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.
The Parenting Science News Feed
The Parenting Science news feed alerts you to updates on the Parenting Science website and to new blog posts or articles written by Gwen Dewar about parenting and child development topics.
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Infant sleep problems: A troubleshooting guide
A scientific guide to common infant sleep problems, and what you can do to solve them. Cross-cultural and evolutionary insights.
Motor milestones: How do children develop during the early years?
Motor milestones mark exciting transitions in a baby’s life, but there’s no universal schedule that all babies follow. What’s normal, and how parents support healthy development?
Evidence-based social skills activities for children and teens (with teaching tips)
Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Linkedin 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 … Continue reading
Stress in babies: How to keep babies calm, happy, and emotionally healthy
What causes stress in babies? How can we protect babies from toxic stress? Here are evidence-based tips to avoid meltdowns, and foster healthy development.
Excessive infant crying and irritability: Which comes first — the unhappy baby or the stressed-out parent?
Parenting stress can affect babies, but studies don’t justify the conclusion that excessive infant crying is caused by stressed-out parents.
Baby sleep patterns: An evidence-based guide
How do baby sleep patterns vary by age, and what can we do to to help infants develop mature, healthy sleep habits?
Finding the right infant sleep aid: Evidence-based tips for getting your baby to sleep
The Parenting Science Guide to finding an effective infant sleep aid. Information about bedtime routines, infant massage, swaddling, rocking, and more.
Ferber method: What is it, and how does it affect babies?
What is the Ferber method (also known as “graduated extinction”)? How does it compare with other, “gentler” methods of sleep training?
Bed-wetting (nocturnal enuresis) in children: An evidence-based guide
Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Linkedin Is bed-wetting in children — also known as “sleep enuresis” — a sign of illness? Does it indicate a child is lazy or defiant? Trying to get attention? Suffering from behavior problems? The answer — in most cases — is no. Kids who wet the bed aren’t lazy. Stress can … Continue reading
Infant potty training: An alternative to “elimination communication” for babies who can sit up by themselves
Looking for an alternative method of infant potty training? This method, tested by researchers, is for babies who can sit up unassisted.
Bedtime fading: An evidence-based, step-by-step guide (with examples)
Got a child who won’t fall asleep promptly? Bedtime fading is a way to re-align your child’s internal clock with the bedtime you desire.