Why is it Important for Parents to Understand Child Development?
The Thoughtful Parent
by Amy Webb, Ph.D.
5d ago
Summary: Why is it important for parents to understand child development? Learn how it can open our eyes to wonderful insights about our children and our parenting In response to some posts in the past, some readers have made comments along the lines of, “Duh, why do we need research to figure that out.” I personally do not take offense at such comments because I’m not the one doing the research, I’m just reporting it. Besides that, I have at times felt the same way about some of the research I’ve read. These comments, however, did cause me to think and really consider: why is it important for ..read more
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Simple but Effective Calming Strategies Every Family Should Know
The Thoughtful Parent
by Amy Webb, Ph.D.
1w ago
Sneak peek: These calm activities can help kids learn how to manage big emotions, both in the classroom and at home. I walked into my son’s kindergarten class to volunteer for the first time and was a bit surprised. Some of the items looked familiar from my own school days–a play kitchen and cash register, plenty of blocks and markers. Many things were new, of course. A big-screen TV on the wall, big tables where groups of students worked together instead of individual desks. I settled in to help the teacher. She explained an assignment and then students went off to work–some at tables and som ..read more
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Parenting and Child Development: Lessons Learned from My Kids
The Thoughtful Parent
by Amy Webb, Ph.D.
1w ago
Sneak peek: Parenting and child development experts can teach many lessons. However, sometimes just observing and reflecting on our own child’s behavior is the best teacher. As parents, we like to think that parenting is all about how we influence our child’s development. In many ways, that’s true. Some of the best parenting advice available helps us see the substantial role we play in our kids’ lives. However, if we keep our hearts and minds open, we can learn many lessons about parenting and child development through careful observation. Although I have academic training in child development ..read more
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Finding Meaning in the Mayhem: How to Spot (and Survive) a Toddler Growth Spurt
The Thoughtful Parent
by Amy Webb, Ph.D.
3w ago
Sneak peek: Toddler growth spurts can influence children’s behavior in challenging ways. Find out what to look for and when to expect growth spurts. I’m 10 years into this motherhood journey and I still occasionally wonder if these boys of mine were given to the right mother. Yes, I gave birth to them and I know the intricate details of their unique personalities. But they are SO different from me–they are super active, loud, extroverted and very strong-willed (or shall we say “spirited”). On a good day, I feel like I understand a lot about them and child development. I know all the ins and ou ..read more
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The Reverse Summer Bucket List: Helping Kids Grow in Gratitude {with FREE Printable}
The Thoughtful Parent
by Amy Webb, Ph.D.
1M ago
Sneak peek: Most summer bucket lists for kids focus on packing in as many exciting activities as possible. This reverse bucket list version helps kids focus on gratitude You’ve seen all the posts on social media about having “only 18 summers” with your kids. While it does put things in perspective, I think it also adds unnecessarily to the pressures many parents feel. I do not want to feel pressured to create 18 magical summers filled with awe and wonder. I just want us to enjoy the time we have together. In some ways, summer gives us (at least to some degree) the luxury of having the one thin ..read more
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Surprisingly Helpful Calming Activities for Super-active Kids
The Thoughtful Parent
by Amy Webb, Ph.D.
1M ago
 A list of slightly unconventional calming activities for kids when the usual suggestions don’t work. Helpful for calming down and preventing after-school meltdowns. I could tell the minute my third-grader came home from school it had not been a good day. He already almost had tears in his eyes and an angry expression was on his face. “What’s going on?” I asked hesitantly. “It was the worst day ever!” he said. He soon pulled the football out of his backpack and threw it across the room. I knew I had to handle this situation carefully or it would end badly. In the back of my mind, I starte ..read more
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To Parents on the First Day of Kindergarten: What Your Kids Really Need From You
The Thoughtful Parent
by Amy Webb, Ph.D.
1M ago
Sneak peek: The first day of kindergarten is a big event for kids and parents. While this new independence may make you feel less needed, there are many important life lessons your kindergartener still needs from you. This school year is THE year for me–my youngest is going off to kindergarten. As a stay-at-home mom, this feels like graduation day. I’m sure work-outside-the-home moms feel the same, however. The bittersweet feeling of this transition is acute. As much as this is a big moment for our kids, the first day of kindergarten is equally momentous for parents. The last 5 years have been ..read more
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Insights for Parents from the Science of Child Temperament
The Thoughtful Parent
by Amy Webb, Ph.D.
1M ago
Sneak peek: A basic overview of the types of child temperament in child development and the role they play in parent-child relationships. The idea of ‘temperament’ is heard a lot in any circle of parents, caregivers, or teachers discussing children. Although the word ‘temperament’ may not be used, you hear parents and teachers discuss a child who, “needs some time to warm up” or is who is “full of energy.” Most parents probably have a good sense of their child’s temperament but may not understand its implications for parenting. Understanding the types of child temperament and how they inf ..read more
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Kindness Starts at Home: Cultivating Self-Compassion in Parenting
The Thoughtful Parent
by Amy Webb, Ph.D.
1M ago
Sneak peek: What does it mean to have self-compassion in parenting? Does it make us too “soft” on ourselves? Research offers us insight into how self-compassion may impact our parenting. Who’s experienced this scenario? You do something in your parenting life that you are not proud of such as yelling at your child. You realize your error and spend the next hours if not days, beating yourself up internally about it.  “How could I have made such a mistake? Why am I so impatient with my kids? I’m a horrible parent, etc, etc.”  I think it’s common for many of us to feel that if harshly c ..read more
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Fun and Effective Executive Function Activities for Preschoolers
The Thoughtful Parent
by Amy Webb, Ph.D.
1M ago
Sneak peek: Executive function activities for preschoolers can help them develop much-needed skills like planning ahead, memory and self-control. Understanding how their brains develop can help us foster their skills. Perhaps the alternate title for this post should be something like: “Why your preschooler doesn’t take a coat when it’s cold outside.” I’ve been around young children to know that they often do not follow the directions or precautions you give them, no matter how many times you repeat yourself. So why is that? Are they just choosing to ignore you? Or is there something different ..read more
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