Parenting News You Can Use

How today's research relates to your family

by Debbie Glasser, Ph.D.

Joking and Pretending: More Than Just Child's Play

If you’re the parent of a toddler or preschooler, you already know that silly jokes and make-believe play can bring plenty of joy to your busy days. But according to new research, joking and pretending can be much more than just fun and games. Read More

Preschoolers Need More Outdoor Play with Parents

If you’re the parent of a young child, you probably already know many of the benefits of outdoor play. Not only does it help strengthen motor skills, prevent obesity, and support creativity, but playing outside even promotes mental health and well-being. Read More

A Little Failure Can Make a Big Difference in Helping Your Child Succeed

If you want to help your kids succeed in school and feel more confident, focus on the upside of failure. Yes, you read that right. According to researchers at the University of Poitiers in France, children will perform best when they are told that frequent tries and even occasional failure are normal (and important) aspects of learning. Read More

Good Intentions: Do They Matter?

When you hug your partner and express genuine compassion, or send a note in your young child's lunchbox letting her know you made that sandwich just for her, it's your good intentions—not just your nice behavior—that may significantly improve their day. Read More

Early Friendships Are Important, Especially for Boys

When your son in kindergarten makes a new friend in school, this little buddy may likely be more than just a fun playmate. This early friendship can enhance your child's social skills and even protect against behavioral problems in later grades. Read More

Have an Opinionated Teen? This Might Protect Against Peer Pressure

Do you have an opinionated, outspoken teen in your house? If so, here's a good reason to encourage your child's inner debater. According to researchers at the University of Virginia, teens who openly express their own views with their moms - whether or not they see eye-to-eye on the issues - are more likely than other teens to resist peer pressure to drink or use drugs. Read More

E-Reading and Young Children: Don't Just Hit the "Play" Button

With an increase in electronic gadgets marketed to young children, many toddlers and preschoolers are now watching books on DVDs, electronic tablets, and television. It's easy to see the appeal. Classic children's stories come to life on the screen, as colorful pictures, professional music, and animated narrators engage young viewers. Read More

Can Talking About Shapes Improve Math Skills Later in Life?

The next time you mention to your toddler that his pizza is shaped like a circle, or notice that your preschooler is building a tall tower with plenty of pointy corners, you might be improving his math skills later in life. Read More

Giving Thanks: Can Gratitude Make Us Nicer?

Somewhere between the cornbread stuffing and pumpkin pie, there's a good chance that you express gratitude at Thanksgiving. The very name of this holiday seems to beckon us—for at least a moment—to give thanks for something. Frequently, though, this act often involves a brief counting of blessings before moving on to dessert. Read More

Teens & Sleep: How (And Why) to Help Your Teen Get Some Rest

If you're the parent of a teen, you already know that your son or daughter spends hours a day plugged into all kinds of technological devices. What you may not know is that those extended video game marathons and frequent computer chats may be interfering with your teen's ability to get a good night's sleep. Read More