

Rachael Cody, Ph.D.: Why Self-Discovery is Vital for a Child's Independence | Raising Parents #93
04/12/2025 | 51min
In this episode, host Sarah Stancombe talks with Educational Psychology expert Rachael Cody, Ph.D. about self-discovery, values, identity, and future planning—and why these concepts are essential for children and students. Rachael Cody, Ph.D., who holds a PhD from the University of Connecticut and is currently a postdoctoral scholar at Oregon State University, has researched giftedness, student resilience, study strategies, and how students make major life or academic decisions. She explains the importance of agency—a child’s ability to feel in control of their environment. Agenic opportunities help prepare children for adulthood and often show up as boundary-pushing or confidently making different choices from peers. Sarah and Rachael Cody, Ph.D. also explore the many factors that influence students to change majors or career paths, from professors to media to peer stories. They highlight how parents can support these moments with open, understanding conversations. Finally, Rachael Cody, Ph.D. shares ways parents can nurture their child’s values—by recognizing strengths, celebrating learning through mistakes, and noticing acts of empathy. View Rachael Cody, Ph.D.’s work on Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=slGsTzAAAAAJ&hl=en View Rachael Cody, Ph.D.’s work on The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/profiles/rachael-cody-1555983 Connect with Rachael Cody, Ph.D. on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-cody-phd-866b9521b Works referenced by Rachael Cody, Ph.D. in this episode: Bandura, A. (2001). Social cognitive theory: An agentic perspective. Annual Review of Psychology, 52(1), 1–26. https://doi.org.ezproxy.lib.uconn.edu/10.1146/annurev.psych.52.1.1 Boud, D. (1988). Developing student autonomy in learning (2nd ed.). Routledge. Matusov, E., von Duyke, K., & Kayumova, S. (2016). Mapping concepts of agency in educational contexts. Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science, 50(3), 420–446. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12124-015-9336-0 Produced by the Parenting Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://lo.lmsl.net for additional information about Longevity Science Labs. Follow us on social media to stay updated: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentingsciencelabs Facebook: http://facebook.com/parenting.science.labs.1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting.science.labs/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaScienceLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/parenting-science-labs/ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@parenting.science.labs You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-parents-the-parenting-science-insights-podcast/id1648316813 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6m3aSJRG63DGU224r5UHdX Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6012aa2c-375d-4ca9-b6b7-985ca461b214/raising-parents-the-parenting-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-raising-parents-the-parent-102799992/ Podbean: https://parentingscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3402014 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/raising-parents-the-parenting-4912287

Vanessa LoBue, Ph.D.: How Infants Develop Emotional Responses | Raising Parents #92
20/11/2025 | 50min
Every smile, giggle, and tear tells a story about your baby’s emotional world. So, this week on Raising Parents: The Parenting Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella interviews psychology professor Vanessa LoBue, Ph.D., who specializes in infant and child development, on the fascinating journey of emotional development in infants. A professor and chair of psychology at Rutgers University in Newark, Vanessa LoBue, Ph.D. has conducted research focusing on human behavioral responses to emotionally valanced stimuli. More specifically, Vanessa LoBue, Ph.D.’s research examines how early perceptual biases for threat contribute to maladaptive avoidance behaviors, such as those associated with the development of fear and anxiety, and how cognition contributes to children’s learning of adaptive avoidance responses, such as avoidance of contagious people or contaminated objects. In this episode, Vanessa LoBue, Ph.D. sheds light on the role of an infant’s temperament and environment in their emotional development journey, revealing the pertinence of a primary caregiver’s emotional expression on their development. Additionally, Vanessa LoBue, Ph.D. shares more about the very first emotional responses to expect from infants, and when to expect them. Together, Marie and Vanessa LoBue, Ph.D. answer the internet’s biggest questions about emotional development in infants — from realistic developmental milestones, to whether infants understand emotions concretely or reflectively. So, whether you’re a new parent or simply fascinated by early childhood development, tune in to this episode for science-backed insights and real-world advice to help you support your baby’s emotional growth — one loving interaction at a time! Follow Vanessa LoBue, Ph.D.’s work: https://www.childstudycenter-rutgers.com/ Produced by the Parenting Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. Explore LMSL https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://pa.lmsl.net/ for further information about Parenting Science Labs. Follow us on social media to stay updated: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentingsciencelabs Facebook: http://facebook.com/parenting.science.labs.1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting.science.labs/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaScienceLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/parenting-science-labs/ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@parenting.science.labs You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-parents-the-parenting-science-insights-podcast/id1648316813 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6m3aSJRG63DGU224r5UHdX Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6012aa2c-375d-4ca9-b6b7-985ca461b214/raising-parents-the-parenting-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-raising-parents-the-parent-102799992/ Podbean: https://parentingscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3402014 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/raising-parents-the-parenting-4912287

Kara Hoppe MA, MFT: How Being Better Partners Makes You Better Parents | Raising Parents #91
07/11/2025 | 48min
Strong, healthy partnerships don’t just benefit the adults — they serve as a model for, and shape the lives of, children, too. This week on Raising Parents: The Parenting Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella interviews psychotherapist Kara Hoppe MA, MFT to learn more about how stronger partnerships make for better parenting. Boasting over a decade of experience, Kara Hoppe MA, MFT offers psychotherapy with a relational, inclusive approach. In her psychotherapy practice, Kara Hoppe MA, MFT works with individuals and couples toward healing, growing, and becoming grounded. With a strong passion for helping parents partner better, Kara Hoppe MA, MFT is also the co-author of the book ‘Baby Bomb: A Relationship Survival Guide for New Parents’. She now offers couples coaching, as well as workshops and retreats, based on her book. In this episode, Kara Hoppe MA, MFT sheds light on the various ways in which the quality of a partnership between parents influences their effectiveness as parents. In addition, Kara Hoppe MA, MFT highlights some of the biggest challenges couples face as parents, and offers advice for navigating parental differences and disagreements. Together, Marie and Kara Hoppe MA, MFT explore practical habits and exercises for strengthening intimacy in parent-partner relationships, from self-care and quality time, to active listening. So, if you’re ready to level up your parenting, tune in this week for an insightful discussion packed with actionable tips and fresh perspectives! Follow Kara Hoppe MA, MFT’s work: https://www.karahoppe.com/ Produced by the Parenting Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. Explore LMSL https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://pa.lmsl.net/ for further information about Parenting Science Labs. Follow us on social media to stay updated: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentingsciencelabs Facebook: http://facebook.com/parenting.science.labs.1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting.science.labs/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaScienceLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/parenting-science-labs/ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@parenting.science.labs You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-parents-the-parenting-science-insights-podcast/id1648316813 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6m3aSJRG63DGU224r5UHdX Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6012aa2c-375d-4ca9-b6b7-985ca461b214/raising-parents-the-parenting-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-raising-parents-the-parent-102799992/ Podbean: https://parentingscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3402014 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/raising-parents-the-parenting-4912287

Andrea Mathews: The Intersection of Authenticity and The Bully Identity | Raising Parents #90
24/10/2025 | 49min
Every child deserves the freedom to be their true self. But for many, childhood can be clouded by bullying — either as victims, or those labeled as ‘bullies’. This week on Raising Parents: The Parenting Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella consults counselor Andrea Mathews to find out what causes some children to adopt a bully identity, how it intersects with authenticity, and what parents can do to help them stay true to themselves while navigating social dynamics. Andrea Mathews has over 30 years of experience as a practitioner and supervisor of others practicing in the Mental Health field, having held roles as a counselor, family therapist, program director, clinical director, and clinical consultant. For the past 23 years, Andrea Mathews has been running a thriving solo private practice in Birmingham, Alabama, where she offers both transpersonal and cognitive therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups. In this episode, Andrea Mathews sheds light on what it means to adopt a ‘bully identity’ and reveals that poor self-concept is a key underlying factor — among others — that contributes to bullying behaviors. Additionally, Andrea Mathews asserts the importance of staying up to date on a child’s behavior and performance at school, and offers actionable advice for intervening when things go awry. Together, Marie and Andrea Mathews delve into important habits to practice for nurturing self-esteem, both for parents and children. So, tune in to this episode and help your family discover the strength that comes from living authentically, even in the face of adversity! Follow Andrea Mathews’ work: Andrea Mathews: https://www.andreamathews.com Online Web Counseling: https://onlinewebcounseling.com/directory/andrea-mathews Produced by the Parenting Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. Explore LMSL https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://pa.lmsl.net/ for further information about Parenting Science Labs. Follow us on social media to stay updated: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentingsciencelabs Facebook: http://facebook.com/parenting.science.labs.1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting.science.labs/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaScienceLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/parenting-science-labs/ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@parenting.science.labs You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-parents-the-parenting-science-insights-podcast/id1648316813 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6m3aSJRG63DGU224r5UHdX Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6012aa2c-375d-4ca9-b6b7-985ca461b214/raising-parents-the-parenting-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-raising-parents-the-parent-102799992/ Podbean: https://parentingscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3402014 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/raising-parents-the-parenting-4912287

Rachel Schichtl Ph.D., RD, CFCS, FAND: Solid Foods in Infant Nutrition | Raising Parents #89
09/10/2025 | 41min
Introducing solid foods is a transformative milestone in an infant’s growth. This week on Raising Parents: The Parenting Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella interviews nutrition education consultant Rachel Schichtl for advice on incorporating solid foods into an infant’s diet, and the nutritional benefits it offers. A registered dietitian and nutritionist, Rachel Schichtl Ph.D., RD, CFCS, FAND possesses a PhD in family and consumer sciences education, and has been inducted as a fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Currently, Rachel Schichtl Ph.D., RD, CFCS, FAND is a nutrition education consultant, working with several universities providing course creation, assessment writing, and adjunct teaching, including as a subject matter expert in infant and childhood nutrition. So far, Rachel’s research has primarily focused on community-focused issues such as access to healthy foods, food insecurity, and nutrition education. In this episode, Rachel Schichtl Ph.D., RD, CFCS, FAND sheds light on the importance of nutrition and solid foods in an infant’s health and development, revealing that solid foods offer not only nutritional benefits, but also allow infants to develop social, motor, and exploratory skills. In addition, Rachel Schichtl Ph.D., RD, CFCS, FAND elaborates on the biggest misconceptions about solid foods in an infant’s diet, and shares advice for parents faced with picky eating and allergy challenges. Together, Marie and Rachel Schichtl Ph.D., RD, CFCS, FAND delve into the most essential food groups for an infant’s diet, and discuss practical daily habits for incorporating solid foods. So, whether you’re a new parent or want to refresh your knowledge, tune in to this episode for research-backed advice and practical tips to guide your baby’s introduction to solid foods! Follow Rachel Schichtl Ph.D., RD, CFCS, FAND's work: https://uca.edu/nfs/facultystaff/rac Connect with Rachel Schichtl Ph.D., RD, CFCS, FAND via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-schichtl-phd-rd-cfcs-fand-4817b372/ Produced by the Parenting Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. Explore LMSL https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://pa.lmsl.net/ for further information about Parenting Science Labs. Follow us on social media to stay updated: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parentingsciencelabs Facebook: http://facebook.com/parenting.science.labs.1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting.science.labs/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaScienceLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/parenting-science-labs/ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@parenting.science.labs You can also subscribe and listen to the show on your preferred podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-parents-the-parenting-science-insights-podcast/id1648316813 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6m3aSJRG63DGU224r5UHdX Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6012aa2c-375d-4ca9-b6b7-985ca461b214/raising-parents-the-parenting-science-insights-podcast iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/338-raising-parents-the-parent-102799992/ Podbean: https://parentingscienceinsights.podbean.com/ PlayerFM: https://player.fm/series/3402014 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/raising-parents-the-parenting-4912287



Raising Parents: The Parenting Science Insights podcast