Parenting Translator

Dr. Cara Goodwin, PhD, is a child psychologist and a mother of three. She specializes in making research on parenting and child development easy to understand and applicable for parents.

National

English

Newsletter (Digital)

Outlet metrics

Domain Authority

Ranking

Global

N/A

Country

N/A

Articles

Does Having Sons Age You?

3 weeks ago | parentingtranslator.substack.com | Cara Goodwin

Source: RDNE/PexelsMost of the content for parents of sons on social media seems to be very negative, especially the content for “boy moms.” As a mother to two boys myself, I find some of this content sweet and relatable, but a lot of it is, frankly, obnoxious and verging on toxic. Recently I have seen posts circulating on social media claiming that boy moms don’t live as long and age faster than girl moms.
Do You Have a Favorite Child?

1 month ago | parentingtranslator.substack.com | Cara Goodwin

Source: Danik Prihodko/Pexels“I don’t have a favorite child— I love you all equally” is something all parents of more than one child have been programmed to say. However, if you have more than one child yourself or you come from a family with more than one child, you may have wondered if this is really true. If you suspect that your own parents have a favorite child or you sometimes feel like you might have a favorite child, you aren’t alone.
More Discipline That’s Actually Backed By Research

1 month ago | parentingtranslator.substack.com | Cara Goodwin

Source: Monstera Production/PexelsEarlier this year, I wrote a newsletter on discipline that quickly became my most popular newsletter to date. I wrote this newsletter because I was frustrated with the lack of concrete guidance on discipline in the parenting world.
How Do Kids Become Emotional Eaters?

1 month ago | parentingtranslator.substack.com | Cara Goodwin

Source: Cottonbro/PexelsEmotional eating is so ingrained in our society that it is often not considered abnormal or problematic. No one would bat an eye if you told them you were so nervous that you couldn’t stop eating chips or that you were so sad that you ate an entire carton of ice cream. Yet, most parents would not want to pass this habit on to their children. So is there anything that you can do?
The Research Behind Why Your Child Won't Wear a Coat

2 months ago | parentingtranslator.substack.com | Cara Goodwin

Source: Pixabay/PexelsThe war between parents and kids over wearing coats seems to be universal. It could be below freezing, pouring down rain, or even snowing and, yet, as I drive up to my children’s school every morning, I see kids wearing nothing but shorts and short-sleeved shirts. Every morning, I am struck with the realization that the same debate over winter clothing is happening in every house.
The Science Behind Making Yourself Happier

Jan 23, 2025 | parentingtranslator.substack.com | Cara Goodwin

Source: Juan Mendez/PexelsYou may have heard that the third Monday in January is referred to as “Blue Monday” because it is the most depressing day of the year. Although it may seem spot-on, there is actually no research showing that this date is any more depressing than others and the idea of “Blue Monday” was actually invented as a PR stunt by a travel company to convince people to book vacations in order to cure their January blues.
Discipline That's Actually Backed by Research

Jan 9, 2025 | parentingtranslator.substack.com | Cara Goodwin

Source: Vlada Karpovich/PexelsA lot of parenting advice online and on social media tells parents what notto do— such as don’t rush your child, don’t use time-out, and don’t tell your child that you are proud of them and I’ve written a lot in previous newsletters about how most of these prohibitions are not evidence-based. However, I find that there is a lot less guidance on what parents actually cando.
Is Being a Stay-At-Home Parent the Most Stressful Job in the World?

Dec 5, 2024 | parentingtranslator.substack.com | Cara Goodwin

Source: Elina Fairytale/PexelsImportant note: The term “stay-at-home parent” will be used as short-hand for a parent who does not have formal employment outside of the home. It is an outdated and inaccurate term but unfortunately it remains the most recognized term for this occupation. The term “working parent” will be used as short-hand for parents that are employed outside of the home (or who work remotely from home).
What Is the Best Way to Practice Gratitude?

Nov 26, 2024 | parentingtranslator.substack.com | Cara Goodwin

Source: Karolina Grabowska/PexelsWe all hear about the importance of practicing gratitude, particularly around this time of year. If you celebrate Thanksgiving, you are likely to go around the table and say what you are grateful for before digging in to your mashed potatoes. Beyond Thanksgiving, you may have heard the advice that you should write gratitude lists, keep a gratitude journal, or write heartfelt letters of thanks to the important people in your life.
Does Harsh Parenting Really Change Your Child's Brain?

Nov 21, 2024 | parentingtranslator.substack.com | Cara Goodwin

Source: Anna Shvets/PexelsIt seems that every month there is a headline aimed at making parents feel like they are irreparably damaging their children. The guilt-inducing headline of this month claims that harsh parenting will change your child’s brain. Some of the headlines I saw included: Warm vs Harsh Parenting Alters Shape of Children's Brains, Study Finds and Study Finds Harsh Parenting During “Sensitive Periods” Can Affect Kids’ Brain Development.