Praise and intelligence: The argument for process-based praise
Telling kids they are smart might seem like encouragement, but it can backfire. Learn about person praise, process praise, and intelligence.
Myths and misconceptions
What do children’s drawings tell us about life at home?
Children’s drawings can function as a fascinating window into how kids perceive and represent their world. They are also helpful tools for therapists, because children sometimes find it easier to communicate with imagery rather than words. But can children’s drawings — by themselves — function as trustworthy evidence that something is wrong? Research strongly indicates otherwise.
The science of toilet training: What research tells us about timing
What scientific studies reveal about the timing of toilet training. Safe, early training may lower the risk of bladder and bowel dysfunction.
Bedwetting in scientific perspective: Debunking destructive myths
© 2010 – 2021 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved Myths about bedwetting? There are several, and they aren’t helpful. Ever heard the claim that kids wet the bed out of laziness? Or that kids require counseling — talking therapy — in order to break the “habit?” Or how about the idea that wetting the … Continue reading
Hunter-gatherers subsidize families…for the benefit of everyone
Freedom-loving, egalitarian, practical: Hunter-gatherers know parents can’t afford to raise kids without help. So everybody pitches in, and society thrives.
Traditional Chinese parenting: What research says about children and why they succeed
Is Chinese parenting superior? Amy Chua argues that Chinese kids achieve more because traditional Chinese moms are more strict and demanding. Here’s what the research suggests.
What’s wrong with classroom behavior charts: Why shaming backfires
What’s wrong with classroom behavior charts? Shaming is stressful, and it can make kids behave worse, not better.
Adolescence doesn’t end until you’re 28? How the media got it wrong.
© 2010 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved As I’ve noted elsewhere, false or misleading stories about scientific research are pretty common. There are several reasons for this. In some cases, the problem is that writers fail to read the studies that they are reporting on. In other cases, writers have dutifully read the original … Continue reading
Teen brains lack empathy? No! How the media got it wrong
When I searched the web today, I found a batch of stories with headlines like “Study: Teenage brain lacks empathy,” and “Teen Brain: It’s all about me.” These stories describe a brain scan study, but key facts are incorrectly reported. Contrary to the headlines, the study didn’t actually measure empathy. Nor did researchers observe any … Continue reading