Research-based ideas for parents to connect and support your kids' development
Figuring out how to relate to peers and find a comfortable place in a social group is one of the most important jobs of the school years.
Bullying harms the victim, the bully, and the bystander. But the underlying drives – for status, belonging, and power among peers – will continue to foster this behavior.
Conflict in relationships are normal. When you support kids to manage big feelings and resolve conflict, relationships can be even stronger on the other side.
The foundation for consent starts at home, with all the messages kids have gotten about how much control they have over their own body, and what it means to say 'no' and 'yes.'
If your child has siblings, these relationships are their first experience with peers. Sibling relationships are very special, and usually incorporate aspects of deep companionship and understanding, as well as rivalry, jealousy, competition, and other hard feelings.
Figuring out how to relate to peers and find a comfortable place in a social group takes center stage during the adolescent years.
The stories you tell – about yourself, your family history, and your kiddo's earlier years – have some amazing super powers over and above other stories.
Kindness has the power to life both the giver and receiver. How can we help our kids be more kind?
When joining a new peer group, whether starting a new activity, camp, or sometimes even arriving at a birthday party, social anxiety is perfectly normal... and incredibly uncomfortable!
When joining a new peer group, whether starting a new activity, camp, or sometimes even arriving at a birthday party, social anxiety is perfectly normal... and incredibly uncomfortable!
When joining a new peer group, whether starting a new activity, camp, or sometimes even arriving at a birthday party, social anxiety is perfectly normal... and incredibly uncomfortable!
The foundation for consent starts at home, with all the messages kids get about how much control they have over their own body, and what it means to say 'no' and 'yes.'
Conflict in relationships are normal. When you teach the skills to resolve conflict, relationships can be even stronger on the other side.
Conflict in relationships are normal. When you start young at teaching kids to manage big feelings and resolve conflict, relationships can be even stronger on the other side.
Bullying harms the victim, the bully, and the bystander. But the underlying drives – for status, belonging, and power among peers – will continue to foster this behavior.
Most parents want their kids to grow up to have good relationships and the ability to resolve conflict, but these skills don’t come naturally. Start building these skills now.
It is human nature to compare ourselves to others. Don't be alarmed if your kiddo compares themself to peers, but try not to let it lead to an erosion of self-esteem.
Talking to your kids about sexual topics can feel awkward. But it's worth overcoming your discomfort, because children whose parents talk to them about sex tend engage in sexual activity at a later age, and more safely when they do so.
Friendships are essential in childhood, and throughout life. Yet most of us are not taught how to nurture and navigate friendship. Read on for Friendship 101.
When kids are young, our culture tends to think of children as receivers of gifts. But kids also get enormous benefits from giving gifts, and holidays are a wonderful time to practice generosity and giving.
What our kids want, and what we get them. How much, how often, and what it means to them personally and socially… Parenting in a consumer society is tough!
All relationships experience ebbs and flows in connections, and at times, emotionally distressing conflicts or ruptures. Practice relationship repair with your kiddo, to keep your connection in great shape.
Family rituals are a way to mark the passage of time, celebrate, and bond together as a family. The coolest part? You can make up rituals to suit yourselves!
As parents, we are helping to shape the future. To make our country and the world more just and begin to repair the effects of past inequalities, you can start by building anti-racism in your own family.
Want a great boost in feelings of contentment, competence, and connection? Do a social giving project with your kiddo!
Borrow from the worlds of work, sports, and summer camps to learn how to instill a highly functional culture of teamwork in your family.
As a parent it's natural to want to shield your child from all the sad and painful realities of the world. But ultimately it's best to make space for difficult conversations with your child.
A growth mindset in social relationships helps your child approach interpersonal interactions with more flexibility and resilience.
Knowing our values and acting upon them is good for us in many ways. Empower your kiddo by helping them bring one of their values to life.
For many parents, school vacations feel like a time to "get through." But it is possible to truly appreciate the long stretches of time with your children, in the moment as they're happening.
The most important factor in determining health and happiness over the lifespan is relationships. And what is the one essential quality that binds and holds relationships together? It is empathy.
Your child isn't going to gel with every teacher, but they can learn important social skills about how to navigate a system and deal with authority figures.
Rituals can be a way to mark the passage of time and set intentions together as a family. The fun part? You can make up rituals to suit yourselves!
As parents, we are helping to shape the future. To make our country and the world more just and begin to repair the effects of past inequalities, you can start by building anti-racism in your own family.
Borrow from the worlds of work, sports, and summer camps to learn how to instill a highly functional culture of teamwork in your family.
As a parent it's natural to want to shield your child from all the sad and painful realities of the world. But ultimately it's best to make space for difficult conversations with your child.
