http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html The Parenting Science news feed keeps you up-to-date on the latest articles added to ParentingScience.com. Subscribe here. en-us parenting Wed, 16 May 2012 20:02:29 GMT Wed, 16 May 2012 20:02:29 GMT parentingscience.com http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#If-sugar-makes-us-stupid,-can-omega-3-fatty-acids-save-us? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#If-sugar-makes-us-stupid,-can-omega-3-fatty-acids-save-us? The headlines are going around that "sugar makes us stupid." What are they talking about? A new, small study on rats. In today's Science Notes, talk about this intriguing study, and the bottom line for parents. Wed, 16 May 2012 17:21:44 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#24-hour-daycare?-What's-happened-to-family-help? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#24-hour-daycare?-What's-happened-to-family-help? Some thoughts about the opening of a 24-hour daycare center in India. Mon, 14 May 2012 17:14:16 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Does-the-new-Time-Magazine-cover-make-extended-breastfeeding----and-attachment-parenting----seem-wacko? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Does-the-new-Time-Magazine-cover-make-extended-breastfeeding----and-attachment-parenting----seem-wacko? Some thoughts on the latest viral meme on the internet. Fri, 11 May 2012 00:26:02 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Are-parents-to-blame-for-the-terrible-twos-?! http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Are-parents-to-blame-for-the-terrible-twos-?! In today's Science Notes, some thoughts about a new study on the effects of parenting style on a toddler's behavior problems...and some cross-cultural perspective on the whole idea of the "terrible twos." Wed, 09 May 2012 18:19:07 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Teaching-kids-to-be-happy? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Teaching-kids-to-be-happy? Native temperament -- and life circumstances beyond our control -- may have a large influence on our experience of happiness. But it's likely our attitudes and choices play a role as well. In today's Science Notes, some thoughts on a new study, and the implications for helping kids maintain a sense of happiness. Mon, 07 May 2012 17:34:42 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Why-parents-don't-matter-is-bunk http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Why-parents-don't-matter-is-bunk You've heard the claims that "parents don't matter." Some thoughts in today's Science Notes. Fri, 04 May 2012 20:10:02 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Other-parents'-child-rearing-practices-affect-your-child http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Other-parents'-child-rearing-practices-affect-your-child Are your parenting efforts undermined by the practices of other parents? They might be. Check out today's Science Notes for information about a new study on positive parenting, peer's parents, and a child's use of alcohol, cigarettes, or marijuana. Wed, 02 May 2012 17:07:48 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Does-prenatal-stress-cause-baby-iron-deficiency? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Does-prenatal-stress-cause-baby-iron-deficiency? In today's Science Notes, talk about a new study suggesting that severe prenatal stress puts babies at risk for iron deficiency. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:07:47 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Parents-can't-measure-out-the-right-dose-of-meds http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Parents-can't-measure-out-the-right-dose-of-meds Medication errors for young children are very common. Is it because parents can't do the math? Sat, 28 Apr 2012 16:52:01 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Parents:-Should-you-present-a-united-front? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Parents:-Should-you-present-a-united-front? In today's Science Notes, some research-based thoughts on the decision to compromise...or not. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:21:40 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#What-baby-experts-don't-tell-you-about-iron-deficiency http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#What-baby-experts-don't-tell-you-about-iron-deficiency Why those "eat this" food lists aren't enough. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:13:49 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Toddler-speech-delays:-Should-you-get-your-child-tested? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Toddler-speech-delays:-Should-you-get-your-child-tested? If your child seems slow to talk, should you be patient and wait it out? Probably not. More in today's Science Notes. Sat, 21 Apr 2012 17:37:31 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Does-offering-kids-a-choice-of-toys-make-kids-more-physically-active? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Does-offering-kids-a-choice-of-toys-make-kids-more-physically-active? A new experimental study found that kids played longer--and harder--when they were given a choice of toys to play with. More details and some thoughts on today's Science Notes. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:40:48 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#My-six-signs-of-bogus-parenting-advice http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#My-six-signs-of-bogus-parenting-advice Is the latest parenting trend a good idea? We can't say without knowing the details, of course. But there are certain "red flags" that tell me something fishy may be going on. Here are six popular-- but questionable--reasons people cite in favor of their parenting causes. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:01:03 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#How-to-be-your-kid's-emotion-coach http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#How-to-be-your-kid's-emotion-coach So as I argued last time, we can save kids from bad moods. But how? On today's Science Notes, I offer some research-based tips for becoming your child's "emotion coach." Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:25:47 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Can-we-save-kids-from-bad-moods? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Can-we-save-kids-from-bad-moods? In today's Science Notes: A new study on young adults suggests ways we can help children handle bad moods. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:28:21 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Toxic-marriages-are-bad-for-babies http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Toxic-marriages-are-bad-for-babies When parents fight, do babies suffer? A new study suggests that partner aggression has a negative influence on early childhood development. See today's Science Notes. Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:49:26 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Nutty,-affluent-women-think-it's-easy-to-conceive-after-40 http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Nutty,-affluent-women-think-it's-easy-to-conceive-after-40 Are women making important life decisions based on misconceptions about fertility? A Yale fertility doctor thinks so. Read more about it on today's Science Notes. Fri, 06 Apr 2012 18:11:18 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#New-study:-49%-of-American-preschoolers-don't-go-outside-to-play http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#New-study:-49%-of-American-preschoolers-don't-go-outside-to-play How often to young children go outside? A new study of almost 9000 American preschoolers reports that about half the kids aren't going outside at least once per day. Read Dr. Pooja Tandon's tips for increasing the time your family spends outdoors...and my discussion of the peculiar cultural context that has given rise to "indoor" children. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:36:00 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Pregnant-dieters-make-obese-kids http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Pregnant-dieters-make-obese-kids In today's Science Notes: More evidence that under-eating during pregnancy causes epigenetic changes to a baby's DNA...making her more likely to become obese as an adult. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:06:38 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#ADHD-is-overdiagnosed http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#ADHD-is-overdiagnosed I've already told you about the research suggesting that kids who are young for their grade level get misdiagnosed. Now check out this intriguing new study: Some therapists diagnose kids with ADHD even if those children fail to meet the official criteria. See today's Science Notes for the details. Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:42:09 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Dads-have-better-testosterone-levels? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Dads-have-better-testosterone-levels? In today's Science Notes: A new anthropological study suggests that men living in the United States, and places like it, have too much testosterone....and this may be more evidence that new fathers -- whose T-levels tend to decline -- have healthier hormonal profiles than childless men do. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:12:00 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Where-should-a-science-minded-family-live? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Where-should-a-science-minded-family-live? In today's Science Notes, a personal request. Can you advise me on where my family should live? Mon, 26 Mar 2012 18:07:48 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Feeding-schedules-can-harm-babies http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Feeding-schedules-can-harm-babies Recent news about the study on IQ and "demand" feeding have given parents new reasons to reject scheduled feedings. But what about the old reasons? In today's Science Notes, I discuss why "on demand" feeding is consistent with our evolutionary heritage...and individual needs of babies today. Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:36:06 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Newborns-fed-on-demand-become-smarter-kids? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Newborns-fed-on-demand-become-smarter-kids? There are many reasons to feed newborns on demand. For one thing, babies may not get enough to eat if they're fed on a rigid schedule. And now there's another possibility: Newborns fed on demand may develop into children with better test scores -- even higher IQs. Check out the results of a new study in today's Science Notes. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:08:00 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Do-indulgent-parents-raise-better-kids? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Do-indulgent-parents-raise-better-kids? Responding promptly to a baby's cries is sometimes called "indulgent." So is offering lots of physical affection....and avoiding physical discipline. But are these tactics really going to spoil children? On the contrary. The evidence suggests that sensitive, warm, responsive parenting makes children feel more secure, independent, and resilient. Read more about it in today's Science Notes. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:02:04 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Cell-phones-may-harm-fetal-brain-development-in-mice:-Should-we-worry? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Cell-phones-may-harm-fetal-brain-development-in-mice:-Should-we-worry? In today's Science Notes: Talk about a new study suggesting that cell use during pregnancy can alter fetal brain development and cause long-term behavioral problems. Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:08:37 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Rural-Florida-schools-are-still-spanking-kids...with-paddles http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Rural-Florida-schools-are-still-spanking-kids...with-paddles According to reporter Sarah Gonzalez, corporal punishment in the schools is still legal in parts of the United States. In some parts of rural Florida, kids are being hit with wooden paddles. Read more about it in today's Science Notes. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:04:21 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Is-daylight-saving-time-hurting-your-kids? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Is-daylight-saving-time-hurting-your-kids? Daylight saving time, or DST, is controversial for many reasons. What about the effects it has on children? There isn't much research on the subject. But I found one study suggesting that adolescents experience extra daytime sleepiness for 2 weeks after we shift our clocks forward. And it seems likely that some younger kids suffer too. Read about it on today's Science Notes. Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:23:40 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/developmental-assessment.html http://www.parentingscience.com/developmental-assessment.html Language, learning, attention, or social problems? Check out this parent’s guide to developmental assessment by pediatric neuropsychologist Aida Khan. Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:54:08 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Parenting-experts-who-are-full-of-baloney http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Parenting-experts-who-are-full-of-baloney The world is full of self-appointed parenting experts. Do they know what they are talking about? Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:53:20 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Do-artificial-food-colors-make-kids-more-hyperactive? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Do-artificial-food-colors-make-kids-more-hyperactive? In today's Science Notes, a quick overview of the evidence that artificial food dyes contribute to hyperactivity in susceptible children. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:27:16 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Does-dangerous-baby-yoga-upset-you? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Does-dangerous-baby-yoga-upset-you? It wasn't a hoax, that youtube video of a woman swinging the newborn baby overhead. And now there's more...and a whole movement on the rise in Russia. Odd local phenomenon? Perhaps. But as I argue in today's Science Notes, the psychology that supports it is found throughout the world. Sat, 03 Mar 2012 19:30:11 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Are-probiotics-in-your-baby-formula?-Should-they-be? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Are-probiotics-in-your-baby-formula?-Should-they-be? In today's Science Notes, more evidence that the right probiotics can help formula-fed babies develop a more healthful and natural balance of gut flora. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:14:46 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Active-video-games-don't-make-kids-fitter http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Active-video-games-don't-make-kids-fitter In today's Science Notes: A new study suggesting that those physical fitness video games don't make children more active. Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:26:59 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#In-memory-of-my-mother http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#In-memory-of-my-mother who passed away last night. I am grateful to have been your friend. Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:25:53 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Please-share-your-story:-Why-does-home-schooling-appeal-to-you? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Please-share-your-story:-Why-does-home-schooling-appeal-to-you? In the popular mind, parents who home school their children are primarily motivated by their religious or ethical beliefs. But I hear from plenty of parents who have very different reasons for considering home schooling. Many, for instance, worry that traditional schooling hinders the development of creativity and critical thinking. What do you think? If you've ever considered home schooling, please share your thoughts on my latest blog post for BabyCenter. Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:14:09 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Is-school-overtaxing-kids'-capacity-for-self-control? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Is-school-overtaxing-kids'-capacity-for-self-control? In light of some interesting new research on willpower, I ask the question: Are kids misbehaving because we put too many demands on their capacity for self-restraint? Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:21:42 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Over-reactive-parenting:-Evidence-that-it-makes-kids-worse? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Over-reactive-parenting:-Evidence-that-it-makes-kids-worse? Over-reactive parents respond with anger, irritation, or harsh discipline when their toddlers make mistakes. What happens to the kids? A new study of adoptive parents suggests that children raised by over-reactive parents are more likely to have emotional problems...and behavior problems, too. Read more about it in today's Science Notes. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:09:09 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#MRI-brain-scans-show-autism-risk-factor-for-6-month-old-infants http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#MRI-brain-scans-show-autism-risk-factor-for-6-month-old-infants How early can we identify babies at risk for developing autism? A new study suggests that babies as young as 6 months may already show distinctive patterns of brain growth. Check out today's Science Notes for more information. Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:52:58 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Women-quit-careers-in-science-to-be-parents http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Women-quit-careers-in-science-to-be-parents If women are under-represented in university science jobs, it's not because of overt sex discrimination. It's because more women think that life on the tenure-track is incompatible with parenting. Sat, 18 Feb 2012 01:27:03 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Do-cell-phones-make-people-more-selfish-of-self-absorbed? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Do-cell-phones-make-people-more-selfish-of-self-absorbed? Cell phone users can be obnoxious. Are they also less inclined to be helpful? Maybe young children are right to be intolerant of their parent's frequent phoning. Read more in today's Science Notes. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:40:35 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Will-your-toddler-remember-the-weird-stuff? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Will-your-toddler-remember-the-weird-stuff? What's your earliest memory? What will your child's earliest memory be? For years, the official scientific position has been pretty skeptical about very early memories. It seems likely that many early "memories" are really reconstructions and rehearsals put together years after the event. But a new study suggests that some kids can remember the details of unusual events that happened years ago--when they were as young as two or three years old. Check out today's Science Notes. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:07:28 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Poor-number-sense-puts-kids-at-risk-for-a-lifetime-of-bad-decision-making http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Poor-number-sense-puts-kids-at-risk-for-a-lifetime-of-bad-decision-making Poor number sense doesn't just hurt a child's academic progress. It may also lead him to make bed life decisions. Check out today's Science Notes. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:47:10 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Baby-led-weaning:-Path-to-slimmer-kids? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Baby-led-weaning:-Path-to-slimmer-kids? A new study suggests that letting babies feed themselves might lower rates of childhood obesity. But does this mean you should throw away the pureed green beans? Maybe not. Check out Science Notes for a little perspective. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:44:42 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Does-Harry-Potter-make-you-smarter?-How-magic-unleashes-kids'-creativity http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Does-Harry-Potter-make-you-smarter?-How-magic-unleashes-kids'-creativity Is magical, fantasy entertainment a mere frivolity? Or worse--a bad influence on young minds? In today's Science Notes, I consider evidence that the opposite is true. Stories about magic and fantastic events might stimulate children to think more flexibly and creatively. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:17:32 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Don't-panic,-but-how-you-handle-stress-may-influence-your-child's-brain-growth http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Don't-panic,-but-how-you-handle-stress-may-influence-your-child's-brain-growth Maybe you've heard the news: A study showing that kids who got patient, supportive parenting during early childhood experienced greater growth in the hippocampus, a brain region associated with memory and spatial skills. What are the implications? I think they go beyond the conclusion "Try to be patient and supportive with your young children." Why do parents get so stressed out, anyway? We take it for granted, but I'm not sure we should. Check out some cross-cultural speculations in today's Science Notes. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:26:30 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Do-kids-think-you-stink? http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Do-kids-think-you-stink? Just how sensitive is a young child's sense of smell? Surprisingly, bad odors might bother her less than they bother you. Read more on today's Science Notes. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:32:29 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Protect-your-kids-from-the-brain-cops http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Protect-your-kids-from-the-brain-cops In an upcoming journal publication, Wil Cunningham and Tobias Brosch warn that simplistic notions about the brain have gone too far, "not only in pop culture, but also in psychological science." Should you be concerned? I'd say yes--if you are a taxpayer, parent, or anybody who might get misjudged by bogus folk beliefs. Check out today's Science Notes. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:18:45 GMT http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Artsy-kids-get-depressed,-kin-of-autistics-like-science http://www.parentingscience.com/parenting-blog.html#Artsy-kids-get-depressed,-kin-of-autistics-like-science Is your artistic kid at higher risk for depression? Are kids with autistic siblings more likely to pursue a career in the natural sciences? In today's Science Notes, some thoughts on research connecting intellectual interests and psychological disorders. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:46:48 GMT