It is increasingly common for parents to decide to raise their children in a language that is neither their native tongue nor the language of the society in which they live. For example, in Spain it is increasingly common to hear Spanish parents speaking to their children in English in the park or after school. Often, these […] … learn more→
Blog Archives
Raising Children in a Non-Native Language: What Science Says
Parental stress can affect the intellectual and emotional development of their children
Sofia is in the park with her five-year-old daughter. She has her phone in one hand and is rummaging through her bag with the other for work papers. She’s tense. Her voice sounds halting when she answers her little girl, who runs to show her something in the sandbox. “I can’t right now, Emma,” she […] … learn more→
Anxiety over school admissions isn’t limited to college – parents of young children are also feeling pressure, some more acutely than others
Deciding where to send your child to kindergarten has become one of the most high-stakes moments in many American families’ lives. A few factors have made selecting an elementary school particularly challenging in recent years. For one, there are simply more schools for parents to pick from over the past few decades, ranging from traditional public and private […] … learn more→
To reduce parental stress, should we move away from the nuclear family model?
I finish my workday and head home, making a quick stop to buy the materials my high school son needs for a project due this week, as well as the ingredients for a quick dinner. When I got home, I checked my daughter’s school website and discovered she’d forgotten to hand in an assignment. When […] … learn more→
Boundaries and affection: the best combination in parenting
Aurora grew up in a home of strict rules and absent affection. Her father, Don Augusto, spoke little, but imposed his authority firmly. At the table, no one spoke without his permission, no one left without his authorization, and he decided the punishments. If Aurora spilled a glass of juice, her father’s stern look was […] … learn more→
We’re told to limit kids’ screen time. But how does it actually affect their health?
If you’re a parent, you’ll be well-acquainted with one of the more hotly debated parenting topics: screen time and kids. On the one hand, screen time helps kids learn, develop creativity and supports social interaction and connection. But too much screen time can negatively impact your child – not just their development but their physical […] … learn more→
Why won’t my kids listen to me? A psychologist explains
Have you ever asked your child to do something simple but no matter how many times you ask, they keep ignoring you? For example, on a school morning you may call out, “Sarah, put your shoes on. We have to go!” as you are trying to finish an email, clean up breakfast dishes and make […] … learn more→
How to help a perfectionist child
From a very young age, some children may show signs of perfectionism. When they are very young, they can tear up their drawing if they don’t think it’s completely correct. Later, they may avoid doing their homework, or refuse to do it altogether, for fear of making a mistake. Perfectionism can lead them to feel […] … learn more→
The key to raising secure children: Why parental sensitivity matters for fathers and mothers
Have you ever heard of children’s attachment or attachment theory? If you are a parent, caregiver or an educator, chances are that it rings a bell. Children’s attachment refers to a strong emotional bond that children develop toward people who care for them. A lot of research in recent decades highlights the importance of positive […] … learn more→
Parents are increasingly saying their child is ‘dysregulated’. What does that actually mean?
Welcome aboard the roller coaster of parenthood, where emotions run wild, tantrums reign supreme and love flows deep. As children reach toddlerhood and beyond, parents adapt to manage their child’s big emotions and meltdowns. Parenting terminology has adapted too, with more parents describing their child as “dysregulated”. But what does this actually mean? More than […] … learn more→