Child Studies at SMC

12/07/2018

A new partnership between the International Rescue Committee, Sesame Workshop, and the LEGO Foundation is set to expand play based learning programs for refugee children.

11/22/2018

Gratitude is linked to overall feelings of happiness and well-being; when we pause to appreciate the good in our lives, we feel better and more fulfilled. Wishing you and your family many things to be thankful for on this day.

Some ideas to help families cultivate gratitude:

Even though Thanksgiving is quickly becoming a distant memory, giving thanks can still be a significant part of our daily family lives. Here are my three fav...

11/17/2018

15 million infants are born premature each year worldwide, including more than 380,000 in the U.S. Risk of preterm birth can be reduced with quality prenatal care, and postnatal interventions can improve survival rates and long-term outcomes. However, geographic, income, and racial/ethnic disparities remain in the U.S. and around the world.

https://www.benjaminscot.com/films/ #/ward-miles/ Visit the link above to see current photos of Ward and read more about his story! This is a story of a mothe...

11/16/2018

Sometimes it’s tough to be six. 🙂

“Being six is so hard. I have to go to school, and do math, and do a lot of words, and spell things, and take tests every Friday, and exercise, and play games that I don’t want to play. And mom says we’re going to have another baby soon, so it’s going to be crazy. We wanted a girl but we got a boy. I don’t even know what I’m going to do. I already have one brother who hits too much and goes everywhere without permission.”

11/13/2018

Creativity, cooperative play, and storytelling are on display in the vivid and detailed imaginary companions and worlds many children create. Did you or a child you know have an imaginary companion, or special imaginary world of your own?

Almost a fifth of all children create highly detailed fantasy realms. What do these ‘paracosms’ reveal about their minds?

11/09/2018

While early intervention often yields greater benefits, recent research suggests interventions to support parents of children with behavioral problems can be effective even into the school-age years.

Parenting interventions for helping children with behavioural problems are just as effective in school age, as in younger children, according to new Oxford University research.

10/04/2018

For National Poetry Day, with thanks to A.A. Milne

10/03/2018

The Boston Basics program aims to help every child get the best start in life, by focusing on five key, evidence-based recommendations that every caregiver can do:
Maximize Love, Manage Stress; Talk, Sing, and Point; Count, Group, and Compare; Explore through Movement and Play; Read and Discuss Stories.

According to a team of Harvard researchers, the key to addressing the achievement gap lies in connecting parents' natural instincts with what we know about developmental science.

09/11/2018

As the new school year begins, here are some ideas to help families embrace their important role in supporting their child's education.

The kinds of involvement that make a difference in children’s learning and academic success are doable for all families. Here are some attitudes and actions that all families can embrace to enhance their child’s learning.

09/11/2018

Play is an essential part of a healthy childhood. Through play, children learn to think creatively, explore their environment, negotiate with peers, manage stress, and more. And it's good for parents and caregivers, too!

The nation's doctors are being enlisted in a new fight: reclaiming children's right to play. A research paper urges pediatricians to prescribe playtime.