The evidence is crystal clear: Physical activity is great for kids. Researchers around the world agree that youth who are active have better brain function, higher self-esteem, more motivation and better school performance. [Read more…]
This Is What Happens When Kids Get Enough Exercise
December 19, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Proven ways to change someone’s mind
November 14, 2016 By 2 Comments
With the 2016 presidential election only one week behind us, social media is still filled with difference viewpoint about President-elect Donald Trump. There are videos, news articles and essays that add new details to the glut of information. But does any of it make a difference? [Read more…]
Are acts of kindness good for you?
November 10, 2016 By Leave a Comment
The idea of kindness benefiting do-gooders is a pop psychology phenomenon. [Read more…]
Do “Brain Games” Sharpen Your Mind?
October 24, 2016 By 1 Comment
More than 6 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and that number is expected to grow significantly as the U.S. population ages. As a result, researchers across the globe are trying to find ways to strengthen aging brains and prevent dementia later in life. Over the past decade, scientists have zeroed in on “brain training” – puzzles and games designed to improve cognitive skills – as one possible solution. [Read more…]
What Do Early-Learners Need Most? Play!
October 17, 2016 By 2 Comments
Kids across the nation are back to school — and that means also back to completing math worksheets, memorizing spelling words and writing book reports. In fact, there is solid evidence that schools are requiring more formal academic work at younger ages. [Read more…]
Clear evidence: Spanking harms kids
September 5, 2016 By 2 Comments
As a first-time parent, I was completely surprised one day when I was nearly overcome by the urge to spank my two-year-old. After a challenging hour or two at a crowded shopping mall, he purposely pulled a pile of t-shirts off a shelf at a clothing store in a tantrum. Really, I should have known better than to take a tired toddler shopping for clothes. But that was cold comfort as I stood in the middle of a crowded store watching my son throw merchandise on the floor. [Read more…]
Do you really need to floss?
August 29, 2016 By 1 Comment
If you’ve paid attention to the news over the past month, you’ve likely read an article or two about the benefits — or lack thereof — of flossing. These articles have appeared in major news outlets across the country including the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and many more. [Read more…]
Does social media harm kids?
July 11, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Kids these days.
It’s a phrase that has been uttered for decades by older generations as youth forge their way through the modern world. Today, the phrase often refers to youth’s use of social networking sites. There’s plenty of times I’ve heard older adults argue that relationships forged through platforms like Instagram and Google chat don’t qualify as “real” social connections. [Read more…]
When should kids start kindergarten?
June 6, 2016 By Leave a Comment
It’s the season when parents of incoming kindergartners register their children for school. For many parents, myself included, deciding which year children should start formal schooling is difficult. [Read more…]
Exercise for Weight Loss?
May 11, 2016 By 3 Comments
Contestants on the reality television show “The Biggest Loser” exercise for hours a day and follow restricted diets to lose dozens of pounds on the show. But a longitudinal study published this week found very few of them were able to maintain their weight loss in the years following their appearances on the show. (The New York Times published a story this week on the study and the contestants experiences.) [Read more…]
What we know about kids and screen time
April 22, 2016 By 1 Comment
New findings about screen-time for babies and kids are something I keep a close eye on. As parent of three young children, I want to do what’s best for them. And yet I’m often tempted to use the television – “just one show” – when I need to get something done. [Read more…]
The evidence on retirement
April 15, 2016 By Leave a Comment
The other day, a friend who is nearing retirement age stopped me in the gym locker room. “I want to know what the evidence says,” she told me. “Is retirement going to be good for me?” [Read more…]
