Discussing Divorce
You tried working things out. But it’s over. Now you must break the news. Explaining divorce or separation to a young child is hard. So finding the age appropriate words and actions is important. We have some tips to help ease the pain.
Resources
Talking to Very Young Children About Divorce (Zero to Three)
How to talk to Your Children About Divorce (American Academy of Pediatrics)
How to talk to Your Children About Divorce (American Academy of Pediatrics)
The Science Of Reading
When reading a bedtime story to a young child, have you ever wondered what she’s thinking about? Well, researchers say they have more evidence that reading to young children has an impact on their developing minds.
Resources
Science Proves Reading to Kids Really Does Change Their Brains (Huffington Post)
Home Reading Environment and Brain Activation in Preschool Children Listening to Stories (Pediatrics)
10 Tips for Parents of Young Children (Reading is Fundamental)
Home Reading Environment and Brain Activation in Preschool Children Listening to Stories (Pediatrics)
10 Tips for Parents of Young Children (Reading is Fundamental)
Babysitting
Wouldn’t it be splendid if Mary Poppins appeared one day with all her magic to babysit for your children? In the real world, finding the right babysitter can be a source of anxiety. Luckily, the University of Michigan Health System has some recommendations to help you find the right person for the job. Listen now.
Resources
Babysitter Safety—What Parents and Sitters Need to Know (University of Michigan Health System)
Selecting a Babysitter (Child Development Institute)
Getting to Know a Babysitter (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Selecting a Babysitter (Child Development Institute)
Getting to Know a Babysitter (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Baby Scientists
Is your baby conducting experiments? Well, if she drops peas from her high chair or loves to toss baby food across the room, then you have a little scientist.
Resources
Importance of Destructive Play (Inspiration Laboratories)
Your Baby is Doing Little Physics Experiments All the Time, According to a New Study (Washington Post)
How to Stop Your Child From Throwing Food From the High Chair (Magic Beans)
Your Baby is Doing Little Physics Experiments All the Time, According to a New Study (Washington Post)
How to Stop Your Child From Throwing Food From the High Chair (Magic Beans)
Diapers And Depression
Did you know there is a connection between diapers and depression? Listen to find out why.
Resources
Diaper Need and Its Impact on Child Health (Journal Pediatrics)
The Diaper Dilemma (The Atlantic Monthly)
The Diaper Dilemma (The Atlantic Monthly)
Positive Parenting
Just how important are the first years of life? Well, researchers have found further evidence that the type of emotional support a child receives as a baby and toddler can shape educational outcomes and relationships as an adult.
Resources
Which Early Childhood Experiences Shape Adult Life? (KQED News-Mind Shift)
Brain Development (Zero to Three)
Brain Development (Zero to Three)
Building Language Skills
Building blocks are a great toy. They encourage spatial skills and creativity. But researchers think they may do much more than that.
Resources
Distracted Parenting
Distracted driving gets a lot of press. But what about distracted parenting? Learn what the impact can be on young children when mom or dad are distracted by smart phones, tablets and computers.
Resources
The Risks of Parenting While Plugged In (New York Times)
For the Children’s Sake, Put Down that Smartphone (NPR)
html" target="_blank">Patterns of Mobile Device User by Caregivers and Children During Meals in Fast Food Restaurants (American Academy of Pediatrics)
For the Children’s Sake, Put Down that Smartphone (NPR)
html" target="_blank">Patterns of Mobile Device User by Caregivers and Children During Meals in Fast Food Restaurants (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Meet Mr. Trufflepants
Listen now to meet Mr. Trufflepants—our imaginary friend. A child’s pretend friends can be a very healthy part of development and even help prepare her for success later in life.
Resources
Should You "Evict" Your Child’s Imaginary Friend? (Psychology Today)
Advantages of Imaginary Friends (The British Psychological Society)
Advantages of Imaginary Friends (The British Psychological Society)
Five Principles For Parenting
The Director of Columbia University’s Center for Toddler Development recently shared her Five Principles for Parenting with The Washington Post. Check out a recap of what she had to say.
Resources
5 Ways to Understand Toddlers (The Washington Post)
Barnard Center for Toddler Development (Columbia University)
Barnard Center for Toddler Development (Columbia University)