Mike Phelan joins MaryRuth Hackett for a conversation about all things sports. We'll talk about what kids can learn from sports, the benefits of good coaching, sticking with it when you don't want to, and how to get through the hard times. Part one will be a conversation focused on our kids playing sports. Join us in two weeks for part two when we'll talk about the role parents play on the team.

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 know it's a challenge with children of all ages, but sometimes they just need to sit still! Get the why behind the difficulty and some helpful tips for managing those times when kids need to be still. What better topic for Christmas, when Mass and family and excitement and gifts all combine to a fun, but maybe a bit overwhelming, day for our little 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!

MaryRuth is joined by her daughter, Ella, for Questions Kids Ask. Answering these great questions is Fr. Paul Sullivan, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Phoenix and Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Phoenix. Fr. Sullivan is a priest of Jesus Christ, and he's one of eight children in his own family. Ella asks some tough questions, but Fr. Sullivan has some great answers!

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 not easy being a kid these days. More and more, it seems that bullying becomes the norm in schools and online. Today, MaryRuth sits down with Mike Phelan to talk about how we can equip our children to be good Catholic Christians and handle those bullies too.

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!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and we're wondering: how do you cultivate thankfulness in your kids? Kimberly Trichel, Executive Director of HopeKids Arizona, joins MaryRuth for a conversation about gratitude, humility, and service.

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 couldn't think of a more terrifying topic for Halloween week. MaryRuth is joined by Sarah Erickson, a Notre Dame Prep alumna and current student at Catholic University of America, to talk about the realities of dating today and what's really going on in those brains.

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 know healthy eating is important, but why is it such a challenge to convince our kids? Whether you're dealing with Littles or Bigs, your kids have probably put you through the ringer at the dinner table. MaryRuth can help!

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!

Video games... there's just no escaping them! The difficulties of setting boundaries, teaching sharing, and wanting your kids to get outside and play for a minute can feel intense. The good news is things can get better, and video game play isn't necessarily all that 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!

Welcome to this quick preview and introduction to the Parenting Smarts podcast! Please subscribe and tell your friends to do the same.

Our host, MaryRuth Hackett, is a mom of four with a doctorate in educational psychology, specializing in child development. Parenting Smarts blends together the science of child development and the realities of family life.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe, download, and share with the people you know who could use some Parenting Smarts!