Podcast – Science Of Parenting

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 showSend 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

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 showSend 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

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 showSend 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

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 showSend 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

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 showSend 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

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 showSend 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

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 showSend 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

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 showSend 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

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 showSend 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

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 showSend 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

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 showSend 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

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 showSend 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

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 showSend 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

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 showSend 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

Reading with the youngest children focuses on talking, listening, and building a strong foundation in language—often referred to as “language nutrition.”Support the showSend 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

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 showSend 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

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 showSend 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/diversity/ext

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 showSend 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/diversity/ext

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 showSend 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/diversity/ext

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 showSend 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/diversity/ext