Open and honest communication with a trusted adult on a regular basis is a key factor in child development. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services compiled a list of recent studies that verify some of the long-term benefits. Adolescents who receive open, validating, and respectful verbal guidance from a parent or mentor are far less [...]
Mirror neurons in our brains encourage imitation and allow us to share experiences with others. The ability to understand how others feel and think makes it possible to form strong social bonds. Empathy is a complex evolutionary process that makes it possible for the human race to prosper. Empathy is a combination of two specific [...]
Automaticity is the neurological process that allows us to drive, walk, and complete other simple and repetitive behaviors without conscious thought. This ability is a large part of habit formation. A study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology noted that automaticity could take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to take root. The [...]
Being a parent comes with many duties. You are charged with the sacred duty of feeding, clothing, and teaching your child how to live in the world as a productive and satisfied member of the community. However, your job is not to be your child's friend. Of course you want your child to like you. [...]
Parents are responsible for the well-being of their children on a variety of levels. This includes teaching them how to properly observe rules that keep them safe, support strong communities, and help them grow into productive adults who can work with others to achieve common goals. When a child misbehaves or chooses to ignore these [...]
In some ways, being a parent is like planting a garden. The way you approach your task dictates your possible results. The more positive energy you put into your goal, the more likely you are to be rewarded with strong and healthy fruit. Most modern parenting advice falls into two categories: child raising and parenting. [...]
Whining is a problem for almost every parent. When children don’t get their way, whining is often a last-ditch effort to get you to change your mind. Those long, high-pitched protests from your child can instantly raise the blood pressure of even the most patient guardian. Uncontrolled, these displays can spread stress through the entire [...]
Today’s lifestyle is focused on electronic connections. The amount of screen time has exploded along with the information age. Studies show that teens spend approximately nine hours a day in front of screens. Kids aged 8-12 get about six hours of screen time each day, creating a society that is being raised in a digital environment. [...]
Judgment is the psychological ability to think critically about life experiences. After evaluating events, encounters and other bits of information, we use our judgment to draw conclusions. Good judgment leads to conclusions that encourage continued growth and overall well-being. Questionable judgment skills can lead us into dangerous or unhealthy situations that stunt our ability to live [...]
People of all ages benefit from good interpersonal skills at home, school, in the workplace and any other situation that requires a team effort. Children who lack social skills have a hard time relating to others and might struggle to contribute meaningfully to a group. This can lead to social rejection, which negatively impacts the emotional, [...]
Playtime is just as important as classroom time. Researchers have found that play improves memory and encourages the growth of the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain associated with perception and reasoning. If you find the right summer activities for families, your child will continue to learn while on academic vacation and avoid the [...]
Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify feelings in ourselves and others. It also involves knowing how to manage your emotions and appropriately respond to others. High levels of emotional intelligence enable us to build strong and meaningful relationships. Successful management of emotions has also been linked to improved physical health, better long-term mental health, [...]
