Parenting Translator

Dr. Cara Goodwin

I’m Dr. Cara Goodwin, child psychologist and mom of three. Parents, here’s the problem. We face questions each moment of the day about what is best for our children but we lack the time to research each and every question we face. My primary goal is to get research-backed information into your hands that is accurate, relevant, and helpful. As a parent of four young kids, I am definitely “in it” myself. Parenting Translator is where we share all the research that is important to me as a psychologist and mom and explain it in an unbiased way that can change your life and your kids’ lives today. read less

Kids & FamilyKids & Family

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Puberty Has Changed. How to Talk About It, with Puberty Podcast's Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll-Bennett

Puberty Has Changed. How to Talk About It, with Puberty Podcast's Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll-Bennett

Let's talk about the awkwardness of puberty. Things have changed since we were going through it, and most of us want to be much more open with our children than our parents are with us. But how do we do that without confusing them further or embarrassing them?Today, we're joined by Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll-Bennett from the Puberty Podcast to discuss the importance of open communication, using accurate terminology, and teaching kids about consent. We also highlight the impact of social media on body image and self-perception during puberty, and the need for critical thinking and parental involvement. The modern puberty experience is unquestionably different, and this episode will help guide you through it.------Dr. Cara Natterson is a pediatrician, popular speaker, consultant, and New York Times bestselling author of multiple parenting and health books, including The Care and Keeping of You, a three-book series with more than six million copies in print, and Guy Stuff, the corollary for boys. Vanessa Kroll-Bennett is a bestselling author, puberty educator, and podcaster who helps adults navigate uncertainty while supporting the kids they love. Together they host the Puberty Podcast and wrote This Is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained.------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

Episodes

Puberty Has Changed. How to Talk About It, with Puberty Podcast's Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll-Bennett

Puberty Has Changed. How to Talk About It, with Puberty Podcast's Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll-Bennett

Let's talk about the awkwardness of puberty. Things have changed since we were going through it, and most of us want to be much more open with our children than our parents are with us. But how do we do that without confusing them further or embarrassing them?Today, we're joined by Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll-Bennett from the Puberty Podcast to discuss the importance of open communication, using accurate terminology, and teaching kids about consent. We also highlight the impact of social media on body image and self-perception during puberty, and the need for critical thinking and parental involvement. The modern puberty experience is unquestionably different, and this episode will help guide you through it.------Dr. Cara Natterson is a pediatrician, popular speaker, consultant, and New York Times bestselling author of multiple parenting and health books, including The Care and Keeping of You, a three-book series with more than six million copies in print, and Guy Stuff, the corollary for boys. Vanessa Kroll-Bennett is a bestselling author, puberty educator, and podcaster who helps adults navigate uncertainty while supporting the kids they love. Together they host the Puberty Podcast and wrote This Is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained.------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

Transitioning from Crib to Bed

Transitioning from Crib to Bed

Even though I've been through the crib to toddler bed transition three times, I'm still a little anxious about how it will go and the prospect of not sleeping for a week or maybe even more. Yikes! Many parents wonder when is the best time to make the switch, and what's even normal when it comes to the transition process.Let's find out what the research tells us!------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

Aliza Pressman and the Five Core Principles of Parenting

Aliza Pressman and the Five Core Principles of Parenting

Today we're discussing the five core principles of parenting: relationship, reflection, regulation, rules, and repair. How can these principles positively impact your child's development? And how do we think about them to raise resilient children?Dr. Aliza Pressman is a developmental psychologist with over fifteen years of experience working with families. She's the host of the Raising Good Humans Podcast, and author of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans. [00:00:02] How do we embrace mistakes, bounce back, and learn?[00:04:27] Simplifying parenting science for easier decisions.[00:09:23] Five principles of parenting: relationship, reflection, regulation, rules, and repair.[00:13:58] Summarizing Aliza's new book, and the importance of boundaries, limit setting, and repair in parenting to raise resilient and good humans.[00:18:17] What is a good human?[00:22:51] Brain architecture and stress[00:27:10] Perfect parenting is detrimental to children.[00:32:51] Social media amplifies parenting pressures.------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

What It Means to Be Smart, with Dr. Rina Bliss

What It Means to Be Smart, with Dr. Rina Bliss

Today we welcome Dr. Rina Bliss to discuss the concept of intelligence and learning, and how parents can reframe their thinking to focus on children's individual strengths. We go over questions such as: Is intelligence is fixed and inherited? How much does environment factor in? How can we reduce stress in the learning environmentShould we avoid telling our children that they're smart?And how should we think about grades and standardized tests?Dr. Rina Bliss is a science technology and policy analyst, social justice advocate, and author of Rethinking Intelligence: A Radical New Understanding of Our Human Potential.[00:00:02] Rethinking intelligence: Is smartness fixed?[00:05:23] DNA and learning from environment.[00:10:11] Connected learning through play.[00:14:40] Brain growth through love, learning, and growth mindset.[00:20:25] Does fixed intelligence harm kids?[00:24:32] Promoting mindfulness and growth mindset in schools.[00:29:43] Opting out of testing?[00:33:57] Rejecting the fixed intelligence model in education[00:38:56] Reducing stress to optimize learning.[00:43:03] Celebrating neurodiverse learning------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

Santa Claus: A Fun Holiday Tradition or a Harmful Lie?

Santa Claus: A Fun Holiday Tradition or a Harmful Lie?

Is Santa Claus a fun holiday tradition or a harmful lie?Critics of Santa argue that using a fictional character to judge behavior and the idea of a naughty and nice list is not only ineffective, but moreover teaches children to behave only to avoid being on the naughty list. And this messaging may even have a negative impact on children in the longterm.Many parents are worried. So what does the research tell us? Does Santa encourage good behavior? Is it lying to encourage a belief in Santa? Will children be upset when they find out the truth? And can parents encourage children to believe for longer?Let's find out! ------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

Autonomy Supportive Parenting, with Dr. Emily Edlynn

Autonomy Supportive Parenting, with Dr. Emily Edlynn

Today, Dr. Cara Goodwin and Dr. Emily Edlynn discuss the concept of autonomy supportive parenting - a style of parenting based on the idea of three fundamental needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. It involves strategies such as taking a child's perspective, using empathy, giving choices, and involving decision making. Can this style reduce stress in the home and help children build resilience?Dr. Emily Edlynn is a clinical psychologist and practicing therapist, and author of Autonomy-Supportive Parenting. [00:00:02] Mindful parenting to reduce stress.[00:01:53] Nurture children with autonomy support.[00:04:33] Nurture child's autonomy, competence, relatedness.[00:06:24] Autonomy supportive parenting reduces stress.[00:08:38] Empathize, explain, connect to values.[00:10:45] Empowering child choice, not fear.[00:12:54] Autonomy-supportive parenting: six words[00:15:27] Empathetic parents struggle with controlling kids.[00:17:48] Building resilience through trust.[00:20:16] Unconditional love, making mistakes is okay------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

How To Be "Good Parent" When You Didn't Have One

How To Be "Good Parent" When You Didn't Have One

Nearly every parent has a moment when they say or do something and they wonder, "Oh my gosh, am I turning into my mother/father?" This particularly happens at times of stress or overwhelm, and it seems that we can't help but default to parenting in the same way our parents did when we are stressed out and overwhelmed.For some parents who don't want to repeat the mistakes of their own parents, this experience is beyond frustrating and they may feel desperate for any way to break this generational cycle. So does research really find that you are destined to parent in the same way as your own parents?------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

Research-Backed Holiday Gift Guide

Research-Backed Holiday Gift Guide

Tis the season to be bombarded with toy advertisements at every turn! Every influencer on social media, and every parenting blogger seems to have a gift guide with hundreds of potential gifts for children. It's overwhelming for us as parents to dig through all of this information and choose a reasonable number of gifts for our children. So this episode is a different kind of gift guide - one that actually helps you to understand the research behind toy quality and determine which toys might actually be beneficial for your child.------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

Parent Hack: Playful Parenting

Parent Hack: Playful Parenting

Playfulness, as we all know, is something that comes really easily and naturally to our children. It seems like they could turn any object into a toy. They can turn the most boring thing into a game, but it does not come so easily to us parents. Our lives are serious and stressful, and we often don't have the time or the capacity to be playful.It's hard to be playful when you're thinking about all the tragic world events that are going on right now, or when you're preoccupied by a work email, or even what's for dinner. So what can we we do to be there for our children, by being playful?------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

The Research on Tongue Ties

The Research on Tongue Ties

This week's episode is on tongue ties, which seems like a very niche topic, but it's actually one of my most requested topics that I have on my platform.With a difficult parenting decision, medical professionals on this topic are likely to give parents different guidance based on their area of expertise, and they often leave the decision up to parents. So this leaves parents in a position where it's really important to understand the pros and cons of their decision and to make a really informed decision.I also wanted to address this topic because I couldn't find this research compiled anywhere else. So I really hope that this newsletter will help parents like myself who have faced this difficult decision.So what does the research on tongue ties tell us?------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

How to Handle Ungrateful Behavior

How to Handle Ungrateful Behavior

Today is all about how to handle ungrateful children, and the research behind what is commonly called bratty or even spoiled behavior. So as many of us are spending increased time with extended family members over the holidays, We may be feeling dread or stress about our children showing a lack of gratitude, or as some of our older relatives may call it, bratty or spoiled behavior.For some reason, our children being ungrateful towards others, particularly older relatives, seems to be worse than when they are ungrateful with us in the comfort of our own home. So for example, my children occasionally refer to the meals I make for them as disgusting or gross, and it really, at this point, rarely fazes me.But if they did this to someone else, like an older relative, I would be mortified. So, it's often situations like this that make us wonder whether we are raising spoiled brats, even though we might hate that term, and feel desperate for a way to prevent this behavior. So let's dig into the research - why is ungrateful behavior so common in young children and how do we as parents respond to ungrateful behavior in a way that discourages it in the future?------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

Does Overprotective Parenting Lead to Anxiety in Children?

Does Overprotective Parenting Lead to Anxiety in Children?

Have you ever worried that you may be too overprotective as a parent?Previous research has found that overprotective parenting is linked to anxiety in children, but researchers do not fully understand why this relationship exists. In a new study, published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, researchers examined whether emotional regulation skills might explain the relationship between overprotective parenting and anxiety.So what did they find?------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

Why Children Lie and How to Prevent It

Why Children Lie and How to Prevent It

We've all been there. Our child lies to us, and we absolutely know it's happening. But what should we do about it? And how does lying change as they get older and the lies become more significant? Let's find out from Dr. Victoria Talwar.About Our GuestDr. Victoria Talwar is a Canada Research Chair (II) and a Professor at McGill University. She has been working in the area of developmental psychology for over fifteen years with an emphasis on social-cognitive development. Her research interests include children’s verbal deception, children’s moral development, theory-of-mind understanding and behaviour; children’s expressive display rule knowledge and behaviour. ------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, PhD, is a child psychologist and mother to four children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

Parenting with ADHD

Parenting with ADHD

As awareness of ADHD grows, particularly among women, more are facing the intricacies of managing symptoms alongside the rollercoaster of motherhood. So is there a safe path through therapy, medication, and self-care that ensures both parent and child thrive?It's an intricate issue, and today we're shedding light on the little-discussed challenges like disorganization, distractibility, and the relentless need for patience—traits that can turn parenting into an uphill battle. But there are silver linings as well. And every parent out there, ADHD or not, can find the strength and tactics to navigate this beautiful chaos called parenting. Tune in, as we offer not just insights, but real, tangible solutions that promise to guide, support, and empower.About Our GuestDr. Julia Schechter is the co-director of the Duke Center for Girls and Women with ADHD. ------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, PhD, is a child psychologist and mother to four children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

When Gentle Parenting Doesn’t Work

When Gentle Parenting Doesn’t Work

Today we explore the research on gentle parenting, and more specifically, what you do when gentle parenting doesn't seem to be working. I have four kids now, and with my first, I was really into the gentle parenting movement...------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to four children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

"Sugar High" - Does Sugar Really Impact Kids' Behavior?

"Sugar High" - Does Sugar Really Impact Kids' Behavior?

As Halloween approaches, today we're talking about a hot topic, the "sugar high". How does sugar impacts kids' behavior. Does it really make kids more hyperactive? Does it really cause more challenging behavior? Let's dig into the research. I think you will be very surprised by what it finds!------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

How to Encourage Sharing

How to Encourage Sharing

We've all been on a play date with our kids where they have struggled with sharing with another child. They might scream "That's mine!" or "Give me that!" or get into a fight with another child over sharing. What should we do in those moments? How do we encourage them to share? And should we force them to share? Let's find out what the research says.------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

How to Help Your Anxious Child

How to Help Your Anxious Child

How do you know if your child has anxiety? And as a parent, what should you do about it?Let's find out what the research tells us.------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

Starting Solids According to Research

Starting Solids According to Research

When is the right time to start your baby on solids? 4 Months? 6 Months? There's so much information out there on what is right for our kids, and it can all be overwhelming.Today, we debunk outdated advice and explore the true signs of developmental readiness for introducing solids. We also unravel the myths around tongue thrust reflex, first food choices, and the one-food-per-week rule. Discover the secrets behind iron-rich foods, managing parent anxiety, and understanding the right balance of sodium. If you've ever been perplexed about your little one's food journey, this episode is your ultimate guide to nourishing your child effectively and confidently. Tune in for expert insights, and breathe a little easier.Kim Grenawitzke is the co-executive director of Solid Starts Pro and a senior feeding/swallowing therapist.Join the community of 2.9M on the @solidstarts instagram. ------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, PhD, is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

What is Parenting Really Like Today?

What is Parenting Really Like Today?

The Pew Research Center recently published the results of a survey that they conducted to understand how most parents are functioning right now in the United States.Results of a survey like this are interesting because they help us to understand how other parents experience parenthood, and maybe we feel a little bit less alone in our own journey.So what did the study find?------Sign up for the Parenting Translator Substack, and follow along on Instagram.Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.