The OU Social Development Lab

And we're off! Our first participants sessions have been quick, painless, and fun (we think!). Interested in being a part of our research? Call or email and we'll get you scheduled. Lab phone: 325-3973, or email lmayeux at ou dot edu or ckraft at ou dot edu. Participants will complete a brief survey and a computer-based sorting task. 20-30 minutes are all you need. Please share! (IRB #0778)

Want to be a part of our research? Our lab at OU is recruiting high school students for a study. Participants will complete a short questionnaire and a computer-based task in the lab; the whole thing takes about 20 minutes. Parental consent required. Participants will be entered into a raffle to win one of two iPod shuffles. Call Dr. Mayeux at 325-3497 (office), the lab at 325-3973, or email me at [email protected]. Or send us a PM here and we'll get back to you. Please share! Thanks! (IRB #0778)

I guest blog about our fascination with over-the-top parenting at Psych Central today.
http://blogs.psychcentral.com/research/2012/laptop-dads-tiger-mothers-and-other-dubious-parenting-styles/

» Laptop Dads, Tiger Mothers, And Other Dubious Parenting Styles - Real World Research I popped off at Laptop Dad, like he popped off at his daughter, like his daughter popped off at him. Interesting, huh? See how that works? Chain of fools.

Absolutely right-on.

Letting your child be unhappy This is a key to emotional health. This is a key to your family’s emotional well being. This is a key to having your children accept all parts of themselves, even the parts that aren’t so pretty and we all try to pretend we don’t have.

I had so much fun participating in Born to do Science with Monty Harper. Thanks to all of the families who attended, and especially to the kiddoes who were so enthusiastic about nominating Justin Bieber as both "popular" and "liked least" :)

In the news! Join me for Born to do Science!
http://www.stwnewspress.com/local/x1243754172/University-of-Oklahoma-psychologist-examines-teenage-popularity-during-Saturday-presentation

University of Oklahoma psychologist examines teenage popularity during Saturday presentation » Loc STILLWATER, Okla. — A University of Oklahoma psychologist will make a presentation to children Saturday as part of a series at the Stillwater Public Library. Psychologist Lara Mayeux with the OU Department of Psychology will present, at 10 a.m., “Popular Teens — Friendly or Mean? The Role of Aggr...

Join me at the Stillwater Public Library for Born to Do Science with Monty Harper!
http://stillwater.org/content/2011/images/lib-borntodoscience2011-fall.pdf

http://stillwater.org/content/2011/images/lib-borntodoscience2011-fall.pdf

Tantrums may look like chaotic explosions of anger, but they have a predictable pattern of anger and sadness. Learning to anticipate the pattern can help parents support their little ones through the worst of it--and get to the hugs at the end a bit faster.

What's Behind A Temper Tantrum? Scientists Deconstruct The Screams : NPR Toddlers outfitted with high-tech wireless recording devices have helped researchers discover that tantrums have a very distinct, predictable pattern. Understanding that tantrums have a rhythm can not only help parents know when to intervene, but also give them a sense of control.

Baby Einstein isn't going to hurt your child (in small doses, anyway)--but it doesn't live up to its claims, either. Want your child to have a "better" brain? Just let her play!
http://www.consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=657757

'Screen-Free' Play Best for Toddlers' Brains

This is a great article from Parenting Science about the power of sensitive, responsive parenting and its long-term benefits.

The health benefits of sensitive, responsive parenting Does sensitive, responsive parenting protect kids from a lifetime of bad health? It seems likely. New studies suggest that parents can act as a buffer against harmful, chronic stress.