The Age of Overindulgence

Parenting

10 Things Parents Can Do to Keep Kids Safe When Using Screens

David J Bredehoft Ph.D. on January 29, 2026

The internet can be pretty scary, even dangerous, for both parents and children. These 10 guidelines can help.

The internet can be pretty scary, even dangerous, for both parents and children. These 10 guidelines can help.

Parenting

Screen Time's Dangers: From Brain Development to Heart Health

David J Bredehoft Ph.D. on November 4, 2025

Children ages 2 to 18 spend up to nine hours a day on screens. Research shows that excessive use can lead to health problems, delays, and poor social-emotional learning.

Children ages 2 to 18 spend up to nine hours a day on screens. Research shows that excessive use can lead to health problems, delays, and poor social-emotional learning.

Parenting

The FoMO Trap Linked to Overindulgent Parenting

David J Bredehoft Ph.D. on June 3, 2025

FoMO has been linked to behavioral and psychological problems: depression, decreased psychological well-being, increased symptoms of anxiety, stress, and compulsive technology use.

FoMO has been linked to behavioral and psychological problems: depression, decreased psychological well-being, increased symptoms of anxiety, stress, and compulsive technology use.

Adolescence

Overparented Daughters Hook Up More Frequently

David J Bredehoft Ph.D. on April 1, 2025

Overprotective parents send their daughters off to college ill-prepared to make decisions about relationships; these daughters are involved in an increasing number of hookups.

Overprotective parents send their daughters off to college ill-prepared to make decisions about relationships; these daughters are involved in an increasing number of hookups.

Family Dynamics

Rent Two Movies: Love, Friendship, and Family Bonds

David J Bredehoft Ph.D. on March 6, 2025

Watching and discussing movies teaches us a lot about our relationships.

Watching and discussing movies teaches us a lot about our relationships.

Family Dynamics

Rent Two Movies and Talk About Ourselves and Our Loved Ones

David J Bredehoft Ph.D. on March 6, 2025

The benefits of viewing films include hope and encouragement, help to reframe problems, provide role models, identify and reinforce internal strengths, and improve communication.

The benefits of viewing films include hope and encouragement, help to reframe problems, provide role models, identify and reinforce internal strengths, and improve communication.

Shame

When Home for The Holidays Triggers Shame and Guilt

David J Bredehoft Ph.D. on December 12, 2024

Going home for the holidays may not always be a happy event. Instead, it can trigger feelings of guilt and shame. To combat the shame, try creating new family rules.

Going home for the holidays may not always be a happy event. Instead, it can trigger feelings of guilt and shame. To combat the shame, try creating new family rules.

Social Learning Theory

When a High-Profile Influencer Promotes Corporal Punishment

David J Bredehoft Ph.D. on November 6, 2024

Is it possible for individuals to adopt new behaviors after hearing about the behavior in a fictionalized story? According to Albert Bandura, and social learning theory, it is.

Is it possible for individuals to adopt new behaviors after hearing about the behavior in a fictionalized story? According to Albert Bandura, and social learning theory, it is.

Parenting

Mom Is Smothering My Younger Brother

David J Bredehoft Ph.D. on September 24, 2024

This is a true story of what happens to a son when his mother overparents and smothers him following the death of her husband.

This is a true story of what happens to a son when his mother overparents and smothers him following the death of her husband.

Grit

11 Commonsense Ways to Raise Gritty Children

David J Bredehoft Ph.D. on September 6, 2024

Does your child persevere when faced with adversity or just give up? If the latter, maybe you should teach them to be gritty. Yes, grit can be learned.

Does your child persevere when faced with adversity or just give up? If the latter, maybe you should teach them to be gritty. Yes, grit can be learned.

Motivation

How to Raise Gritty Children

David J Bredehoft Ph.D. on August 19, 2024

Simone Biles, Suni Lee, and Brody Malone have overcome significant personal obstacles in pursuit of Olympic medals. Each has grit. Here's how to teach your children to be gritty.

Simone Biles, Suni Lee, and Brody Malone have overcome significant personal obstacles in pursuit of Olympic medals. Each has grit. Here's how to teach your children to be gritty.

Child Development

Are Fewer Toys Better for Your Toddler?

David J Bredehoft Ph.D. on March 13, 2024

Researchers show fewer toys improved the quality of play, while a greater number of toys seemed to be a distraction.

Researchers show fewer toys improved the quality of play, while a greater number of toys seemed to be a distraction.

Workplace Dynamics

The Challenge of Working With an Overindulged Adult

David J Bredehoft Ph.D. on January 6, 2024

You probably have had a coworker who felt privileged, coopted your ideas, took credit for them, and expected to get promoted even though they didn't deserve it. Here's what to do.

You probably have had a coworker who felt privileged, coopted your ideas, took credit for them, and expected to get promoted even though they didn't deserve it. Here's what to do.

Parenting

Does Overparenting Contribute to Loneliness and Anxiety in Gen Z?

David J Bredehoft Ph.D. on December 9, 2023

Overparenting can contribute to loneliness and other issues in emerging adults, particularly those in Gen Z.

Overparenting can contribute to loneliness and other issues in emerging adults, particularly those in Gen Z.

Child Development

Why Indulgent Parents Make Adulting Such a Challenge

David J Bredehoft Ph.D. on November 9, 2023

5 things to make sure young adults learn right now.

5 things to make sure young adults learn right now.

Locus of Control

External Locus of Control Linked to Childhood Overindulgence

David J Bredehoft Ph.D. on October 25, 2023

Parents who were overindulged as children have an external locus of control, feel their child's development is left to chance, and see themselves as ineffective.

Parents who were overindulged as children have an external locus of control, feel their child's development is left to chance, and see themselves as ineffective.

Parenting

Developmental Affirmations That May Change Your Life

David J Bredehoft Ph.D. on September 20, 2023

The goal of the developmental affirmations is simple. It offer ideas, concepts, and permissions in ways that are respectful and don't cause cognitive dissonance, or distress.

The goal of the developmental affirmations is simple. It offer ideas, concepts, and permissions in ways that are respectful and don't cause cognitive dissonance, or distress.

Resilience

The Science Behind Self-Affirmations

David J Bredehoft Ph.D. on August 7, 2023

Years of research show promise for self-affirmations as an intervention.

Years of research show promise for self-affirmations as an intervention.

Positive Psychology

Affirmations May Improve Life Satisfaction and Well-Being

David J Bredehoft Ph.D. on July 27, 2023

Put some new voices in my head, please.

Put some new voices in my head, please.

Adolescence

Is My Child Normal?

David J Bredehoft Ph.D. on June 24, 2023

Parents who clearly understand normal human development are better prepared because they know what is and is not normal.

Parents who clearly understand normal human development are better prepared because they know what is and is not normal.