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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

Play-Based Learning

toddler speaks own language

How to Give Your Child a 1980s Childhood {and it’s backed by research!}

April 2, 2019

Sneak peak: Many of us have fond memories of growing up in the 80s and want our kids to experience some of that freedom …

Continue ReadingHow to Give Your Child a 1980s Childhood {and it’s backed by research!}
early childhood

The Hidden Effect of Early Childhood Education

August 10, 2019

{Preschool doesn’t change kids’ IQ. The benefits of early childhood education are much more subtle but …

Continue ReadingThe Hidden Effect of Early Childhood Education
preschool

The Fallacy of Early Academics: What is Lost When We Push Too Hard

May 31, 2011

Sneak peek: There are many misconceptions when it comes to understanding why preschool matters for young children. While …

Continue ReadingThe Fallacy of Early Academics: What is Lost When We Push Too Hard

Why NOT Playing It Safe All the Time is Good For Kids’ Development

June 24, 2021

The Developmental Benefits of Risky Play

Continue ReadingWhy NOT Playing It Safe All the Time is Good For Kids’ Development
guided play and brain development

Why Play is Still the Best Way to Spark Your Child’s Development

March 6, 2019

Sneak peek: The importance of play in child development can’t be overstated. Research-backed benefits of play for …

Continue ReadingWhy Play is Still the Best Way to Spark Your Child’s Development

Are Our Boys Failing or Are We Failing Our Boys? Research Behind the “Boy Achievement Crisis”

January 12, 2017

As a boy mom myself, I always bristle a little when I hear media reports of a “boy achievement crisis.” …

Continue ReadingAre Our Boys Failing or Are We Failing Our Boys? Research Behind the “Boy Achievement Crisis”

Research-backed tips for choosing the best toys for toddlers

September 12, 2022

Which toddler toys are best for children’s development (according to research) “However, one trend that is …

Continue ReadingResearch-backed tips for choosing the best toys for toddlers
free comic book day

Free Comic Book Summer! How Reading Comics Fosters Literacy

May 6, 2016

Typically, each year my kids get excited about comic book day that happens in May. This year, with COVID-19 restrictions …

Continue ReadingFree Comic Book Summer! How Reading Comics Fosters Literacy
preschool tour checklist

The Preschool Tour Checklist to Help Choose the Right Preschool for Your Child

January 24, 2020

{Looking for a preschool tour checklist to guide you as you visit schools? This checklist helps parents pick the perfect …

Continue ReadingThe Preschool Tour Checklist to Help Choose the Right Preschool for Your Child
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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

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