Parenting Understood

Erin O'Connor and Michelle Tangeman
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Parenting Understood

Parenting Understood is a podcast aimed at helping parents become more confident and relaxed in their parenting. We explore the current research on different parenting and child development topics and break it down into an easy to understand, relatable content. We know there is an abundance of information out there which can make it feel overwhelming. Maybe trying to determine what’s fact vs opinion makes you want to bury your head in the sand. Let us help you find and understand the evidence based resources you need, to feel more confident in the choices you make as parents. Join us each week to get a breakdown of the current research and let us guide you to becoming a more confident and relaxed parent, able to provide the sensitive and responsive care your child needs.

  1. 13 NOV

    Ep. 145 - Concepts of attachment and self-regulation

    In episode 145, Erin and Michelle delve into the concepts of attachment and self-regulation, highlighting their significance in parenting and child development. The hosts discuss how attachment forms a secure base, allowing children to regulate stress and explore their environment. Attachment theory categorizes relationships as either secure, which supports effective self-regulation, or insecure, where stress regulation can be more challenging. Brain research reveals that secure attachments foster more integrated neural activity between the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for emotional regulation. The conversation touches on the potential effects of having mixed attachment styles with different caregivers and how secure attachments can mitigate the impact of insecure ones. As children grow, they develop social referencing skills, using their caregivers to navigate and interpret social and emotional contexts. Co-regulation—where caregivers model emotional regulation and validate children’s emotions—is emphasized as a key supportive strategy. Emotional awareness and using natural, age-appropriate language to describe emotions help children understand and articulate their feelings. Practical techniques like deep breathing are also explored as essential tools to support self-regulation, even if results take time and consistency.

    30 min

  2. 31 OCT

    Ep. 144 - Navigating the Digital Age with Professor Selcuk Sirin

    In this latest episode, we discuss with Professor Selcuk Sirin the potential influences of our expanding digital world on parenting and child development. We speak about both preparing children for entering the digital world, as well as supporting them once they are in it. We also touch upon the development of technology, and the various generational responses to it.  As an applied psychologist, Dr. Sirin uses empirical research methods to better understand the needs of children and families, and to arm professionals and policy makers with this knowledge so as to better address the needs of the most vulnerable. The goal that unites all of his work is to enhance the lives of marginalized children using development in context as a general framework. He focuses on immigrant children in New York, Muslim youth in the US, refugees in Turkey and Norway, and students at risk in US schools. He has published his work in top journals, such as Child Development, Developmental Psychology, Review of Educational Research, and Pediatrics, in an effort to inform scholars, practitioners, and policy makers about marginalized children. He has also made a concerted effort to get his work to a wider audience both locally and globally, as he believes strongly in “giving scientific knowledge away.” He has served on several policy committees such as the National Academy of Sciences, the Urban Institute, and the Migration Policy Institute. He has also collaborated with UNESCO and Save the Children, in their efforts to improve the lives of refugee children. Please visit his lab's web page for most recent work and volunteering opportunities. Sirin Lab  For those from Turkey here is his Turkish web page: http://www.selcuksirin.com/  Turkçe web sayfam için lütfen şu sayfayı ziyaret edin:  http://www.selcuksirin.com/

    31 min

  3. 16 OCT

    Ep. 143 - Supporting Civic Engagement among All Children

    In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Diana Turk to discuss civic engagement and supporting children in their engagement. We explore traditional and critical civic engagement. Diana provides a definition of civic engagement that includes community building, empathy, and understanding diverse perspectives. She emphasizes the importance of involving children in civic activities from a young age, modeling thoughtful discussions, and explaining the "why" behind our actions. Diana provides practical examples, like discussing the reasoning behind supporting a particular cause or candidate, and involving children in community service. She also highlights the importance of empowering neurodivergent children to participate in civic life and provides resources for families to support their children's civic engagement. For more information on Dr. Turk and her work please visit her website   Diana Turk is the Director of Teacher Education at NYU Steinhardt's School of Culture Education, and Human Development and an associate professor of Teaching and Learning. Diana received her MA and PhD in American Studies from the University of Maryland at College Park. She brings to her work in teacher education a passion for civic engagement, a commitment to teaching for democratic change, and a dedication to the fundamental belief that all teachers must be prepared to reach and teach all learners. Actively committed to an ongoing anti-racist journey, Diana recognizes the need for all students to have teachers who see, know, and understand them, as well as look like them, Diana is passionate about building a highly diverse and effective teacher corps that is anti-racist, culturally sustaining, and rigorously dedicated to teaching and guiding the nation’s children.

    32 min

  4. 2 OCT

    Ep. 142 - How to navigate difficult conversations with grandparents

    This is the first episode in our new biweekly release schedule. In this episode, we discuss permissive grandparents and how to navigate, at times, different parenting styles between parents and grandparents. We acknowledge the vital role grandparents play in a child's life while recognizing the potential challenges of inconsistent parenting styles. We further offer practical advice for parents, when having discussions with grandparents around parenting styles. We stress the importance of patience and understanding, recognizing that changing ingrained behaviors takes time. Ultimately, we provide valuable tools for parents seeking to maintain healthy relationships with grandparents while ensuring consistent guidance for their children.

    17 min

  5. 25 SEPT

    Ep. 141 - How do we support literacy in young children with Dr. Susan Neuman

    In this episode of Parenting Understood, we delve into early literacy with Dr. Susan Neuman. We discuss creating child-centered learning environments that foster literacy development. Dr. Neuman emphasizes the importance of responsive teacher-child conversations, play, reading, writing, and singing. She highlights the need for a balanced approach to alphabetics and encourages parents to engage children in informational texts. The conversation also touches upon the influence of research on educational policies and the significance of recognizing individual learning styles. To learn more about Dr. Neuman and her work please visit her website Susan Neuman | NYU Steinhardt, LinkedIn profile and Susan B. Neuman on X.

    20 min

  6. 18 SEPT

    Ep. 140 - Social Creatures: The importance of human connection

    This episode of Parents Understood features Dr. Rose Perry and Dr. Natalie Brito discussing Social Creatures, a non-profit focused on social health. Dr. Perry, a social neuroscientist, discusses her research highlighting the impact of early social connections on lifelong well-being, and how her recognizing the societal undervaluing of these connections lead to her founding Social Creatures, which aims to promote health through community building. Drs. Perry and Brito also discuss Social Creatures’ program, Bonded by Baby, which addresses the high prevalence of loneliness among new parents. By connecting parents with similar-aged infants, the program offers crucial social support and combats postpartum depression and anxiety. Additionally, Drs. Perry and Brito provide practical advice for parents, emphasizing the importance of open communication, self-care, and maintaining diverse connections. For more information on Dr. Perry and Social Creatures please visit her LinkedIn page, as well as the Social Creatures website. For more information on Dr. Natalie Brito please visit her LinkedIn page and her lab website ISLAND.

    25 min

  7. 11 SEPT

    Ep: 139 - Supporting Students with Neurodiversity with Dr. Katie Newhouse

    In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Katie Scott Newhouse, Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Director of Special Education at New York University, to discuss supporting neurodiverse students in middle childhood. Dr. Newhouse emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual differences and tailoring support strategies accordingly. Transitions, especially back-to-school after summer, can be challenging for neurodiverse students. Strategies discussed include open communication between parents and teachers, visual schedules, social stories, and classroom placement considerations. We highlight the importance of parent advocacy and connecting with community resources. We also touch on the challenges of navigating the school system and the need for proactive support.  For more information on Dr. Newhouse and her work please visit: Dr. Katie Newhouse

    44 min

  8. 4 SEPT

    Ep. 138 - Love is Still Winning a conversation with author Dr. Fabienne Doucet

    In this episode, we discuss with Dr. Fabienne Doucet her new bilingual picture book "Love is Still Winning." The book tells a story of a child reminding their mother about the enduring power of love and kindness in the world. Fabienne’s professional background in education and her passion for children's literature have intertwined in this project. She sees stories as a powerful tool to initiate conversations about complex issues and to foster understanding. The book encourages readers to explore acts of love in their own lives and communities, promoting a message of hope and resilience. We discuss various ways in which caregivers can use the book to engage in meaningful conversations. You can find the book at independent bookstores and online retailers, and follow Fabienne on social media @Bailabomba for updates on events and future projects.

    21 min
See All (100)

About

Parenting Understood is a podcast aimed at helping parents become more confident and relaxed in their parenting. We explore the current research on different parenting and child development topics and break it down into an easy to understand, relatable content. We know there is an abundance of information out there which can make it feel overwhelming. Maybe trying to determine what’s fact vs opinion makes you want to bury your head in the sand. Let us help you find and understand the evidence based resources you need, to feel more confident in the choices you make as parents. Join us each week to get a breakdown of the current research and let us guide you to becoming a more confident and relaxed parent, able to provide the sensitive and responsive care your child needs.

Information

  • Creator
    Erin O'Connor and Michelle Tangeman
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 Parenting Understood All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Parenting Understood

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