Podcast
Parenting Understood
Hosted by Erin O'Connor and Michelle Tangeman · EN
Parenting Understood is a podcast aimed at helping parents become more confident and relaxed in their parenting. We explore the current research on different parenting and child development topics and break it down into an easy to understand, relatable content. We know there is an abundance of information out there which can make it feel overwhelming. Maybe trying to determine what's fact vs opinion makes you want to bury your head in the sand. Let us help you find and understand the evidence based resources you need, to feel more confident in the choices you make as parents. Join us each week to get a breakdown of the current research and let us guide you to becoming a more confident and relaxed parent, able to provide the sensitive and responsive care your child needs.
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep. 169 - Self-Care Beyond A Trip To The Spa
1w ago00:24:38Tap to summarizeMichelle and Erin recorded a podcast episode discussing emotional exhaustion and burnout in parenting, focusing on the importance of mom friendships and community support. They explored how meaningful connections with other parents can provide validation, reduce stress, and benefit both parents and children, particularly during adolescence when multiple attachment figures become important. The conversation covered practical strategies for building these friendships, including starting small and being patient with the process, while also addressing how digital technology has impacted both parent and child social connections.
Transcribe →Ep. 168 - Building Better Behavior Through Play with Dr. Kim
4w ago00:27:10Tap to summarizeWe welcome back Dr. Kim Van Dusen to Parenting Understood. Dr. Kim discusses her newly released parenting book centered on creative, play-based strategies for building better behavior and deeper connection with children, primarily targeting parents, caregivers, coaches, and teachers of kids between the ages of 3 and 10. The book weaves together three evidence-based frameworks — including solution-focused therapy and positive behavior interventions — into what the author describes as a "trifecta" for more peaceful, connected parenting. A core message throughout is that children naturally connect and process the world through play rather than through adult-style conversations or lectures, so parents can use small, everyday "micro-play moments" (like turning room-cleaning into a game or using stuffed animals to role-play tough social situations) to navigate everything from sibling conflict to friendship challenges at school. The author draws on her own parenting journey, sharing personal stories about her 12-year-old daughter spontaneously using these techniques with her younger brother during a difficult night, and reflects on the decade-plus it took to write the book — a journey that included cancer treatment and the COVID pandemic. The episode closes with information on where listeners can find the book (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the author's website) and how to follow her on Instagram.
Transcribe →Ep. 20 [Revisited] - Making Parental Decisions through Data with Professor Emily Oster
Apr 900:27:52Tap to summarizeWe are thrilled to be re-airing our episode with Emily Oster on making parenting decisions through data. Emily is a Professor of Economics at Brown University and the author of Expecting Better, Cribsheet, and The Family Firm. She holds a PhD in Economics from Harvard. Prior to being at Brown she was on the faculty at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Emily's books analyze the data behind choices on parenting and pregnancy. She is also founder and CEO of Parent Data, which provides information for parents, people who want to be parents, or anyone who likes to do their research before making a decision. In this episode, Emilly discussed with us her most recent book, The Family Firm, which takes a data driven approach to help parents think more deliberately about key issues in the elementary school years including sleep, school, health, extra curricular activities and more. Emily presented to us how you can immediately apply frameworks and concepts to utilize the date in your life for making best decisions for your children. You can find more information on Emily Oster, her books and research, and join her bi-weekly mailing list at emilyoster.net or parentdata.org. You can also connect with Emily via Twitter and Instagram @ProfEmilyOster. To hear Emily and my recent conversation on data driven decision making please visit this link Emily Oster Video. In this video, we discuss how data can (and can't) help us make parenting decisions, and take audience questions.
Transcribe →Ep. 37 [Revisited] - Utilizing Journalism for Parenting with Melinda Wenner Moyer
Mar 2500:32:56Tap to summarizeIn today's episode, we are excited to be joined by Melinda Wenner Moyer. Melinda Wenner Moyer is a contributing editor at Scientific American magazine and a regular contributor to The New York Times, Washington Post, and other national magazines and newspapers. She is a faculty member in the Science, Health & Environmental Reporting program at NYU's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. Her first book, How To Raise Kids Who Aren't Assholes, was published in July 2021 by J.P. Putnam's Sons. We speak with Melinda on her research, publications, and being a mother. We also discuss how she and other journalists can help parents wade through the large amounts of data and information on parenting and child development that is now available. You can learn more about Melinda and her research, as well as order her book and subscribe to her newsletter at melindawennermoyer.com.
Transcribe →Ep. 167 - The Lifelong Anchor: Navigating the Messy Reality of Attachment
Mar 1200:27:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode, after a brief hiatus, we reunite to dive deep into a topic that resonates both professionally and personally: attachment. While often discussed as a phenomenon of early infancy, we explore how attachment serves as a lifelong regulatory system. We discuss the "messy" reality of applying developmental theories to real-world parenting, the challenge of maintaining a "secure base" while fostering autonomy in adolescence, and how attachment styles are fluid and capable of change.
Transcribe →Ep. 133 [Revisited] - Dr. Niobe Way: Rebels with a Cause
Feb 2600:45:10Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Niobe Way about her new book, Rebels with a Cause, which expands on her earlier work about boys and friendships. Niobe explores "boy culture," a term she uses to describe the privileging of stereotypically masculine qualities over feminine ones. As she discusses, this creates a crisis of connection for everyone, not just boys and men. Niobe further emphasizes that "hard" and "soft" skills are equally important for being a full human, and should stop being gendered. She also discusses how this cultural imbalance regarding skills affects parenting, research, and societal issues. She encourages parents to foster emotional sensitivity and perspective-taking in their children and to model self-reflection and curiosity. Additionally, Niobe emphasizes the importance of prioritizing relationships and listening to others.
Transcribe →Ep. 70 [Revisited] - Motherhood in America with Jessica Grose
Feb 1100:28:38Tap to summarizeWe are thrilled to be joined in our first episode of the New Year by Jessica Grose. Jessica is an opinion writer at The New York Times who writes a popular newsletter on parenting. Jessica was the founding editor of Lenny, the email newsletter and website. She also writes about women's health, culture, politics and grizzly bears. She was named one of LinkedIn's Next Wave top professionals 35 and under in 2016 and a Glamour "Game Changer" in 2020 for her coverage of parenting in the pandemic. She is the author of the novels Soulmates and Sad Desk Salad. She was formerly a senior editor at Slate, and an editor at Jezebel. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, New York, the Washington Post, Businessweek, Elle, Cosmopolitan, and many other publications. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and daughters.
Transcribe →Ep. 166 - Navigating the parenthood transition: A conversation with Jessica Hill of the Parent Collective
Jan 2800:34:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Parenting Understood, we speak with Jessica Hill, founder of The Parent Collective, to discuss the vital yet often neglected postpartum period. Jessica highlights the isolation many new parents face and emphasizes the importance of building a support network before the baby arrives, rather than waiting for the chaotic fourth trimester. We explore practical strategies for preparation, specifically the need for honest partner communication regarding the division of labor to prevent future resentment. Jessica advocates for establishing a "system" early on so both parents understand their roles. We also address the potentially toxic influence of social media. In short, the episode encourages parents to prioritize real-life connections, advocate for their agency during birth, and recognize that they don't have to navigate the transition to parenthood alone. To learn more about the Parent Collective please visit: THE PARENT COLLECTIVE
Transcribe →Ep. 165 - Navigating Online Play with Sony Interactive's Sean Whitcomb
Jan 1400:25:16Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Parenting Understood, we speak with Sean Whitcomb from Sony Interactive Entertainment about supporting children in safe and balanced online play. Sean discusses PlayStation's "safe and inclusive by design" philosophy, emphasizing connection over control through tools like the PlayStation Family App. We explore how gaming may foster real friendships, teach digital responsibility, and strengthen family relationships. Sean also addresses moderation, screen time, and evolving play habits across ages. For more information please visit Play Station Family App and playstation.com/family.
Transcribe →Ep. 164 - Flourishing as a preemie parent: A conversation with Jodi Klaristenfeld
Dec 1000:27:15Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Parenting Understood, we speak with Jodi, founder of Flrrish, about her journey as a NICU mom after her daughter was born at 28 weeks. Jodi shares the shock, fear, and identity shifts that followed her daughter's early arrival, as well as the loneliness many NICU parents experience. She explains how these challenges inspired her to support other preemie families through coaching, community, and guidance navigating early intervention services. Lastly, we discuss parental mental health, the stigma around seeking help, and the importance of meeting children—and parents—exactly where they are. Jodi can be found at the following: Website Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkedIn
Transcribe →