The Parenting Science News Feed
The Parenting Science news feed alerts you to updates on the Parenting Science website and to new blog posts or articles written by Gwen Dewar about parenting and child development topics.
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Jul 09, 2020
How to connect with nature: Tips for tuning into the natural world
People who connect with nature are happier. Kids are better-behaved. So how can we help our families feel a greater sense of connectedness? Evidence-based tips.
Continue reading "How to connect with nature: Tips for tuning into the natural world"
Jul 01, 2020
Kids who feel connected with nature are happier -- and better-behaved
How does nature benefit children? Studies suggest that kids have fewer emotional problems - and behave more prosocially - when they feel connected with nature.
Continue reading "Kids who feel connected with nature are happier -- and better-behaved"
Jun 15, 2020
How to reset your child's internal clock for an earlier bedtime
To adapt kids to an earlier schedule, we need to expose them to the right environmental cues…and more. A comprehensive guide to resetting your child's internal clock.
Continue reading "How to reset your child's internal clock for an earlier bedtime "
Jun 05, 2020
6 mistakes that white parents make about race - and how to remedy them
White parents need to talk with their kids about race, but mistaken beliefs often get in the way. Here's what parents need to know to become better agents of change.
Continue reading "6 mistakes that white parents make about race - and how to remedy them"
May 28, 2020
Toilet training techniques: The fast track
Toilet training in less than a day? Fast-track toilet training techniques can be effective, but they aren't for everyone. Here's what parents need to know.
Continue reading "Toilet training techniques: The fast track"
May 22, 2020
Babies expect fairness, and prefer people who behave with fairness
Babies expect us to share resources equally. They prefer people who behave with fairness. But they are also learning about favoritism. Can we nurture fairness?
Continue reading "Babies expect fairness, and prefer people who behave with fairness"
May 18, 2020
The Covid nineTEEN Project offers free, online tutoring during the stay-at-home crisis
Do you know a teenager who is interested in volunteer work? Or an elementary school student who could use some online mentorship and tutoring?
The Covid Nineteen project brings together high school student volunteers and elementary school kids who are stuck at home.
Using Zoom, teens provide free, online activities and one-on-one academic tutoring to kids in grades 1 through 5.
The project is based in California, so schedules are geared to Pacific Standard Time. But organizers say they welcome participants from outside the state. Learn more about it at covidnineteenproject.com
May 08, 2020
Raising helpful kids: Tips for teaching generosity and kindness
How do you teach kids to be helpful? Studies suggest we should avoid heavy-handed tactics and bribes. We need to nurture our children's natural inclinations to do good.
Continue reading "Raising helpful kids: Tips for teaching generosity and kindness"
May 01, 2020
Bullying in children: The road to psychopathology?
Children who bully are more likely to develop symptoms of "antisocial personality disorder" -- a condition colloquially known as "sociopathy" or "psychopathy."
Continue reading "Bullying in children: The road to psychopathology?"
Apr 23, 2020
Parenting stress: What causes it, and how does it change us?
Parenting stress damages our well-being, and it may alter the course of a child's development. What causes it? How does it change us? What can we do to cope?
Continue reading "Parenting stress: What causes it, and how does it change us?"
Apr 15, 2020
Tangrams for kids: Educational tips and a printable template
Tangram puzzles may boost spatial skills, enhance math performance, and stimulate math skills. How to start? See evidence-based tips about tangrams for kids.
Continue reading "Tangrams for kids: Educational tips and a printable template"
Apr 06, 2020
Suddenly homeschooling? Need a curriculum? Here's how to get started.
Making the transition to homeschooling? Here's how to start homeschooling right away -- even if you haven't yet worked out your ultimate plan.
Continue reading "Suddenly homeschooling? Need a curriculum? Here's how to get started."
Apr 02, 2020
Help kids learn math and science: Ask them to explain and teach!
Research suggests we can help kids learn math and science by asking them to explain and teach. But there are pitfalls. Here's how to strike the right balance.
Continue reading "Help kids learn math and science: Ask them to explain and teach!"
Mar 27, 2020
U.S. Coronavirus Relief Plan: What American parents need to know
The first bill is helpful, but it doesn't go far enough to protect families, small businesses, and our children's economic future. We must push for more.
Continue reading "U.S. Coronavirus Relief Plan: What American parents need to know"
Mar 24, 2020
Parenting in a pandemic: Don't feel overwhelmed. Do this instead.
There's a lot we can do to make the best of this crisis. But the first step is to stop pressuring ourselves with unrealistic expectations.
Continue reading "Parenting in a pandemic: Don't feel overwhelmed. Do this instead."
Mar 18, 2020
Coronavirus study: Children get sick too -- sometimes seriously so
Research from China: Most kids who tested positive for the new coronavirus experienced symptoms, ranging from mild, cold-like symptoms to pneumonia - or worse.
Continue reading "Coronavirus study: Children get sick too -- sometimes seriously so"
Mar 16, 2020
Coping with the coronavirus
COVID-19 has upended our daily routines, and parents are feeling the stress. What should we do? Let's begin with these crucial facts.
Mar 06, 2020
Infant crying, fussing, and colic: A thinking parent's guide
Can you prevent infant crying by changing your approach to baby care? Parenting matters, but so, too, does your baby's temperament and physiology.
Continue reading "Infant crying, fussing, and colic: A thinking parent's guide"
Feb 28, 2020
Student-teacher relationships: Why emotional support matters
Supportive student-teacher relationships improve motivation, inspire achievement, and protect children from toxic stress. But many kids don't get the chance to form such bonds. Teacher burnout, counter-productive disciplinary practices, and racial biases get in the way.
Continue reading "Student-teacher relationships: Why emotional support matters"
Feb 21, 2020
Disruptive behavior problems: 12 evidence-based tips
They're a common part of childhood -- acts of aggression, defiance, and acting out. How should we handle these behavior problems? Research points the way.
Continue reading "Disruptive behavior problems: 12 evidence-based tips"
Feb 12, 2020
Stress in babies: How to keep babies calm, happy, and healthy
What causes stress in babies? How can we protect babies from toxic stress? Here are evidence-based tips to avoid meltdowns, and foster healthy development.
Continue reading "Stress in babies: How to keep babies calm, happy, and healthy"
Feb 03, 2020
Taming aggression in children: 5 strategies for effective parenting
Good news from researchers who study aggression in children: By changing our mental habits, we can stop aggression before it erupts.
Continue reading "Taming aggression in children: 5 strategies for effective parenting"
Jan 24, 2020
Newborn cognitive development: What are babies thinking and learning?
The newborn brain is busy processing information, searching for patterns, and learning. Here's a fascinating look at newborn cognitive development.
Continue reading "Newborn cognitive development: What are babies thinking and learning?"
Jan 10, 2020
When do babies start walking? It depends.
When do babies start walking? Some begin before 9 months, others take much longer. How does walking develop, and why do some babies walk earlier than others?
Continue reading "When do babies start walking? It depends."
Dec 27, 2019
Oxytocin affects social bonds - can we influence oxytocin in children?
Oxytocin affects social bonds and our responses to toxic stress. Can we influence oxytocin in children? New research suggests that we can.
Continue reading "Oxytocin affects social bonds - can we influence oxytocin in children?"
Dec 18, 2019
Help researchers understand how bullying affects kids with and without autism spectrum disorder
Researchers at the University of Binghamton (SUNY) are looking for parents of children, aged 6-17, to take an online survey. Would you like to help? Learn more.
Dec 13, 2019
The effects of praise: 7 evidence-based tips for using praise wisely
The effects of praise aren't always good. What can we do to make sure praise helps, and doesn't hurt?
Continue reading "The effects of praise: 7 evidence-based tips for using praise wisely"
Dec 06, 2019
Working memory in children: What parents and teachers need to know
Working memory (WM) is like computer RAM. The more you have, the faster you can process data. How does working memory affect kids, and what can we do to help?
Continue reading "Working memory in children: What parents and teachers need to know"
Nov 29, 2019
STEM books for kids (and other resources)
Looking for STEM books for kids? Math and science games? Resources to get kids thinking, coding, building? Here are some recommendations from Parenting Science.
Continue reading "STEM books for kids (and other resources)"
Nov 22, 2019
Night wakings: A guide for the science-minded parent
Night wakings are a normal, healthy part of sleep. But if awakenings are causing problems, there are things you can do. Here’s an evidence-based guide.
Continue reading "Night wakings: A guide for the science-minded parent"
Nov 01, 2019
Homework for young children: Is it justified?
Some schools assign homework to children as young as 5 or 6. But there isn't any compelling research that homework for young children is helpful.
Continue reading "Homework for young children: Is it justified?"
Oct 25, 2019
Preschool number activities
Counting isn't enough! Kids also need to develop "number sense." Here are 6 preschool number activities-- inspired by discoveries in cognitive psychology.
Oct 15, 2019
Bed-wetting (nocturnal enuresis) in children: An evidence-based guide
Bed-wetting (or sleep enuresis) is a medical condition, not a behavior problem. What causes bed-wetting? What are the most effective, evidence-based therapies?
Continue reading "Bed-wetting (nocturnal enuresis) in children: An evidence-based guide"
Oct 02, 2019
The benefits of fantasy fiction and imaginative play
Are kids confused by fairy tales? Is reading fantasy fiction a waste of time? No. Studies suggest fantasy can boost creativity, learning, and self-regulation.
Continue reading "The benefits of fantasy fiction and imaginative play"
Sep 20, 2019
Moral sense: Babies prefer underdogs and do-gooders
Do babies possess a sense of morality? They seem to care about victims, and they prefer individuals who treat others with kindness and fairness.
Continue reading "Moral sense: Babies prefer underdogs and do-gooders"
Sep 06, 2019
Do babies feel empathy?
Yes, babies feel empathy. They can "catch" other people's emotions. They show sympathy, and even offer to help. But their behavior depends on how we treat them.
Aug 05, 2019
Online parenting studies: Researchers seeking volunteers
Want to participate in scientific research? Read more about the latest online parenting studies.
Continue reading "Online parenting studies: Researchers seeking volunteers"
Jul 19, 2019
The permissive parenting style: Does it ever benefit kids?
The permissive parenting style has been linked with optimal child outcomes, but it depends on how you define "permissive." Kids benefit when we're less bossy.
Continue reading "The permissive parenting style: Does it ever benefit kids?"
Jul 12, 2019
Preschool cognitive development: Are kids smarter than they seem?
Kids make strange errors, but not because they're clueless. Studies of cognitive development suggest we're partly to blame. We're testing them the wrong way.
Continue reading "Preschool cognitive development: Are kids smarter than they seem?"
Jul 04, 2019
Stop the abuse and neglect going on in U.S. border detention centers
Demand that politicians put an end to the dangerous, heart-breaking human rights violations going on in U.S. border detention centers.
Continue reading "Stop the abuse and neglect going on in U.S. border detention centers"
