The Parenting Science News Feed

Jun 17, Kids get bullied at home too -- and there are psychological costs

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:10:47 -0400

A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics reports that one-third of the children have been bullied by siblings, and these victims suffer higher rates of psychological problems. What are the costs of bullying and how can we stop it?

Jun 15, Why the "new" fatherhood isn't so new

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 14:17:06 -0400

Sensitive, involved fathers may set themselves apart from their recent forebears. But if you consider the history of humankind, this approach to parenting is very old indeed.

Jun 13, Are men biologically equipped for parenthood?

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:01:09 -0400

Contrary to popular accounts of evolutionary psychology, the answer is yes. In fact, it's doubtful that humans would exist if it weren't for the contribution of ancestral fathers. In honor of Father's Day -- to be celebrated in many countries this weekend -- here's an updated look at the evolution of fatherhood -- across species and across cultures.

Jun 8, Tiger parenting study: Kids do better with less coercion and more positive parenting

Sat, 8 Jun 2013 13:04:23 -0400

A new study of Asian American immigrants puts tiger parenting to the test, and the results may surprise some people. Tiger parenting wasn't practiced by most parents, and it wasn't linked with the best child outcomes, either. Read more about it in my latest blog post.

Jun 6, Preschool track to the Ivy League?!

Thu, 6 Jun 2013 12:40:34 -0400

For parents anxious about -- or irritated by -- the pressure to find their young children a prestigious school, here's another look at a blog post I wrote a while back. As I argue there, we might put preschool worries in perspective if we consider things at the other end. What will happen if your child doesn't attend an elite university?

Jun 3, Nightmares and night terrors in children

Mon, 3 Jun 2013 16:19:49 -0400

Does your child suffer from nightmares? Night terrors? How do you tell the difference, and what can should you do to improve your child's sleep? Read more in my updated guide.

May 31, Childbirth trauma and post traumatic stress

Fri, 31 May 2013 15:39:18 -0400

A surprising number of women -- perhaps as many as 30% -- suffer at least some symptoms of post traumatic stress after childbirth. Why is that, and what can we do about it?

May 28, Spanking: What are the effects?

Tue, 28 May 2013 14:30:27 -0400

Spanking is controversial. What does the latest research suggest about its effect on children? See my updated guide to the evidence.

May 24, Neanderthal teeth offer clues about the evolution of breastfeeding

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:25:01 -0400

An interesting new study suggests we can learn about the breastfeeding habits of fossil humans. How does the new technique work -- and what have researchers already learned? Some people are already citing the study in the context of debates about extended breastfeeding. But that's pretty goofy. Read more in today's Science Notes.

May 23, What do we make of the latest study about bed-sharing?

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:37:21 -0400

The popular media are abuzz with news about the latest meta-analysis of five European studies of SIDS risk and bed sharing. But while this study contributes new estimates regarding specific risk factors, it seems to me the take-home message hasn't changed much since I first wrote about bed sharing in 2009. When basic safety guidelines are followed, bed-sharing appears to pose no special risks for babies over 3 months of age. For babies younger than 3 months, bed-sharing -- as it is typically practiced by Europeans -- is associated with higher risk. Can parents greatly reduce -- perhaps even eliminate -- the added risk by making radical changes to the sleep environment? While the idea hasn't been formally tested, cross-cultural evidence and common sense suggests it's very possible. For the latest information, see my updated article, "Bed sharing with infants: Can it be done safely?"

May 22, Are U.S. kindergartens teaching math that kids have already mastered?

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:48:19 -0400

Ella is going to start primary school this fall, and her parents look forward to seeing her expand her understanding of mathematics. But there’s a problem. Kindergarten will mostly be teaching material she’s already mastered.

May 21, Genes may predict who gets postpartum depression

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:44:16 -0400

Why do women suffer from postpartum depression (PPD)? Researchers are still trying to figure out the physiological mechanisms. But a new study suggests that some women may carry genes that put them at special risk. Are you or your partner one of them? Someday, a blood test may tell you the answer.

May 18, How children make themselves

Sat, 18 May 2013 13:22:52 -0400

Kids aren’t passive lumps of clay. Their behavior influences the kind of feedback they get. And to the degree that children are given any freedom, they make choices that can influence they way they turn out.

May 17, Preschool math lessons: Evidence that the home environment matters most

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:50:35 -0400

Research suggests that early math lessons contribute to long-term achievement. But do these lessons have to happen in a school setting? I doubt it.

May 16, The causes of colic: What should your baby be screened for?

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:06:51 -0400

If you have a baby who cries excessively and inconsolably, what conditions should your doctor be screening for?

May 14, Why some babies won't stop crying

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:01:20 -0400

All babies cry, but some cry excessively and inconsolably. What makes the difference? Differences in caregiving? Diet? Disease? Or brain chemistry? See my updated article, "What is colic: A critical look at the scientific evidence."

May 11, Kids stay healthier when adults are fair-minded

Sat, 11 May 2013 13:06:28 -0400

Adults suffer more health problems when they perceive unfairness in the workplace. Should we doubt that children experience similar problems at school? At home? Around the neighborhood?

May 10, What's the right way to handle bed-wetting?

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:35:51 -0400

We've dispelled the myths. What does the evidence suggest about the true causes of bed-wetting, and what treatments work?

May 8, Myths about bed-wetting die hard -- and don't help kids get better

Wed, 8 May 2013 16:28:43 -0400

Research suggests that bed-wetting is common, even among school age children. And it's usually a physiological, rather than a psychological, problem. But many people believe otherwise, and their misconceptions aren't helpful. Check out my updated, myth-busting article about wetting the bed.

May 7, Research you can participate in

Tue, 7 May 2013 20:40:45 -0400

Researchers at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania are conducting a new study about children's relationships, and they are looking for parents to participate. Got 5-10 minutes? If you are willing, and over the age of 18, follow the links to this online survey.

May 5, Do music lessons make kids smarter?

Sun, 5 May 2013 15:40:28 -0400

Musicians tend to be smarter than average. Why? Prior ability accounts for some of the difference, but there's also evidence that the training itself changes the course of brain development. See my updated article, "Music and intelligence: A guide for the science-minded."

May 2, Two parents are not necessarily better for brain development

Thu, 2 May 2013 16:08:03 -0400

Does the latest mouse study tell us that two parents are better for brain development? Not really. But it suggests that babies who get extra physical affection may have an advantage. Read more in today's post for BabyCenter.

May 1, Do "pregnacy foods" affect children's eating habits?

Wed, 1 May 2013 11:46:45 -0400

Research suggests that a fetus can "taste" the foods his pregnant mother eats. Does this shape his preferences later in life? Could a steady diet of fatty, sugary foods during gestation set up babies for a kind of "addiction" to junk food? See my updated article about prenatal learning about food.

Apr 29, The empathy gap: Why parents routinely underestimate their kids' anxieties

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:43:15 -0400

Confident, upbeat parents underestimate their children's anxieties. Why? See my updated article about the empathy gap.

Apr 27, Can you tell if a baby is going to become an aggressive kid?

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 11:34:24 -0400

New research suggests there is a trait that puts babies at higher risk for developing aggressive behavior problems. But, surprisingly, your baby's temperament may have little to do with it. And there's no reason to assume parents can't steer at-risk babies in the right direction.

Apr 23, You might have been 5 inches shorter

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:26:28 -0400

In my "Making Humans" blog: Revisiting the terrible conditions of 19th century factory life. How did life improve, and what can we do about the human rights violations of children alive today?

Apr 22, Should parents be friends with their kids?

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:40:08 -0400

"Your kids don't need another friend. They need a parent." Is this true? I'd argue no. But it depends on what you mean by "friend." See my updated article about the perils and benefits of friendship between parents and children.

Apr 20, Kids with permissive parents show less self-control

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 10:46:14 -0400

What happens when parents ignore their children's bad behavior? When they give in to tantrums or find it difficult to set limits? Read about a recent study that reports a link between permissive parenting and self-regulation in children.

Apr 18, The magical, physiological effects of babycarrying

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:20:14 -0400

A cool new study from Japan demonstrates the temporary power of baby-carrying. Walk with a baby in your arms, and she calms down in many ways -- she stops crying, her heart rate slows, and she stops moving around. But the effects depend on your continued movement. Stop walking, put her down, and the calming response evaporates. To see a video made by the researchers, find the link at the bottom of my updated article "Infant crying in anthropological perspective."

Apr 17, The perils of exerting too much control (and too little warmth)

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:33:36 -0400

Authoritarian parents don't reason with their kids, and they take a punitive approach to regulating kids' behavior. What are the consequences? Check out my updated review of the latest research, "Authoritarian Parenting: How does it affect the kids?"

Apr 13, Do parents who talk to babies have smarter kids?

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:18:58 -0400

Some babies and toddlers grow up hearing many more words than others do. Does it make a difference? Research suggests that it does.

Apr 11, Would Socrates have made a good father?

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 18:06:25 -0400

Showing warmth, setting limits, and reasoning with kids. Has anybody demonstrated a better approach to parenting? Not yet. See my updated article about authoritative parenting.

Apr 8, Asking kids to explain inconsistencies makes them think and behave like scientists

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 13:45:43 -0400

How do we prepare young kids to think critically and scientifically? Fascinating research suggests that kids engage in spontaneous hypothesis-testing when we ask them to explain how things work. See my updated article, Helping kids learn math and science: Why kids benefit when they teach others."

Apr 4, Active gesturing: Why kids are better off if they talk with their hands

Thu, 4 Apr 2013 11:23:57 -0400

My recent blog post discussed a new study about the effects of watching gestures. But what about performing them? A growing body of research demonstrates that children who use gestures when they talk may be helping themselves learn.

Apr 3, Kids learn better from adults who talk with their hands

Wed, 3 Apr 2013 13:40:07 -0400

Most people gesture when they talk. But some don't. Do these differences matter? When it comes to helping children learn, they might matter a great deal. Read about the latest research in my Science Notes blog.

Mar 29, Explaining the high achievement of Chinese-Americans

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 17:55:22 -0400

In light of a new study of American 10th graders -- one reporting that Asian-Americans outperformed every other ethnic group in math and science -- it might be a good time to review some of the likely reasons. See my article on academic achievement and traditional Chinese parenting.

Mar 27, Angry parent battles may shape babies' brains

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 18:34:59 -0400

Severe stress is bad for the developing brain. But what about more moderate stress--like living in a home with warring parents? New research suggests that overhearing lots of angry conflicts might have an adverse impact -- even before babies are old enough to understand what the arguments are about.

Mar 22, Does your kid have a video game addiction?

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:16:51 -0400

You might worry that your child spends too much time playing video games. But that, per se, doesn't mean he has an addiction. Read my updated article for the details.

Mar 20, Why kids don't notice approaching cars: Their auditory skills aren't well-developed

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:47:10 -0400

When is a child old enough to cross the street by himself? A new study suggests that kids aren't very good at detecting the sound of an approaching car. They also have trouble figuring out the direction from which a car is coming. Read the details in today's Science Notes.

Mar 16, Kids learn to blame (or dehumanize) the victim long before high school

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 22:27:14 -0400

Do kids who bully need us to teach them about calculating the costs and benefits of their actions? Or do they need help developing their sense of empathy? Read more about it in my updated article about rationalization and moral reasoning in kids.

Mar 13, ADHD drugs being prescribed to kids who don't need them: What is ADHD, and why does it matter?

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 17:34:55 -0400

For kids with serious ADHD symptoms, the benefits of medication may outweigh the costs. But, as noted today by the American Academy of Neurology, some kids who don't meet the criteria for ADHD are taking ADHD medications as "study drugs." Are kids being medicated inappropriately? And how do we decide who has ADHD? Check out my updated article about difficulties of diagnosing kids with ADHD.

Mar 11, Exercise may help kids cope with stress

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:23:30 -0400

Chronic stress and anxiety have serious effects on your health. But a new study suggests one way we might protect kids from stress -- exercise.

Mar 8, Weighing the costs and benefits of milk consumption

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 13:16:35 -0500

Some people want to ban milk from schools. Others are worried that milk makes kids fat. Is milk good for kids? A review of the evidence suggests that milk is beneficial in many ways. But parents need to weigh these benefits against the costs, and limit total milk intake. Check out my updated article about milk.

Mar 6, Obsessive-compulsive symptoms are common for new parents

Wed, 6 Mar 2013 13:30:38 -0500

Have you seen the headlines about obsessive-compulsive disorder after childbirth? The latest study provides more evidence that new babies are a trigger for intrusive, distressing thoughts and compulsions. But it's not just a problem for mothers. Fathers experience it too. Read more about it in today's Science Notes.

Mar 5, Picky eaters, part 2: What do we do about it?

Tue, 5 Mar 2013 16:19:24 -0500

Following up on the "Science of Picky Eaters" -- my article presenting evidence-based tips for getting kids to eat.

Mar 4, Why are some kids such picky eaters?

Mon, 4 Mar 2013 15:26:45 -0500

Is your picky eater driving you crazy? Understanding why he's so picky might make things less stressful and help you cope. Check out my updated article on the science of picky eaters.

Feb 28, Do video games cause -- or cure -- attention problems?

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:20:21 -0500

A new study suggests that action video games can help dyslexic children improve their reading ability by boosting visual attention skills. Read more about it in my updated article about video games and attention.

Feb 27, Study: Disaster makes little kids more selfish, and older kids more generous

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:41:37 -0500

During natural disasters and other hardshps, some adults show great generosity. What happens to children? A new study of earthquake survivors suggests it depends on the age of the child.

Feb 20, Study: Young children are surprisingly smart helpers

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:22:53 -0500

Experiments reveal that even babies want to be helpful. But how thoughtful are they? Intriguing new research suggests that children as young as three don't just comply with requests for help. If you ask them for the wrong thing -- like a flashlight that happens to be broken -- they will take the initiative and bring you a working flashlight instead. Read more about it in today's Science Notes.

Feb 18, Chimpanzees don't have to cut their hair. We do we?

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 21:04:29 -0500

In my latest post for Making Humans, I revisit the question "Why do humans have to cut their hair?

Feb 16, Do long hours in center-based care cause behavior problems?

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 16:17:12 -0500

A number of studies have reported links between time spent in daycare or preschool and the development of aggressive behavior problems. But new research suggests that only some kids are at risk. Do genetic factors play a role? And might Norway present model of preschool that promotes good social behavior? Check out my updated article on the "Dark side of preschool."

Feb 13, Parents who get bossy during playtime have less engaged, less cheerful kids

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:55:34 -0500

In today's Science Notes, I talk about a new study tracking young children over a period of four years. Researchers found that mothers who got more directive and intrusive during playtime had kids who showed less engagement...and more negative emotion.

Feb 6, Study: The right praise sets toddlers on the path to success?

Wed, 6 Feb 2013 14:48:16 -0500

We already know that it pays to have a can-do attitude. People who believe they can improve themselves with effort are better learns and achieve more success. But what can parents do to help instill the right attitude? In today's Science Notes, I talk about a new study tracking children from infancy to primary school. It's the first research to show that patterns of praise in the home are related to the attitudes that kids adopt in the long-term.

Jan 30, Vietnamese mothers have babies out of diapers by 9 months

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:42:44 -0500

You wouldn't think a paper in the Journal of Pediatric Urology would make people mad, but I'm betting it will. Some people get very defensive, or haughty, about their toilet training practices. Read more in today's Science Notes.

Jan 23, Cross-cultural study: Most parents lie to their kids

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:52:40 -0500

Ever tried the "Come here now or we're going to leave you behind" ploy? That's got to a very old one, and a new study suggests it's still very popular in China and the United States. Read more about interesting similarities -- and differences -- in the way parents mislead their children.

Jan 17, fMRI study: TV isn't mindless

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:07:18 -0500

Is TV all bad? No, and watching TV isn't a mindless experience. If there are any doubts, consider this new study that scanned children's brains while they watched Sesame Street.

Jan 10, Does your kid have a trustworthy face?

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 13:16:41 -0500

More evidence that it's useful to be cute. Looking like a baby makes you seem more trustworthy.

Jan 6, The curse of the herd

Sun, 6 Jan 2013 17:56:58 -0500

What does it mean to grow up in a society that permits no strays? To spend one's childhood under the thumb of people who discourage questions and critical thinking? In my latest post for Psychology Today, I offer some thoughts about experiments on conformity, and a child's right to think for himself.

Jan 2, Babies begin learning about language before they are born

Wed, 2 Jan 2013 14:08:21 -0500

A new study sheds more light on the question of what a baby can hear and remember before birth. Today I write about in a new post for BabyCenter.

Dec 24, The case for teaching empathy

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 14:43:01 -0500

Recent public tragedies have sparked talk about the role that empathy plays in mass killings. Does empathy just emerge during normal development? It's complex, but the evidence suggests that our experiences are important. Parents and teachers can help children develop a sense of empathic concern. And no -- we shouldn't assume that boys are less empathic by nature. Check out my updated article on the case for teaching empathy.

Dec 18, How games can make kids kinder and more helpful

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:12:31 -0500

Do the games we play influence how we treat other people? There is intriguing evidence that they might. Recent research suggests that kids who play video games with prosocial content are more likely to help and less likely to attribute hostile intentions to other people. Check out my updated article on the beneficial effects of social video games, and the links you will find there.

Dec 16, Are children more rational than we give them credit for?

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 15:53:40 -0500

Little kids have said and done bizarre things, particularly during certain psychology experiments. Is this evidence that they are irrational? That they are clueless about other minds? Or are kids merely struggling with weird testing conditions? Check out my updated article "Cognitive development before kindergarten: Are kids illogical, distracted, or just trying to please?"

Dec 14, In sympathy for the families of victimized school children

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:35:05 -0500

What can we do when something unspeakably cruel happens, the victims dead and the survivors left behind are hundreds or thousands of miles away? Sometimes, a bit later, it becomes clear how we -- the distant bystanders -- can help. But for now, as a tragic, terrible story unfolds in Newtown, Connecticut, I can think of nothing. News reports say that at least 18 children and 9 adults were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. On this same day, in Henan, China, 22 elementary school kids were attacked by a man with a knife. There are no words from a stranger that can make any difference to the people suffering. All I can think is that we can tend to our own families and give attention to the people in our own neighborhoods who need help. And wait to learn how we might help the people affected by the elementary school tragedy. My deepest sympathies to the families of Sandy Hook Elementary School and victims in Henan, and gratitude to emergency responders everywhere. For families living at a distance and coping with children who are upset by the news, see my blog post, "Coping with disaster stress: What parents need to know."

Dec 13, Aerobic exercise may help kids stay focused and improve their academic performance

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 18:22:29 -0500

Got kids who are feeling distracted, impulsive, or just a bit foggy? Maybe they need more aerobic exercise. Check out my updated article about the cognitive benefits of exercise for kids.

Dec 11, Is it realistic to think that video games and computer games can improve academic performance?

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 14:05:30 -0500

Video games are big business, but there is surprisingly little research testing the effects gaming on academic performance. What, if anything, can we conclude? Some evidence-based thoughts in my updated article about educational video games.

Dec 7, Did social tolerance of youngsters give our ancestors an evolutionary advantage?

Fri, 7 Dec 2012 11:28:13 -0500

Capuchin monkeys are the brainiest nonhuman primates in the New World, and they share several interesting traits with humans -- including tool use, food sharing, and community day care. They also show great social tolerance towards babies and juveniles, which permits youngsters to learn by watching other monkeys. Might this social tolerance be the secret of their success? And the secret of our own species' success?

Dec 5, Sweden goes gender-neutral with their toy marketing: A good idea?

Wed, 5 Dec 2012 15:35:25 -0500

In Sweden, toy stores are taking a strictly gender-neutral approach to marketing toys, depicting boys playing with traditionally "girly" toys and girls toting toy ray guns. Is culture the single, driving force behind sex-biased toy preferences? Perhaps not -- there is mounting evidence that some play preferences are influenced by hormones. However, it's also clear that culture plays a big role. And kids probably benefit when we counter cultural pressures to sex-typed toys. Check out my updated article, "Girl toys, boy toys, and parenting: The science of toy preferences in children."

Dec 4, More evidence that babies aren't passive blobs: They know about numbers

Tue, 4 Dec 2012 12:59:34 -0500

Scientists used to think that babies were "blank slates." New research has put this to the lie. For instance, babies possess a surprising understanding of numbers long before they can talk. Read more about it in my updated article, "What babies know about numbers."

Dec 3, The causes of colic: How disease and differences in brain chemistry can explain excessive, inconsolable crying in young babies

Mon, 3 Dec 2012 12:08:06 -0500

What's stressing out new parents? For some parents, it's the excessive, inconsolable crying. People tell them it's "just colic," and that the babies will get over it. But what if an underlying medical condition is to blame? If you or somebody you know is coping with colic, check out my revised guide to the many possible physical causes of colic.

Nov 30, Can we raise a new generation of critical thinkers?

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 20:37:13 -0500

Critical thinking is irrelevant if you believe that all opinions are equal. Unfortunately, many people seem to take this view. Can we change the world by change the way we educate our kids?