Family dynamics have long been a topic of interest in psychology, particularly their influence on personality development. A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) in December 2024 has brought new insights into this discourse, asserting that both birth order and the size of one’s family significantly shape individual
Child
In a fascinating exploration of early childhood development, a study conducted by University College London (UCL) has unveiled significant insights into the effect of maternal communication on infant oxytocin levels. Commonly referred to as the “love hormone,” oxytocin is critical for establishing social bonds, trust, and emotional understanding between individuals. The research published in Development
The early days of motherhood often come wrapped in expectations, dreams, and an innate desire for connection. Yet, as I cradle my newborn in the midst of a pandemic, those romanticized visions have collided with reality. Each moment is a paradox: simultaneously filled with joy and tinged with worry. The constant rhythm of sleepless nights
Traveling with toddlers can be a whirlwind of joy and challenges. As a parent, there’s an endless tide of preparations—from packing extensive gear to negotiating temperamental moods. Amidst all this chaos, one crucial detail often gets overlooked: food. The snacks your little one consumes during the journey can significantly influence their mood and overall experience.
Navigating the world of toddler feeding can be overwhelming for parents. Toddlers are naturally energetic and inquisitive, which often leads to frequent distractions during meals. Appetite decreases during these early years due to a slowdown in growth, resulting in many toddlers exhibiting selective eating habits. It’s important to remember that this stage is common, and
As a parent, confronting the idiosyncrasies of a toddler’s eating habits can feel like a puzzling journey layered with bewildering preferences. My child’s diet reflects a classic tableau of children’s favorites: a steady foundation of starchy delights like macaroni and cheese, an ample segment dedicated to dairy—essentially cheese as the household mainstay—and a near-forgotten tip
Children’s resistance to sleep is a common challenge that many parents face. Whether it manifests as an unwillingness to nap during the day or difficulty settling down at night, sleep-related struggles can leave caregivers exhausted and perplexed. The process of putting a child to sleep can often feel more taxing than it should, leading to
Navigating the challenges of parenting a toddler can often feel like a rollercoaster ride, particularly during the notoriously chaotic preschool pickup. That moment when you’re about to retrieve your little one can stir a tempest of emotions, leading to both parent and child morphing into characters from a dramatic play. However, with a few well-thought-out
When I was six months pregnant with my first child, I confidently stepped into the role of a nutrition guide for a local mom’s group. Armed with scientific data and years of education, I eagerly detailed the importance of introducing solid foods to infants. I passionately conveyed the consensus that it could take up to
The sugar-laden joy of holidays and birthdays can easily leave our family’s eating habits in disarray. As children indulge in an array of sweet treats, parents often find themselves grappling with the challenge of reinstating healthy eating practices. The quest to limit sugar intake, however, does not have to equate to being the “bad guy”