At what age do children begin to tell lies?
Most kids begin telling lies between the ages of 2 and 4, as they develop better “mind-reading” skills and self-control. But understanding the morality of lying? That comes later.
Social cognition & social skills
How do children respond to a mother’s voice?
© 2021 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved A mother’s voice has special power. It can provide comfort — and improve outcomes — for babies hospitalized in the NICU. It can shape the way infants process language in the brain. And it can help children cope with pain and stress. What happens when a baby … Continue reading
The social world of newborns: Why babies are born to learn from our sensitive, loving care
Yes, newborns spend most of their time sleeping and eating. But babies are more than mere survival machines. At birth, they are primed and ready for social input, and our loving care has profound effects on their development.
How to communicate with your teenager: Key signals to send
Families are better off when teenagers communicate openly with their parents. But how do we inspire better communication? An experimental study shows the way: We need to provide kids with crucial signals of active, supportive listening. Not only does it make kids feel better. It also encourages them to confide in us.
Machiavellian kids? Understanding the moral reasoning of bullies
Studies suggest that many bullies are popular, confident, and socially-savvy. What’s missing? Empathy, and a sense of social responsibility.
Preschool social skills: Evidence-based tips for raising kind and competent kids
What social skills are important to preschoolers? How do we nurture these abilities? Evidence-based tips for fostering preschool social skills.
How to help kids make friends: 12 evidence-based tips
How can we help kids make friends? Here are twelve tips based on the latest research.
Stereotype threat: How exposure to stereotypes can hinder your chlid’s performance
© 2020 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved Children notice stereotypes about race, gender, and wealth. And their awareness of these stereotypes is distracting — so much so that it can actually interfere with learning and academic performance. But we can help kids overcome the threat. Here’s what every parent needs to know. The everyday … Continue reading
Not actually angry: Black children and boys more frequently misjudged
Unconscious race biases can make us perceive anger where none exists. How many “behavior problems” in children are caused by adults getting it wrong?
6 common mistakes that white parents make about race – and how to remedy them
White parents need to talk with their children about race, but mistaken beliefs often get in the way. Here’s what parents need to know to become better agents of change. For years, researchers have documented the phenomenon: Many white parents avoid talking with their children about race. Why? One explanation — voiced by the parents … Continue reading
Babies expect fairness, and they prefer people who behave with fairness
© 2020 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved Babies expect adults to share resources equally. They prefer people who behave with fairness. But babies are also learning about selfishness and favoritism. Can we become the role models our children deserve? Everyone should get a fair share. It’s the organizing principle of hunter-gatherer societies, and a … Continue reading
Raising helpful kids: Tips for teaching generosity and kindness
© 2020 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved How do you teach kids to be helpful? To be generous and kind? Studies suggest we should avoid heavy-handed tactics and bribes. Instead, we need to respect — and nurture — our children’s natural inclinations to do good. Helpful? Generous? Caring? Psychologists call these behaviors “prosocial,” and … Continue reading