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The Thoughtful Parent

A blog that makes child development approachable.

  • About Me
  • Social-Emotional Development
    • 7 Ways to Teach Your Child About Kindness
    • 4 Powerful Social-Emotional Lessons Kids are Learning During the Pandemic
  • Child Development Classics
    • A Parent’s Guide to Understanding the 4 Attachment Styles
    • Child Psychology Classics: The Mirror Test
  • Toddler Development
    • Research-Backed Real-Life Strategies to Discipline Toddlers without Yelling (even during a pandemic))
    • Research-Backed Ways to Thrive Through the Toddler Years

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Surprisingly Helpful Calming Activities for Super-active Kids (even during the holidays!)

Social-Emotional Development · December 18, 2020

Slightly unconventional calming techniques for kids when the usual suggestions don't work. Helpful for calming down and preventing …

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4 Research-Backed Reasons Why Parents Shouldn’t Relieve Kids’ Boredom

Social-Emotional Development · April 2, 2020

bored kids

Sneak peek: A different take on the question of "what to do when kids are bored." Hint, hint...nothing! In the wake of the coronavirus …

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Executive Functioning Skills: The New Research that Convinced Me to be a Soccer Mom Dropout

Parenting Research · September 5, 2019

executive functioning skills

Sneak peek: How new research on play and executive function in kids made me feel better about being a soccer mom dropout. My oldest son …

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Super Simple, Research-Backed Ways to Raise a Thankful Child

Social-Emotional Development · April 23, 2020

raising a grateful child

{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 …

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Acts of Kindness for Kids: Ideas Kids Can Do While Stuck at Home

Social-Emotional Development · March 24, 2020

acts of kindness ideas for kids

Sneak peek: Acts of kindness for children can help them cope with this difficult time by providing a way to help others. We are all …

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The Reverse Summer Bucket List: Helping Kids Grow in Gratitude {with FREE Printable}

Social-Emotional Development · May 19, 2020

summer bucket list

Sneak peek: Most summer bucket lists for kids focus on packing in as many exciting activities as possible. This reverse bucket list version …

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3 Top Tips for Raising a Kind Child: Realistic Ideas for Parents

Social-Emotional Development · July 29, 2017

perspective taking

{Nurturing a kind child is a goal for most parents. Research helps us find ways to model and foster kindness in our children} We all want …

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Celebrate Earth Day with Your Kids (plus a Giveaway!)

Uncategorized · April 17, 2010

Earth Day is just about upon us and it made me think about how parents could use this day as an opportunity to help kids learn about the …

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Tired of Being the Cruise Director of Your Kids’ Summer? Bring Back These Classics of Summer Play Time

Play-Based Learning · June 4, 2019

outdoor summer activities

{Summer fun for kids doesn't have to involve a lot of camps or scheduled activities. Simple, classic ideas for summer fun that kids still …

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As a mom of two young boys, I've seen first-hand how research-based child development information, combined with intuition, can guide you through your parenting journey. Although I have a Ph.D.in Human Development and Family Sciences, many of my real parenting discoveries have come through my experience. I believe parenting with confidence comes from knowledge; parenting with grace comes from insight. Join me on this parenting journey of learning and discovery

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