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How fathers, children should spend time together

A study by University of Georgia researchers found that fathers who choose to devote their time to engaging with their children on non-workdays are developing the best relationships. Play activities, particularly those centered around the child's interests, are also crucial in building a strong father-child bond.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateJun 11, 2019

Evolution from water to land led to better parenting

A study of over 1000 frog and toad species found that those living on land invested more time and effort in parental care, leading to increased survival rates and colonization of terrestrial habitats. The research also discovered diverse parenting behaviors, including male involvement in egg protection and female nourishment.

How parenting affects antisocial behaviors in children

Research by Dr. Rebecca Waller found that parenting style can predict the emergence of aggressive and antisocial behavior in children, with harsher treatment and less emotional warmth increasing the risk of developing such traits.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateDec 4, 2018

How to avoid raising a materialistic child

Researchers found that fostering gratitude among adolescents can decrease materialism and increase generosity. By keeping a daily journal, teens showed significant decreases in materialism and increases in gratitude, demonstrating the potential of this simple strategy to curb materialistic tendencies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·DateOct 19, 2018

How parenting affects antisocial behaviors in children

A study of identical twins found that parenting styles that are harsher and less warm increase the likelihood of aggressive behavior and callous-unemotional traits in children. The researchers suggest that interventions aimed at improving parental warmth and reducing harshness could help prevent these behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 11, 2018

How can parents help children navigate an increasingly diverse world?

A team of multidisciplinary researchers provides novel insights into parenting and diversity, identifying common themes and future directions for research. The study sheds light on the impact of increasing population diversity on parenting adolescents, offering new ways of thinking about parenting.

Sleep better, parent better: Study shows link between maternal sleep and permissive parenting

A new study from the University of Illinois found that mothers who don't get enough sleep or have poor quality sleep are more likely to engage in permissive parenting with their adolescents. Mothers who receive adequate sleep, on the other hand, are less likely to be permissive and report better parenting behaviors.

How parents cause children's friendships to end

A study found that parents' depressive symptoms and parenting styles significantly predict the stability of children's best friendships. Positive parenting behaviors like warmth and affection did not alter the stability of these friendships. Most friendships were transitory, with fewer than 10% surviving from first grade to sixth grade.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateMay 10, 2018

The neurons the power parenting

Researchers found that individual aspects of parenting, such as motor behaviors and motivation, are controlled by distinct pools of galanin neurons. This discovery sheds new light on why some people appear to be natural parents while others exhibit abusive behavior.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateApr 12, 2018

Health visitors use of video helps vulnerable families

A new study from Aarhus University found that health visitors using video feedback with the Marte Meo method can improve early mother-child relationships in vulnerable families. The research involved 69 families who received extra visits with video clips, showing a significant improvement compared to a control group.

SourceAarhus University·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateJan 26, 2018

Pushy or laid back? Economic factors influence parenting style

A new study by Yale economists Fabrizio Zilibotti and Matthias Doepke finds that economic conditions, especially inequality and return to education, shape parenting styles. Parents are driven by a combination of altruism and paternalism, influencing their children's choices through permissive, authoritative, or authoritarian approaches.

SourceYale University·JournalEconometrica·DateOct 5, 2017

Parenting style reduces kids' distress in war

Researchers found that mothers' authoritative parenting styles and warmth helped protect children from mental health symptoms after exposure to war. Maternal permissive or authoritarian styles were associated with more severe internalizing and externalizing symptoms.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateAug 23, 2017

How poverty may affect children's behavior

Research found that high-quality parenting reduces disruptive behavior and improves teacher-child relationships in children experiencing homelessness. However, severe poverty may overwhelm parenting's benefits, highlighting the need for interventions targeting both poverty-related risk and child resilience.

SourceWiley·JournalChild Development·DateJul 19, 2017

Parents with bipolar benefit from self-help tool

Researchers at Lancaster University found that online self-management support for parents with Bipolar Disorder improves parenting skills, child behavior, and reduces parenting stress. The intervention combines self-management strategies with mood management to promote consistent parenting.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScandinavian Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology·DateMay 17, 2017

The foundations of parenting

Researchers found that different genes influence behaviors in males and females, and the gene for vasopressin is closely tied to nest-building behavior in mice. The study challenges the idea that experience drives parenting behavior and suggests that genetics play a significant role.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateApr 19, 2017

Researchers gain insight into day-to-day lives of parents raising children with autism

A new study by Waisman Center researchers provides a detailed picture of the daily experiences of couples raising a child with ASD, revealing both challenges and strengths. Despite lower closeness to partners, parents of children with ASD reported no increase in negative interactions or feeling unsupported.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMar 20, 2017

An utter shambles

Researchers found that parenting by ADHD parents is less adequate, with more criticism and household chaos. However, they also rated their relationship to children more positively than non-ADHD parents. The study suggests a complex interplay between these factors and recommends future research on designing parent training programs.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateMar 10, 2017

Engaging fathers in parenting intervention improves outcomes for both kids and fathers

A NYU study found that a parenting program where fathers engage with their children through reading improves parents' skills and enhances preschoolers' school readiness and behavior. Fathers from low-income communities saw significant improvements in discipline approaches and language development, with a moderate effect on child langua...

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology·DateJan 23, 2017