Blog
Please find below some useful stories, articles and links.
Babies use smell to connect with their parents
Body odor is one of the most powerful cues that babies use to identify parents, and these personal scents can soothe, and help babies learn. The post Babies use smell to connect with their parents appeared first on PARENTING SCIENCE.
Road Trip Adventures: Making Memories on the Go!
Road trips are a great way to bond with your family, explore new places, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re traveling near or far, a […] The post Road Trip Adventures: Making Memories on the Go! appeared first on Child Development Institute.
Growth mindset: Does it really matter if kids believe in the power of practice and persistence?
What you believe about cognitive performance -- the theory of intelligence that you adopt -- can have brain-altering effects, and enhance your ability to learn. Yet programs designed to instill the right, "growth mindset" in students haven't always worked. Why not?...
Understanding and Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
Understanding and supporting LGBTQ+ youth is crucial in today’s society. As a parent, teacher, or caregiver, it is essential to create a safe and accepting […] The post Understanding and Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth appeared first on Child Development Institute.
Exploring Mindfulness Activities for Families
As a parent, your family’s well-being and happiness mean everything. We all know that the daily chaos can sometimes make us feel overwhelmed and disconnected. […] The post Exploring Mindfulness Activities for Families appeared first on Child Development Institute.
Body Positive Kids: Cultivating Confidence and Self-Love
Encouraging a positive body image in kids is super important for boosting their self-confidence and happiness. In a world that often focuses on impossible beauty […] The post Body Positive Kids: Cultivating Confidence and Self-Love appeared first on Child Development...
Building Strong Sibling Bonds Through Play
Siblings share a bond that is truly unique and special. They grow together, share experiences, and form a lifelong connection that is not just built […] The post Building Strong Sibling Bonds Through Play appeared first on Child Development Institute.
Teaching empathy: Evidence-based tips for fostering empathic awareness in children
Can we nurture empathy in children? Yes. Evidence-based tips for teaching empathy, based on the latest discoveries. The post Teaching empathy: Evidence-based tips for fostering empathic awareness in children appeared first on PARENTING SCIENCE.
Exploring the Great Outdoors: Camping with Kids
As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, many families are eager to spend time outdoors and explore the wonders of nature. One […] The post Exploring the Great Outdoors: Camping with Kids appeared first on Child Development Institute.
Kids are losing fitness during the summer. How do we fight back?
In affluent, industrialized countries, we hear a lot about children's lack of physical activity. What gets mentioned less often is the seasonal component: Contrary to what we might expect, kids tend to become less active during the summer months, and less physically...
Empowering Independence: Teaching Life Skills for Confident, Resilient Kids!
Independence is a crucial trait that every child should develop to become successful, self-sufficient adults. Fostering independence through life skills is not just a necessity, […] The post Empowering Independence: Teaching Life Skills for Confident, Resilient Kids!...
Is there proof that spanking impairs self-control?
Some people might spank children because they believe it will teach self-control. But the evidence tells us otherwise. In fact, research indicates that spanking actually interferes with the development of inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility -- skills permit...
Money Matters: Helping Kids and Teens Build Essential Financial Skills
In today’s world, it’s essential to be savvy about money. With the cost of living increasing and finances becoming more complicated, teaching our kids and […] The post Money Matters: Helping Kids and Teens Build Essential Financial Skills appeared first on Child...
The newborn senses: What can babies feel, see, hear, smell, and taste?
How do newborns perceive the world? Can they see in color? Can they recognize you by scent? Learn more about the newborn senses. The post The newborn senses: What can babies feel, see, hear, smell, and taste? appeared first on PARENTING SCIENCE.
Summer Reading at Home – Learning and Fun for Kids and Teens!
As the summer months approach, many parents may be wondering how they can keep their children entertained and engaged in educational activities while school is […] The post Summer Reading at Home – Learning and Fun for Kids and Teens! appeared first on Child...
Get Outdoors and Get Creative: Nature-Inspired Art Projects for Kids
Finding innovative and enriching activities that inspire our children’s creativity can be challenging. One often overlooked avenue for fostering imagination is outdoor art adventures. By […] The post Get Outdoors and Get Creative: Nature-Inspired Art Projects for Kids...
Nighttime fears in children: A practical guide for the science-minded
The Parenting Science guide to nighttime fears in children. How to help your child overcome fears. Evolutionary and neurological insights. The post Nighttime fears in children: A practical guide for the science-minded appeared first on PARENTING SCIENCE.
Growing Up: Navigating the Milestones of Toddler Development
Navigating the various stages of toddler development can be overwhelming for parents. Understanding the developmental domains of toddlers is essential in providing the necessary support […] The post Growing Up: Navigating the Milestones of Toddler Development appeared...
Teenage Turbulence: Navigating Emotions and Mental Health in Adolescence
The teenage years are often described as a rollercoaster of emotions, with mood swings, intense feelings, and challenging behaviors being the hallmarks of adolescence. Navigating […] The post Teenage Turbulence: Navigating Emotions and Mental Health in Adolescence...
Help kids learn math and science: The power of self-explanation
We can help kids learn math and science by harnessing the power of self-explanation. But there are pitfalls. Here's how to make it work. The post Help kids learn math and science: The power of self-explanation appeared first on PARENTING SCIENCE.
Exploring Springtime Adventures with Kids: Strengthening Family Bonds Through Outdoor Fun
Finding ways to connect with our children in this fast-paced, technology-driven world can be challenging. However, outdoor adventures are one of the best ways to […] The post Exploring Springtime Adventures with Kids: Strengthening Family Bonds Through Outdoor Fun...
The effects of video games on school achievement
What are the effects of video games on school achievement? Certain types of gaming are linked with lower reading scores, but gaming may also have benefits. The post The effects of video games on school achievement appeared first on PARENTING SCIENCE.
Mastering the Art of Positive Discipline: Gentle Techniques for a Happy Family
As parents, we all strive for a happy and harmonious family life. One of the critical components to achieving this goal is mastering the art […] The post Mastering the Art of Positive Discipline: Gentle Techniques for a Happy Family appeared first on Child Development...
A Comprehensive Guide to Finding a Reliable Babysitter: Ensuring Peace of Mind for Every Parent
As a parent, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed in today’s fast-paced world, especially when it comes to finding a reliable babysitter. After all, our children’s […] The post A Comprehensive Guide to Finding a Reliable Babysitter: Ensuring Peace of Mind for Every...
Parenting styles: An evidence-based, cross-cultural guide
Is your parenting style authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, or uninvolved? Learn how researchers classify parents, and how parenting affects kids. The post Parenting styles: An evidence-based, cross-cultural guide appeared first on PARENTING SCIENCE.
When to Call a Pediatrician
Your child is sick. Do you know if you should call the pediatrician, or wait? Use this guide to know when to make the call.
Your Baby’s Reflux: What to Do
When is spitting up normal, and when is it a problem? Learn signs to watch out for, as a pediatrician and parent who’s been there share their wisdom.
Parenting Through the Ages: Your Guide to Positive Parenting!
Parenting is a fulfilling yet demanding experience, with its share of joys and challenges, successes and setbacks. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed as a parent […] The post Parenting Through the Ages: Your Guide to Positive Parenting! appeared first on Child Development...
Helping Your Child Come to Terms With Their ADHD
A new diagnosis can bring relief -- but also new worries. Here’s how to navigate them with your child.
Tips and Strategies for Managing Life With Children With ADHD
Parents and caregivers of children with ADHD share their advice on how to help manage symptoms, teach coping skills, and improve daily life.
How to Retool Your Parenting Skills When Raising a Child With ADHD
A new diagnosis calls for an adjustment to your discipline strategy. Here’s what may work best for your child.
Can babies sign before they can speak?
Can babies sign before they can speak? Signing is stimulating and fun, but there's little evidence that it's easier to master than speech. The post Can babies sign before they can speak? appeared first on PARENTING SCIENCE.
Lessons In Cleaning House
Quick tips that encourage your child to help with cleaning the house
Empowering Child Independence: Balancing Autonomy and Safety
Parents want to protect their children and keep them safe. However, it’s also essential to foster independence and allow them to grow into capable, self-reliant […] The post Empowering Child Independence: Balancing Autonomy and Safety appeared first on Child...
The effects of video games on altruism: Can role-playing make us more generous, helpful, or self-sacrificing?
Does playing helpful, even heroic characters make kids more prosocial? Research on the effects of video games suggests that it might. The post The effects of video games on altruism: Can role-playing make us more generous, helpful, or self-sacrificing? appeared first...
Instilling a Love for Reading & Learning in Children
In a world where screens dominate our lives, parents must cultivate a passion for reading and learning in their children. Books offer a gateway to […] The post Instilling a Love for Reading & Learning in Children appeared first on Child Development Institute.
Mindfulness for Kids and Teens – Information and Tips for Parents
In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become prevalent issues among children and teenagers. With the pressure to excel academically, social challenges, and constant […] The post Mindfulness for Kids and Teens – Information and Tips for Parents appeared...
Video game addiction: A parent’s evidence-based guide
Does your child have a video game addiction? Learn how researchers define pathological gaming in kids. The post Video game addiction: A parent’s evidence-based guide appeared first on PARENTING SCIENCE.
Help Your Child With Hearing Loss
Hearing loss poses an extra challenge for kids. But it doesn't have to hold them back. You can help. Here’s how.
Dealing With Your Ex on Special Occasions
Getting along with your former spouse or partner may be impossible at times, but if you have kids, there are going to be birthdays, holidays, graduations, weddings and other occasions when the two of you will have to be together.
Weight Loss for Kids
Help your child reach a healthy weight the safe way. Learn the goals and strategies that’s right for every age.
Expert Q&A: How to Tell Your Kids About Your Cancer
After Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis announcement, read how experts advise telling kids that a parent has cancer.
Parenting Tips for Protecting Children & Teens from Cyberbullying
In today’s digital age, parents play a vital role in protecting their children and teens from cyberbullying. With the prevalence of digital devices and the […] The post Parenting Tips for Protecting Children & Teens from Cyberbullying appeared first on Child...
The authoritarian parenting style: What does it look like?
The authoritarian parenting style sets high standards for children to follow. But how does it differ from other approaches to child-rearing? How can you tell if your own style is authoritarian or authoritative? And, given that authoritarian caregiving isn't linked...
Melatonin: A Valuable Resource or Children's Health Risk?
For Courtney Stinson, ensuring her daughter's comfort is a constant battle against congenital myopathy. The 9-year-old relies on a ventilator to breathe, has multiple respiratory treatments daily, and is under the constant care of rotating skilled caregivers. Last...
How to Know When Growing Pains Are Something Else
Your child’s growing pains might be something else, like juvenile idiopathic arthritis. WebMD explains how to tell the difference.
7 Embarrassing Pregnancy Symptoms
Experts offer tips for coping with embarrassing pregnancy symptoms.
Spaced learning: What’s the best schedule for children’s lessons?
What is the "spaced learning" effect? If your child needs to learn something -- and you want that learning to stick -- the best approach is to space learning sessions apart in time. A single, long lesson is usually less effective than multiple, shorter lessons....
Navigating Change: Parenting Through Transitions with Confidence
Parenting Today can be challenging, particularly when navigating major life changes such as moving to a new city or changing schools. These transitions can be […] The post Navigating Change: Parenting Through Transitions with Confidence appeared first on Child...
Why Some Groups Vaccinate Less
Misinformation could lead to widening vaccine disparities in babies and toddlers. Here’s what parents need to know to protect their kids.