Scientific Secrets for Raising Kids Who Thrive

Consider physical activities that can contribute to mental development. Learn principles of science that should be kept in mind when sifting through the flood of information about parenting.

Whether infants can do math; a window of early brain development; exploring the wealth of evidence suggesting that young infants are seeing, hearing, thinking and feeling beings; tips for creating enriching experiences for a baby.

Learn simple ways to comfort a newborn, methods for training your baby to self-soothe, and measures to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Discover the importance of a consistent bedtime.

How to get a child to eat vegetables; tips for dealing with finicky eaters; several studies reveal that one's body can tell them what they need; exposure to nutritious food increases a child's future desire for it.

Teaching a baby sign language can help them communicate long before they speak their first word; simple signs one can teach their baby; other tips for promoting language development; having "conversations" with the baby; reasons to use "Motherese".

As you turn to the science of molding the behaviors of children, discover why reward and punishment can produce less than optimal results. Learn what the research says on why hitting doesn't work.

Over time, parents develop a style of interacting with their children; research conducted on parenting styles; what it suggests about how one's own style can affect a child's behavior, social and cognitive development, and long-term happiness.

Evidence-based tips for teaching a child to read and develop a love of reading; moving past phonics quickly; reading aloud to children; whether to use pop-up picture books; how educational television can benefit children in the pre-reading phase.

Despite their flaws, IQ tests can influence the trajectory of a child's life; why one should remain skeptical of such assessments; how one can give their child an early leg up to achieve high scores; getting ideas promoting learning and achievement.

An introduction to the principles of human memory function; tips for teaching kids how to make better use of the working memory capacity they naturally possess; the use of rehearsal, visual imagery and mnemonic devices.

Whether one should let their child struggle with homework; four research-based tips for helping children complete their homework while actually learning the material; "scaffolding" for the content; creating an environment suited to studying.

If babies can do math-like reasoning at five months, why can math be such a challenge later? Get evidence-based tips for giving your child a head start in math.

Studies show that children who learn a second language enjoy cognitive benefits; whether a child should learn one language before moving on to another; the ages and methods for introducing a second language; the research being done in this area.

Finding out which educational television show can not only help children prepare for kindergarten, but is correlated with higher scores down the line; how TV and video viewing can enhance or harm children's mental development and physical health.

Children are born with tremendous optimism and an ability to bounce back from failures; this optimism drops throughout childhood; the developmental processes associated with these changes; ways parents can help children stay positive.

Research suggests children are capable of helping, sharing and cooperating at far younger ages; what one can do to promote these pro-social behaviors; managing one's temper; resisting the temptation to reward children for doing nice things.

See how conflict management skills can help kids avoid being bullied, and consider several other topics that you can teach for your child's social and academic benefit.

In a Montessori classroom, toddlers are encouraged to follow their learning tendencies; they are also given some responsibility; the evidence indicating this approach can boost mental and physical development; how to use Montessori methods at home.

How the principles and tools of Maria Montessori can be adapted for children age 10 and older; why independent learning that "follows the child" and focuses on a comprehension of the material might be a superior alternative to traditional education.

Physical education is an important aspect of development; how to foster children's physical development, from reducing sedentary activities to getting them involved in team sports; the dangers of sports that involve repetitive impacts to the head.

Understand why the adolescent brain leads to risky behavior and learn ways to mitigate the hazards. Discover the four main goals of adolescents, plus strategies for maintaining an open relationship.

Becoming a producer of science; considering research one can conduct with their own family; areas where data collection can determine whether an activity is leading to a desired outcome, such as improved grades or attitude.

See why it's wise to let children progress at their own pace and discover the things that interest them, in addition to providing time for an activity crucial for full development: unstructured play.