Why kids rebel (and how we can encourage cooperation)
Most kids are ready to be cooperative. But they recognize limits to our power. When we overreach, kids reject our authority as illegitimate.
Growing up
To get along in society, children need to learn social and emotional skills. These Parenting Science articles offer insights about the development of empathy, friendship, self-control…and more.
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.
Evidence-based social skills activities for children and teens (with teaching tips)
Social skills activities can help kids forge positive relationships, and better understand what other people are feeling and thinking. The key is finding games and exercises that match your child’s developmental capacities and needs. How do we help children develop social competence — the ability to read emotions, cooperate, make friends, and negotiate conflicts? Kids … Continue reading
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 help prevent aggression before it erupts.
Delayed gratification isn’t just about willpower
Delayed gratification isn’t always a matter of willpower. When adults appear unreliable – or downright untrustworthy – kids choose instant rewards over future benefits. And children show an increased willingness to wait if they believe their peers will do the same.
The effects of violent video games: What does the research tell us?
Do violent video games have any negative effects on kids? Parenting Science takes a critical look at the research.
Permissive parenting: An evidence-based guide
Permissive parenting might seem like the “no discipline” approach. A threat to civilization? Probably not, but outcomes depends on we you define this parenting style.
The Strange Situation test: Is your child securely attached?
Researchers use the Strange Situation procedure to measure attachment in young children. How does it work, and how can we raise secure kids?
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.
How toxic stress affects child development
Recent studies reveal how toxic stress “gets under the skin” — disregulating hormones, turning genes “on” and “off,” and altering a child’s brain.
Punitive environments encourage children to tell lies
It’s not unusual for kids to tell lies, but their readiness to deceive depends on how adults treat them. What can we do to foster honesty?
Emotion coaching: Helping kids cope with negative feelings
Emotion coaching is the practice of tuning into children’s feelings, and helping kids learn to cope with negative emotions like fear, anger, and sadness.