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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Only we, the people, can secure the future for our kids

closeup of sign held at a protest. The sign says "We the people...means everyone"

Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Linkedin We can do this — and show our children the power of community If you have been living in the United States since 2025, you probably find it hard to keep track of the sheer number of illegal and corrupt attacks against our rights, freedoms, safety, financial stability, dignity, and … Continue reading

Bring your love, peace, and whimsy!

dog sitting on grass next to an American flag. The dog is wearing comical eyeglasses.

On Saturday, October 18th, folks across the United States will gather in a demonstration of peace, love, and unity. Come join us if you can!

Families unite – we have strength in numbers

hands of different skin tones grasped together in solidarity

Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Linkedin Families unite! We need to speak up to protect our children! We have strength in numbers! On April 5th, find a “Hand’s Off” rally near you, and lend your voice to express the will of the people. Tell those in power that we aren’t going to let extremists, billionaires, and … Continue reading

Signs of toilet training readiness: When to start, and when to wait

toddler girl playing with a teddy bear on a potty chair

Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Linkedin When children show signs of toilet training readiness, they may learn toileting skills more easily or quickly. But not all signs are equally helpful — or even relevant — to your family’s needs. Before you begin training, it’s important to decide on your individualized goals for potty training, and then … Continue reading

American health care and ancient family values

silhouette of a toddler, viewed from behind, the child holding up her hand to shield herself from the bright sun

Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Linkedin Who should decide whether a child gets access to life-saving care? Or if the child’s family should receive a crippling financial blow – one that might permanently and negatively alter the course of their lives? In traditional cultures throughout the world, folks share similar values about this: Some things should … Continue reading

Do children believe in souls?

cloud in a blue sky, the cloud looks like a cherubic angel

In many cultures, people believe in an afterlife, where “personhood” continues to exist in the absence of a physical body. Does this spiritual stance reflect an innate bias of human psychology? To find out, researchers have examined whether children believe in souls.

How to foster sharing: Help children experience the “warm glow of giving”

toddler, viewed from behind, concealing a gift of flowers for mother

Are little kids hopelessly selfish? Many people assume so. But scientific research suggests otherwise. Like adults, children experience the warm glow of giving. And it’s a motivating force for good. How early in life do children feel this warm glow, and what can we do to nurture it — and encourage kids to share?

When does peer pressure start? Early. Very early in life.

long line of identical yellow rubber ducks

Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Linkedin Peer pressure and social conformity starts long before adolescence. When faced with a choice between telling the truth and backing a popular falsehood, even 4-year-old children will buckle. Yet kids also possess the ability to question — and even reject — majority opinion. What can we do to encourage children … Continue reading

15 baby sleep tips: A guide for the science-minded parent

sleeping infant curled up in crib

These evidence-based baby sleep tips can make bedtime easier, and help speed up the development of mature sleep patterns. From blue light filters to white noise, from dream feeding to bedtime routines, learn what works — and what pitfalls to avoid.

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