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- [Classic Baby Books that Boost Brain Development](https://thoughtfulparent.com/research-backed-baby-books-boost-brain-development.html) - Sneak peek: What are the best books for newborns? New research helps us sort through classic baby books and points to a certain type of book. Do you remember when you first read your own child your favorite classic books? Maybe they were so tiny they couldn t even hold their head up. You knew they
- [Resources That Will Change Your Parenting Game for the Better](https://thoughtfulparent.com/resources-change-parenting-game-better.html) - Here at our house, this is the last full week of summer! All you parents out there probably know that bittersweet feeling that comes along this time of year. You are just a teensy bit glad (or perhaps not so teensy) to see the kids off to school again and your life gets back to some
- [Research Uncovers Why “Smart” Students Cheat](https://thoughtfulparent.com/research-why-smart-kids-cheat.html) - Sneak peek: Why do students cheat? Research helps us understand cheating, especially those who seem too smart for it. When I was in graduate school, I worked as a teaching assistant for various professors in the department. This job entailed the usual responsibilities—grading papers, helping students with assignments, and preventing cheating. One particular semester, I was
- [Research Meets Real Life: Proven Ways to Manage Toddler Screen Time](https://thoughtfulparent.com/screen-time-for-toddlers.html) - Sneak peek: With all the options for screen time for toddlers, it s hard to know the appropriate guidelines to set for our children. Let s look at some research and tips for handling toddler screen time in healthy ways. There s nothing like the topic of screen time to prompt feelings of parental guilt and heated discussions
- [Do “Educational” Videos Help Toddlers Learn?](https://thoughtfulparent.com/are-educational-videos-good-for-toddlers.html) - Sneak peek: Parents often wonder: are educational videos good for toddlers? Research shows toddlers learn far less from screens than from real interaction. Here’s what studies reveal. Parents today are surrounded by media claiming to help young children learn. Streaming platforms, YouTube channels, and apps all promise to teach toddlers language, numbers, and social skills.
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- [Why You Keep Losing Your Temper With Your Toddler—and What Helps](https://thoughtfulparent.com/research-real-reason-why-lose-temper-toddler.html) - Sneak peek: Losing patience with your toddler is not something most of us would hold up as our best parenting moment, but it happens. Research offers us some insight into the underlying reason why it s hard to keep your cool. As most parents know, feeling some degree of fatigue on a daily basis is an
- [Best Baby Books for Brain Development (According to Research)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/best-baby-books.html) - By Amy Webb, Ph.D.Amy holds a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Sciences and writes about child development research for everyday parents. 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
- [21+ Best Developmental Toys for Toddlers, by Skill (2026 Guide)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/toddler-development-toys.html) - Sneak peek: Looking for the best developmental toys for toddlers? Discover research-backed toys that support language, creativity, motor skills, and independent play — without wasting money on gimmicks. What is your child s favorite toy right now? Have you ever thought about why this toy is their favorite? Does it provide comfort? Was it given to
- [Do You Have a High Needs Baby? What to Look for and How to Help](https://thoughtfulparent.com/high-needs-baby.html) - Sneak peek: Your high needs baby requires extra special care. Discover what research says about sensitive infants and how care builds resilience. If you have a high needs baby, you probably didn’t need a research study to tell you that babies aren’t all wired the same. You may have seen some of your friends babies
- [When to Worry About Toddler Tantrums: Signs to Watch For](https://thoughtfulparent.com/toddler-tantrums-when-to-worry.html) - Note: I m thrilled to feature guest author pediatrician Dr. Victoria Nolasco to discuss common parent questions about toddler tantrums and when to worry (and when not to worry). By Dr. Victoria Nolasco, Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician When should you worry about your toddler’s tantrums? As a developmental pediatrician, parents often ask me whether their child’s tantrums
- [Books to Help You Feel More Confident and Peaceful as a New Mom](https://thoughtfulparent.com/books-for-new-moms.html) - Sneak peek: These best books for new mothers offer insight into motherhood and infant development. Ease the transition to motherhood by reading these books to prepare your mind and emotions. Becoming a mother is perhaps one of the most transformational life experiences a person can experience. Motherhood influences almost every aspect of life—emotional, physical, psychological, social
- [Why Guided Play is the Secret to Playtime with Your Kids](https://thoughtfulparent.com/guided-play-enjoy-playing-kids.html) - Sneak peek: How you can use guided play to maximize education and fun for you and your child Mom, I want a combine to play with like the one in the farm book, said my son (age 2.5) at the time. Well, we don t have a toy combine, I said in passing. He looked sad and
- [Easy but Powerful Ways to Connect with Your Kids](https://thoughtfulparent.com/connect-with-kids.html) - Sneak peek: Finding ways to connect with your child seems like an easy task but in reality, it can be challenging. Try these simple ideas for connecting. Do you know that feeling you get when you feel really emotionally connected with someone? Maybe it s a friend, spouse, partner, or family member, but the feeling is
- [Toddlers Have Big Emotions. Insight from Research on How to Respond](https://thoughtfulparent.com/toddler-emotional-development.html) - Sneak peek: One key aspect of toddler emotional development is learning to cope with emotions. Research provides valuable insights into how we can support boys, in particular, in learning to manage big toddler emotions. If you are a parent of a young boy, you know that, despite the cultural stereotypes, boys feel strong emotions just
- [The Science-Based Reason Why Experience Gifts are Great for Kids](https://thoughtfulparent.com/experience-gifts-for-kids.html) - {plus 25+ awesome experience gift ideas} Sneak peek: Looking for some outside the box gift ideas that kids will definitely remember? How about some experience gifts for kids that they will love? I was listening to a story on the radio yesterday and the author profiled had written a book about consumption. He said if the whole world bought
- [Growth Spurt Survival Kit](https://thoughtfulparent.com/growth-spurt-survival) - Growth Spurts in Children Is your child experiencing a growth spurt? Feel confident in navigating it with them. Is your child suddenly more cranky than normal? Are you puzzled by your child s suddenly erratic behavior? Are you seeing changes in sleeping and eating patterns? Your child could be going through a growth spurt! Imagine what
- [The Intentional Stay-at-Home Mom](https://thoughtfulparent.com/stay-at-home-mom) - The Most Comprehensive Online Program for Stay-at-Home Moms Because Motherhood Should be Joyful Imagine what it would be like if… A Comprehensive Program for Stay-at-Home Moms: The Intentional Stay-at-Home Mom can help make this image a reality Why Join? What s in the Program for Stay-at-Home Moms Why do you need programs for stay-at-home moms? This
- [How to Handle Tantrums](https://thoughtfulparent.com/how-to-deal-with-tantrums-in-toddlers)
- [Are Screens Making It Harder for Kids to Regulate Emotions?](https://thoughtfulparent.com/screen-time-and-emotional-regulation.html) - Sneak peek: Research is beginning to reveal a connection between screen time and emotional regulation, particularly in young children. Have you ever handed your phone or tablet to your child when they were fussy—or even in the middle of a tantrum? If so, you’re not alone. It s an easy trap to fall into. We ve done
- [Countercultural Thoughts on Play, Education, and Parenting](https://thoughtfulparent.com/countercultural-thoughts-on-play.html) - Welcome to the new and improved The Thoughtful Parent! I decided I needed a more professional look, so thanks to the wonderful work of Elle of EAE Design, my blog is looking new and shiny. Thanks Elle! This week s post is really a convergence of thoughts that have been coalescing in my brain lately. If
- [Are Low-Stimulation Shows Really Better for Children?](https://thoughtfulparent.com/low-stimulation-shows.html) - Sneak peek: Are low stimulation shows really better for young children? A deep dive into the research. Plus a list of some of my favorite low-stimulation shows for kids. If you spend any time viewing parenting content on Instagram or TikTok, you’ve probably seen people talking about low-stimulation or “slow TV” for toddlers— gentle shows
- [Toddlers Really Do Have Their Own Language](https://thoughtfulparent.com/toddlers-really-do-have-their-own.html) - Sneak peek: If it seems like your toddler speaks their own language, that might be the case (sort of). Research gives us insight into how toddlers learn language. Plus, when does the language explosion occur in toddlers? You may have heard about something curious that happens among toddlers as they re starting to talk. One day,
- [Self-Regulation for Kids: A Lifelong Lesson](https://thoughtfulparent.com/emotional-self-regulation-in-children.html) - A masterclass in emotional regulation from MLK Sneak peek: Supporting self-regulation for kids can be one of our most important parenting responsibilities. It s not always easy, but the outcome can have a big impact. I was listening to a therapist who works with parents talk the other day on a video about why we should
- [Year-End Parenting Reflections](https://thoughtfulparent.com/parenting-new-year.html) - Parenting thoughts for 2023
- [Social Emotional Learning and Children’s Attention](https://thoughtfulparent.com/social-emotional-learning.html) - Research on social emotional learning in schools What I learned was that instead of starting the day straight away with reading and writing, the teachers take a few minutes to check-in with each of the kids in their group. The kids have a moment to discuss if they are in the green zone (happy), yellow
- [The Real Reason Your Social Media Feed Makes You Feel Like a Bad Parent](https://thoughtfulparent.com/social-media-comparison.html) - Mom Comparison: The Thief of Joy Why Social Media Worsens Mom Comparison Why Do I Compare Myself to Other Moms? How Do I Not Compare Myself on Social Media?
- [New Blog Design](https://thoughtfulparent.com/new-blog-design.html) - The Thoughtful Parent has a new look! I think the header better captures the goal of the blog. Thanks to Lena at Premades for a Purpose for the great design. Hope you all like the new, cleaner look.
- [Babies and the Period of PURPLE Crying](https://thoughtfulparent.com/babies-and-period-of-purple-crying.html) - I just heard about an interesting new cause/educational campaign for new parents that I thought was worth sharing. It s called CLICK for Babies and it s a campaign to raise awareness about the risks of Shaken Baby Syndrome, particularly in the often-tumultuous first 3-4 months of a baby s life. The CLICK part of the campaign signifies
- [parenting mantras](https://thoughtfulparent.com/parenting-mantras) - Imagine what it would be like if… Patience and Purpose: Mantras for Patience in Parenting How Would I Use These? These cards include positive self-talk scripts and mantras to say to yourself when: Bring calm and mindfulness to your parenting
- [winter SEL kit](https://thoughtfulparent.com/winter-sel) - Imagine what it would be like if… Emotion Camp for Kids is HERE! Make the winter days full of fun and emotional skill-building!
- [Stay-at-Home Mom Life](https://thoughtfulparent.com/stay-at-home-mom-life)
- [Guest Post on Notes on Parenting](https://thoughtfulparent.com/guest-post-on-notes-on-parenting.html) - Today I m guest posting on Notes on Parenting about guided play. I ve written a lot recently about the importance of play-based learning and the study that is highlighted in this post is a great example of it. The study involves children playing with blocks and how this helps them develop spatial skills. I think there
- [New Podcast: Common Child Development Myths](https://thoughtfulparent.com/new-podcast-common-child-development.html) - Awhile back I had the opportunity to record a podcast with one of the co-founders of Tumblon, a wonderful website that helps parents track their child s developmental milestones. Tumblon also offers other great resources such as product reviews, articles, and parenting tips. In the podcast, we discussed a number of common child development/parenting topics and
- [Back-to-School Survival Guide: Navigating the Whole Transition](https://thoughtfulparent.com/back-to-school-survival-guide.html) - e Sneak peek: This back-to-school survival guide isn t just a supply checklist — it s a stage-by-stage guide to the emotional side of the transition too: before school starts, the big day, and the weeks after. If you re anywhere near back-to-school season right now, you already know it s not just one hard day; it s a whole
- [Parenting Children for a World of Artificial Intelligence](https://thoughtfulparent.com/parenting-artificial-intelligence.html) - Sneak peek: Parenting and artificial intelligence are intersecting more today than ever before and it s likely only to increase. What does it mean to prepare a child for a life that includes AI? Artificial Intelligence is here—has it impacted your life yet? You ve probably heard about the different AI models and some of the things
- [What to Do When Kids Are Bored This Summer (+ Free Quiz)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/what-to-do-when-kids-are-bored.html) - Sneak peek: Not sure what to do when kids are bored this summer? Take this free boredom quiz to discover activities based on your child’s personality. Not Sure What to Do When Kids Are Bored? Start Here. Your child says, “I’m bored.” Maybe it happens once a day. Maybe it happens twenty times before lunch.
- [Yet Another Reason Not to Fight in Front of the Kids](https://thoughtfulparent.com/yet-another-reason-not-to-fight-in.html) - We ve all done it that argument with our spouse/partner just exploded in front of our kids. It may not have even been a big argument. Maybe it s that argument that you ve had with your spouse about 100 times and never gets resolved. You know it s really not a relationship-threatening argument, but your child doesn t. They see
- [When Do Babies Start Babbling? Stages of Babbling Explained](https://thoughtfulparent.com/baby-babbling.html) - Sneak peek: When do babies start babbling? Learn when babbling begins, the different types of babbling, and how you can support language development. Baby babbling usually begins around 6 months, although there is considerable variation in when babies start. Babbling is an important step in language development because babies are learning to control their voices,
- [Why the Moral Development of Toddlers Matters for All of Us](https://thoughtfulparent.com/moral-mind-of-toddlers.html) - Sneak peek: Research on the moral development of toddlers offers us amazing insight into how perceptive young children really are and what it means for our social interactions. We, as parents, all want to encourage the moral development of our children. From a young age, we teach our children to help other people, share their toys,
- [A Parent’s Guide to Understanding the 4 Attachment Styles](https://thoughtfulparent.com/4-attachment-styles-parents.html) - Sneak peek: Understanding attachment styles in children helps explain the dynamics of bonding during the early formative years of development.Thanks to my last post, we now understand the origins of attachment theory what the researchers were interested in and why. Now, let s move on to understanding the theory itself and how it helps us understand parenting
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- [5 Common Child Development Myths: The Research (+ Guide)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/child-development-myths) - Sneak peek: 5 common child development myths, debunked with real research — including why spanking doesn t work. Get the full guide with all 5 myths. The Problem You ve probably heard it all: You re holding her too much — you ll spoil her. A swat on the hand never hurt anyone. If you don t wear your baby,
- [Classic Children’s Books Parents Will Love Too](https://thoughtfulparent.com/best-classic-books-for-kids.html) - Sneak peek: Classic children’s books that feel comforting and nostalgic for both kids and parents. Cozy read-aloud favorites for connection and wonder. The best classic children s books are those that draw you into a story that has meaning and depth. For me, this often means these books are identifiable because they are the ones that
- [The Key to Making Sense of Your Child’s Crankiness: Understanding Growth Spurts](https://thoughtfulparent.com/growth-spurt.html) - Sneak peek: Understanding your child s growth spurt might just give some meaning to your child s crankiness. P.S. It s helpful for older kids too! I was just telling our pediatrician what a cute, special age 4 is at my son s checkup. It s an age when you are past most of the tantrums and the challenging stage
- [Seeing the Unique Gift of Your Child’s Temperament](https://thoughtfulparent.com/a-childs-temperament.html) - Sneak peek: A child s temperament sets the stage for so much that happens in their life. If your life is a story, then your temperament is the setting. It s there in the background, setting the stage for what happens, but hardly anyone pays attention to it. In a story, the setting partially controls the action. Whether the
- [Fun, Meaningful Kids’ Gifts that Promote Kindness](https://thoughtfulparent.com/gifts-promote-kindness-kids.html) - Sneak peek: Kindness and empathy in kids can be modeled but we also have to be intentional about fostering it. Kindness gifts can help parents bring important lessons into kids lives in a playful way. I think many of us have experienced this moment: we look at all the conflict and strife in the world,
- [How Observation Taught Me 3 Child Development Lessons You Need to Know](https://thoughtfulparent.com/child-rearing.html) - What Does Rearing a Child Mean? While it seems like an obvious question, child rearing is a relatively new idea. Rearing a child, of course, means to nurture, care for and guide a child to adulthood. The idea that child rearing or parenting (as it is more commonly called) would be an intentional task that
- [Give Your Kids an 80s Childhood: Free-Range Parenting Tips](https://thoughtfulparent.com/growing-up-in-the-80s.html) - Sneak peek: Many of us have fond memories of an 80s childhood and want our kids to experience some of that freedom and exploration. A few research-backed tips for helping our kids get a taste of our childhood while still fostering 21st-century skills My oldest son (almost 10) is at the stage of childhood where
- [The Secret to Raising Happy Kids: Don’t Focus on Happiness](https://thoughtfulparent.com/happiness.html) - Sneak peek: The key for how to raise a happy child is, ironically, to focus less on happiness. As I explored this topic more deeply, I realized there was something more I wanted for my kids Remember how you felt when your kids were babies and they would cry? Other people might be bothered by
- [Why conflict with your child might actually be healthy (according to research)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/rupture-and-repair.html) - Sneak peek: Research shows up to 70% of parent-baby interactions involve some kind of mismatch — and that s completely normal. Here s why rupture and repair may be the most important parenting skill you ve never heard of. If you re on social media much, you ve probably seen many different versions of parenting advice. One that I ve noticed
- [25 Best Parenting Blogs](https://thoughtfulparent.com/best-parenting-blogs.html) - Sneak peek: As a child development writer (and mom!), I read a lot of parenting blogs. These are some of the best parenting blogs I ve found to help keep you inspired, learning and growing as a parent. Parenthood is the only job that involves no formal training, very little background knowledge (for most of us)
- [How to Be a Patient Parent: A Mindful, 3-Step Approach](https://thoughtfulparent.com/be-a-more-patient-parent.html) - Sneak peek: What s the key for how to be a patient parent? Most of us have tried the tactic of counting to ten to calm down. However, the key ingredient is a more mindful approach. If you look up books on how to be a patient parent or Google it, I would guess that at
- [Traditional Toys are Still Better for Babies](https://thoughtfulparent.com/electronic-versus-traditional-toys-what.html) - 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
- [Why Arts and Crafts for Boys Still Matter](https://thoughtfulparent.com/why-arts-and-crafts-for-boys-still-matter.html) - Arts and Crafts for Boys are Definitely Outside the Box Well, then I actually had a preschool-age boy and reality sunk in. I remember watching the first few days of 3-year-old preschool as my son sat down with the other kids to do their letter tracing and coloring portion of the day. The girls sat
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- [Is Finding a “Flow State” of Parenting Possible?](https://thoughtfulparent.com/parenting-goals.html) - What is a flow state and can it apply to parenting? The question is: how do we get there? I was reading an article about flow the other day and the expert they were interviewing described flow as a state that combines expertise plus a release of control. Flow = expertise + release of control It s pretty interesting
- [How to Handle Toddler Tantrums: Research-Backed Tips](https://thoughtfulparent.com/how-to-deal-with-toddler-tantrums.html) - All I wanted was to walk on the treadmill for maybe 20 minutes. Is that too much to ask? I had a great plan — I would hop on the treadmill in the basement while my son (age 2 at the time) played with the plethora of toys down there. Easy peasy. I m a pro at
- [The 10+ Best Advent Calendars for Toddlers](https://thoughtfulparent.com/toddler-advent-calendar.html) - Sneak peek: With SO many Advent calendars out there, what s the best pick for a toddler Advent calendar? Some ideas for Advent calendars that work well for toddlers and young children. You don t have to be around young children very long to realize that when there s any exciting event coming up, they can hardly control their
- [Guest Post: Notes on Parenting](https://thoughtfulparent.com/guest-post-notes-on-parenting.html) - Today I m guest posting on a great blog I just found call Notes on Parenting. The authors are a wonderful mix of grad students and professionals child development, family studies, psychology, child health, and education. My post this week focuses divorce and child well-being. I hope you enjoy this great blog.
- [Unconventional Calming Activities for High Energy Kids (That Actually Work)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/helpful-calming-activities-active-kids.html) - Sneak peek: A list of slightly unconventional calming activities for kids when the usual suggestions don t work. Helpful for calming down and preventing after-school meltdowns. I could tell the minute my third-grader came home from school, it had not been a good day. He already almost had tears in his eyes and an angry expression
- [The Scientific Reason Why Toddlers Whine (and how to lessen it)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/toddler-whining.html) - Sneak peek: Why do 2-year-olds whine so much? Ideas for parents to help understand whining in toddlers and how to cope. When your child was an infant, their cries would, no doubt, spur you to act like nothing else. For a parent, the sound of their baby crying ignites something in your nervous system that you
- [Studying the Science of Hugging on National Hugging Day](https://thoughtfulparent.com/science-of-hugging.html) - Related reading: Combining Research and Intuition in Your Parenting Choices The Science of Hugs
- [The Most Underrated Brain-Boosting Toy in your Kids’ Toy Box](https://thoughtfulparent.com/block-play-for-toddlers.html) - Sneak peek: When kids engage in playing with blocks, it builds real cognitive skills. Some insights into the benefits of block play. I recently put together a new bookshelf for my office. You know the ones that come in pieces from IKEA or Walmart, and you have to assemble them yourself. The instructions are heavy
- [The Scientific Reason Babies Love Repetition](https://thoughtfulparent.com/baby-language-development.html) - Baby language development is fascinating, isn t it? Our little nonverbal infants go from cooing to babbling and talking in full sentences in the course of a few short years. Amazing! This is one of the most researched aspects of child development and parenting. How does this really happen? Does the language we use with our
- [“Difficult” Temperament ≠ A Child Destined for Problems: Sensitive Parenting is Key](https://thoughtfulparent.com/difficult-temperament.html) - Sneak peek: Babies with a difficult temperament can sometimes pose challenges to parents as they strain our energy and patience. However, research shows us that our loving care really matters for their long-term development. I ve never had a baby that had what you would call an easy temperament. From day one, my boys knew what they liked
- [I’m Just Tired: Children’s Sleep and the Socioeconomic Status Achievement Gap](https://thoughtfulparent.com/childrens-sleep-ses-education-gap.html) - My 4-year-old son did not get much of a nap yesterday. No big deal, right. He s just turned 4 and many kids are dropping naps anyway around this time. Wrong. We went for a hike yesterday morning so he was tired. He fell asleep in the car and I made the mistake of trying to
- [Milk Choices for Toddlers: What Parents Need to Know](https://thoughtfulparent.com/best-milk-for-toddlers.html) - Sneak peek: With so many choices on the market, it s hard to know which is the best milk for toddlers. A review of the choices and research on toddler milk choices. I m excited to feature a guest post from Alain Bertholet, co-founder of Voyager Milk. If you have a milk-loving toddler, as I did years
- [Are Picture Books Just for Babies?](https://thoughtfulparent.com/are-picture-books-just-for-babies.html) - I was surprised to read a recent article in the New York Times that stated that there has been a decline in sales of children s picture books lately. Why, you might ask? Maybe it s the economic downturn. Yes, it seems that has been a contributing factor. However, other genres of youth books have continued to
- [Privacy Policy](https://thoughtfulparent.com/privacy-policy) - Cookie policy This website will store some information about your preferences on your own computer inside a tiny file called a cookie. A cookie is a small piece of data that a website asks your browser to store on your computer or mobile device. The cookie allows the website to remember your actions or preferences
- [Mirror Test for Babies: When Do They Recognize Themselves?](https://thoughtfulparent.com/child-psychology-classics-mirror-test.html) - Sneak peek: What does the mirror test for self-awareness in babies tell us about their development? At some point or another, many parents have placed their infant in front of a mirror and wondered if their child could understand that it was their own reflection they were seeing. In the realms of child development and
- [How to Stop Yelling as a Parent: A Science-Backed Way to Stay Calm](https://thoughtfulparent.com/how-to-stop-yelling-as-a-parent.html) - Sneak peek: Wondering how to stop yelling as a parent? Learn a simple, science-backed approach using self-talk and parenting mantras to stay calm—even in stressful moments. If you’ve ever yelled at your child—and immediately wished you could take it back—you’re not alone. We don t want to yell. It happens in those moments when everything builds
- [What Parents Need to Know About Digital Safety for Kids](https://thoughtfulparent.com/digital-safety-for-kids.html) - Digital safety, especially for kids, is top of mind for many parents these days. Even if your child or teen doesn t have their own device yet, they likely spent time online, either watching videos, playing games or researching for school projects. As fast as technology is changing and the emergence of AI, it can be
- [15 Executive Function Activities for Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/executive-function-activities.html) - Sneak peek: Executive function activities for 3 to 5-year-olds can help them develop much-needed skills like planning ahead, memory, and self-control. Understanding how their brains develop can help us foster their skills. Perhaps the alternate title for this post should be: Why your preschooler doesn’t take a coat when it’s cold outside. I’ve been around young
- [The Benefits of Boredom for Kids: A Key to Creativity](https://thoughtfulparent.com/benefits-of-being-bored.html) - Sneak peek: Kids being bored isn t a bad thing! The benefits of boredom for kids are real if we can help kids through those challenging first moments. Hearing kids complaints of boredom may strike fear in the hearts of many parents, but it doesn t have to be that way. If your children are exclaiming, I m
- [How to Support Your Child’s Unique Learning Style](https://thoughtfulparent.com/unique-learning-style.html) - When it comes to learning, we each have a unique learning style or way of processing information and getting excited about different topics. For both neurotypical and neurodivergent kids, learning — at home or at school — can come with a whole array of emotions. At times it can be exciting or rewarding, other times
- [Social Emotional Learning Resources for Kids](https://thoughtfulparent.com/sel-summer-kit) - Imagine what it would be like if… Emotion Camp for Kids is HERE! Make the summer days full of fun and emotional skill-building!
- [The Benefits Of Summer Camp Are Real, But Leave the Phone at Home](https://thoughtfulparent.com/benefits-of-summer-camp-lost-smartphones-intrude.html) - Sneak peek: The benefits of summer camp for kids development are amazing. However, research points to one clear tip when it comes to technology at camp. I vividly remember my first experience at sleepaway summer camp as a child. I was in about 4th or 5th grade and it was my first time away from
- [Growth Spurt in Toddlers](https://thoughtfulparent.com/growth-spurt-in-toddlers) - Imagine what it would be like if… The Growth Spurt Survival Kit is just for you! Navigate your child s growth spurt with confidence! Growth spurts in toddlers (and older kids) are common; however, that doesn t mean they aren t challenging. Get the support you need to help your child through this challenging phase.
- [Why is it Important for Parents to Understand Child Development?](https://thoughtfulparent.com/why-child-development-parenting.html) - Summary: Why is it important for parents to understand child development? Learn how it can open our eyes to wonderful insights about our children and our parenting In response to some posts in the past, some readers have made comments along the lines of, Duh, why do we need research to figure that out? I
- [The Art and Science of Raising a Sensitive Boy (Without Crushing his Spirit)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/raising-sensitive-boy.html) - Sneak peek: Raising a sensitive boy can feel overwhelming—especially in a culture that often discourages boys from expressing emotions. If you’re wondering how to parent a highly sensitive child without shutting down their feelings, you’re not alone. When I first decided to be a stay-at-home mom, I had all those lovely images in my head
- [The Fascinating Roller Coaster of Child Development: Physical and Cognitive Growth Spurts](https://thoughtfulparent.com/growth-spurt-ages.html) - Sneak peek: We all know that children (and teens) have periods of rapid growth. But when can we expect these growth spurts? Let s take a look at common growth spurt signs and how they can impact your child s behavior. I read quite a bit, especially mystery novels or anything that has an unexpected twist. Maybe that’s why
- [The Effectiveness of Online Speech Therapy for Kids – Let’s Dive Into the Research](https://thoughtfulparent.com/online-speech-therapy-for-kids.html) - Sneak peek: With the pandemic during our lives upside down, online speech therapy for kids has become more popular and necessary. But does it work? I ve had many friends in recent months asking about the effectiveness of online speech therapy for kids. This is outside my realm of expertise so I asked a licensed speech
- [Building Emotional Intelligence Through Everyday Interactions with Your Kids](https://thoughtfulparent.com/emotional-intelligence-in-children.html) - Why Emotional Skills Matter The Development of Emotional Intelligence How to Foster Emotional Intelligence Want ideas for things you can do on a daily basis to boost your child’s emotional intelligence? Click the image to download this FREE Printable Cheat Sheet: Related Resources
- [Do Parents Need to Apologize for Their Children Acting Like…Children?](https://thoughtfulparent.com/developmentally-appropriate-behavior.html) - 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 Hand-Clapping Songs: How Simple Rhythms Boost Kids’ Learning](https://thoughtfulparent.com/hand-clapping-songs.html) - Sneak peek: Hand-clapping songs do more than entertain your child—they strengthen their memory, coordination, and even early reading skills. Sometimes a research study comes along that makes you pause and think, “Who even thought to study that?” That’s exactly how I felt when I came across research on hand-clapping songs and their impact on children’s
- [The Parenting Hack We All Know (but here’s how to use it more effectively)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/giving-kids-choices-parents-guide.html) - We often hear that giving kids choices empowers them and helps our parenting lives go smoother. While true, offering kids choices also involves some mindfulness on the part of parents. Parenting confession: I have given up shoe shopping with my kids. Yes, my kids still get new shoes when needed but traditional shoe shopping is
- [More Than Deep Breathing: The Science of Coping Strategies](https://thoughtfulparent.com/coping-strategies-for-kids.html) - Sneak peek: We often hear about coping strategies for kids to help with emotional regulation, but they re often all the same. Let s look a little deeper into the psychology of coping. Your teenager just failed their driver’s test—how do you respond to help them? Your toddler is SO frustrated that their block tower fell over, they fling the
- [Parenting Ideas I’m Embracing This Year](https://thoughtfulparent.com/parenting-ideas.html) - This was made so clear to me as I watched a wonderful video on Instagram the other day from Dr. Tina Payne Bryson describing Dr. Aliza Pressman’s new book, The Five Principles of Parenting (which I m looking forward to reading). Dr. Pressman uses this wonderful metaphor to describe this process. She says something like, “We
- [The Myth of “the Mozart Effect”: When Good Research and Bad Journalism Combine](https://thoughtfulparent.com/mozart-effect-when-good-research-and.html) - Sneak peek: Think listening to Mozart will make your baby or toddler a genius? Think again. The true story behind the Mozart Effect. National Public Radio featured a great story about the truth behind the so-called Mozart Effect. Like many other parents, I had heard that playing classical music (particularly Mozart) for your child was
- [National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day](https://thoughtfulparent.com/national-childrens-mental-health.html) - Today is National Children s Mental Health Awareness Day, which is hosted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). I think many people don t often consider the state of children s mental health. I know when I think of mental health problems I usually tend to picture adults, not children. Mental health issues are
- [Why is Positive Parenting Important and How Does it Help My Child?](https://thoughtfulparent.com/what-is-positive-parenting.html) - Sneak peek: We hear the phrase positive parenting advice, but what does it really mean? An overview of positive parenting, plus a look at how it helps you focus on the long view of parenting. We hear the phrase positive parenting advice tossed around a lot in the media and parenting circles, but oftentimes, there
- [What Are the Best Baby Care Books? An Evidence‑Based Guide for New Parents](https://thoughtfulparent.com/what-are-the-best-baby-care-books.html) - Sneak peek: Caring for a baby for the first time can be nerve-wracking. Rely on these baby care books to guide you through the questions of early parenthood. I remember well those early days of parenthood. Although I have a graduate degree in Human Development, I still felt that unsettled mix of awe, joy, and
- [Holiday Gift Guide for Raising an “Unselfie” Child](https://thoughtfulparent.com/holiday-gift-guide-for-raising-unselfie.html) - As we enter into the holiday season, one book and its key concept keeps popping into my head: Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World. I ve been following Dr. Borba s writings on this subject and it has really struck a chord with me. She focuses on ways we can teach our kids to
- [25+ Social-Emotional Learning Toys That Teach Kids Empathy & Kindness (2026 Gift Guide)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/gift-guide-for-raising-kids-who-care.html) - Sneak peek: Social emotional learning toys don t have to be boring. These ideas will keep your 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?
- [Fun and Engaging Emotional Development Toys](https://thoughtfulparent.com/emotional-development-toys.html) - Sneak peek: Social-emotional learning toys help children build skills like empathy, emotional regulation, communication, frustration tolerance, and confidence through play. Research shows that social-emotional skills are strongly connected to school success, relationships, resilience, and mental health. The best emotional intelligence toys don’t just entertain kids — they create opportunities for emotional growth in everyday moments.
- [Super Simple, Research-Backed Ways to Raise a Thankful Child](https://thoughtfulparent.com/raising-thankful-child.html) - Sneak peek: Most of us have a goal of raising a thankful child, but the cultural narrative of entitlement is a major challenge. Simple ways to foster gratitude in kids. Does this sound familiar? Your child is given a lovely gift for a birthday or invited to a friend s party. You know he loved the
- [On SpongeBob, Silence, and the Challenges of Raising a “Digital Native”](https://thoughtfulparent.com/on-spongebob-silence-and-challenges-of.html) - You may have noticed that SpongeBob Squarepants was all over the news last week. Who knew a little cartoon character could get so much media attention? The main point of the study was that 4-year-olds who watched SpongeBob for nine minutes had a more difficult time with tasks involving execute function (i.e., self-control) than kids
- [Giving Your Toddler a Choice Doesn’t Always Work. Here’s Why](https://thoughtfulparent.com/giving-toddlers-too-many-choices.html) - Sneak peek: While offering some choices can help ease transitions, giving toddlers choices can be overwhelming to them. A few ideas (and research) to consider for toddler parenting. If you re the parent of a toddler, you ve probably heard this advice at least 100 times: Give your child choices so they will feel empowered and less
- [Research-Backed Real-Life Strategies to Discipline Kids without Yelling](https://thoughtfulparent.com/yelling-at-kids.html) - Sneak peek: Learning how to be a better parent without yelling takes intentional effort and patience. Here are some of my top strategies for limiting yelling and understanding your child more. Even under the best circumstances, parenting young kids is challenging. They are physically very capable—they can run, climb (on everything), stack, play, etc. However,
- [3 Important Parenting Lessons that Child Development Books Didn’t Teach Me (but my kids did)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/what-my-child-has-taught-me.html) - {After 10 years of parenting, I ve begun to consider what my child has taught me about child development (and life). A few child development lessons with insights for all parents.} This year marks my 10th year as a mom! Wow! The classic saying is really true, the days are long but the years are short.
- [Perspective Taking and Theory of Mind: How Kids Learn Empathy](https://thoughtfulparent.com/perspective-taking-theory-of-mind.html) - Sneak peek: The development of social skills and perspective taking or Theory of Mind in kids is one of those milestones that often gets overlooked. By understanding this hidden part of brain development, we have insight into a crucial part of the beginnings of empathy. As parents, I think one of our main goals is to help
- [What Research Says is the Best Stay-at-Home Mom Schedule for Kids {and moms too!}](https://thoughtfulparent.com/stay-at-home-mom-schedule-for-toddlers.html) - Peek inside: Being a stay-at-home mom has its ups and downs. Learn how to establish a stay at home mom schedule for toddlers that works for you and your child. I sat at the bottom of the basement stairs crying. My husband ran out of his home office, wondering what was going on. He thought
- [Summer Bucket List Ideas for Kids (With a Simple Gratitude Twist)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/reverse-bucket-list-summer-gratitude.html) - Sneak peek: Looking for summer bucket list ideas for kids that don’t require constant planning, spending, or pressure? This simple “reverse bucket list” approach helps families focus on gratitude, connection, and meaningful summer activities—without overscheduling. You ve seen all the posts on social media about having only 18 summers with your kids. While it does put
- [Will Co-Sleeping with My Kids Ruin My Marriage? Research-Based Answers](https://thoughtfulparent.com/will-cosleeping-kids-ruin-marriage.html) - Sneak peek: Does co-sleeping affect marriage? This issue is a common question among parents. Luckily, research offers us some insight into this tricky topic Does co-sleeping affect marriage? Research suggests the answer is more nuanced than many parents think. Co-sleeping itself does not necessarily reduce marital satisfaction, but conflict around sleep arrangements and mismatched parenting expectations
- [Self-Regulation in Toddlers: Why Language Skills Matter Most for Boys](https://thoughtfulparent.com/self-regulation-in-toddlers.html) - The development of emotional regulation in toddlers takes a lot of modeling and patience on the part of parents. Although little boys are thought to develop self-regulation skills later than young girls, research shows that language skills can help make up this difference.Many a parent of a toddler or even preschooler has encouraged their child to “use
- [The Myth of a Stress-Free Childhood](https://thoughtfulparent.com/the-myth-of-stress-free-childhood.html) - Sneak peek: We often think of stress in kids, as a negative. Research helps us see that certain types of childhood stress are a normal part of development and it actually helps propel development forward. I was struck recently by two seemingly conflicting articles that popped up in my social media feeds on the same day. Both
- [What We Can Learn from the Japanese Parenting Style](https://thoughtfulparent.com/japanese-parenting-style.html) - Sneak peek: Explore the Japanese parenting style and how it builds independence, confidence, and responsibility—plus tips you can use today. If you ve seen Netflix s series called Old Enough, you ve witnessed the results of the Japanese parenting style that encourages independence in children from a young age. This is a sharp contrast to what we see
- [What Parents Need to Know Before Hiring a Sleep Consultant](https://thoughtfulparent.com/pediatric-sleep-consultant.html) - Sneak peek: If your baby or child is struggling with sleep, it s good to know that certified pediatric sleep consultants can often help. Before you hire a sleep consultant, however, it s important to understand the field and what to look for in a professional. For my babies, sleep never came easily. Even beyond the newborn
- [Why Unstructured Play Is Important for Kids’ Executive Function](https://thoughtfulparent.com/research-convince-me-soccer-mom-dropout.html) - The new research that convinced me to be a soccer mom dropout Does your child really need another organized activity — or could more free time be just as valuable? Research on children s executive function offers an interesting reason to reconsider our packed family schedules. In a study of 70 children ages 6–7, researchers found
- [Screen Time Recommendations for Children {by age}](https://thoughtfulparent.com/new-guidelines-kids-sleep-movement-screentime.html) - Screen time recommendations for children are a hot topic for parents. Parents face ridicule, guilt, and pressure from family members, all related to the role that screen time plays in their child s development. Let s face it—there are many demands on our time and our children s time. For us, it s work, chores, and daily care of
- [Parenting and Child Development: Lessons Learned from My Kids](https://thoughtfulparent.com/parenting-and-child-development.html) - Parenting and Child Development Lessons Rearing a child, of course, means to nurture, care for and guide a child to adulthood. The idea that parenting would be an intentional task that a person does with their life has not always existed. Yes, humans have always cared for their children, but the term parenting as a
- [There is No “Quiet Quitting” When it Comes to Parenting. But Here’s What You Can Do to Feel Less Overwhelmed](https://thoughtfulparent.com/overwhelmed-parenting.html) - Sneak peek: Are you an overwhelmed parent? We all have those days or even seasons when we re trying to balance everything. But there are strategies you can try to feel less overwhelmed Have you heard the phrase quiet quitting in the news recently? First coined in a Wall Street Journal article, the idea really has less to
- [Cultural Variations in the Classic “Mirror Test”](https://thoughtfulparent.com/cultural-variations-in-classic-mirror.html) - Awhile back I wrote a post about the classic mirror test in psychological research. This test is meant to help researchers understand when a young child begins to have a sense of self. Many people in both the realms of child development and parenting have wondered when babies understand self-awareness. The way the test typical
- [About.com Readers’ Choice Awards](https://thoughtfulparent.com/aboutcom-readers-choice-awards.html) - Warning shameless self-promotion coming up! The Thoughtful Parent has been nominated for About.com s Readers Choice Awards for Best Live and Learn Parenting Blog. If you have a moment, please take the time to click a vote for me. Thanks for reading and your continued support of The Thoughtful Parent! Tweet
- [The 6 Best Books for Parents of Toddlers (That Are Actually Backed by Research)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/best-parenting-books-for-toddlers.html) - Sneak peek: Raising a toddler is full of discoveries and its fair share of challenges. Rely on some of the best parenting books for toddlers to help you through this tricky phase. Parenting a toddler is such a study in contrasts. One minute you’re in awe of their curiosity and laughter, the next you’re navigating
- [How Parenting Affects Child Development (And Why It’s Not the Whole Story)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/how-parenting-affects-child-development.html) - Sneak peek: Parenting affects child development. There s no doubt about that. But research — and thirteen years of raising two boys — has taught me it s a two-way street. Kids shape how we parent them just as much as we shape them. Parenting significantly affects a child s cognitive, emotional, and social development, but it isn t
- [Parenting Your Strong-Willed Child with an Eye to the Future](https://thoughtfulparent.com/parentingstrongwilledchildren.html) - Sneak peek: Parenting strong-willed children comes with its own unique set of challenges. By focusing on children s strengths and having an eye toward the future, you can begin to feel more confident. It s not a bug, it s a feature. If you read the previous article in this two-part series, you know that this quote has become my
- [Age-Appropriate Toys that Won’t Give You Buyer’s Regret {ages birth-10}](https://thoughtfulparent.com/age-appropriate-toys-kids.html) - Sneak peek: Learn how to choose age-appropriate toys that support child development, encourage open-ended play, and keep kids engaged long-term. I ll be honest—last Christmas we made a big mistake. We bought our boys toys that were not great choices. There s no sugar-coating it; we just did. We thought we knew how to choose toys for
- [Why the Best Parenting Advice Often Combines Research and Intuition](https://thoughtfulparent.com/parenting-research) - Before starting grad school, I hadn t really considered how much parenting research was out there. We hear snippets about the best parenting advice in the news from time to time, but rarely is it actually based on research. In reality, there are volumes, books, journals, and libraries full of parenting research that never see the
- [Fun and Effective Executive Functioning Activities for Preschoolers {plus a printable}](https://thoughtfulparent.com/inside-preschool-mind.html) - Sneak peek: Executive functioning skills activities for preschoolers can help them develop much-needed skills like planning ahead, memory and self-control. Understanding how their brains develop can help us foster their skills. Perhaps the alternate title for this post should be something like: why your preschooler doesn’t take a coat when it’s cold outside. I’ve been
- [Distracted by Your Device? The Science of How It Shapes Your Parenting—and Your Child](https://thoughtfulparent.com/technoference.html) - Sneak peek: New research is showing the impact of technoference—the ways that technology distracts us in relationships. How can we change our perspective and put technology in its place (plus a tech mantra to help your family).I got my first smartphone when my oldest was a newborn (summer 2009). This was just the beginning of
- [The Best Baby Development Books to Help You Navigate Those Early Months](https://thoughtfulparent.com/baby-development-books.html) - Sneak peek: With so many baby development books on the market, it s hard to know how to choose. These books all provide research-based insight with parent-friendly writing to help you through the early months of sleep deprivation, feeding questions, and more. When I first found out I was pregnant (over 13 years ago now) I immediately began
- [Why “Soft Skills” for Students May be the Key to Solving Attention Problems](https://thoughtfulparent.com/emotional-world-kids-attention-problems.html) - {As attention problems become more common in kids, researchers continue to understand this issue. New research points out the importance of soft skills for students who struggle with attention} I went to a presentation last week at my son s school about the social-emotional learning (SEL) program they use. I knew these soft skills for students
- [Parent Coaching](https://thoughtfulparent.com/parent-coaching) - Imagine what it would be like if… Unconventional times call for unconventional solutions Why Parent Coaching? What to Expect I Can Help With: Support for your parenting journey
- [Potty Training with Rewards: What the Research Actually Says](https://thoughtfulparent.com/potty-training-with-rewards.html) - Sneak peek: Stickers, treats, and sticker charts are one of the most popular potty training strategies out there, but does the research actually back them up? Here s what the evidence says about using rewards for potty training, plus how to do it in a way that works (and doesn t backfire). If you ve started researching potty
- [Why You Should Bother Reading Child Development Research](https://thoughtfulparent.com/why-blog-about-child-development.html) - Sneak peek: As parents, we base many of our decisions on intuition, so why even bother reading child development articles for parents? Why research still matters in our parenting choices A few months ago, I was struck by a report in the news about a research study that considered parents’ expectations of infants’ behavior and
- [How Ditching the Attachment Parenting Principles Made Me a Better Parent](https://thoughtfulparent.com/attachment-parenting-principles.html) - Sneak peek: What are the main attachment parenting principles? How do they differ from attachment theory? A new outlook on parenting emerged as I learned the difference. I clearly remember sitting in my first mom s group many years ago. It was summer in Texas, so I was sweating from carrying my son in his car
- [When Do You Start Potty Training?](https://thoughtfulparent.com/when-do-you-start-potty-training.html) - What Research Actually Says Sneak peek: As your child approaches toddlerhood, a common question that comes up is, When do you start potty training? I ve done the research for you and summed up the best potty training advice. If you’re wondering, When do you start potty training? you’re in good company. It’s one of those
- [Seeing Your Child’s Behavior as Communication and Why This Matters for Parenting](https://thoughtfulparent.com/child-behavior.html) - Understanding Child Behavior The Four Whys of Behavior @import url(https://static.mailerlite.com/assets/plugins/groot/modules/includes/groot_fonts/import.css?version=1617191); .ml-form-embedSubmitLoad{display:inline-block;width:20px;height:20px}.sr-only{position:absolute;width:1px;height:1px;padding:0;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);border:0}.ml-form-embedSubmitLoad:after{content: ;display:block;width:11px;height:11px;margin:1px;border-radius:50%;border:4px solid #fff;border-color
- [Getting to the Bottom of Emotional Outbursts—and Then Turning the Corner](https://thoughtfulparent.com/emotional-outburst.html) - What’s Developmentally Appropriate for Emotional Regulation? What’s the Real Trigger for an Emotional Outburst? Is a Crying Child Always a Problem? If your child is crying, you’re likely to feel stressed out, especially if there are other people present or you are trying to complete a challenging task. You probably wonder why your child is
- [Understanding Scientific Research: The Post I Wish I Had Written](https://thoughtfulparent.com/understanding-scientific-research-post.html) - I recently ran across a post on The Mother s Handbook that I thought was so clever that I couldn t resist sharing it here. So many times I ve heard scientific studies reported in the media in such a way that science (child development or otherwise) seem so simple and clear cut. In reality, if you were
- [Parenting Your Strong-Willed Child to Help Them Find Their True Gifts](https://thoughtfulparent.com/strong-willed-child.html) - Sneak peek: Parenting a strong-willed child is no easy task. Tips from a seasoned mom and parenting consultant on how to adjust your mindset to meet your strong-willed child s needs. If you ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you know the topic of temperament is especially near to my heart and I
- [What Being a Stay-at-Home Mom Taught Me About Child Development (that a Ph.D. didn’t!)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/what-ive-learned-so-farchild.html) - {I may have a Ph.D. in Human Development, but the best child development lessons I ve learned in child development have been by being a stay-at-home mom} I usually do not talk about my personal life too much on this blog, however, I have been reflecting on child development lessons I ve learned from my kids by
- [The Hidden Effect of Early Childhood Education](https://thoughtfulparent.com/hidden-effect-of-early-childhood.html) - Sneak peek: Preschool doesn t change kids IQ. The advantages of preschool education are much more subtle but no less impactful. I noticed an article on Wired Science entitled How Preschool Changes the Brain. Of course, being interested in child development, I was immediately intrigued. The article reviews several classic studies conducted over the past 30+ years
- [Parent-Child Relationship and the Link to Self-Control](https://thoughtfulparent.com/parent-child-relationship-and-link-to.html) - In my latest post on Notes on Parenting, I discuss research that illustrates the important link between a close, mutually responsive parent-child relationship and a child s development of self-control. We all know that self-control is an essential skill for children to learn for their own well-being as well as their success in school and life.
- [One Thing You Can Do Tonight to Help Your Kid Sleep Better](https://thoughtfulparent.com/infant-sleep-and-parental.html) - {As parents, we often think that our infant s sleep routine is the key to a long, peaceful sleep. Research points out a few key points of bedtime that can make a big difference for sleep.} One evening just after my youngest turned 18 months old, he stopped wanting to be rocked at bedtime. Up to
- [The Rewards and Struggles of Working at Home with Kids](https://thoughtfulparent.com/working-at-home-with-kids.html) - Q A with Karissa Tunis, Co-author of ‘Parenting While Working From Home’ How do you focus on work without hurting your child’s feelings? How do you limit/manage your kid’s screen time? How do you ensure that your kids get enough attention? How do you find time for self-care or alone time for yourself?
- [Are More Babies Born During the Summer? (Plus Baby Gift Ideas)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/are-more-babies-born-during-summer-plus.html) - 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
- [7 Reasons to Ditch Elf on the Shelf {and an alternative tradition we love}](https://thoughtfulparent.com/alternative-to-elf-on-the-shelf.html) - Sneak peek: Looking for an alternative to Elf on the Shelf? A few reasons to consider looking for a more thoughtful holiday tradition. When my older son was in about 2nd grade, he came home one day after Thanksgiving with news that all his friends had elves that come alive at night. The underlying question,
- [The Importance of Play in Early Childhood Development](https://thoughtfulparent.com/importance-of-play-child-development.html) - Sneak peek: The importance of play in early childhood development can t be overstated. Research-backed benefits of play for children s development. If there s one thing I keep coming back to in my reading and in my life as a mom, it s this: play is not a break from learning. It is learning. Play in early childhood
- [The Tired Parent’s Guide to Educational Summer Activities for Kids](https://thoughtfulparent.com/educational-summer-activities-for-kids.html) - Summary: We all want to help our kids prevent the summer slide, but educational summer activities for kids don t have to be boring worksheets. A few ideas for fostering summer learning through everyday activities} It s summertime. We are all supposed to be on a more relaxed pace, right? No more homework or science fairs, at
- [More Than Just the Milk: Why Breastfeeding Struggles Don’t Have to Define Motherhood](https://thoughtfulparent.com/breastfeeding-struggles.html) - Sneak peek: Breastfeeding struggles in the first months of motherhood are common but they don t have to ruin those early motherhood moments. Breastfeeding can feel far more difficult than many new moms expect. From painful latching and sleep deprivation to worries about milk supply, the early weeks of breastfeeding often come with emotional and physical
- [Toddler Growth Spurts: Timeline, Signs, and Ages to Expect](https://thoughtfulparent.com/toddler-growth-spurts-timeline.html) - Sneak peek: Toddler growth spurts can influence children s behavior in challenging ways. Find out what to look for and when to expect growth spurts. I’m 10 years into this motherhood journey and I still occasionally wonder if these boys of mine were given to the right mother. Yes, I gave birth to them and I know the
- [“Aren’t They Just Playing?” The Subtle (but Amazing) Way Play-Based Preschool Ignites Learning](https://thoughtfulparent.com/play-based-learning-preschool.html) - Sneak peek: There are many misconceptions when it comes to understanding play-based learning in preschool. While pressures remain to enroll kids in early academic settings, kids lose something very valuable when we push too hard. In recent years, there has been a lot of talk in the media about rigorous, academic preschools meant to ensure a child’s future
- [In a Divisive World, Raising an Emotional Intelligent Kid is a Powerful Act](https://thoughtfulparent.com/emotional-intelligence-for-kids.html) - Sneak peek: Nurturing emotional intelligence for kids is a goal for most parents. Research helps us find ways to model and foster kindness in our children Emotional intelligence for kids has become a popular term in recent years, but what does it really mean? I think most of us want to raise a kind child
- [Learn How to Have Age Appropriate Expectations of Your Kids (and why it matters for parenting)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/age-appropriate-behavior.html) - Sneak peek: Having realistic expectations for age-appropriate behavior in our kids can make a huge difference in our parenting. When we begin our parenting journey, few of us are really prepared for what it will mean to be someone s parent. Perhaps if you ve worked with kids a lot, you have some sense of what parenting will be
- [Looking Beyond “Quality vs. Quantity” Time with Kids](https://thoughtfulparent.com/looking-beyond-quality-vs-quantity-time.html) - As a person trained in the methodology of family science, there is nothing that bothers me more than when the media misinterprets a research article. Researchers know this happens frequently and are often leery of publicizing their work (even interesting work) because of this issue. Case in point—the recent study that was all over the
- [The Surprising Link Between Your Sleep Expectations and Your Baby’s Sleep](https://thoughtfulparent.com/newborn-sleep-expectations.html) - Sneak peek: We all go into parenting with expectations about our children s behavior. How might these expectations actually influence our children s behavior in subtle ways? The impact of parents newborn sleep expectations on babies sleep patterns. A new study released in the journal Child Development addresses an interesting issue: do moms thoughts and expectations (i.e.,
- [Best Valentine’s Books for Preschoolers (that parents will love too)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/best-valentines-books-for-preschoolers.html) - Sneak peek: The best Valentine s books for preschoolers don t just focus on candy and cards. Use this helpful list of books to choose ones that help your child learn about emotions like love. Valentine’s Day with preschoolers is less about candy hearts and more about connection. I m not usually one to seek out new books for
- [Understanding Your Child’s Temperament is the Key to a Better Relationship](https://thoughtfulparent.com/part-2-of-temperament-series.html) - Sneak peek: Understanding the role of temperament in child development and parenting can open up a world of insight into their behavior I picked my 9-year-old up from baseball camp the other day. He climbed into the car, covered in sweat, and immediately asked if he could have a play date with a friend oh yes,
- [Learning to Play Well with Others: The Best Toys for Social Play](https://thoughtfulparent.com/best-toys-for-social-play.html) - Sneak peek: Social play is a complex skill for children to learn. Here s my collection of the best toys for social play. These toys foster skills like cooperation, turn-taking, and perspective-taking. When we think of children playing together, it seems like a natural part of childhood. In reality, social play is a complex skill that
- [21 Parenting Blogs to Keep You Inspired, Informed and Sane](https://thoughtfulparent.com/21-parenting-blogs-to-keep-you-inspired.html) - Sneak peek: Some of the best parenting blogs to help keep you learning and growing as a parent Let s face it parenting is challenging at times. Parenthood is the only job that involves no formal training, and very little background knowledge (for most of us), and the outcome involves the people we value most (our kids).
- [Meaningful Gift Ideas for New Moms](https://thoughtfulparent.com/gift-ideas-for-new-moms.html) - Sneak peek: Becoming a mom for the first time is joyful and exciting, but can also be a bit overwhelming. Support a mom in your life with these thoughtful gift ideas for new moms. Bringing home your first child begins the unpredictable, exciting journey that is parenthood. Although greeting card commercials would have us believe that
- [What Dory and Nemo Can Teach Us About Parenting](https://thoughtfulparent.com/what-dory-nemo-can-teach-us-about.html) - Summer is quickly coming to an end and ours has been a busy, enjoyable one. My boys (ages 3 and 7) are finally old enough to (mostly) sit through a movie in an actually theater (imagine that!). I took advantage of that feat this summer and we enjoyed a couple of kid movies during those
- [Yelling at Your Kids? Discover the True Reason Why](https://thoughtfulparent.com/how-to-parent-without-yelling.html) - So…you yelled at your kids. Again. You know this isn’t how you want to parent. You want to be a calm, confident presence in their lives…and yet you feel anything but calm and confident much of the time. Everything seems OK until they do something that just pushes one of your buttons – and then
- [Understanding Children’s Temperament](https://thoughtfulparent.com/childrens-temperament) - A Toolkit for Parents and Educators Imagine what it would be like if… This toolkit can help you see each child through a new lens and transform your relationship Everything Included in your temperament toolkit Buy Now!
- [Growth Mindset: Helping Kids See Failure with a New Lens](https://thoughtfulparent.com/how-to-teach-growth-mindset.html) - Growth mindset is more than just a buzzword. Research helps us understand growth mindset for kids and helps them find meaning in failure. Are you familiar with the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang? Remember that song about failure? Here s a reminder: Every bursted bubble has a glory!Each abysmal failure makes a point!Every glowing path that goes astray,Shows
- [Outdoor Challenges for Kids: The Perfect Way to Keep Kids Unplugged](https://thoughtfulparent.com/outdoor-challenges-for-kids) - One of the reasons kids love video games, arcade games, and all forms of digital games, is the challenge they offer. Unlike many of us adults, kids enjoy hard things! Video games offer them a chance to meet their needs for competence and autonomy. This outlet for meeting these needs, however, is far inferior to
- [The Fascinating Role Children Play in Their Own Development](https://thoughtfulparent.com/child-development-and-parenting) - Summary: Understanding child development and parenting research can help us as we raise our children but it doesn t tell us everything. Soon after my first son was born, I realized just how little about child development and parenting I knew. Sure, I had a Doctorate in Human Development and Family Sciences. I knew how children
- [6 Fascinating Newborn Reflexes that May Surprise You](https://thoughtfulparent.com/babies-development-newborn-reflexes.html) - Sneak peek: Newborn reflexes are a fascinating aspect of early development. Let s explore the meaning behind some of these hidden behaviors that are present in newborns. Newborn reflexes are innate behaviors that mysteriously disappear after the first few months of life. For some, their function is clear; they usually help the baby survive in some way.
- [Science Explains How Disney Princess Culture May Influence Our Children’s Behavior](https://thoughtfulparent.com/beyond-tiara-disney-princess-culture.html) - Sneak peek: Disney princess culture has become a mainstay of young children s playtime, but how does it influence our kids understanding of gender-stereotypical behavior? A research study about Disney princesses? Now, this is research we can really use in our daily lives as parents. As a mom of boys, I have secretly been relieved that
- [5 Often-Overlooked Child Development Milestones](https://thoughtfulparent.com/types-developmental-milestones) - Remember when you first brought your baby home? If you re like me, you suddenly found yourself Googling everything about baby development. You probably know the typical types of developmental milestones but what about those that often get overlooked? Even though my background is in child development, the nerves and sleep deprivation of early parenthood left
- [What Does Child Rearing Mean? A Modern Parenting Perspective](https://thoughtfulparent.com/what-is-goal-of-childrearing.html) - Sneak peek: What does child rearing really mean? Learn why it matters and the goals behind raising emotionally healthy children. W On the face of it, this may seem like a silly question—what does child-rearing mean to you? Another way of saying it is: What is your parenting philosophy? When you really think about the core of your
- [LIfe 360 Alternatives: The Best Family Safety App for 2026](https://thoughtfulparent.com/life360-alternatives.html) - Sneak peek: Looking for Life360 alternatives? One parent s take on the best family safety apps for 2026 and the private tracking option they found. This post is sponsored by HeyPolo. All opinions, stories, and experiences shared are my own. My son had just started driving, and like a lot of parents, I downloaded a tracking app
- [Emotional Intelligence in Children: Meaningful Skills for the 21st Century](https://thoughtfulparent.com/emotional-intelligence-in-children) - Fostering emotional intelligence in children is no longer a touchy-feely aspect of development that gets pushed aside. Helping kids develop social-emotional skills is now taking center stage in parenting discussions. Why? Perhaps because our world is experiencing conflict and division like we haven t seen in generations and parents want to raise kids who can live
- [Preschool is Going Online: Why This is a Huge Mistake](https://thoughtfulparent.com/online-preschool.html) - Sneak peek: Online preschool is becoming more common in some areas. Discover why this misguided approach is squandering young children s potential. If you were asked to come up with as many ways to use a paper clip as you could think of, how many could you list? I recently read about this now-famous study, 1,500
- [Age Appropriate Expectations for Children](https://thoughtfulparent.com/age-appropriate-expectations) - Having developmentally appropriate expectations for our children’s behavior is crucial. If we know what is possible for children at each age, we can have reasonable expectations of their behavior. This prevents so many problems in parenting. It’s easy to be patient with our kids’ behavior when we understand that it is just due to an immature
- [Best Advice for New Parents: Lead with Your Heart {but keep your mind open}](https://thoughtfulparent.com/best-advice-for-new-parents.html) - Sneak peek: Many folks claim to have advice for new parents on any given parenting topic but it s hard to sort through all the voices. Let s take a thoughtful look at how new parents can balance advice, research and intuition in making parenting decisions. Remember when you first brought home your newborn? You were probably
- [Discipline Without Yelling](https://thoughtfulparent.com/discipline-without-yelling)
- [“Day Dreaming” Among Students May Not be All Bad](https://thoughtfulparent.com/day-dreaming-among-students-may-not-be.html) - As school begins across the country, you may remember back on your own days as a student. I bet many of us recall sitting in class and our mind began to wander or day dream. Or maybe it wasn t you, but a classmate you (or the teacher) could tell was day dreaming and not focused
- [How to Enjoy Being a Stay-at-Home Mom (4 Keys That Helped Me)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/how-to-enjoy-being-a-stay-at-home-mom) - After being a stay-at-home mom for 10 years, I ve learned that it is a role full of paradox. Yes, it is a privilege to be able to be with my kids each day. And it s also true that being a stay-at-home mom involves a lot of sacrifices. For me, the key to enjoying this role
- [Social Emotional Development: A Parent’s Guide](https://thoughtfulparent.com/social-emotional-development) - I have a friend I’ve known since kindergarten. We went through all our years of schooling together (gotta love small towns!). I adore this friend, however, secretly I was always a little jealous of her. Through all those years, she was always one of the most popular kids. I had plenty of friends, but everyone loved her.
- [Tender Beginnings](https://thoughtfulparent.com/resources-for-new-moms) - A Perfect Gift for Any Mom with a New Baby Give as a Gift Here (click the gift icon at checkout) Prefer a paper book instead of a digital version? Click below to order the print version!
- [Advent Calendar for Parents](https://thoughtfulparent.com/advent-calendar-parents) - A perfect way to focus on family during the holiday season
- [9 Books That Teach Kids About Healthy Habits](https://thoughtfulparent.com/books-about-habits-for-kids.html) - As a parent of two boys, I’ve learned that habits are easier to build when kids understand why they matter. These books about habits for kids turn bedtime, tooth-brushing, tidying up, and manners into stories your child will ask to hear again and again. I read Atomic Habits a few years ago, and I quickly
- [Best Child Development Books for Parents](https://thoughtfulparent.com/child-development-books) - I ve been on a new mission this year to read more and not just on a glowing screen but actual books. I read an article that some of the most successful people around (Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates) read at least 1 hour per day. In other words, the pattern of their success is all about ongoing
- [7 Research-Backed Parenting Tips When Your Child’s Behavior Baffles You](https://thoughtfulparent.com/parenting-tips.html) - Sneak peek: Parenting tips to help you understand the why behind your child s behavior. Positive parenting tips and ideas to try when nothing else seems to work. I thought I was a fairly good, patient parent until my youngest son reached toddlerhood. Although I have a Ph.D. in Human Development, his behavior baffled me. The typical parenting tips I
- [Tuning into Temperament](https://thoughtfulparent.com/tuning-into-temperament) - A toolkit for parents and educators Gain insight into each child s unique gifts and needs Does this sound familiar? you are baffled by your child s behavior your strong-willed child has trouble abiding by any boundary you set your inhibited child is fearful of new experiences and situations you are continually surprised at how different your
- [7 Advent Calendars that Foster Kindness](https://thoughtfulparent.com/advent-calendar-kindness.html) - Sneak peek: Are you trying to focus your kids more on kindness this holiday season? This collection of kindness advent calendar ideas will set you on the right track. I ve always loved Advent calendars. Something about the idea of tiny boxes, bags or drawers that open up a surprise each morning just takes me back
- [Difficult Baby? Research Shows Sensitive Parenting is Key](https://thoughtfulparent.com/difficult-baby.html) - Sneak peek: Research is helping us see the temperamentally difficult baby in a more positive light. With this research in mind, parents can be encouraged about the future of their child. If you re raising a baby who s intense, hard to soothe, or reactive to every little change, the research is encouraging. Studies show that difficult
- [Gift Guides for Developmental Toys by Age](https://thoughtfulparent.com/developmental-toys-by-age) - Sneak peek: Finding developmentally appropriate toys for kids can be a challenge at times. These guides provide parents with ideas for developmental toys based on age and different types of play. After years of having hit or miss experiences in choosing toys for my kids, I decided to turn to research. Yes, even when it
- [Foster Empathy in Kids with These Simple But Powerful Acts of Kindness](https://thoughtfulparent.com/acts-of-kindness-for-kids.html) - Sneak peek: Acts of kindness for kids to help them grow in empathy and emotional intelligence. Research-backed but easy ideas to bring into the daily routine. I thought I had done what good moms do. I signed the kids up for activities. Baseball, basketball, Cub Scouts all the right things. I helped them set up playdates with their
- [Back-to-School Preparation 2026: 12 Emotional Tips + Must-Have Supplies](https://thoughtfulparent.com/back-to-school-preparation.html) - August is here, which means back to school is approaching quickly. Some schools, like ours, start back in the middle of the month! The transition back to school is legitimately challenging for both parents and children. While many parents (maybe even me) are a little excited to have some much-needed quiet/work time while the kids
- [Raising Compassionate Kids: The Role of Nature and Nurture](https://thoughtfulparent.com/nature-and-nurture-origins-of-compassion.html) - Sneak peek: Many parents ask: Is compassion natural or learned? Humans have a natural tendency towards compassion but we must foster it for it to develop in our children. With the tense atmosphere that has surrounded our culture lately, I m thinking about compassion today. As parents, most of us want to instill an understanding of
- [Potty Training Readiness Quiz](https://thoughtfulparent.com/potty-training-readiness-quiz.html) - When it comes to potty training, timing can make a difference. That’s why this potty training readiness quiz exists: to help you quickly figure out if your child is ready right now, or if waiting might make things smoother. Start too early, and the process can drag on for weeks (or months). Start at the
- [7 Ways to Teach Your Child About Kindness](https://thoughtfulparent.com/kindness-for-kids.html) - I m thrilled to feature Alexandra Eidens, founder of Big Life Journal, as a guest writer this week. She is a mom and an expert in helping parents foster a growth mindset and kindness for kids. We all want to make the world a better place. And raising kind children is part of it. But kindness for kids doesn’t
- [Why It’s So Hard to Practice Self-Care as a Mom {and it’s not all about time}](https://thoughtfulparent.com/self-care-ideas-for-moms) - When you think about self-care ideas for moms, you probably don t think of a Buddhist monk. A monk s life is probably the most different from the average mom s life as you can get. Monk s life: quiet, contemplative, peaceful; full of prayer, deep thoughts and spiritual improvement Average mom s life: busy, loud, somewhat crazy, harried; full
- [A New Approach for Encouraging Children to Cooperate](https://thoughtfulparent.com/how-to-get-children-to-cooperate.html) - Sneak peek: One of the most common questions I hear is about how to get children to cooperate. Typical advice usually focuses on what we should be doing more of (more structure, more guidance, more rules). But what if we should do less? If you ve been reading this blog for a while, you know that
- [Baby Nighttime Routine: Why Emotional Responsiveness Matters More Than Steps](https://thoughtfulparent.com/infant-nighttime-routine.html) - As parents, we often think that a baby nighttime routine is the key to a long, peaceful sleep. Research points out a few key points of bedtime that can make a big difference for sleep. One evening just after my youngest turned 18 months old, he stopped wanting to be rocked at bedtime. Up to
- [The Thoughtful Parent’s Guide to Attachment Theory](https://thoughtfulparent.com/child-psychology-classics-attachment.html) - Sneak peek: The concept of attachment in child development is mentioned a lot in the parenting world, but there are many misconceptions about what it really means. A research-based look at attachment. The word attachment is used a lot in parenting magazines and often comes up in discussions of child development and parenting. Of course,
- [What a Baby’s Temperament Tells Us About Their Long-Term Development](https://thoughtfulparent.com/baby-temperament.html) - Sneak peek: Baby temperament is a common topic of interest among new parents. Parents wonder if temperament predicts anything about their future development. We delve into the research on difficult baby temperament to uncover its long-term impact on development. When my younger son was an infant, I took him with me to one of his
- [Stay-at-Home Mom Routine: 3 Simple Habits That Make Moms Happier](https://thoughtfulparent.com/stay-at-home-mom-routines-benefit-mom-baby.html) - Sneak peek: Feeling overwhelmed as a stay-at-home mom? Learn what research says about routines, child development, and creating a realistic stay-at-home mom routine that benefits you and your child. I still vividly remember the day my husband went back to work after the birth of our first son. It was my first day at home
- [Amazingly Common (but unhelpful) Myths About Strong-Willed Children](https://thoughtfulparent.com/how-to-discipline-the-strong-willed-child.html) - Sneak peek: A new look at the research on how to discipline a strong-willed child. Understand your strong-willed child in a new light! Strong-willed children have a bit of a bad reputation in our culture. Just a quick look at Pinterest shows this right away. Search up “parenting strong-willed children and you’ll get all sorts of
- [Why Understanding Your Tween’s Brain Might Just Make You a Better Parent](https://thoughtfulparent.com/parenting-tweens.html) - Sneak peek: Parenting tweens can involve a lot of ups and downs as well as big emotions. Be prepared for those tween and teen years by understanding what s going on inside your child s brain. As soon as my oldest son approached the tween years, I began frantically reading everything I could about teen brain development, behavior changes
- [75+ Laid Back Summer Activities for Kids](https://thoughtfulparent.com/summer-activities-for-kids.html) - (Easy, Screen-Free Ideas That Actually Work for You and Your Kids) Sneak peek: Summer activities for kids don t have to involve a lot of camps or scheduled outings. Find a compilation of simple, classic ideas for summer fun that kids still love. Summer sounds magical… until you’re the one trying to fill long days without
- [Why Yelling at Kids Doesn’t Work (Research-Backed) + What To Do Instead](https://thoughtfulparent.com/scientific-reason-yelling-doesnt-work.html) - Sneak peek: Yelling at your kids is not something any parent plans to do, but it happens from time to time. Research helps us learn why yelling doesn t work for us or our kids. Remember the last time you just lost it with your kids? I mean yelling at your kids, red-in-the-face lost it. Although I ve read child development
- [Teen Driving Safety Tips for Nervous Parents (From One Who’s Been There)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/teen-driving-safety-tips.html) - Sneak peek: Teen driving safety tips from a parent who s been there. Tips for coaching better habits, spot risky driving, and monitor without hovering This post is sponsored by HeyPolo. All opinions, stories, and experiences shared are my own. My 17-year-old son has been driving for a few years now (if you count the permit
- [What Are Hypnopompic Hallucinations in Children?](https://thoughtfulparent.com/hypnopompic-hallucinations-in-children.html) - Seeing your child feeling an unknown symptom or unusual experience can be scary as a parent. That s why I m sharing a guest post from Ubie Health to help us understand this common, but often unknown experience: hypnopompic hallucinations in children. Ubie Health sponsors this post. Few things are more alarming for a parent than a
- [A Real Light Bulb Moment: How Lighting Affects Children’s Sleep Habits](https://thoughtfulparent.com/light-bulb-moment-lighting-children-sleep-habits.html) - 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 say I was edgy was an understatement. My youngest son was 2 months old and I knew it was too much to expect him to sleep through the night; he
- [Best Mobile Tracking Apps for 2026](https://thoughtfulparent.com/best-mobile-tracking-apps.html) - Sneak peek: Mobile tracking apps have advanced to be a tool to help give you some peace of mind while your child is on the go. As parents, the balance between monitoring your child s safety and allowing them some age-appropriate independence is always a challenge. Mobile tracking apps may feel a little invasive at first,
- [50 Best Child Psychology Blogs](https://thoughtfulparent.com/50-best-child-psychology-blogs.html) - Sneak peek: Our parenting journey often involves a lot of questions about how to make the best decisions for our children. These are some of the best child psychology blogs I ve found to help discover research-based insights. When most of us started on our parenting journey, we had no idea how much we would rely
- [The Preschool Tour Checklist to Help Choose the Right Preschool for Your Child](https://thoughtfulparent.com/preschool-tour-checklist.html) - Sneak peek: Looking for a preschool tour checklist to guide you as you visit schools? This checklist will help you ask the right questions. One quick Google search turns up many variations of a preschool tour checklist. As a parent looking for a preschool for your child, this can be a bit overwhelming. What I
- [Does Having Children Make You Happier?](https://thoughtfulparent.com/does-having-children-make-you-happier.html) - This may seem like a controversial question to some people. Of course, you love your children and cannot imagine your life without them. But consider for a moment, do you feel happier with children compared to when you were childless? This is the question raised by a recent article in the Journal of
- [A Thoughtful Alternative to Elf on the Shelf that Will Teach Your Kids Lifelong Lessons](https://thoughtfulparent.com/holiday-kids-thoughtful-alternative-elf-on-shelf.html) - Sneak peek: Looking for an Elf on the Shelf alternative that teaches positive lessons? Some ideas to consider that focus on kindness. As parents, I think one of our main goals is to raise kids who care for others. But, guess what? Our kids don t always get that message. Several surveys have now shown us
- [Creative Ways to Limit Screen Time and Replace It with Family Time](https://thoughtfulparent.com/creative-ways-to-limit-screen-time-for-more-family-time.html) - Fun, Creative Ways to Limit Screen Time Look at Family Photos Together One of the best ways to limit screen time and connect with your kids is by shutting off the TV, putting the phones away, and breaking out the family photo albums. Don’t have any recent ones? Don’t worry, now you can create photo
- [How to Parent Toddlers with Respect and Empathy](https://thoughtfulparent.com/how-to-parent-toddlers.html) - Toddlerhood is such an interesting, challenging, emotion-provoking, fascinating phase of development. It emerges just about the time we parents think we might have this parenting thing under control. In just a couple of short years, our babies have turned into walking, babbling little humans who interact with us. Then the toddler years usher in yet
- [Research-Backed Benefits of Being an “Older” Mom](https://thoughtfulparent.com/research-benefits-of-being-older-mom.html) - Sneak peek: The medical community may tell us about all the risk of mature motherhood. However, psychology is showing us that there are real benefits to being an older mom. I still remember it vividly—sitting in the doctor s office, pregnant with my second son and being offered all the extra testing. I was surprised at
- [Children’s Emotional Intelligence: How to Develop those Crucial “Soft Skills”](https://thoughtfulparent.com/emotional-intelligence-low-tech-skills-key-success-high-tech.html) - {Fostering emotional intelligence in children might be one of the most important things you can do to ensure their future success} My older son (3rd grade) has a great social-emotional development learning program at his school. The school recognizes the importance of fostering emotional intelligence in children. Each morning, the class gathers and talks about
- [How to Talk With Your Child About Race and Racism](https://thoughtfulparent.com/how-to-talk-with-your-child-about-race-and-racism.html) - Our country is in turmoil. There is protesting in the streets and many parents aren t sure how to discuss these events with their kids. A common issue I hear from parents is this: how do we inform our kids about the current events and racial injustice in an developmentally-appropriate way while still helping them learn
- [The {Reverse} Winter Bucket List that Helps Your Kids Focus on Gratitude](https://thoughtfulparent.com/one-simple-activity-kids-gratitude-contentment.html) - Sneak peek: Winter bucket lists abound this time of year, but what about activities to teach contentment to kids, instead of unrealistic expectations. It s snow season! Winter bucket lists are around every corner. They promise to offer us the chance at wonderful memories and outings. This year is different, however. With the pandemic still raging,
- [The Hidden Power of Picture Books for Older Kids](https://thoughtfulparent.com/picture-books-for-older-kids.html) - 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,
- [Toddler Development: A Research-Based Guide for Parents](https://thoughtfulparent.com/toddler-development.html) - Toddlerhood can be a challenging time for both parents and kids. Understanding more about toddler development can help guide you through this period with insight into your child and hopefully a bit more patience. Toddler Social-Emotional Development Understanding the social-emotional development of your toddler can greatly help you as a parent. Knowing what your toddler
- [Children Develop at the Pace of Nature, Not Technology](https://thoughtfulparent.com/child-development-cant-be-rushed.html) - Sneak peek: When was the last time you asked yourself, Shouldn t my child know how to do this by now? Child development can t be rushed, but waiting on the process is one of those parenting challenges we don t talk about much. What does it mean to be patient with a child? At one level, this
- [Potty Training Books: Best Picks for Toddlers](https://thoughtfulparent.com/potty-training-books.html) - Sneak peek: Discover the best potty training books for toddlers, backed by research on learning through modeling and repetition. Explore top picks to make potty training easier and more engaging. If you’re in the midst of potty training, you already know: timing, temperament, and tactics all matter. But there s also one surprisingly powerful (and often
- [Simple but Effective Calming Strategies Every Family Should Know](https://thoughtfulparent.com/calm-activities.html) - Sneak peek: These calm activities for preschoolers can help them learn how to manage big emotions, both in the classroom and at home. I walked into my son s kindergarten class to volunteer for the first time and was a bit surprised. Some of the items looked familiar from my own school days—a play kitchen and
- [The Revealing Reason Why Kids Love Video Games](https://thoughtfulparent.com/why-are-video-games-addicting.html) - Sneak peek: Parents often ask why are video games addicting to kids? Research gives us some surprising answers about why kids like video games. I’m kind of embarrassed to admit this, but my 6-year-old is known as the “pinball king” in our house. From the time he learned that arcade and video games existed, he
- [Why We Feel So Guilty as Parents and How to Overcome It](https://thoughtfulparent.com/overcoming-parental-guilt.html) - 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
- [The 13 Top Parenting Books for Research-Based Guidance](https://thoughtfulparent.com/parenting-books-help-hard-times.html) - {Some of the top 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. I m only 8 years into this parenting journey, but I
- [How to Make Time to Connect With Your Kids, Even When You Are Insanely Busy](https://thoughtfulparent.com/make-time-to-connect-with-your-kids.html) - As parents, we know that the emotional connection with our kids is really the foundation of our relationship. Without connecting with kids, we can feel that we are simply cooks, chauffeurs, and homework masters instead of parents to our children. With all the tasks that have to get done it a day, however, sometimes the
- [Want to Promote Executive Functioning Skills in Your Kids? It’s Easier than You Think](https://thoughtfulparent.com/yes-little-things-matter-parents-role.html) - {We hear a lot about executive functioning skills in the parenting world. What are they and how can we help our children develop them?} My five-year-old just learned how to play the card game Uno. When I first brought it home, he didn t want to play it because by the looks of it, he thought
- [What’s the Difference between Attachment Parenting and Attachment Theory? What Every Parent Needs to Know](https://thoughtfulparent.com/attachment-parenting.html) - s Sneak peek: What does attachment theory mean? How does it impact our understanding of parenting? A simple introduction to attachment theory and parenting. The first time I was introduced to the concept of attachment parenting, I was sitting in a meeting room at a new moms group. I had been a mom for a total
- [Research-backed tips for choosing the best toys for toddlers](https://thoughtfulparent.com/toddler-toys.html) - Sneak peek: In a sea of developmental toys for toddlers, which ones best promote learning and growth? Research helps provide us with some insight. If you ve walked through the toy aisles of a typical big box store or toy store lately, you know how overwhelming it can be. The bright colors, brand names, and loud
- [The Amazing Benefits Of A Mom Tribe For You And Your Baby](https://thoughtfulparent.com/mom-tribe.html) - Sneak peek: All mothers need their community of people who support their role as mothers—the mom tribe. It turns out this mom tribe has real developmental benefits for your child as well.} I attended a baby shower for a friend a few weeks ago. I hadn t been to one in a few years, given that
- [The Overlooked Aspect of a Child’s Personality That Can Have a Powerful Effect on Your Parenting](https://thoughtfulparent.com/temperament-two-part-series.html) - {A basic overview of temperament in children and the role it plays in child development} What is Temperament and Where Does it Come From? The word ‘temperament’ is heard a lot in any circle of parents, caregivers, or teachers discussing children. Most parents probably have a good sense of their child’s temperament. You often hear
- [The Intentional Stay-at-Home Mom](https://thoughtfulparent.com/the-intentional-stay-at-home-mom) - Because motherhood should be joyful Grab this course in the next 10 minutes at a HUGE discount! All these awesome resources to make your life easier! Sign up now (before the timer runs out)
- [About Me](https://thoughtfulparent.com/about-me) - Do You Feel Imagine feeling empowered to make parenting decisions based on real science, not societal pressure. Think about how confident you will feel when you have the knowledge and strategies to meet your child’s needs. Imagine looking at your children and knowing that they are developing a kind, empathetic spirit that will serve the
- [The Mindset Shift that Will Stop Mom Shaming in its Tracks](https://thoughtfulparent.com/the-realistic-way-to-stop-mom-shaming.html) - Sneak peek: Mom shaming is unfortunately not uncommon in today s world. A mindset shift we can all take to stop mom shaming and help support all moms. At my mom s group last year, somehow the topic of unwanted parenting advice came up in discussion. I was shocked to hear so many other moms with stories
- [First Day of Kindergarten: What Kids Really Need From Parents](https://thoughtfulparent.com/to-moms-on-first-day-of-kindergarten.html) - Sneak peek: The first day of kindergarten for parents is almost as big an event as it is for children. While your child s new independence may make you feel less needed, there are many important life lessons your kindergartener still needs from you. This school year is THE year for me — my youngest is
- [How to Be a Happy Stay-at-Home Mom: 11 Realistic Tips](https://thoughtfulparent.com/how-to-be-a-happy-stay-at-home-mom.html) - Sneak peek: Learning how to be a happy stay-at-home mom can be a struggle for many of us. Read on for tips and ideas for not just surviving but thriving as a stay-at-home mom. After being a stay-at-home mom for over 10 years, I ve learned that it is a role full of paradox. Yes, it is a
- [The Hidden Way Kids Learn Empathy (and How Parents Can Help)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/perspective-taking-and-power-of.html) - Sneak peek: The development of social skills and perspective taking in kids is one of those milestones that often gets overlooked. By understanding this hidden part of brain development, we have insight into a crucial part of the beginnings of empathy. As parents, I think one of our main goals is to help our children
- [Discovering the Role of Temperament in Child Development](https://thoughtfulparent.com/temperament-child-development.html) - Sneak Peek: The role of temperament in child development and parenting is sometimes overlooked. Understanding your child s temperamental tendencies can be eye-opening. If you have more than one child or have even interacted with more than one child, you know that each child is wonderfully unique. Part of understanding each child s uniqueness is considering the
- [Understanding How Stress and Adverse Childhood Experiences Affect Children’s Development](https://thoughtfulparent.com/adverse-childhood-experiences.html) - Sneak peek: The stress of the pandemic raised our attention even more so to how these traumatic events affect children s development. A look at the research on adverse childhood experiences. To say that pandemic living was stressful for parents and children is an understatement. Parents often wonder what impact this stress (and related stressors) will have
- [Acts of Kindness for Kids](https://thoughtfulparent.com/acts-of-kindness-for-children.html) - Sneak peek: Acts of kindness for children that can help them learn about caring for others. All of us, even our children, face daily challenges and struggles. Through my research on stress and coping that I did in grad school, one big point that was reiterated repeatedly was that how well individuals cope with stress
- [When You are Unsure What to Say to Your Teen (or Tween), These Books Can Help](https://thoughtfulparent.com/health-books-for-teens.html) - Sneak peek: Teens often have a lot of questions about their health, changing hormones, unruly emotions, and more. They might be afraid to ask you about these issues, but these health books for teens (and tweens) can help prompt some open communication. On any given day, my tween son (almost 13) will come home with a variety
- [Playful Ways to Encourage Kindness in Children](https://thoughtfulparent.com/kindness-in-children.html) - Did you know that bullying occurs once every 7 minutes on the playground and 1 out of 5 children report they are bullied? How can we ensure our children can handle these difficult situations for themselves and advocate for others? When children have a strong sense of empathy and compassion, they are better able to
- [Fussy Babies and Later Behavior: Complex Results](https://thoughtfulparent.com/fussy-babies-and-later-behavior-complex.html) - If you are the parent of an especially fussy or colicky baby, you may wonder whether their temperament at this early age is a sign of later behavior problems. Well, this a perfect case to illustrate the complex science that is the study of child development. A recent study out of Europe showed that
- [Understanding Cyberbullying: The Kind of Bullying We Can’t See](https://thoughtfulparent.com/cyberbullying-stats.html) - We are a digital world. Ever since the start of the internet, we’ve been on a slippery technological slide that’s constantly introducing new advancements, otherwise known as “the next latest and greatest” device or platform. Think of smart phones, email, instant messaging, snapchats, social media and online gaming. Children are growing up spending far more
- [Self-Regulation in Toddlers: Why Language Matters More for Boys](https://thoughtfulparent.com/language-skills-help-boys-develop-self.html) - {The development of self-regulation in toddlers takes a lot of modeling and patience on the part of parents. Although little boys are thought to develop self-regulation skills later than young girls, research shows that language skills can help make up this difference.} Many a parent of a toddler has encouraged their child to use your
- [Childhood Independence: Finding the Balance of Holding Tight and Letting go](https://thoughtfulparent.com/childhood-independence.html) - Sneak peek: Do you struggle with childhood independence? Does it feel scary to let your child or teen do things on their own? A deep dive into why independence matters for child development. When it comes to our children and teens, when do we let go and when do we hold tight? When do we
- [Research-Backed Ways to Thrive Through the Toddler Years](https://thoughtfulparent.com/toddler-emotions.html) - Whether you are new to toddler parenting or an experienced parent of toddlers, you know that dealing with toddler emotions is a huge part of the job. For having such little bodies, toddlers can have BIG emotions. Unfortunately, these big emotions have often given toddlers a bad reputation among parents. The phrase the terrible twos
- [Why NOT Playing It Safe All the Time is Good For Kids’ Development](https://thoughtfulparent.com/risky-play.html) - The Developmental Benefits of Risky Play
- [Why Your Brain Makes it Hard for You to Be a Positive Parent (and what you can do to fix it)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/positive-parenting.html) - Positive Parenting and Our Brains Overcoming the Negativity Bias to Practice Positive Parenting Positive parenting isn t always easy. Despite our best efforts, sometimes our brain works against us. By knowing a bit more about how to overcome our negativity bias, we can start to build up our relationship with our children. Let s face it we all
- [4 Child Development Milestones Parents Miss (And What They Mean)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/overlooked-developmental-milestones.html) - By Amy Webb, PhD, Human Development and Family Sciences (and mom of two_ Remember when you first brought your baby home? If you re like me, you suddenly found yourself Googling everything about baby development. You probably know the typical types of developmental milestones but what about those overlooked developmental milestones that no one talks about?
- [Engaging Articulation Games for Kids: Play Your Way to Clearer Speech](https://thoughtfulparent.com/articulation-games-for-kids.html) - Sneak peek: If your child is working to improve their speech articulation, the repeated practice can sometimes feel like a chore. Try these active articulation games for kids to help make practice more playful and engaging. Is your child working on articulation in speech or certain speech sounds? If so, they may have been encouraged
- [Parenting Survival Tips for Doing Disney World with Young Kids](https://thoughtfulparent.com/disney-world-with-toddlers.html) - Sneak peek: A big trip with high expectations can turn out to be not so kid-friendly. A few tips for visiting Disney World with toddlers. Depending on what type of parent you are, the idea of visiting Disney World with toddlers may fill you with excitement and anticipation or pure dread and anxiety. How can a
- [Kindness Starts at Home: Cultivating Self-Compassion in Parenting](https://thoughtfulparent.com/self-compassion-in-parenting.html) - Sneak peek: What does it mean to have self-compassion in parenting? Does it make us too soft on ourselves? Research offers us insight into how self-compassion may impact our parenting. Who s experienced this scenario? You do something in your parenting life that you are not proud of such as yelling at your child. You realize your error and
- [Positive Parenting Tips for the Holidays](https://thoughtfulparent.com/parenting-tips-for-the-holidays.html) - Sneak peek: A few holiday tips for parents to help you and your kids enjoy the season. The holiday season is upon us and if you are a parent, you know that the holidays can bring both joys and challenges. For young children, the holidays are exciting, but also a bit overwhelming. With all the
- [Why Diaper Need Awareness Week Matters to All of US](https://thoughtfulparent.com/diaper-need-awareness-week.html) - Imagine with me for a moment that you are a mom with an infant (most of us have been there). You are working one (or possibly two) jobs to try to make ends meet. Your baby has to go to a childcare facility so you can work. Even with all this working, you need
- [One Research-Backed Way to Handle Toddler Tantrums](https://thoughtfulparent.com/research-backed-diminish-toddler-tantrums.html) - Sneak peek: Toddler tantrums are normal but very frustrating. Research helps guide us in a slightly unconventional way on how to deal with toddler tantrums. All I wanted was to walk on the treadmill for maybe 20 minutes. Is that too much to ask? I had a great plan I would hop on the treadmill in the
- [5 Powerful Lessons Being a Mom Taught Me About Child Development](https://thoughtfulparent.com/advice-for-parents.html) - Sneak peek: 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 for parents on learning from your kids. I have been reflecting on child development lessons I ve learned from my kids over the past 11
- [4 Benefits of Dress-Up Play for Child Development](https://thoughtfulparent.com/the-developmental-benefits-of-dress-up.html) - Sneak peek: For kids, playing dress up is just fun, but child development research shows us that it really is educational. The benefits of dress-up play make it a win-win for kids and parents. We all love playing dress-up during Halloween, but this fun playtime activity is great year-round. It turns out that there are
- [Tips for challenging toddler behavior](https://thoughtfulparent.com/how-to-handle-a-difficult-toddler.html) - As babies grow, we are delighted to see their personalities develop and marvel at the fun thingsthey do. But this also means they are developing their own personalities. This can be a wonderful development but also presents some challenges. It can be challenging to know how to respond when toddlers act in less-than-desirable ways, buta
- [Insights for Parents from the Science of Child Temperament](https://thoughtfulparent.com/types-of-child-temperament.html) - 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,
- [How Research Can Help Us Raise More Grateful Kids](https://thoughtfulparent.com/how-to-raise-grateful-children.html) - Sneak peek: In thinking about how to raise grateful children, we look beyond the surface to a deeper understanding of gratitude. Research helps us with helpful ideas for fostering gratitude in our children. What if I told you there was something you could do for your kids, that would enhance their mental health, grow their self-esteem and
- [What to Look for in a Preschool: 10 Things That Actually Matter](https://thoughtfulparent.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-preschool.html) - Sneak peek: Parents often ask what to look for in a preschool. This post can be your guide for what questions to ask on a preschool tour. Learn why play in preschool is brain-building. The Scene: You walk into a pre-K classroom and you see several groups of 4-year-olds playing in different areas in the
- [Best Parenting Books for Every Stage (Backed by Research)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/parenting-books.html) - 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 ever searched for parenting advice, you’ve probably been overwhelmed by the number of books out there. The truth is, not all parenting books are equally helpful. Some are research-backed and
- [Understanding Play Schemas: How Repetitive Play Builds Your Child’s Brain](https://thoughtfulparent.com/play-schemas.html) - Sneak peek: Learn about play schemas and what they mean for your child s development. Discover how these patterns support deep learning—and how to better support your child’s development through play. Has your child ever gone through a phase where they only wanted to do one very specific kind of play? Maybe it was trains—endlessly building
- [3 Important Parenting Lessons that Child Development Books Didn’t Teach Me (but my kids did)](https://thoughtfulparent.com/what-ive-learned-so-far-part-2.html) - {Child development books can teach many parenting lessons. However, sometimes just observing and reflecting on our own child s behavior is the best teacher} In my last post entitled, What Being a Stay-at-Home Mom Taught Me About Child Development (that a Ph.D. didn t), I began describing just a few of the child development lessons I ve learned
- [The Fallacy of Early Academics: What is Lost When We Push Too Hard](https://thoughtfulparent.com/subtle-beauty-of-child-development.html) - Sneak peek: There are many misconceptions when it comes to understanding why preschool matters for young children. While pressures remain to enroll kids in early academic settings, kids lose something very valuable when we push too hard} In recent years, there is has been a lot of talk in the media about rigorous, academic preschools
- [How to Survive Colic: Reflections from Science and Experience](https://thoughtfulparent.com/you-can-survive-colic.html) - 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
- [Executive Functioning in Early Childhood: 7 Skills + Research-Backed Activities](https://thoughtfulparent.com/executive-functioning-in-early-childhood.html) - Sneak peek: We hear a lot about executive functioning in early childhood in parenting and education circles these days. What are they and how can we help our children develop them? Executive functioning skills are the mental abilities that help children manage their emotions, behavior, and attention — including impulse control, working memory, and flexible thinking. These

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