Parenting with Research, Insight, and Love
Parenting with confidence comes from knowledge. Parenting with grace comes from insight.
Play-Based Learning
Toddler Development
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.
Latest Posts
One Simple Trick to Make Reading to Your Baby More Effective (and fun)
Sneak peek: What are the best baby books? As new parents, we often wonder which books to read to our babies. Luckily, research can guide us in choosing books to read to our babies that actually boost brain development. What was the first book you read to your baby? Some parents feel awkward reading to a …
5 Powerful Lessons Being a Mom Taught Me About Child Development
I have learned a lot about kids through earning an advanced degree in Human Development, however, some of my best lessons have come from my own kids. Some advice to parents on learning from your kids. I have been reflecting on child development lessons I’ve learned from my kids over the past 11 years of …
Insights for Parents from the Science of Child Temperament
Sneak peek: A basic overview of the child temperament types in child development and the role they play in parent-child relationships. The idea of ‘temperament’ is heard a lot in any circle of parents, caregivers, or teachers discussing children. Although the word ‘temperament’ may not be used, you hear parents and teachers discuss a child who, …
Toys for Emotional Development: Gifts that Keep Giving
Sneak peek: Toys for social emotional development don’t have to be boring. These ideas will keep kids growing, learning, and having fun. My four-year-old was at it again. He, his big brother and I were doing our usual Target run and they had convinced me to go to the toy aisle. What was I thinking? …
Parenting Books to Get You Through Each Phase of the Early Years
Sneak peek: Some of the best parenting books that I’ve found to provide real, useful research-based guidance. When facing parenting struggles, turn to these first. If you’ve been a parent for any length of time, you know that with all the joy also comes some challenging times. My parenting journey has brought plenty of periods of self-doubt, …
What does research tell us about parent-child conflict?
Sneak peek: Is it possible to avoid all conflict with our children? Is that even the ideal? Discover how the process of rupture and repair works in parent-child relationships. If you’re on social media much, you’ve probably seen many different versions of parenting advice. One that I’ve noticed lately is the idea of gentle parenting. …
Books and Courses
