The Parenting Science News Feed

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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Aug 05, 2019

Online parenting studies: Researchers seeking volunteers

Want to participate in scientific research? Read more about the latest online parenting studies.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Jun 20, 2019

Motor milestones: How do babies develop during the first two years?

Motor milestones mark exciting transitions in a baby’s life, but there’s no universal schedule that all babies follow. What’s normal, and how parents support healthy development?

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Jun 14, 2019

Secure attachment relationships protect kids from toxic stress

Emotional support helps children recover from stress. But is there more? Maybe secure attachment relationships help kids develop the power to self-soothe.

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Jun 07, 2019

The science of gestures: We learn faster when we talk with our hands

Gestures aren't just hand-waving. Learn how hand movements can help babies, school children, and even adults learn.

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Jun 07, 2019

Why kids need daylight to thrive and learn: The benefits of light

Why do kids need daylight? Studies suggest that bright light boosts mood and concentration. It may help prevent disease, and enhance our ability to learn.

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May 31, 2019

How to prevent summer learning loss (and still have fun)

During summer break, kids can forget what they've learned at school, falling months behind. But studies suggest we can prevent summer learning loss. Here's how.

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May 22, 2019

How television affects sleep -- and what we can do to sleep better

How does television affect sleep? In adults, it can push back bedtimes and disrupt sleep patterns. In young children, even more can go wrong. Here's what to look out for.

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May 03, 2019

Vitamin A supplements: Is your kid getting too much vitamin A?

Vitamin A supplements are helpful if you have a deficiency. But healthy, well-nourished children don't need supplements, and may actually be getting too much vitamin A.

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Apr 26, 2019

Teaching self-control: Evidence-based tips

Teaching self-control? Kids benefit when we remove temptations and distractions; offer timely reminders; and show kids how to stick to a plan. See these tips.

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Apr 22, 2019

Celebrate Earth Day, get involved in political change

On this Earth Day, let's remember that one of our most important duties as parents is to pressure policymakers.

Our kids can't vote. They can’t stop politicians from denying children their birthright – a society that pulls together to fight the disastrous consequences of pollution and climate change. But we can.

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Apr 12, 2019

12 benefits of outdoor play (and tips to help your child get them)

What do studies tell us about the benefits of outdoor play? Here are 12 ways that outdoor time can make kids healthier, happier, and smarter.

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Apr 05, 2019

Nightmares and night terrors in children: Causes and treatments

Night terrors in children are surprisingly common, though not as prevalent as nightmares. How do we tell the difference, and what can parents do to cope?

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Mar 29, 2019

Correcting behavior: How to help kids learn from their mistakes

Correcting behavior? Studies suggest the best approach is positive and constructive. When kids make mistakes, we should ask them to think about solutions.

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Mar 22, 2019

Spanking children: Why does it happen, and what are the effects?

What does research tell us about spanking children? As a discipline tactic, it isn't very effective. And studies indicate that spanking can cause lasting harm.

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Mar 16, 2019

Spanking babies: Is it okay to spank an infant?

No, spanking babies is a bad idea. Our forager ancestors rejected it, and so should we. Here’s why spanking is counterproductive – and damaging.

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Mar 08, 2019

Infant potty training: An alternative to elimination communication

Looking for an alternative method of infant potty training? This method, tested by researchers, is safe for babies who can sit up unassisted.

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Feb 28, 2019

Bullying in school: An evidence-based guide to interventions that work

How can we stop bullying in school? Studies favor school programs that feature teacher training, positive discipline, playground monitoring, and zero tolerance.

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Feb 21, 2019

When do babies crawl, and how does crawling develop? (illustrated)

When do babies crawl? Most babies start between 6-11 months, but it’s perfectly normal for infants to skip crawling, and favor other ways of getting around.

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Feb 14, 2019

Stricter gun regulations can save children's lives

One year after the Parkland shooting, polls show a waning public interest in gun control legislation. Yet the threat hasn't changed, and neither have the facts. When governments enforce stricter gun regulations, fewer kids die.

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Feb 08, 2019

Breastfeeding on demand: Benefits, questions, and evidence-based tips

Breastfeeding on demand is the ideal way to keep milk production in sync with a baby's needs. It helps ensure that babies get enough milk, and it might benefit emotional and cognitive development. Learn about hunger cues and the need for maternal helpers. Tips for coping.

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Jan 31, 2019

What's wrong with classroom behavior charts: Why shaming backfires

What's wrong with classroom behavior charts? Shaming induces toxic stress, and it can make kids behave worse, not better. Read what experiments on children have to teach us about inducing shame -- and finding better, more constructive ways to shape behavior.

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Jan 24, 2019

When children are really difficult

Is it your fault if your kid throws angry tantrums, lashes out at others, destroys property?

Society is quick to point the finger at caregivers, but some children are much harder to parent than others.

Here's a reminder that you shouldn't take it personally. You've got a tougher job -- and research can help you find ways to cope.

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Jan 17, 2019

Postpartum depression symptoms: When is it more than the "baby blues"?

An updated and expanded look at postpartum depression. When is it more than "baby blues"? When will it get better? And who's at risk for the most severe, longlasting symptoms?

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Jan 11, 2019

Hear Gwen discuss baby signing on NPR radio

I recently discussed the phenomenon of baby signing with Jeremy Hobson, on NPR's radio program, "Here and Now."

You can listen to the podcast here.

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Jan 08, 2019

Can babies sign before they can speak?

Can babies sign before they can speak? To date, studies have failed to find compelling evidence in favor of the idea. And there's reason for doubt: Research confirms that babies start practicing spoken language at an early age.

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Jan 01, 2019

How to start babies on solid food: An evidence-based guide

When to start solids depends on your baby’s developmental skills, and on whether or not you want to offer your baby finger foods. These evidence-based tips explain how to start babies on solid food, what to expect, and how to cope with a baby’s negative reactions.

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Dec 18, 2018

Baby sign language: A guide for the science-minded parent

What is baby sign language? Should we teach our babies to sign? There’s no compelling evidence that baby signing programs yield long-term developmental benefits. But there is good reason to think that our everyday, spontaneous, pantomime-like gestures help babies learn.

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Dec 13, 2018

Sensitive, responsive parenting: What are the health benefits?

Does sensitive, responsive parenting help protect kids from a lifetime of bad health? It seems likely. Studies suggest that parents can act as a buffer against harmful, chronic stress.

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Dec 06, 2018

Dinosaur replay: Getting kids hooked on science

Just in time for the holidays, here is a reminder: How to turn your child's love for dinosaurs into something even bigger.

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Nov 29, 2018

Parenting stress: 10 tips for coping

At this time of year, it's good to remember these tips for handling stress

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Nov 23, 2018

STEM books for kids (and other resources too)

How can we boost a child's interest in physics, computer science, evolution, or mathematics? Here are some recommended resources.

https://www.parentingscience.com/STEM-books-for-kids.html

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Nov 14, 2018

Tangrams for kids: Educational tips and a printable template

Working on tangram puzzles may boost a child's spatial skills, and even enhance a child's math performance.

How do we help kids get started? Here are some evidence-based tips about tangrams for kids, and a printable tangram template.

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Nov 08, 2018

What happens when adults lie to children?

When adults lie to children, does it set a bad example? Research suggests the effects depend on a child's age. But overall, the effects are negative. When kids discover we'd lied to them, they become less trusting and less truthful in their dealings with us.

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