Research into attachment theory shows that the type of bond a child forms with their primary caregiver has important developmental implications. Kids who are securely attached to a caregiver (beginning in infancy) have significantly better social and communication skills (including empathy, cooperation, and trust) than kids who experience insecure or avoidant attachment. As a result, they typically form stronger, healthier ...
Establishing clear, consistent rules is fundamental to good parenting. Kids need structure to feel secure in their environment, learn the importance of boundaries, and understand which behaviors are appropriate. When applied in excess, however, rules can be counterproductive; while authoritative parenting is associated with a range of developmental benefits, controlling parenting can cause emotional and psychological harm. Knowing the difference ...
Praise has long been extolled for its virtues as a positive parenting tool. When used correctly, praise is a great way to let kids know which behaviours are appropriate, help them rebound from setbacks, and build their self-esteem. Unfortunately, praise also has a dark side: Excessive, nonspecific admiration from parents has the potential to encourage narcissistic traits – while actually harming ...
Being a parent is extremely rewarding, but it’s also a challenging and sometimes stressful role. Even when parents realize that their children don't intend to be difficult, they often succumb to feelings of frustration and helplessness in the wake of tantrums and poor behaviour. Over time, this can create a pattern of reacting to tense situations rather than responding ...
The human brain processes all sensory information whether or not you are fully aware of it. Most children are able ...
Anxiety disorders are found in children much more often than many people realize; ten to twenty percent of all children ...
So here you are. Your child has done something wrong or hasn’t done something they should have done. In ...
There’s no definitive guide to being a single parent; no matter how you approach it, raising a child on your own comes with unique challenges and rewards. Single parents have greater control over some aspects of family life than dual-parent households, but the responsibility of being sole provider and decision-maker can feel overwhelming. Though lone-parent families now make up 20% ...
When bullying happens at school, most parents immediately recognize it as a problem. Bullying that occurs at home between siblings, on the other hand, is often normalized. Many parents aren’t sure where to draw the line between typical, minor sibling conflicts and genuine abuse, while others are unaware of the long-term damage sibling bullying can cause. Due to this ...
The friendships kids make during their preschool years are important. These early peer bonding experiences help kids learn the social and communication skills they’ll need to enjoy a happy, healthy childhood and adolescence. Making strong friendships at a young age also builds confidence and self-esteem, giving a kids a more positive outlook on themselves and others. Making friends comes ...
Adolescence is a period of intense growth. The parents of young teens often feel like their child has changed overnight, becoming moody, withdrawn, and difficult to reach. Newly altered behaviour and speech patterns can make it seem like your teen is suddenly speaking a foreign language—leading to frequent disagreements and misunderstandings. The first step to interacting with your teen ...
