Latest news with #childdevelopment
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Gen Z heads home: How to navigate the evolving parent-child relationship as kids become adults
As a professor of child development and family science, every year I witness college students heading home for the holidays after a few months of relative independence. Anecdotally, most students express excitement about returning home and say they're looking forward to relaxing with family and friends. However, it also can present a challenge for parents and their grown children. Parents may wonder: 'What should I expect of my child when they return home after living away?' Adult children may be thinking: 'I'm an adult, but I'm in my parents' home. Do I need to ask permission to go out? Do I have a curfew?' The adult child's return home, even for a few days or weeks, may produce some stress for both generations. But, the parent-child relationship is always evolving, including negotiating – and renegotiating – power and control as children age. In fact, families have been preparing for these new role changes for years. Think about when children enter middle school. They spend less time under their parents' direct supervision. Parents must begin to find ways to stay connected with their children while encouraging independence. The challenge is the same with young adults, only their interests and the appropriate level of independence has changed. Generally speaking, the parent-child relationship is relatively stable over time. And the good news is that most people navigate this transition successfully. Understanding a bit more about what developmental and family scientists know about this time of life might help ease the path forward. Many countries and societies consider you an adult once you turn 18. However, neuroscience research reveals that parts of the brain that are crucial for adult skills such as planning ahead, decision-making and controlling impulses do not finish developing until the mid- or late 20s. So, from a psychological perspective, the onset of adulthood is not universal and not determined by a specific age. In 2000, psychologists introduced the concept of a period of development that spans ages 18 to 25: emerging adulthood. It's a kind of in-between period, when people say they don't feel fully adult. It's important to note that this developmental period is not something that everyone experiences. It's most common in Western or industrialized countries, though there is research on the experiences of emerging adults in other cultures. This period of exploration and experimentation, however, is a luxury not available to all, with adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds reaching milestones of adulthood such as financial independence or parenthood earlier than those from more affluent backgrounds. But this life stage has become increasingly common in the 21st century, partly due to societal changes that give young adults more opportunities to explore identity and focus on themselves. For instance, the availability of birth control made sex without marriage more feasible for young adults. Many people take time before full-time work to pursue higher education. Today's young adults can experiment with ideas and opportunities that weren't available to them during adolescence. You can probably imagine why emerging adult children and their parents might butt heads when under the same roof. The two generations' differing opinions and ideals can set up conflict, especially when the child feels like an adult but the parent still sees them as a child. If parents can keep in mind that these young adult offspring are still navigating a distinct developmental phase, it may help them be supportive during this stage. When children leave the nest, the parent-child relationship goes through a period of adjustment. This is typical and, importantly, a necessary part of becoming an adult. There's likely to be a bit of trial and error for both the parent and the child as they figure out how to establish new ways of connecting and relating. But this isn't the first time in a child's life that a developmental transition has triggered the need for renegotiating the parent-child relationship. During adolescence, parents begin to provide their children with more freedom to make independent decisions; this requires parent and child to make adjustments in how they interact and relate to one another. Psychology researchers point to several qualities of healthy parent-adult child relationships. Parents need to get comfortable with a low level of control over what their grown kids do. Parents can expect to know less about their adult child's whereabouts when out for an evening and whom their adult child spends time with, something that parents monitor during adolescence. Maintaining a warm dynamic and encouraging independence are also key. Together, these attributes help parents promote success in their adult children, helping them grow into mentally healthy and well-adjusted members of society. These tweaks in approach may initially be uncomfortable for parents. But with a little effort, they can successfully make this transition. It helps if they've maintained a good relationship with their kid all along. Psychologists typically define effective parenting during emerging adulthood as a relationship characterized by providing warm emotional support; supporting the child in making their own decisions; and refraining from using guilt to change a child's beliefs. 1. Be flexible and don't compare. Every family is different, and each will navigate adult children returning home in unique ways. Likewise, there may be a need to adjust – and readjust – expectations and rules. Be comfortable with tweaking things to best suit your family. 2. Prepare by connecting. Discuss expectations from both generations before or shortly after the adult child returns home. Being proactive with communication will provide opportunities to connect and find common ground. 3. Establish boundaries and guardrails. Parents should communicate house rules for their adult children, and adult children should state their preferred boundaries. These guardrails should be developmentally appropriate and based on mutual respect. 4. Adjust expectations as needed. Parents should keep in mind that their child is in transition to adulthood. They should expect behavior that reflects having one foot in adolescence and the other in adulthood. Warm, supportive parenting continues to be a good influence on development through the emerging adulthood years. Therefore, it is not surprising that emerging adults continue to seek guidance from their parents. Most parents and adult children find their new, more egalitarian relationship lets them connect in new, more mature ways. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Amy Root, West Virginia University Read more: Life's stages are changing – we need new terms and new ideas to describe how adults develop and grow Yes, more and more young adults are living with their parents – but is that necessarily bad? How parents can play a key role in the prevention and treatment of teen mental health problems Amy Root receives funding from National Institute of Child, Health, and Human Development.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Do you have a 'living room kid' or a 'bedroom kid'? What it says about your family
Does your child come home from school and run up to his or her bedroom? Are you lucky to see them unless there's food involved? Conversely, do you have a child who hunkers down in the living room, does their homework, watches television, and just never leaves the comfort of the couch? Yvette Henry was in her kitchen fixing up dinner. So were all four of her kids. 'Ya'll, we have almost 4,000 square feet here and you're all right here. Right here,' she said on the "How Married Are You?!" podcast that she hosts with her husband, Glen Henry. But then she remembered a TikTok video about 'living room kids' and 'bedroom kids,' and realized she and her husband had built a home dynamic where their children felt emotionally safe in shared spaces. 'I don't think that I always appreciate what I have in this situation,' Henry said in the podcast clip that hit nearly 1 million views on TikTok and was posted elsewhere on social media. 'Like the gift of all this togetherness that we are going to look back on one day and say, 'oh my gosh, I miss that.'' Here's what to know about bedroom kids and living room kids. 'Living room kids' and 'bedroom kids' are not terms established by behavioral science but have gained popularity online as parenting influencers talk about their household dynamics and their own past upbringings. A living room kid refers to a child who spends much of their home time in shared spaces such as the living room, kitchen or dining room. A bedroom kid refers to a child who spends most of their free time in the privacy of their bedroom. No matter what kind of person you are, if you're a parent, pay attention to your children's needs and what rooms they gravitate to. There's nothing inherently wrong with either. Although it might result in more messes, parents should feel proud knowing that living room kids feel comfortable and safe when congregating with family, said Whitney Raglin Bignall, associate clinical director of the Kid's Mental Health Foundation, a nonprofit promoting children's mental health. 'Safety could play a role,' she said. If there's a lot of family conflict, a child might spend more time in their room to avoid that stressor. 'The Giving Tree': This author 'fixed' it with a new ending. Some say it's long overdue. It's not just about safety, Raglin Bignall said. There are other factors at play, such as culture, age and personality. Some children are naturally more introverted than others, she said. Other children prefer quiet and solitary activities, like reading. Families may designate specific playrooms for children and adult spaces for parents to unwind. Children also tend to spend more time in their rooms as they enter their pre-teen and teenage years, said Dr. Thomas Priolo, a child psychiatrist at Hackensack Meridian Health. "A teenager will want to be more independent and feel responsible for themselves, and having a space for themselves in their room allows them to take control," he said. "As children get older, it becomes more important and more of a conscious decision." The time children spend in their room may also depend on the time of year, Priolo said. During the school year, kids are more socially stimulated by school and extracurricular activities, so they may want more time to unwind in their room alone. It's not necessarily a bad thing for children to spend more time in their bedroom, but he said parents should be wary if an ordinarily "living room" kid suddenly starts isolating in their room. This could be a sign that there's something wrong. "Rather than viewing it as 'living room' versus 'bedroom kids,' the best way to view it is as a house and making sure that kids feel safe no matter where they are," Priolo said. Riglin Bignall also reminds parents that having 'living room kids' can sometimes be overwhelming. It's OK to be a 'bedroom parent' every once in a while to recharge. 'Everyone needs breaks. You can't have people around you all the time,' Riglin Bignall said. 'It's great to have communal and family time and build family belonging but it's also important to think about when are you making sure you have time to fill your cup.' Adrianna Rodriguez can be reached at adrodriguez@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Living room, bedroom kids: TikTok parents reflect on family dynamics
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Parenting experts weigh in on viral video of mom saying she doesn't talk to her baby
A mom is under fire after claiming she doesn't talk to her 11-month-old baby at all - and sometimes just sits in silence. 'Does anyone else not talk to their kid,' the mom-of-one, who posts under @mak_and_momlife, shared on TikTok in a now-deleted video. 'My daughter is 11 months old and me and my wife spend most days with her together, and today it was just me and her all day and I realized sitting at dinner that it was quiet and we weren't even talking,' she continued, pointing out her daughter she can't talk yet. 'But I don't talk to her. I don't know, is that weird?' she asked. 'Should I be like just saying things so she can learn how to talk? I make noises, I do funny faces, but I don't converse.' In a follow-up video the mom clarified she does talk to her daughter, explaining the post was about the moments of silence where she feels 'awkward.' 'It doesn't mean I'm not trying,' she continued, adding it is her first time being a mom. 'I was just sincerely trying to share a human moment that moms - new moms - have, and I was looking for that connection point. But the video sparked outrage from many parents who criticized the mom for not chatting to her baby, slamming her for making videos rather than talking to her infant. Experts have since weighed in on the matter, explaining it is vital to talk to your children - even if they can't respond. 'I'm learning something new every single day, this is how it works,' she continued. According to parenting experts, interacting with infants is vital to their development. 'Creating a secure attachment with our children is crucial to their development,' Kamini Wood, certified parent coach and a parent to five, told 'Talking to them and engaging with them helps develop a secure attachment, as they hear and feel your presence and learn from your tone,' she added. Wood explained that having conversations with infants creates a 'safe anchor' for them. 'In addition, talking to our babies engages them and allows for other forms of development to occur, such as cognitive growth, emotional regulation, and language development,' she added. Wood added that even though it may feel silly talking to a baby who can't talk back, parents should be doing so. 'When you talk to your baby, you start teaching them how much they are seen and heard. One thing our kids truly need is to be seen and heard by us,' she urged parents. Robyn Koslowitz, a clinical child psychologist, agrees, explaining that babies are 'neurologically wired' to prefer the sound of their mother's voice over others. She added that even if it doesn't come 'naturally, it's a skill that can be learned.' 'Simply narrating, for example, as the baby smiles saying oh you are smiling you like that! This can teach the baby how to equate the word like and smile with the sensation of pleasure that she is feeling,' she advised. 'When the baby sees something new, pointing that out to them, see the yellow flower? It's a pretty yellow flower! Helps build the vocabulary muscle in their brain,' she said.
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Moonkie Unveils Hug & Go Toddler Backpack Ahead of International Children's Day
A Cozy Companion for Young Explorers, Designed for the Needs of Today's Families Emotional resilience: The soft plush buddy helps soothe separation anxiety, turning moments of uncertainty into opportunities for growth. Safety-first design: Padded straps, embroidered details (no choking hazards), and lightweight materials prioritize comfort and security. Confidence-building: Gives toddlers a sense of ownership ("I can do it myself!") while easing parental worries. Parent-approved: Lightweight, compact design (even fits under airplane seats!), durable fabric, and easy-to-clean surfaces Gift-ready: Three charming characters—Rosie Hop the Bunny, Babu the Elephant, and Mossy the Reindeer Accessible luxury: Priced at $32.99 / €28.99 / SR 124.00, the Hug & Go is a charming yet practical gift for birthdays, holidays, or 'just because' CALIFORNIA, US - Media OutReach Newswire - 30 May 2025 - Ahead of International Children's Day,—the modern baby and toddler brand—proudly introduces the Moonkie Hug & Go™ Toddler Backpack, a thoughtfully designed essential that meets the evolving needs of modern parenting. Known for its minimalist design and everyday functionality, Moonkie continues its mission of nurturing early childhood development with products that blend emotional connection and practical Moonkie Hug & Go™ toddler backpack is designed for families seeking age-appropriate gear that empowers toddlers while maintaining emotional reassurance. Featuring a child-sized backpack with a removable plush companion, it encourages independence through everyday routines—while offering comfort during transitions and new by Montessori principles, the Hug & Go is more than a backpack; it's a developmental tool. Sized perfectly for small shoulders, it encourages toddlers to carry their own essentials while the attached plush companion provides emotional reassurance during transitions like daycare drop-offs, travel, or new design team recognized a universal parenting challenge: toddlers crave independence but still need comfort. 'The Hug & Go bridges that gap," says Cindy M., Product Manager at Moonkie. "It's a backpack that carries both snacks and emotional support—helping kids feel brave as they explore their world."Celebrate International Children's Day with a gift that supports growth, sparks joy, and helps toddlers take their first steps into the world with more information, visit Follow Moonkie on:Instagram: @moonkie_official TikTok: @moonkie_official Facebook: Moonkie Official YouTube: Moonkie Hashtag: #Moonkie The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Moonkie Unveils Hug & Go Toddler Backpack Ahead of International Children's Day
A Cozy Companion for Young Explorers, Designed for the Needs of Today's Families CALIFORNIA, US - Media OutReach Newswire - 30 May 2025 - Ahead of International Children's Day, Moonkie —the modern baby and toddler brand—proudly introduces the Moonkie Hug & Go™ Toddler Backpack, a thoughtfully designed essential that meets the evolving needs of modern parenting. Known for its minimalist design and everyday functionality, Moonkie continues its mission of nurturing early childhood development with products that blend emotional connection and practical utility. The Moonkie Hug & Go™ toddler backpack is designed for families seeking age-appropriate gear that empowers toddlers while maintaining emotional reassurance. Featuring a child-sized backpack with a removable plush companion, it encourages independence through everyday routines—while offering comfort during transitions and new experiences. A Backpack Designed for Growth—and Hugs Inspired by Montessori principles, the Hug & Go is more than a backpack; it's a developmental tool. Sized perfectly for small shoulders, it encourages toddlers to carry their own essentials while the attached plush companion provides emotional reassurance during transitions like daycare drop-offs, travel, or new adventures. Why it matters Emotional resilience: The soft plush buddy helps soothe separation anxiety, turning moments of uncertainty into opportunities for growth. Safety-first design: Padded straps, embroidered details (no choking hazards), and lightweight materials prioritize comfort and security. Confidence-building: Gives toddlers a sense of ownership ("I can do it myself!") while easing parental worries. From Insight to Intention Moonkie's design team recognized a universal parenting challenge: toddlers crave independence but still need comfort. 'The Hug & Go bridges that gap," says Cindy M., Product Manager at Moonkie. "It's a backpack that carries both snacks and emotional support—helping kids feel brave as they explore their world." Built for Real Life Parent-approved: Lightweight, compact design (even fits under airplane seats!), durable fabric, and easy-to-clean surfaces Gift-ready: Three charming characters— Rosie Hop the Bunny, Babu the Elephant, and Mossy the Reindeer Accessible luxury: Priced at $32.99 / €28.99 / SR 124.00, the Hug & Go is a charming yet practical gift for birthdays, holidays, or 'just because' Celebrate International Children's Day with a gift that supports growth, sparks joy, and helps toddlers take their first steps into the world with confidence. For more information, visit Follow Moonkie on: Instagram: @moonkie_official TikTok: @moonkie_official Facebook: Moonkie Official YouTube: Moonkie Hashtag: #Moonkie The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Moonkie
