Parenting Translator

Let's talk about the awkwardness of puberty. Things have changed since we were going through it, and most of us want to be much more open with our children than our parents are with us.  

But how do we do that without confusing them further or embarrassing them?

Today, we're joined by Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll-Bennett from the Puberty Podcast to discuss the importance of open communication, using accurate terminology, and teaching kids about consent. We also highlight the impact of social media on body image and self-perception during puberty, and the need f...

Even though I've been through the crib to toddler bed transition three times, I'm still a little anxious about how it will go and the prospect of not sleeping for a week or maybe even more. Yikes!

Many parents wonder when is the best time to make the switch, and what's even normal when it comes to the transition process.

Let's find out what the research tells us!

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Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin...

Today we're discussing the five core principles of parenting: relationship, reflection, regulation, rules, and repair. 

How can these principles positively impact your child's development? And how do we think about them to raise resilient children?

Dr. Aliza Pressman is a developmental psychologist with over fifteen years of experience working with families. She's the host of the Raising Good Humans Podcast, and author of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans.

[00:00:02] How do we embrace mistakes, bounce back, and learn?
[00:04:27] Simplifying parenting science for easier decisions.
[00:09:23] F...

Today we welcome Dr. Rina Bliss to discuss the concept of intelligence and learning, and how parents can reframe their thinking to focus on children's individual strengths.  

We go over questions such as: 

Dr. Rina Bliss is a science technology and policy analyst, social justice advocate, and author of Rethinking Intelligence: A Radical New Understanding of O...

Is Santa Claus a fun holiday tradition or a harmful lie?

Critics of Santa argue that using a fictional character to judge behavior and the idea of a naughty and nice list is not only ineffective, but moreover teaches children to behave only to avoid being on the naughty list. And this messaging may even have a negative impact on children in the longterm.

Many parents are worried. So what does the research tell us? Does Santa encourage good behavior? Is it lying to encourage a belief in Santa? Will children be upset when they...

Today, Dr. Cara Goodwin and Dr. Emily Edlynn discuss the concept of autonomy supportive parenting - a style of parenting based on the idea of three fundamental needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. It involves strategies such as taking a child's perspective, using empathy, giving choices, and involving decision making.

Can this style reduce stress in the home and help children build resilience?

Dr. Emily Edlynn is a clinical psychologist and practicing therapist, and author of Autonomy-Supportive Parenting.

[00:00:02] Mindful parenting to reduce stress.
[00:01:53] Nurture children with autonomy support.
[00:04:33] Nurture child's autonomy, competence...

Nearly every parent has a moment when they say or do something and they wonder, "Oh my gosh, am I turning into my mother/father?" This particularly happens at times of stress or overwhelm, and it seems that we can't help but default to parenting in the same way our parents did when we are stressed out and overwhelmed.

For some parents who don't want to repeat the mistakes of their own parents, this experience is beyond frustrating and they may feel desperate for any way to break this generational cycle. 

So does research really f...

Tis the season to be bombarded with toy advertisements at every turn! Every influencer on social media, and every parenting blogger seems to have a gift guide with hundreds of potential gifts for children.

It's overwhelming for us as parents to dig through all of this information and choose a reasonable number of gifts for our children.

So this episode is a different kind of gift guide - one that actually helps you to understand the research behind toy quality and determine which toys might actually be beneficial for your child.

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Playfulness, as we all know, is something that comes really easily and naturally to our children. It seems like they could turn any object into a toy. They can turn the most boring thing into a game, but it does not come so easily to us parents. Our lives are serious and stressful, and we often don't have the time or the capacity to be playful.

It's hard to be playful when you're thinking about all the tragic world events that are going on right now, or when you're preoccupied by a work email, or even what's...

This week's episode is on tongue ties, which seems like a very niche topic, but it's actually one of my most requested topics that I have on my platform.

With a difficult parenting decision, medical professionals on this topic are likely to give parents different guidance based on their area of expertise, and they often leave the decision up to parents. So this leaves parents in a position where it's really important to understand the pros and cons of their decision and to make a really informed decision.

I also wanted to address this topic...

Today is all about how to handle ungrateful children, and the research behind what is commonly called bratty or even spoiled behavior. So as many of us are spending increased time with extended family members over the holidays, We may be feeling dread or stress about our children showing a lack of gratitude, or as some of our older relatives may call it, bratty or spoiled behavior.

For some reason, our children being ungrateful towards others, particularly older relatives, seems to be worse than when they are ungrateful with us in the comfort of our own home...

Have you ever worried that you may be too overprotective as a parent?

Previous research has found that overprotective parenting is linked to anxiety in children, but researchers do not fully understand why this relationship exists. In a new study, published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, researchers examined whether emotional regulation skills might explain the relationship between overprotective parenting and anxiety.

So what did they find?

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We've all been there. Our child lies to us, and we absolutely know it's happening. But what should we do about it?  And how does lying change as they get older and the lies become more significant?  Let's find out from Dr. Victoria Talwar.

About Our Guest
Dr. Victoria Talwar is a Canada Research Chair (II) and a Professor at McGill University. She has been working in the area of developmental psychology for over fifteen years with an emphasis on social-cognitive development. Her research interests include children’s verbal deception, children’s moral development, theory-of-mind unders...

As awareness of ADHD grows, particularly among women, more are facing the intricacies of managing symptoms alongside the rollercoaster of motherhood. So is there a safe path through therapy, medication, and self-care that ensures both parent and child thrive?

It's an intricate issue, and today we're shedding light on the little-discussed challenges like disorganization, distractibility, and the relentless need for patience—traits that can turn parenting into an uphill battle. But there are silver linings as well. And every parent out there, ADHD or not, can find the strength and tactics to navigate this beautiful chaos called pa...

Today we explore the research on gentle parenting, and more specifically, what you do when gentle parenting doesn't seem to be working. 

I have four kids now, and with my first, I was really into the gentle parenting movement...

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Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.

Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to four children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information t...

As Halloween approaches, today we're talking about a hot topic, the "sugar high".  

How does sugar impacts kids' behavior. Does it really make kids more hyperactive? Does it really cause more challenging behavior? 

Let's dig into the research. I think you will be very surprised by what it finds!

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Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.

Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to th...

We've all been on a play date with our kids where they have struggled with sharing with another child. They might scream "That's mine!" or "Give me that!" or get into a fight with another child over sharing. 

What should we do in those moments? How do we encourage them to share? And should we force them to share? 

Let's find out what the research says.

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Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is pr...

How do you know if your child has anxiety? And as a parent, what should you do about it?

Let's find out what the research tells us.

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Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.

Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

When is the right time to start your baby on solids? 4 Months? 6 Months? There's so much information out there on what is right for our kids, and it can all be overwhelming.

Today, we debunk outdated advice and explore the true signs of developmental readiness for introducing solids. We also unravel the myths around tongue thrust reflex, first food choices, and the one-food-per-week rule.

Discover the secrets behind iron-rich foods, managing parent anxiety, and understanding the right balance of sodium. If you've ever been perplexed about your little one's food journey, this episode is your...

The Pew Research Center recently published the results of a survey that they conducted to understand how most parents are functioning right now in the United States.

Results of a survey like this are interesting because they help us to understand how other parents experience parenthood, and maybe we feel a little bit less alone in our own journey.

So what did the study find?

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Parents who are fortunate enough to have a choice in their child's school may feel overwhelmed by all the choices that are out there. There are public schools, private schools, charter schools, or you could even homeschool your child. 

So how does a parent make this choice? And which of these options results in the best outcome for students? 

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Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.

Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D...

In recent years, homework has become a very hot topic. Many parents and educators have raised concerns about homework and questioned how effective it actually is in enhancing students' learning.

There are also concerns that students may be getting too much homework, which ultimately interferes with quality family time and important things like opportunities for physical activity and play.

But what does the research say about homework?

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With the prevalence of expert-driven parenting advice, how can we as mothers strike a balance between research and trusting our instincts as a parent? Today with New York Times Journalist Jessica Grose, we discuss our shared parenting experiences and what it's like to be a mom in the modern age of social media.

Mom guilt, stress, the evolution of parenting, and keeping up with mom influencers. Let's tune in!

Jessica Grose is a New York Times Journalist who often writes about parenting. She was named a Glamour Game Changer for her realistic coverage of parenting...

Today we answer all the questions about your pelvic floor that you were too afraid to ask or look up.  Dr. Michelle Little joins us to shed light on various aspects of pregnancy and postpartum care, including exercise recommendations, core strengthening, and pelvic floor exercises. She also highlights the significance of addressing issues like leakage, pelvic floor pressure, and pain to improve overall well-being and mental health.

There are so many myths out there about exercise during pregnancy, how long to wait to be active after giving birth, and tolerating discomfort. Let's find out what's real.

The transition to parenthood can be rough on a partnership. Between sleep deprivation, the high anxiety of caring for a tiny infant, persistent demands, and the dizzying changes that accompany the transition to parenthood, many couples experience a rapid decline in relationship happiness once a baby enters the scene.

So what can we do about it? How can we reignite that romantic flame?

Dr. Yael Schonbrun is a practicing clinical psychologist, assistant professor at Brown University, relationship specialist, and mom of three. She recently launched a newsletter about growing connections, Relational: The Art and Science...

Over the past 12 years, Dr. Jacqueline Nesi has been researching the effects of smartphones and social media on kids. As a result, she'd assumed that when she had kids of her own, she'd be well prepared to navigate the challenges that come along with managing screen time.

She assumed wrong.

With Dr. Goodwin on maternity leave, Dr. Jacqueline Nesi is guest hosting today's episode. She is a clinical psychologist and researcher at Brown University. She writes the substack called Techno Sapiens, which is all about psychology, technology, and parenting.

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Parenthood often comes with a barrage of myths and misconceptions about the elusive "mommy brain" or, if you want to include dads too, "baby brain". In this episode, Dr. Cara Goodwin and guest Chelsea Conaboy explore the science behind the brain changes that occur during the transformative phase of motherhood - and they're not all negative transformations!

Discover how hormones and experiences shape the parental brain, leading to hyper focus, increased empathy, and other incredible strengths. Uncover the truth about forgetfulness and the profound changes that redefine your cognitive landscape. Whether you're a new parent or a...

As I embark on maternity leave for my fourth child, today I'm sharing 5 research-backed reasons why everyone deserves paid time off for the births of their children.

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Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.

Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

Today we're talking about some new research on breastfeeding, specifically three new research studies that have come out in the past few months that might change how you think about breastfeeding.

For more research on breastfeeding, including the "Breast is Best" vs "Fed is Best" debate, check out our free pdf at https://parentingtranslator.org/resources.

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Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.

Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is...

On today's episode, we're going to do a deep dive into the different sleep training methods, considering that recent high-quality studies have shown that sleep training is not just the strict "cry it out" method that some people might assume. Instead, researchers and experts now recommend a more gentle and gradual approach. Below are some of the sleep training methods we'll be discussing:

Is there a particular approach that works better than others? Let's...

Today we're joined by Dr. Rebecca Dekker, the founder of Evidence Based Birth®, a platform that compiles research on childbirth to empower parents and provide them with evidence-based information. We'll go over various topics related to childbirth, including:

Dr. Rebecca Dekke...

Parents often hear about the dangers of screen time for children, but rarely does there seem to be a distinction among different types of screen time.  Every day research finds that infants and toddlers on average spend 10 to 45 minutes per day on touchscreen devices. Many apps on these devices claim to be educational, and some apps are even used as part of the curriculum in elementary schools and even in early childhood education centers. Yet apps for young children are largely unregulated, and the number of choices alone may be extremely overwhelming for parents.

So does research f...

I recently returned from a two week vacation in France with my family and my children are 7, 5, and almost e years old - and I was 31 weeks pregnant at the time of this trip. We visited Paris and the south of France, which I realize sounds very dreamy and magical and it definitely was, but it was also exhausting and full of many of the same sibling fights.

So today I'm going to be talking about traveling with kids - why travel with children, some of the research on jet lag and recommended products for travel, and...

As I enter the final stretch of my pregnancy, I'm asked again and again what I'm planning to name my baby and what I really wanna say to all those people who ask this incredibly sensitive question is that no matter what answer you provide, you're opening yourself up to unsolicited comments and criticism.

The name that you choose for your child will go with them throughout life. And of course, this is a personal decision that's based on countless factors. For parents who feel stuck in this very important decision, it can help to have some...

In this podcast and on my social media pages, I often discuss very controversial and sensitive subjects such as birth trauma and maternal morbidity. I've never used a trigger warning or a content warning on any of this material, and you might be wondering why. So my reasoning is not due to a lack of sensitivity, but rather is based in research. And I really wanted to explain this research to you so you can understand why I don't use trigger warnings and content warnings.

Let's discuss what the research says.
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Today we discuss the research on supplements, vitamins, and probiotics. What should parents think about in general when we're thinking about supplements and vitamins (non-medical treatments), the stuff you can buy off the shelf of a drugstore. There's a lot of misleading information led by huge marketing machines, so we asked Dr. Krupa Playforth (aka "The Pediatrician Mom") to give us answers on what's effective and what's harmful to our children.

 
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When I had my first child, I remember being thrilled to start solid food. I had planned to start with vegetable purees and then move to fruit and I stocked up on everything Gerber had to offer and I got my iPhone ready to record this big moment. However, much to my dismay, my baby seemed to hate it and acted like I was torturing her as I directed a spoon toward her mouth.

I did my research and I quickly learned everything I could about baby-led weaning.
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Women are still stigmatized for expressing anything but bliss in the transition to motherhood. So the goal of this episode is to spread awareness of the common mental health struggles during the postpartum period, and we'll specifically cover postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum psychosis, and other common postpartum symptoms such as intrusive thoughts and postpartum rage.

Let's dig into how to improve our postpartum mental health.

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Today we're discussing the research behind redshirting - delaying kindergarten or school entry for a year. This seems to be an increasingly popular trend for giving your child a competitive advantage.

The growing popularity of redshirting may have been started by Malcolm Gladwell's bestselling book, Outliers, which claims that a child being relatively older than their peers provides an advantage.

But what does the research say?

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Kate Baer has always been a writer, and as soon as she became a mother, her blog and essays became about motherhood. Even with success, she felt boxed in, that people weren't respecting her work as literary. So she took a break for four years and started working on a novel - but then she started to cheat on that novel with poetry.

That poetry has become a gift for mothers, art that makes us feel like we’re not alone. It verbalizes a lot of the things we’ve been scared to say out loud because it’s...