Parenting Smarts

When and how to allow social media is a popular question parents ask. It's a complicated answer. MaryRuth explores the research on mental health and social media to equip you to find the right answers for your children.

Every day we're faced with big and small decisions. Some decisions require discernment, a longer period of prayerful time before making a decision. Claire Dwyer joins MaryRuth to explore some strategies for making sound decisions and cultivating those skills in our families.

Parenting teens can be challenging. Deb Herback joins MaryRuth to discuss how to create a culture that helps young people grow, understand boundaries, know their worth and cultivate faith.

MaryRuth explores the development of self-perception and self-worth along with tips to help cultivate it in ourselves and in our children.

Eric Brooker joins MaryRuth to share about his journey toward discovering his worth. His book is You Are Enough: Overcoming Lifelong Doubts of Worthiness.

The saints are our friends in Heaven. They want to intercede for us, to be part of our faith family! Katie Burke joins MaryRuth to explore ways to cultivate friendships with saints in our families.

What's it like to parent alongside a parenting expert? We'll find out when MaryRuth is joined by her husband, Bob Hackett. 

Susie Garlick joins MaryRuth to explore how our experiences and background influence our parenting. Her book is The Parenting Backpack.

Traveling with your family can be challenging, but it is worth it! Being together sharing new experiences is good for our brains and good for our relationships. Brina Sauers joins MaryRuth to share tips on how to travel well with children. 

Raising children is full of transitions. Jennifer Ellis joins MaryRuth to explore how parents can adjust to change as their children grow up.

Summer is almost here and the kids will get bored. MaryRuth takes a look at how boredom affects brain function and gives us tips on how to deal with boredom.

Parents have a duty to pray for their kids and their prayers are especially powerful. Kathleen Beckman joins MaryRuth to explore spiritual authority including ways to protect and pray for our children. 

Are you an angry parent? Are your children angry? How do we teach our children how to regulate emotions, especially anger? MaryRuth outlines strategies to deal with strong emotions in a healthy way. 

Our God is merciful and just, perfectly merciful and perfectly just. How do we cultivate an understanding of justice that balances mercy and forgiveness in our children? Justice Kathryn King joins MaryRuth to explore how we can communicate these concepts through our parenting. 

What does it take to thrive, to have well being, to be happy? MaryRuth discusses the five factors that contribute to happiness and challenges us to take a closer look at how these areas operate in our lives.

We are built for relationships. If we don't three different types of relationships - intimacy, friendship and community, we can be lonely. Michelle Benzinger joins MaryRuth to discuss creating connections and building good relationships.

All of us will suffer. Grief is part of life. How do we deal with loss and how do we help our children with suffering and grief? Rita Morton joins MaryRuth to explore grief, suffering, loss and healing.

We are in a mental health crisis, especially with children and teens. What are parents to do? Bishop Dolan joins MaryRuth to explore strategies and resources to help those who suffer.

When is a good time to get your kid a phone? It's a tough question and one that varies from family to family, and child to child. MaryRuth breaks down some of the considerations to keep in mind when making decisions about phones.

Personality tests, especially enneagrams are so popular, but are spiritually dangerous. In addition to not being based in science or truth, enneagrams have their foundations in the occult.  Jordan Burke joins MaryRuth to explore the validity and spirituality behind these practices.

What is it to be a son of God? Mike Phelan joins MaryRuth to discuss what healthy masculinity is and how to cultivate it in our sons.

What does it mean to be a daughter of God? MaryRuth is interviewed by Dulce Aguirre to explore what it means to cultivate a healthy concept of femininity.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Where do we begin to talk about sex, intimacy and puberty with our sons? Michael Villanueva, Coordinator for the St. John Paul II Resource Center, joins MaryRuth to explore language, tips and ideas for cultivating healthy conversations about these potentially awkward topics.

Where do we begin to talk about sex, intimacy and puberty with our daughters? Kris Forbes and Katy Hansen, leaders with the St. Philomena retreats, join MaryRuth to explore language, tips and ideas for cultivating healthy conversations about these potentially awkward topics.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

As part of natural development kids will likely have doubt about the faith. Mark Hart joins MaryRuth to explore how to create a Catholic family culture, as well as face the hard questions with confidence and love.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

While kids are developing, parents are too! MaryRuth explores how parents grow and strategies change as we experience stages of development with our kids.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Today, Maryruth takes a deep dive in the role of fathers and the importance of taking a leadership role within the family with Deacon Neil Tift. 

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Cultivating holy habits leads to lasting change. This episode provides tips for living authentically, helping teach our children how to love God and being intentional about change that leads to renewal that lasts. Accept the invitation to greatness!

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

What does kingship mean in the context of our spiritual life and family life? It has to do with putting our lives in right order, living with integrity and wholeness. Shalini Blubaugh joins MaryRuth to explore how to integrate all the parts of our lives and orient them to kingdom living.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

On this episode, Maryruth has a candid conversation with Mary Castner about evangelization and some best practices for sharing Jesus with our kids.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

How can we help our kids understand and cope with suffering? Maryruth takes a look at the issue of suffering and offers some beautiful ideas to help our children with this tough topic.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Maryruth is joined by Mytae Carrasco for candid conversation on cultivating a love for the poor within the family, including practical ideas to use in your own domestic church.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Simplicity, both with material possessions and activities is crucial for growing in holiness. It is difficult and counter-cultural to live simply. Leana Bowler joins MaryRuth to explore how to intentionally make decisions that allow more space for the Lord.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

We all want our kids to be Catholic, but how do we create a Catholic culture in our homes? MaryRuth explores strategies for building a family culture with Christ at the center.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Why is community so important? Gina Fensterer and MaryRuth discuss different aspects of community and how to cultivate community both inside and outside the home. 

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

What makes a good friendship? How can our kids make good friends? MaryRuth and Jennifer Ellis explore different aspects of friendships and how to help our children cultivate healthy ones.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Good parenting starts with strong marriages. MaryRuth explores the science behind healthy relationship. Guests, Mike and Jenna Guizar, share some of the ways they nurture their marriage.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

How can we cultivate good prayer habits with our children? Prayer is about a relationship. Start with your own relationship with God and with your kids. MaryRuth breaks down the science that affects faith in kids and then explores prayer with Andrea Boring.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Welcome to Season 4! This season will be built on the concept of building habits. MaryRuth is joined by Jennifer Ellis and Andrea Boring to preview what you can expect.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Developmental science meets faith formation. How can we grow in virtue? Well, we develop good habits. What is the science behind forming good habits? How does that relate to forming holy habits?  Fr. Mark Mary Ames joins MaryRuth to explore the framework for Season 4, his book, Habits for Holiness.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Home, a place where we learn love, the union of the material with the immaterial. What makes a home a place where families flourish? Joining MaryRuth is Noelle Mering, co-author of Theology of Home and Theology of Home 2 to explore how to make the most of home life for families.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Newborns might not be able to do much physically, but their brains are working nonstop! What parents do during this critical time is so important for their healthy development. Missy Powers joins MaryRuth to help us understand baby brains and how we can nurture healthy growth. Spoiler alert: screens are bad.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Navigating the teen years is not easy! Their brains are reorganizing, they are trying to figure out who they are, and sometimes making poor decisions. MaryRuth explores how teen brains work and provides tips for parents in dealing with teens.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Growing in relationship with God takes effort. Prayer takes effort and discipline. Katie Prejean-McGrady joins MaryRuth to talk about practical ways to cultivate fruitful prayer for ourselves and our children.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Our bodies are temples, let's get better at taking care of them. Kelli Shallal joins MaryRuth to discuss nutrition; how to make good food choices for ourselves and our children. It's a refreshing look at how to approach food, choose language about food and examine attitudes about food.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

It's a messy job, but we all have to do it. Getting rid of diapers is worth it! Every child starts at their own time, but usually complete it around the same age. MaryRuth helps us understand how to know when your child is ready. She gives us some tips on making a successful transition.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Many of us have experienced some level of anxiety, especially in 2020. MaryRuth and Maraeca Butler explore the brain, what anxiety looks like. Find out how to recognize signs of anxiety and how to help your kids.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

To say 2020 has been a challenge for children and parents is an understatement. For most of us all the normal habits and rules have been thrown out the window. How do we cope during these times? What can we do to minimize the damage done or maybe even thrive while surviving through a global pandemic? MaryRuth brings some clarity and tips to help us weather this storm.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

We all want our kids to be responsible, to be leaders. What does it take to develop leadership qualities in our kids? It's about modeling behaviors as well as providing opportunities for kids to lead, to shine, to take responsibility. Check out this episode with fellow podcaster, Eric Brooker.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

God has a special mission for each of us, but how do we find it? How do we help our kids discover their purpose? Praying with our kids, recognizing their passions, encouraging their natural talents all help them uncover God's plan for them.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Sibling issues began with the very first siblings, Cain and Abel. From jealousy to crabbiness, kids need help working through issues with their siblings. Today MaryRuth and Beth Williby talk through some strategies to help parents cultivate healthy sibling relationships.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Kids will lie. Research proves it. The challenge for parents is how to teach children to be honest. MaryRuth explores how the brain works and strategies for helping encourage honesty.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

We all want to be good parents, but what does it take? Today MaryRuth answers the question she asked her guests last season. She explores different types of parenting and goals for those striving to be the best parents possible. 

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Setting boundaries can be a challenge. How do we evaluate and set boundaries for ourselves and in our families? How do we help our children learn to set their own boundaries? 

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Diversity is beautiful, all of God's creation is beautiful. How do we impart this truth to our children? It's good to talk with our children about race. It's important to acknowledge physical differences as well as talk about similarities we share, read books about the history or race in America, introduce them to heroes of different races and more great ideas. Leana Bowler joins MaryRuth to explore this topic and provide tips and tools for parents.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

One day our kids will grow up and leave our home. Will they be ready? How do we prepare them for adulthood? Today we get tips on cultivating autonomy, independence and helping our kids discover their unique gifts. We'll also hear from a young adult, Sophie Welter about her own transition to college.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

What's the difference between guilt and shame? Guilt is related to how a person feels about a particular action, shame is how someone fells about themselves. Today, MaryRuth and Kristin Maher talk about helping our children to understand the difference. How can we correct behaviors, and not be critical? Tune in to get tips on how to silence the voice of shame and help our kids be confident about their worth.  

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

How do we help our children embrace their biology? Our masculinity or femininity is stamped into our very being. Becky Greene joins MaryRuth to talk about how parents can cultivate healthy attitudes about their biological sex.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

God made our bodies and they are good! Many factors can affect how we feel about our bodies. A negative body image can lead to eating disorders and other issues. MaryRuth is joined by Maraeca Butler to help us understand how to cultivate a positive body image and a healthy relationship with food for ourselves and our kids.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Wholeness, authenticity, retaining your true self regardless of circumstances... that's integrity. It's a trait we typically admire in others and would like to cultivate in ourselves. Fr. Aaron Agorsor and MaryRuth explore what integrity looks like and how to help our children develop it.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

What is the difference between doing their best and perfectionism? MaryRuth explores the connections between perfectionism and anxiety and depression. She helps us see the difference between achievement and perfectionism. Tune in to help your kids be their best while maintaining their well-being.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

It's something we hope we never have to face, but it can affect any family... addiction. AJ Creswell from Full Circle Ministry joins MaryRuth to share tips, warning signs and tools for recognizing and battling addiction.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Cultivating obedience is good for all of us. What motivates us to do what we're told? Is it fear? Is it love? Well it's both. In this episode you'll hear the stages of moral development and come to understand how we learn to make make decisions. Not only can we grow in humility and obedience, but also we can learn how to best grow these virtues in our kids. 

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Many of us do it. It makes some of us crazy. What is going on in the brain when your kids procrastinate? MaryRuth looks at different factors that cause procrastination and how to help your kids manage getting things done without losing your mind.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Is a learning game on a tablet a good idea? What about video games? How about watching TV? Kids use screens in so many ways at various ages. MaryRuth has researched the latest studies on how screens affect brain development. You might be surprised at what you find out in this episode.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

What's the Kerygma and how do we teach it to our kids? The best gift we can give our kids is faith, but it can be daunting to bring the Good News to our families. Fr. John Parks, Vicar for Evangelization joins MaryRuth to inspire, encourage and show us how to share the best news ever!

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Join us in giving glory and praise to Our Lord Jesus Christ, who brings to the world light, goodness and hope. Seamos siempre agradecidos y recordemos la eterna fidelidad de Cristo hacia nosotros, hasta el fin de los tiempos.

Share this Christmas message from Bishop Olmsted with your family and friends. Merry Christmas y Feliz Navidad!

How can we make sure our children are getting what they need at school? What if they have learning disabilities or other special needs? Dr. Kelly Shewbridge joins MaryRuth to help parents understand how to collaborate with teachers and administrators to get the best education for their kids.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Discipline is hard! Is it best to call for a time out, implement rewards, take away privileges? What is going to work to get your kids to do (or not do) certain things? MaryRuth explores this with two special guests today who offer tips and various approaches to managing behavior.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

How can we create the strongest bond with our child? Is it best to keep our baby attached to us at all times or help them foster independence with alone time? MaryRuth explores the ways to bond with our children with her friend, Nell from the Whole Parenting Family blog. Tune in and start nurturing the bonds that will foster confidence in your kids.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

What have you done well? What would you do differently? MaryRuth invites seasoned mom, Trish Brandtfox to offer her wisdom and invite us to reflect on the parenting lessons we're learning.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

According to legend, when GK Chesterton was asked "What's wrong with the world today?" he responded with a pithy "I am." In that Chestertonian spirit, Fr. John Parks, Vicar for Evangelization, and Mr. Stephen L. Greene, Director of Kino Catechetical Institute, bring you "What's Wrong With the World," a new podcast from the Diocese of Phoenix.

The world today is full of questions, and the Church has the answers people are looking for! Tune in every other Monday to YouTube, or listen on ApplePodcasts.

We're in just about mid-July, about to hit a heat-wave, and getting ready to hunker down in the AC. So what on earth do we do with these hot, antsy, "bored" children for another month and a half plus? Andrea Boring joins MaryRuth to talk about not just surviving the summer, but maybe even enjoying it. 

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

We are unique, unrepeatable, beloved sons and daughters of God, created in love and for a purpose. Do we believe it? How can we help our kids to believe the truth about their infinite worth? Melanie Pritchard joins MaryRuth for an inspiring and practical conversation. You'll be glad you listened!

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Our biggest goal as parents is to raise up children who know right from wrong and are able to make a choice for the right when the time comes. Good, that's easy, right? No, it's not easy... Today MaryRuth chats with Mike Phelan about how to lay the foundation for strong moral decision making. Don't miss it.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

This is not the standard scolding from a nun about the sin you've been committing since grade school. It is, however, practical advice for teaching your kids how to make better choices. Sr. Maria Cristina Linares of the Servants of the Plan of God at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel joins MaryRuth to talk about gossip and prudence. We're not saying you need it too, but there might be some things parents can learn for themselves in this one.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Sleepovers. Maybe the day hasn't come for you yet, but it will. Let's make a plan to get through it now. Nellie Welter joins MaryRuth to bring you the encouragement you need.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Is your daughter a diva? There is hope for your child and your sanity. Mary Crowell joins Mary Ruth for a conversation about teaching virtue and perspective to help kids move their focus off of themselves and to others.

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!

Divorce is a painful topic, and it can be so hard to truly understand if it hasn't directly effected you. Today, Mary Ruth brings the psychology of divorce survival to Fr. John Parks' personal experiences as a child of divorce for a heart-felt, inspiring conversation. 

Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life. We hope it helps you. Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with other people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!