Observational fear learning in children: How kids can “catch” a fright
Observational fear learning is what happens when we use social cues to identify something as threatening. Can kids learn in this way? Yes!
Cognitive development
The social and cognitive benefits of play: Effects on the learning brain
What are the cognitive benefits of play? Read what scientific studies reveal about play and the developing brain.
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.
Educational games and toys for kids: Are they effective?
Parenting Science reviews the research. Which toys support the development of spatial intelligence? Can educational games teach math skills?
Why toy blocks rock: The science of construction play
Toy blocks can help kids develop better motor skills, spatial skills, and math skills. But to unleash all of these skills, kids need to do more than move blocks around.
Can preschool board games boost mathematics skills?
Studies suggest that children can learn math lessons from a preschool board game — if the game has these features.
The Mozart effect: The truth behind the claims
Depending on how you define it, the Mozart effect either doesn’t exist, or is a weak phenomenon with an extremely misleading name. But studies do hint that music can make us feel more alert and focused, giving us a brief cognitive boost. It may also deliver health perks.
How to support language development in babies
Babies possess amazing learning abilities. But to master language, they need our help. Studies suggest we can support language development by engaging babies in conversation, and by providing them with a variety of special cues and communicative experiences.
Can musical training help babies learn language?
Research suggests that playful, age-appropriate musical training can help babies learn language-related skills.
When do babies say their first word?
Babies make lots of communicative noises, but coos, gurgles, and cries aren’t true speech. When do babies say their first words? Most babies can say at least one or two words by the end of their first year, but the timing may vary considerably from individual to individual.
Compassionate deception: Do children tell prosocial lies?
Do children tell prosocial lies – lies intended to protect another person from harm? Fascinating experiments indicate that many kids are capable of this by the age of 7, and some children show the capacity even earlier.
STEM books and learning resources for kids: Parenting Science recommendations
STEM books for kids? Math and science games? Resources to get kids thinking, coding, building? Recommendations from Parenting Science.