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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Books are powerful tools for exploring emotions and building empathy. Stories help children navigate feelings, manage stress, and connect with characters experiencing similar situations.

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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.

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This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/legal