The postpartum period is a profound time of change for mothers and their babies, shaping the foundation for lifelong health and development. So, this week on Raising Parents: The Parenting Science Insights Podcast, host Dina Sargeant interviews Psychology Professor Maria Gartstein, Ph.D. to learn more about the various ways in which postpartum well-being affects mothers and their babies.Currently based at the Washington State University’s psychology department, Maria Gartstein, Ph.D. previously worked with a number of clinicians and researchers at the Children’s Hospital Medical Center, focusing on issues related to pediatric chronic illness, and its impact on the lives of affected children and families — an area of research she is still engaged in today. Thereafter, Maria Gartstein, Ph.D. pursued post-doctoral training in Oregon, where she focused primarily on temperament research, as well as childhood and adolescent disorders.In this episode, Maria Gartstein, Ph.D. sheds light on the emotional and psychological challenges faced by mothers during the postpartum period, and how this may impact an infant’s development. Apart from that, Maria Gartstein, Ph.D. offers insight on how to recognize and address postpartum challenges at an early stage. Together, Dina and Maria Gartstein, Ph.D. weigh up numerous evidence-based practices and interventions that can help mothers through the postpartum struggles. So, if you or someone you know is navigating the postpartum period, tune in to this episode for science-backed insights on the postpartum journey!

Sending your child off to school for the first time can be a daunting and big step in their development. Parents must learn to let other people, such as teachers, care for their children for the majority of the day. This week on Raising Parents, host Dina Sargeant consults expert Phil Reed on how parents and teachers can build communication and trust. Professor Phil Reed obtained a D.Phil. from the University of York, held a Research Fellowship at the University of Oxford, and a Readership in Learning and Behaviour at University College London, before taking a University Chair in Psychology at Swansea University, Wales. His research interests cover: Learning and Behaviour, including schedules of reinforcement; Autism, Additional Learning Needs, and Educational Interventions; and Psychology and Medicine, among more fascinating fields. He has written books, including, Interventions for Autism: Evidence for Educational and Clinical Practice, published over 300 papers, and been invited to present his work at many international conferences. He is Editor-in-Chief of Learning and Motivation, as well as serving on Editorial Boards for several leading journals. Phil Reed and his team have presented research in Women’s Health and were awarded the ‘Medal of the President of the Republic’ of Italy in 2016 for scientific contribution to society for this work. He has also served on UK Ministerial Advisory Groups for Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as on the Women’s Health Guidelines Committee for the UK National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE). He has held appointments for the Departments for Health and Education, for the Children in Wales Policy Council, and for the EU Commission on the Digital Economy. He appears regularly in the media, including radio, and there have been two such radio specials on Phil Reed’s Internet Addiction research on syndicated US radio shows, as well as on the ABC’s ‘Future Tense’. Phil Reed’s work has been featured in a myriad of popular magazines, and he regularly contributes popular Psychology articles to Psychology Today. In this episode, Phil Reed reveals communication strategies and listening skills are key to building a good relationship and trust between two people that share the care of a child. Empathy is also a key part in understanding both parties' needs and wants. Together, Dina and Phil Reed discover practices to build on one’s communication skills to ensure that no misunderstandings occur.

Discipline is one of the most challenging aspects of parenting, especially when emotions run high during conflicts. But what if discipline could be an opportunity for connection and growth rather than punishment? This week on Raising Parents: The Parenting Science Insights Podcast, host Dina Sargeant consults clinical psychologist Susan Heitler, Ph.D. to explore the concept of empathetic discipline. A graduate of Harvard University with a doctorate from New York University, Susan Heitler, Ph.D. has authored multiple self-help books, alongside books for therapists on treatment techniques. In her book for therapists, ‘From Conflict to Resolution’, Susan Heitler, Ph.D. sheds light on how to handle life’s bumps in ways that sustain a sense of well-being. In her most recent book, ‘Prescriptions Without Pills’, Susan Heitler, Ph.D. offers warm but effective guidance, and additionally, publishes free worksheets and videos on its companion website. Impressively, her blog posts on Psychology Today have also garnered over 24 million reads. In this episode, Susan Heitler, Ph.D. discusses the science behind empathetic discipline and its impact on child development. She further details how empathy can be used to defuse tense situations and promote understanding, as well as the long-term benefits of empathetic discipline as opposed to harsher methods of punishment. Together, Dina and Susan Heitler, Ph.D. talk about the role of emotional connection in a child’s upbringing, as well as practical ways to address misbehavior without imparting shame or fear. So, whether you’re navigating toddler tantrums or teenage disagreements, tune in to this episode for actionable tips on enacting discipline with compassion and purpose!