100 episodes

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.

Parenting Understood Erin O'Connor and Michelle Tangeman

    • Kids & Family
    • 5.0 • 41 Ratings

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.

    Ep. 123 - How to Have Difficult Conversations with Children

    Ep. 123 - How to Have Difficult Conversations with Children

    In this episode, we discuss 9 key principles to consider when having conversations with children around difficult topics, such as illness. We discuss ways to be developmentally appropriate with one’s approach, especially for younger children. In addition, we talk about supports to consider when having these conversations, and the importance of gearing one’s approach towards one’s own child’s needs. 
     
    Resources:
    Talking to Children about Cancer 
    Talking to Children about Mental Illness 
    Talking to Children about Death
     

    • 20 min
    Ep. 122 - Imagining Childhood: Navigating the World of Young Minds with Dr. Paul Harris

    Ep. 122 - Imagining Childhood: Navigating the World of Young Minds with Dr. Paul Harris

    In this episode we are joined by Harvard Professor, Dr. Paul Harris, to delve into the intricate world of children's imagination and its developmental significance. Drawing on his research, Dr. Harris challenges historical views, notably those of Freud and Piaget, highlighting the pragmatic value of children's imaginative play. He shares experiments involving young children's responses to pretend scenarios, revealing their sophisticated understanding and application of imagination in everyday situations. Moreover, Dr. Harris explores children's willingness to believe in unseen phenomena, shedding light on the role of trust, consensus, and attachment in shaping their perceptions. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Harris provides practical insights and thought-provoking reflections, offering a deeper understanding of child development and the dynamics of parent-child interactions.
     
    To learn more about Dr. Harris and his research please visit his website Dr. Paul Harris.
     

    • 28 min
    Ep. 121 - Unlocking Children’s Creativity through Computer Programming

    Ep. 121 - Unlocking Children’s Creativity through Computer Programming

    In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Felienne Hermans to delve into the world of programming and its significance in children's development. We explore why programming is vital for children, emphasizing their shift from being digital consumers to creators. Felienne underscores the importance of fostering creativity in the digital realm, highlighting how programming empowers children to craft their own digital creations.
    Felienne also offers insights into age-appropriate programming activities. Moreover, she addresses common misconceptions about programming and offers practical advice for parents looking to engage their children in coding. She stresses the value of choosing activities aligned with children's interests, whether it's art, storytelling, or gaming.
    Felienne also encourages parents to embrace learning alongside their children, emphasizing the importance of modeling curiosity and resilience.
    To learn more about Dr. Hermans and her coding program, please visit her website https://www.felienne.com/ and https://www.hedycode.com/
     

    • 24 min
    Ep. 120 - How to Support Child Development through Nutrition: A Conversation with Danielle Duboise

    Ep. 120 - How to Support Child Development through Nutrition: A Conversation with Danielle Duboise

    In this episode, we are joined by Danielle DuBosie, co-Founder of Sakara Life, which merges modern science and ancient healing wisdom. We explore the intricate connection between nutrition, emotions, and childhood development. Danielle, who had a background in functional medicine, delves into the emerging research on the gut microbiome's impact on emotional well-being, emphasizing how food directly influences gut health, which in turn affects mood and mental health. She also advocate for teaching children to discern how different foods make them feel.  Danielle shares strategies for fostering a positive relationship with food, such as involving children in meal preparation and emphasizing diversity in food choices. We also discuss practical meal ideas and the importance of avoiding processed foods. Throughout, Danielle highlights the complexity of nutrition and the importance of nurturing a holistic approach to well-being.
     
    To learn more about Danielle and her work please visit her on instagram @danielleduboise and @sakaralife and listen to The Sakara Life podcast. 

    • 30 min
    Ep. 119 - How to Navigate the Crisis of Connection with our Children: Insights from Professor Pedro Noguera

    Ep. 119 - How to Navigate the Crisis of Connection with our Children: Insights from Professor Pedro Noguera

    In this latest episode, Professor Noguera argues for a shift in education, prioritizing both academic achievement and social-emotional development. He highlights how schools often neglect fostering positive student-adult relationships, which are crucial for well-being. Dr. Noguera proposes a holistic approach, emphasizing a supportive environment in schools. Further, we discuss how parents are key in promoting balanced lifestyles and social interactions. We also touch on broader societal trends and the potential impact of AI in education, acknowledging both its potential benefits and concerns about hindering critical thinking skills.
    To learn more about Dr. Pedro Noguera and his work please visit:
    Dr. Noguera-UCLA
     

    • 22 min
    Ep. 75 [Revisited] - Correlates and Consequences of Human Connection: A Conversation with Dr. Marc Brackett and Dr. Niobe Way

    Ep. 75 [Revisited] - Correlates and Consequences of Human Connection: A Conversation with Dr. Marc Brackett and Dr. Niobe Way

    In this episode, we are joined by Drs Marc Brackett and Niobe Way to discuss the importance of human connection for children, teenagers, and adults. We talk about the significance of supportive relationships for healthy social emotional development, and the potential negative effects of a lack of supportive relationships, including violence and self-harm. Further, Marc and Niobe dive into the topic of relational intelligence and ways in which this can be understood and learned. Finally, we discuss how parents can find ways to be the person their children can turn to and how they can go from passing judgment to being curious role models.
    To learn more about Dr. Marc Brackett please visit:
    https://www.marcbrackett.com and howwefeel.org
    To learn more about Dr. Niobe Way please visit: 
    https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/people/niobe-way and listen to her Ted talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFsZsn7SRAc
     
    To learn more about Dr. Way’s research and the movie Close please visit: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2023-01-27/lukas-dhont-close-oscar-nominee

    • 41 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
41 Ratings

41 Ratings

kristen j.m. ,

Becoming a critical consumer

Parenting Understood is an accessible, informative, and easy to take in resource in all things parenting! Erin and Michelle are trustworthy experts committed to communicating the research behind practices, and offer examples of how these practices work in real life. Highly recommend!

rebeccasilver68 ,

Insightful

I find the best advice comes from people who have walked in your shoes which is what these two ladies are giving us. Plus moms are the best researchers on the planet when it comes to their kids so I trust what I heard. Awesome!

Howards0104 ,

Audio Quality

Love the podcast but the audio quality makes it difficult to listen too!

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