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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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"
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?
Continue reading "Motor milestones: How do babies develop during the first two years?"
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.
Continue reading "Secure attachment relationships protect kids from toxic stress"
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.
Continue reading "The science of gestures: We learn faster when we talk with our hands"
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.
Continue reading "Why kids need daylight to thrive and learn: The benefits of light"
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.
Continue reading "How to prevent summer learning loss (and still have fun)"
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.
Continue reading "How television affects sleep -- and what we can do to sleep better"
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.
Continue reading "Vitamin A supplements: Is your kid getting too much vitamin A?"
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.
Continue reading "Teaching self-control: Evidence-based tips"
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.
Continue reading "Celebrate Earth Day, get involved in political change"
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.
Continue reading "12 benefits of outdoor play (and tips to help your child get them)"
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?
Continue reading "Nightmares and night terrors in children: Causes and treatments"
