We talk about the developmental stages of children, but what about parents? Grownups go through their own transitions that can be every bit as challenging. In this episode, we validate the bumpy stages of the parenting experience - from individual to expectant parent to parent of infants, then toddlers and older children.

By age 6, children typically display empathy toward others. But it doesn't just happen. This episode looks at the building blocks of empathy and how parents help to put them together.

The words punishment, discipline and consequences are often used loosely in conversations about the ongoing job of raising children who know how to do the right thing. Dr. Kimberly Bell defines the terms and discusses an approach that's both effective and kind.

An interesting discussion about the history of early learning in America, why it matters, and how Cleveland became a center of excellence for early childhood development.

Bonus reel: Replacing things adults often say to children with kinder, developmentally mindful alternatives. Another compilation of "Let's Rephrase That" segments from the Hidden Language of Children podcast.

People are often surprised to learn that toddlers and preschoolers can benefit from "talk therapy." In this episode, we discuss the reasons such young children are getting help, and how it's provided through a discipline called "therapy via the parent."

A conversation with Social Worker Anita Eddie, MA, ATR, MSSA, LISW-S about Halloween with young children. Parents often remember Halloween as good, scary fun - and they want to share that with their children. But the youngest children - typically 5 and under - can't yet separate reality from fantasy. So scary fun is just scary.

Host Dr. Kimberly Bell talks with Adrianne Fletcher, Ph.D., an educator, psychotherapist and author of children's books about the developmental meaning of conversations parents and children have when enjoying reading together.

You can find Dr. Fletcher's books on Amazon.com by clicking the links below. Purchases generate a small commission for non-profit Hanna Perkins Center, which produces this podcast.

• Helping Hands Healing Hands
• Meet Rocki-Grace
• Rocki-Grace and Speckled Brown Bananas