UoM Child Study Centre

✨Friday Fact✨ 🧠 | Nature vs Nurture Series

💡 Some theories focus more on nature (what children are born with)🧬
💡 Others focus on nurture (their experiences and environment)🫶
✨ Most research shows it’s a combination of both that shapes development

This week we’re looking at Piaget's Constructivist Theory - one way researchers have tried to understand how children grow and learn 👶It suggests children actively build their understanding through experience - something reflected in the EYFS framework, where play, exploration and curiosity are key to learning. ✨

Happy Global Day of Parents💛

Parenting is a journey - full of love, challenges, and constant learning. Today is a chance to recognise the selfless commitment parents show every day in supporting their children.

Families play such an important role in children’s development, offering care, stability, and a sense of belonging.

And to those who might be finding it hard right now - you’re not alone, and you’re doing more than enough.

Even on the difficult days, what you do matters.🫶

We also want to say a heartfelt thank you to all the families who support our research by taking part in our studies. Your time and trust help us better understand child development.

Friday Fact 🧠✨
Ever heard of Theory of Mind? It’s the ability to understand that other people have their own thoughts and beliefs-different from our own 💭

Research shows this skill develops gradually, with a big shift around age 4, when children begin to understand that others can hold false beliefs (believing something that isn’t true).

This is a key milestone for communication, empathy, and forming friendships 💬

✨NEW Blog Post ✨
Why do children start talking at different ages? And how do we know what’s “typical”?
Our latest blog explores how parents across the UK are helping the team at Lancaster University build a more accurate picture of early language development — and why UK-specific research really matters.

Head to www.lucid.ac.uk to read more blogs about our research.

💛 International Day of Families 💛

Today, we celebrate all the beautiful, diverse, and unique families that shape our lives. Families come in many forms - big or small, near or far, chosen or biological - and each one plays a vital role in helping children grow, learn, and thrive.

At the Child Study Centre, we feel incredibly grateful for every family who signs up to be part of our research community and every family who walks through our doors. By taking part in our studies, you help us better understand children’s development and support future families for generations to come.
Your time, trust, and commitment make a real difference - and we couldn’t do it without you.

Today, and every day, we celebrate you.

👶 Do you have a baby under 12 months?

We’re looking for families to join our research community at the Child Study Centre!
✨ Are you interested in how babies learn and grow?
✨ Would you like to contribute to child development research?
✨ Do you want to help shape the future for children and families?

By joining our database, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in fun, baby-friendly research studies that help us better understand early development.

💡 Your involvement can make a real difference - and your little one might even enjoy a new experience!
📩 Sign up today by scanning the QR code or clicking the link in our bio -
or get in touch to learn more.

✨Tuesday Tip ✨
Executive function and self‑regulation are key skills for learning, wellbeing, and life. They grow best when children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to practise little by little 💛



More information: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/early-years/evidence-store/self-regulation

📚✨ It’s Children’s Book Week! ✨📚
We asked members of the Child Study Centre to share some of their favourite children’s books, and the answers were full of timeless stories and much‑loved characters.

Swipe through to see the books that have inspired, comforted, and delighted our community 💛

What’s yours? 👀📖

✨Tuesday Tip ✨
EYFS Understanding the World: 🌎
Understanding the World helps children make sense of the people, places, and experiences around them 💬🌱
You support this every day when you:
👨‍👩‍👧 Talk about family and community
🌦 Notice nature and seasonal changes
📸 Share memories from the past
💡 Explore everyday technology together
✨ No worksheets needed - just curious conversations and shared moments.