Have you ever smiled back at a giggling baby or played peek-a-boo with a toddler? Did you know you were helping build connections in that child’s developing brain? At the Center on the Developing Child, we call these responsive interactions “serve and return” because they go back and forth—like players with a ball in a game of tennis or volleyball. … [Read more...] about Serve and Return: How to Build a Child’s Brain in 5 Easy Steps
Family and Children
Are We Paying Attention to Children’s Emotional Development?
Scientific evidence shows that the seeds for emotional development are planted in the first years of life and provide the foundation for social functioning. What is our role in nurturing this development? How can we support children in becoming socially competent adults who care about others and society? … [Read more...] about Are We Paying Attention to Children’s Emotional Development?
Love for Our Children
Almost 40% of young people between the ages of 13 and 24 who identify as LGBTQ+ have seriously considered suicide in the last year. This statistic not only saddens me as a 40-year old gay man myself, but also as the father of two wonderful boys who I hope will never have to hide from me such level of despair. As Pride month is in full gear all around the world, we must remember … [Read more...] about Love for Our Children
How Nudges can Help Improve Adult-Child Interactions
If you're like many people, “nudging” is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of “behavioral economics.” For example, "nudging" can help families eat healthier by making fruits and vegetables the most prominently featured item in the grocery store. Nudges and other types of low-cost tweaks to policy design have had some impressive impacts in Latin America and the … [Read more...] about How Nudges can Help Improve Adult-Child Interactions
What’s Early Childhood Development Like in Palestine?
On the first day after winter break, my four-year-old son comes home from daycare joyful and happy that he’s back again to play with his friends and his favorite teachers. To see him so content makes me grateful for the luck we had finding a high-quality kindergarten where children are being positively stimulated and can thrive in their early years. In the Palestinian … [Read more...] about What’s Early Childhood Development Like in Palestine?