Some people say it’s mostly about genes. Others argue for the power of the environment. But the reality is complex. Research shows that genes and environmental factors aren’t just “added together” to make a person. Instead, they interact. For instance, experiments on rodents suggest that differences in upbringing can switch certain genes “on” or “off.” And … Read more about Kids aren’t passive players in their own development
If I had a dollar for every excuse I’ve been told about why someone couldn’t delegate (or delegating wouldn’t work in x, y, z situation), I’d be a gazillionaire. Ok, maybe not a gazillionaire. But at least a billionaire. It’s true, delegating can be difficult. But it is a skill worth honing. Not only will … Read more about 7 Reasons moms fail to delegate chores (& what to do)
Some toddlers get mad easily. They are quick to hit, bite, kick, or fight with people when they don’t get their way. Are their parents doing something wrong? It’s tempting to be judgmental, particularly if you haven’t been challenged by a physically aggressive toddler yourself. But a new study adds support to the idea that … Read more about Aggressive toddler? Don’t be so quick to blame parenting
I’ve been lucky. I haven’t had to cope with many temper tantrums–at least not from kids. And that really is luck. Because even though I’m pretty good at heading off bad moods in children, you can say the same about many parents who have to cope with terrible tantrums. Some kids are more prone to temper … Read more about How do you handle temper tantrums from kids?
To stop cavities from forming, dentists now recommend parents begin brushing their children’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth comes in. Prior to the change, the American Dental Association advised parents to brush with water before the age of two, and then move on to pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste until the … Read more about Fluoride recommended as soon as first tooth comes in
Around the world, pediatricians, researchers, and parents have noticed a worrying trend. Girls are entering puberty, and experiencing their first menstruation, much earlier in life. What’s the right age? There’s no hard and fast rule. But if we want to know what used to be normal, cross-cultural and historical studies supply the answer. For most … Read more about Low vitamin D triggers early puberty in girls?
I often joke that the main reason why I chose to homeschool was because I couldn’t wrap my head around getting all six of my kids up early in the morning to make sure they’re dressed and ready for school. It’s partly true–we attend a learning center once a week and you should see the … Read more about Sleepy kids–should we just start school later?
When my eldest son made me a mom, I had no idea what I was doing. I’d never diapered a baby before, or fed one, or really even held one for any notable length of time. Having a baby and not a clue was scary. I spent a lot of time researching and worrying, wondering and … Read more about 36 Things no one tells you about parenting an almost-teenage boy
Picture this: It’s 11:25 AM in a middle school cafeteria, where the first of three lunches is taking place. Some 400 or so 6th- and 7th-graders fidget in their seats waiting for the signal to go outside. As a school counselor by day, I see this play out over and over again, Monday through Friday. Scanning the … Read more about If your kid is suddenly obsessed with bottle flipping, you’re not alone