“Bad Science”
Too often the words "bad science" get thrown around when people disagree with a set of findings, but to be "bad" research needs to meet certain criteria. So what is most of the science we read? Is it bad?
Breastfeeding and IQ: No, Breast Milk Is Not a Magical Elixir (But It’s Still Amazing!)
New headlines suggest that there is no link between breastfeeding and IQ, but a closer look at the research suggests this isn't what can be said. It seems we're no further along in answering this question than before.
Review: Stress-Free Discipline by Sara Au and Peter L. Stavinoha, PhD
Stress-Free Discipline promises techniques to help parents that will build the parent-child relationship. Unfortunately, it seems to be more of a behaviourist handbook than anything that will help families parent and discipline gently and meaningfully.
The Big, Bad Lactivist
There is a myth out there that most people who support breastfeeding are bad, bad people out to shame you. Here I examine this in a bit more detail with women's stories and experiences as a backdrop.
Daycare and Cortisol Levels: What Does This Tell Us?
New research looks at cortisol patterns in infants, toddlers, and children as they adapt to new daycare situations. The findings aren't encouraging, but should be considered in the larger framework of research on child care.
“Fed Is Best”
"Fed is Best"... Somewhere along the line, people have decided that simply showing up and doing the very bare minimum is enough to celebrate. I say, "Fuck that."
Deserving Love
I had a choice in a moment: To focus on the "misbehaviour" or focus instead on making sure my daughter understood one critical thing. I chose that critical thing - knowing that she is always loved by us.
Chemicals Found in Breast Milk: Is It Enough to Negate the “Benefits”?
More backlash against breastfeeding hits the news with a study looking at contaminants in breast milk. Should we really reconsider promoting breastfeeding? Could formula be superior?
Guest Post: A Baker’s Dozen of Gentle Sleep Aid Attempts & Our Partial Weaning Story
"I am writing this at a pivotal moment in our nursing, sleep, and general parenting relationship with our 20 month old daughter. I always thought I would wait until the story was complete to write this down (when is that really though?), but I find myself hearing the story being written in my head right now at this turning point."
Does New Research Really Say Punishment Is Helpful?
Recent research claims that punishment is effective, but is that what was really being said? Should parents jump on the time-out bandwagon or is a deeper look needed?