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The Thoughtful Parent

The Thoughtful Parent

A blog that makes child development approachable.

  • Social-Emotional
    • 7 Ways to Teach Your Child About Kindness
    • 4 Powerful Social-Emotional Lessons Kids are Learning During the Pandemic
  • Temperament
    • Seeing the Unique Gift of Your Child’s Temperament
    • Insights for Parents from the Science of Child Temperament
  • Toddler Development
    • Research-Backed Real-Life Strategies to Discipline Kids without Yelling
    • Research-Backed Ways to Thrive Through the Toddler Years
  • Child Development
    • A Parent’s Guide to Understanding the 4 Attachment Styles
    • Child Psychology Classics: The Mirror Test
  • Parent Coaching

Parenting with Research, Insight, and Love

Parenting with confidence comes from knowledge. Parenting with grace comes from insight.

Play-Based Learning


early childhood

The Hidden Effect of Early Childhood Education

Fun and Engaging Emotional Development Toys

The Lazy Parent’s Guide to Encouraging Your Kids’ Learning This Summer

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Toddler Development


The 10+ Best Advent Calendars for Toddlers

giving toddlers too many choices

Giving Your Toddler a Choice Doesn’t Always Work. Here’s Why

toddler language explosion

Toddlers Really Do Have Their Own Language

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Social-Emotional Development


The 10+ Best Advent Calendars for Toddlers

alternative to elf on the shelf

A Thoughtful Alternative to Elf on the Shelf that Will Teach Your Kids Lifelong Lessons

cheating and growth mindset

Research Uncovers Why “Smart” Students Cheat

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Amy Webb

I’m a wife, mom of two boys and a child development writer. I may have a Ph.D, but I believe the value of child development research is not in telling us what is “right” or “wrong” with our parenting, but in helping us to see our children with a new lens.

If you are looking for strategies to support your child’s development using research combined with your own innate intuition, this is the place for you.

More about me

Latest Posts

Why We Feel So Guilty as Parents and How to Overcome It

Sneak peek: Overcoming parental guilt isn’t about doing what others expect or ask of you. It’s about getting in touch with your authentic values. When was the last time you felt guilty about something related to parenting? If you’re like most parents I know it was about…5 minutes ago. I hear all the time from parents how …

traditional versus electronic toys

Traditional Toys are Still Better for Babies

Sneak peek: Why do traditional toys still matter in an age of high-tech and electronic entertainment for kids? Research helps us see the developmental benefits of traditional baby toys. Before you had your first child, you probably swore to yourself that you wouldn’t be one of those families who allow toys to take over your house. However, between holiday …

colicky baby

How to Survive Colic: Reflections from Science and Experience

Sneak peek: As a parent who had a colicky baby, I know how challenging it can be. A few ideas from science and personal experience on how to survive colic. I recently came across a fascinating article from The New Yorker entitled, The Colic Conundrum and oh, how I could relate to this article. My …

infant development

Are More Babies Born During the Summer? (Plus Baby Gift Ideas)

Sneak peek: We often think of summer as baby season, but are more babies born in the summer? A little science (and fun) about summer babies. Spring is here, and the countdown to summer is on. For my household, summer means no rushed mornings getting to the bus stop and a lot of time enjoying …

mom with crying baby

Do Parents Need to Apologize for Their Children Acting Like…Children?

Sneak peek: Do we need to apologize for children’s developmentally appropriate behavior? Thoughts on fostering a culture where children can thrive. You’ve probably seen posts like this before on social media. The one where the parent (almost always the mother) prefaces the flight with preemptive apologies for her children’s behavior—loudness, crying, erratic behavior, etc. (AKA developmentally …

The Hidden Power of Picture Books for Older Kids

Sneak peek: Picture books for older readers still hold a lot of appeal and developmental benefits. Ideas for incorporating picture books into older children’s literary routine. One of my favorite parts of being a parent is reading books to my kids, especially picture books. Despite their simple structure, good children’s books often offer beautiful illustrations, …


Books and Courses

book for new moms

Tender Beginnings

child temperament

Tuning into Temperament

stay at home moms

The Intentional Stay-at-Home Mom

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