Is it “Giving In” or “Responding”?
We have all been told that we have to be consistent and firm with our kids. Yet we don't have to and sometimes that's not even the right thing to do.
Communicating Respectfully with Your Kids
The way in which we communicate with our kids can have a profound impact on how they respond to us. Sometimes in the best of intentions, we can end up doing more harm than good and so knowing how to communicate is essential.
The Strange Forms Self-Soothing Can Take
Often we can forget what self-soothing looks like, instead thinking it only reflects calming behaviours. However, we all respond to anxiety differently and not all self-soothing is actually beneficial.
Fussy Babies and Later Mental Health Problems: A Discussion
New research suggests that extremely unsettled babies have a much higher risk of mental health problems in childhood. The question is now what we do with this, and I have a few ideas.
What Does It Mean To Be “In Control”?
When we think about being in control, we often think about having children that obey and listen to us no matter what. That would be wrong. Instead it start and ends with our own responses, not our kids.
How to Love Your Child Unconditionally
Many of us know that we're supposed to love our kids unconditionally, but we lack the ideas as to how to do this effectively. Looking at good times, bad times, and every day times, this explores how you can achieve unconditional love for your kids.
Is TV Watching Really So Bad For Kids? Well… It Depends
Screen time is often thought to be associated with negative social outcomes for kids, including aggression, conduct problems, and peer relational problems. New research suggests this may not be so clear cut.
Self-Esteem and Praise: Are We Hurting or Helping?
It is common practice in our society to praise our children to try and build their self-esteem. The question is: does it work? The answer is a resounding no.
Acute Stress Affects Cognition in Infancy
New research examines the effects of acute stress on cognitive functions in infants. Contrary to the idea that "a bit of stress is good for them", this research finds that stress inhibits flexible thinking.
Surviving Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a normal, natural stage for babies, but that doesn't make it any easier on the caregiver. Here are some tips to help parents through this sometimes trying stage.