• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
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
  • Potty Training
    • When Do You Start Potty Training?
    • Potty Training Readiness Quiz

Child Development Classics

Classic child development studies and theories include topics such as attachment, self-identity, temperament, and milestones.

baby development books

Best Parenting Books for Every Stage (Backed by Research)

June 19, 2025

Sneak peek: Some of the best parenting books that I’ve found to provide real, useful research-based …

Continue ReadingBest Parenting Books for Every Stage (Backed by Research)
newborn baby

Children Develop at the Pace of Nature, Not Technology 

July 20, 2025

Sneak peek: When was the last time you asked yourself, “Shouldn’t my child know how to do this by …

Continue ReadingChildren Develop at the Pace of Nature, Not Technology 
traditional versus electronic toys

Traditional Toys are Still Better for Babies

September 8, 2025

Sneak peek: Why do traditional toys still matter in an age of high-tech and electronic entertainment for kids? …

Continue ReadingTraditional Toys are Still Better for Babies
A diverse group of smiling tweens standing together, illustrating the social and emotional journey of parenting tweens.

Why Understanding Your Tween’s Brain Might Just Make You a Better Parent

February 4, 2026

Sneak peek: Parenting tweens can involve a lot of ups and downs as well as big emotions. Be prepared for those …

Continue ReadingWhy Understanding Your Tween’s Brain Might Just Make You a Better Parent

Understanding Play Schemas: How Repetitive Play Builds Your Child’s Brain

April 2, 2026

Sneak peek: Learn about play schemas and what they mean for your child’s development. Discover how these patterns …

Continue ReadingUnderstanding Play Schemas: How Repetitive Play Builds Your Child’s Brain

The Fascinating Roller Coaster of Child Development: Physical and Cognitive Growth Spurts

March 23, 2026

Sneak peek: We all know that children (and teens) have periods of rapid growth. But when can we expect these growth …

Continue ReadingThe Fascinating Roller Coaster of Child Development: Physical and Cognitive Growth Spurts
baby sleep light bulb

A Real Light Bulb Moment: How Lighting Affects Children’s Sleep Habits

February 22, 2017

I was so sleep deprived that I could hardly lift my head off the pillow in the morning. My hands shook at times and to …

Continue ReadingA Real Light Bulb Moment: How Lighting Affects Children’s Sleep Habits

A Parent’s Guide to Understanding the 4 Attachment Styles

March 30, 2025

Sneak peek: Understanding attachment styles in children helps explain the dynamics of bonding during the early formative …

Continue ReadingA Parent’s Guide to Understanding the 4 Attachment Styles
mirror test babies

Classic Baby Books that Boost Brain Development

March 23, 2026

Sneak peek: What are the best books for newborns? New research helps us sort through classic baby books and points to a …

Continue ReadingClassic Baby Books that Boost Brain Development
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 6
  • Next
Amy Webb
As a mom of two young boys, I’ve seen first-hand how research-based child development information, combined with intuition, can guide you through your parenting journey. Although I have a Ph.D.in Human Development and Family Sciences, many of my real parenting discoveries have come through my experience. I believe parenting with confidence comes from knowledge; parenting with grace comes from insight. Join me on this parenting journey of learning and discovery

Moms–Preview My New Book!

Get FREE child development texts

Sidebar

Search

Online Course for Moms

stay at home mom course

As seen on

Amazon affiliate links appear on this blog. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (at no added cost to you).

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Copyright © 2026 · The Thoughtful Parent · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding

Privacy Manager