How do parents respond to adolescents’ positive affect when adolescents share positive life events or experiences? According to the results of this study, it is important that parents use active-constructive [ … ]
Traditional games in the classroom
Children are usually highly motivated to engage in gaming activities. How can games be used in educational programs? This study explored the integration of children’s traditional games in the classroom [ … ]
Grandparent support related to prosocial behavior
Grandparents are valuable to children’s social networks and well-being. In this post I will discuss scientific findings of a recent study about the level of grandparental support provided to children. [ … ]
Emotional support stimulates cognitive flexibility
The ability to respond flexibly is important for children’s functioning. For example, cognitive flexibility has been related to math and reading performance and social understanding. In this post I will [ … ]
Good parent-child relationship related to better mental health
Family is an important social environment for children. Marital relationship and parent-child relationship are the most important family relationships for children. Previous studies suggest that social relationships around a person [ … ]
Robot teacher versus human teacher
Robots can be used in education as teaching assistants for children. For example, robots can teach competencies including mathematics, engineering, collaboration, imagination and self-expression. In this blog post I will [ … ]
Growing up in different family structures
A variety of family structures exist beyond the traditional two-parent, biological, heterosexual households with children. For example, single parent, step families, same-sex couple households and living apart/together families have increased [ … ]
Less toys, better quality of play
Blocks, vehicles, dolls, puzzles… Children often have many toys available to them at home. Toys may help to promote children’s development in several domains, including children’s cognition, social skills and [ … ]
Organized home environment promotes healthy weight among children
Children are influenced by their environment, particularly their family and home environment. For example, children’s health behaviors (eating, physical activity and sleeping patterns) are influenced by their family and home [ … ]
Creative activities help to learn a foreign language
Creative literacy activities include the discussion of creative topics related to textbook content. The activities promote the use of novel responses and facilitate conversations and interactions with peers and adults. [ … ]
Positive effects of parent-child book reading
Parent-child book reading has important benefits for children’s development. In this post I will explain the psychological effects of shared book reading on children and parents. Benefits of shared book [ … ]
Teaching children to take initiative
Some children seek challenges and take initiative, whereas other kids can have difficulties to set goals and take action. In this post I will discuss a scientific article about differences [ … ]
Let’s be active! Promoting physical activity in kids
Children and adolescents aged 5-17 years should do at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily according to the World Health Organization. In this post I will discuss ways for [ … ]
Language learning: Importance of wh-questions
Children’s language learning results from their social interactions with other people. As explained in this post, using questions can facilitate your child’s learning. In this post, I will discuss the [ … ]
Music training impacts children’s development
Learning to play a musical instrument can strengthen children’s brains. This post will discuss a recent scientific article about the effects of music training on children’s development. Learning to play [ … ]