oppo...

Biting, temper tantrums, and overall general mood…all affected by a toddler’s temperament. This week our hosts discuss each trait as they pertain to toddlers and how we can use that understanding to navigate tough behaviors… like those tricky tantrums! Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal opportunity provider...

An infant’s temperament has an impact on early behaviors such as sleep, stranger anxiety, and overall general mood. Parents can learn their child’s temperament and create environments that play to their child’s natural tendencies instead of fighting against them.  Support the show Send us an email: parenting@iastate.edu. Find us on Facebook : @scienceofparent. This institution is an equal opportun...

Our temperament is given to us genetically at birth. As we grow, our environment begins to form around our temperament. At each stage of growth, our temperament can shape how and when we reach our developmental milestones.  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-discrimina...

This week the cohosts reflect on what it was like parenting through the pandemic – both research and reality. Take a moment to listen, relate, and reflect on your own experiences through tough times in this episode. 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 sta...

When family stress is high, patience can run low. Reconnecting and repairing with our children after we’ve lost our cool is essential. Hear a four-step process for repairing in this week’s episode. 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 accommod...

As our circumstances morph and change, so can our rules and expectations. The cohosts offer some tips for finding the balance between flexibility and consistency with rules during 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 statement or accommodation...

When everything around us feels chaotic, there are a few tasks we can utilize to helps us find some consistency and connectedness. Come hear how rituals and routines can help families find a sense of normalcy!  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 statemen...

When things get tough, relationships can too. Luckily there are research-based strategies to help strengthen and preserve these connections! 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.edu/legal

Research says that certain characteristics can help kids and parents be more resilient. Learn what those qualities are and how you can help your whole family get through 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 statement or accommodation inquiries...

Even through tough times, parents and kids can grow their skills and strengths to end up “bouncing forward”.  Explore the concept of resilience and how we can raise kids with this important trait.   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 accommo...

As your child-parent relationship grows up, learn how to co-exist with your young adult.  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.edu/legal

Though they make look like adults, teens are still developing in all areas. Be a positive role model and keep the communication flowing as they keep growing up. 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....

As your child grows into a preteen, help ease the transition with an honest, direct approach. Learn how to embrace this ultimate transition period. 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.edu/l...

Children with special needs often achieve skills and milestones later than others. Listen in as Lori and Mackenzie offer support and ideas for parents of children with different abilities. 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 inq...