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Professor, researcher, and author John Sommers-Flanagan, Ph.D., teams up with parenting, child, and intimate relationship expert Sara Polanchek, Ed.D., to bring you the Practically Perfect Parenting Podcast.

Children do not come with instruction manuals, so this podcast pairs cutting edge research  and proven technique, because nobody is perfect, but together we can be practically perfect parents. 

The Practically Perfect Parenting Podcast (PPPP) is brought to you in part by the Charles Engelhard Foundation and the National Parenting Education Network . . . but you should also be aware that the views expressed on this and every episode of the PPPP do not necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors, our listeners, or anyone other than Sara Polanchek and John Sommers-Flanagan. . . and, of  course, sometimes we’re not even certain that we agree with what we just said.

The PPPP provides general educational information designed to promote positive parenting practices, but this podcast should not be considered a source of professional advice. If you have questions about specific parenting or caretaking scenarios, we recommend that you seek professional services with someone who can help you address the unique situations that you’re facing in your life

Why Kids Lie and What to Do About It

Nov 30, 2018

When it comes to boastful lying, there’s no better example than Penelope, one of Kristen Wiig’s characters on SNL. Penelope is incessantly popping up here and there, basically lying her ass off. The purpose of Penelope’s lies appear relatively straightforward. She seems to be insecure on the inside, therefore, she...

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Behavior Modification: To Use or Not to Use-That is the Question

Feb 1, 2018

Behavior Modification: To Use or Not to Use—That is the Question!

Parenting is difficult. Parenting is also wonderful. As parents, most days we’re reminded of parenting challenges and joys. In today’s episode, Dr. Sara and Dr. John talk (and John dons his professorial persona and talks too much). Sara and John...

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Parenting in the Age of Trump... and Dealing with Other Challenging Role Models

Nov 13, 2017

Parenting in the Age of Trump . . .
and Dealing with Other Challenging Role Models
Here’s a quick parenting quiz. 
 
Question: “How do you spell opportunity?”
 
Answer: “T-R-U-M-P”
 
Regardless of your politics, most of us American parents agree, there’s more profane and disgusting information...

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Why Parents Spank Their Children and Why They Should Stop

Oct 23, 2017

Why Parents Spank Their Children and Why They Should Stop
 
What do you feel when your lovely child misbehaves and then the misbehavior continues or repeats? What happens when you feel terribly angry and just want to make your child’s behavior stop? What happens if you spank your child . . . and then . . . much to...

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When Teens Talk Back

Mar 20, 2017

When Teens Talk Back
 
In this episode, Dr. Sara decides to consult with Dr. John about her hypothetical “friend’s” teenage and pre-teen boys, who coincidently, happen to be the same ages as Sara’s own children. Other than being a disastrously bad consultant, John ends up complaining about how disrespectful our...

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