Too Many Toys
The holidays are a tempting time to shower children with toys. At the risk of sounding like the Grinch, a new study suggests that there can be too much of a good thing when it comes to children and toys.
Resources
The Influence of the Number of Toys in the Environment on Toddlers' Play. (National Center for Biotechnology Information)
Giving Toddlers Fewer Toys Makes One Major Difference to Their Playtime (Science Alert)
Giving Toddlers Fewer Toys Makes One Major Difference to Their Playtime (Science Alert)
Cute Aggression
That impulse to take a little bite out of a baby due to his or her overwhelming cuteness actually has a name…and a purpose. Listen and find out more!
Resources
Dimorphous Expressions of Positive Emotion (Association for Psychological Science)
When We See Something Cute, Why Do We Want to Squeeze It? (National Geographic)
When We See Something Cute, Why Do We Want to Squeeze It? (National Geographic)
Stick To It.
Young children who watch adults remain committed to a task are more likely to try harder when performing their own tasks. Find out why this matters!
Resources
The Money Myth
There’s a myth in America that anyone who is determined enough can get rich. But the family you’re born into is a much more likely predictor of future wealth.
Resources
This Chart Shows That Your Parents’ Income Determines Your Future (Market Watch)
The Striking Power of Poverty to Turn Young Boys into Jobless Men (The Washington Post)
The Striking Power of Poverty to Turn Young Boys into Jobless Men (The Washington Post)
Three Essential Policies
According to UNICEF, there are three essential national policies that support families with young children — two years of free early childhood education for three and four year olds; paid breastfeeding breaks for new moms for the first six months; and adequate paid parental leave. The U.S. has none of these. Let’s change that.
Resources
1,000 Days Of Growth
During the first 1,000 days of a child’s life there is more growth and development than at any other point in life. What and whom a child is exposed to during the first 1,000 days influence a child for life
Resources
Early Intervention Matters
You can’t control the genes your baby inherits. But you can determine how well your baby is loved and supported. Abuse and neglect in early childhood can profoundly affect the brain.
Resources
Let's Talk Teens
At Maryland Family Network we say that the first five years of a child’s life are the most important. That’s true but we want to talk to you a little bit about teenagers.
Resources
Teen Girls Relationship with Parents Can Affect Baby Bonding Later in Life (Herald Sun)
Maryland’s Network of Family Support Centers (Maryland Family Network)
Maryland’s Network of Family Support Centers (Maryland Family Network)
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]]>Let's Make Believe
Do you know any four-year-olds who might actually be superheroes? What about a three-year-old who is a master chef? In the quickly developing mind of a young child these possibilities are as real as can be. A multitude of new research shows overwhelming benefits of a child’s make-believe play.
Resources
The Need for Pretend Play in Child Development (Scientific American)