Latest news with #parentingtips
Yahoo
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
6 ways to increase family bonding over the summer
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – It's Parenting Connection Tuesday, and 6 News is here for you with tips, strategies, and helpful reminders from child development experts on how we can be better parents and topic: 6 ways to increase family bonding over the summer Kids are now in the middle of summer break, and despite an increase in the amount of time they're at home, spending time with one another can actually decrease this time of year. Experts say that if this is the case, you'll want to try to stop it, and it's up to you. Researchers say it's the parents' responsibility to do something as a family and help form closer bonds because it doesn't just happen naturally. Kids rarely, if ever, are the ones to propose anything that would help in this regard. Family bonding is important too, because research has shown that when families have strong bonds… kids are better behaved, do better in school, communicate better, and have better relationships with others outside of the at a time of the year when quality family bonding can lack, experts say, incorporate these 6 practices into your family routine: Schedule family time together. Look and compare everybody's schedule and set aside the time. It can be as short as 10 minutes. Another great way to bond is to eat meals together. This can be for breakfast, lunch, or dinner… and even better if it's all three. Do chores as a family. This will not only get the jobs done quicker, but it'll make you work together. Support your child's interests. This means, get physically involved or at least watch your kids play his or her favorite video games, movies, or outside activities. Have family meetings. Experts say these blocks of time allow everyone to get an update on how life is going, air grievances, or discuss plans. Encourage support. This means teaching your kids to come to you when they need help, advice, or just to talk about life. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
A Parent's Guide to College Visits and Admissions
Experts share what to know, ask, and do at every stage. Fact checked by Sarah Scott Blink and your little one will headed to college. I speak from experience as my 16-year-old was a baby five minutes ago—I swear! And yet, here we are. Our college visit and admissions journey is well underway, but I'm still feeling very overwhelmed. We've made mistakes—including not thoroughly researching a school we trekked more than ten hours by car to visit. I can't be the first parent to find the college admissions process more than a little complex. Thankfully, there are experts who have been there, done that, and can help answer questions about everything from when to visit prospective schools to the difference between early decision and early action. The only thing they can't assist with? Getting me ready to say goodbye to my baby! College Visit Prep The very first step in planning college visits is having honest conversations about goals and values, says Irena Smith, a Bay Area-based college admissions expert, former Stanford admissions officer, and author of The Golden Ticket: A Life in College Admissions Essays. She tells Parents that this doesn't have to be a one-time 'big talk,' but getting on the same page about fundamentals, such as what you can afford, can save everyone a lot of heartache later. Next, it's all about planning ahead—as I learned the hard way. Before you set foot on a campus, do some preliminary research to ensure the visit is worth your time. Laurie Kopp Weingarten, CEP, President and Chief Educational Consultant of One-Stop College Counseling, recommends checking out majors, academic programs, student body size, location and surrounding area (including safety), and both academic and social opportunities before scheduling an on-campus visit. Cost is also a key factor. Jed Macosko professor of physics at Wake Forest University, urges parents to gauge whether a school is financially feasible before your child falls in love with it. College Visit Timing Once you have completed your school background checks, so to speak, Kopp Weingarten says you can start on-campus visits as early as freshman year. By junior year, students are typically ready to think more seriously about whether a college is the right fit. Experts agree this is the ideal time to visit. Start with schools within driving distance—and maybe even turn it into a mini-vacation by exploring local sites and attractions. But Marc Zawel, co-founder and CEO of AcceptU cautions, 'Don't over schedule.' He says families should visit one or two schools per day, max. As far as the season to plan a visit, summer is often more convenient for both parents and students. However, Kopp Weingarten cautions that campuses can feel empty, 'Since many college students won't be on campus, sometimes it's harder to get a true sense of campus life.' Spring of junior year of high school is often better, according to Zawel. Experts recommend not waiting until senior year to start visiting colleges, as that time is packed with schoolwork and college applications. Ultimately, Kopp Weingarten suggests exposing your student to a wide range of schools—big and small, urban and rural—to help them figure out what might suit them best. Planning a Productive College Visit After doing the leg work, you'll want to make your time on each campus as meaningful as possible for your family. Start by scheduling a campus tour, which in most cases can be done online. Otherwise, contact the admissions office for information. 'The self-guided tours, which are available on off-times, aren't great at showcasing the colleges,' warns Kopp Weingarten. 'Students walk around, looking at buildings, without having the tour guide bring the campus to life.' Also, book info sessions ahead of the visit—but be sure leave space for organic, unscheduled experiences at each school as well. 'Eat in the dining hall, grab coffee in the student center, read the school paper. Talk to random students, not just the tour guide,' Zawel recommends. Meeting with a professor from a study area of interest can also help students get a sense of the school, according to Kopp Weingarten. They may even be able to sit in on a class. Finally, Mocasko tells Parents that if your child already knows a student at the school, even casually, spending time with this person will give them insight into what life on campus is really like. As an added bonus, if they end up at the school, they will already have a friend. 'It will make the first year of college less scary!' he says. Questions to Ask During Campus Visits Parents naturally have questions about cost, financial aid, and safety on campus, but experts say that college visits are a perfect opportunity for kids to develop confidence and grow their independence. "I always suggest students take the lead on these visits,' Kopp Weingarten advises. 'Parents can accompany them, but they shouldn't be the one asking questions!' So, what to ask, you ask? Students should ask anything that helps them to envision daily life on campus. Depending on what they value most, some questions to ask include: How easy is it to change majors? What is a typical class size? How would you describe the political climate on campus? Does your school have a Greek system? Can you have a car on campus freshman year? How are the dorms set up? When can you live off campus? What are the meal plan options? Understanding the College Admissions Timeline Once you and your child have determined which colleges are at the top of their list, the next logical question is: When are applications due? The short answer is that it depends on how your child applies. If your child has fallen in love with a school, they may wish to apply early decision, or early action. It's important to know that early decision, which may be offered in two rounds, is binding, while early action is not. With early decision, Kopp Weingarten explains, 'The student, parent, and college counselor sign a binding contract stating that if the student is admitted, they must attend and also remove all other pending college applications.' If your child has their heart set on a certain school, then according to Kopp Weingarten, 'Typically, applying early decision greatly increases your chances of admission.' Early action, which is non-binding, is sometimes a strategic choice. Students can demonstrate their interest for a school without the decision being binding. Since they'll hear back earlier than with regular decision, applying early action can also take the pressure off, per Kopp Weingarten. Finally, some schools offer an admissions advantage to early action applicants. 'Others tie merit award eligibility to EA, making it a smart move financially as well,' she adds. With all of that in mind, here's a breakdown of various application deadlines for most colleges: Early Decision 1: Nov. 1 or 15 (hear back in Dec.) Early Decision 2: Early Jan. (hear before regular decision) Early Action: Similar deadlines to early decision (hear in Dec. or Jan.; decision due May 1) Regular Decision: January. May 1st will also often be the deadline to accept or decline. Rolling Admission: Renewal as received. Clearly deadlines will in large part determine when your child works on their applications, but in general Kopp Weingarten says that the summer before senior year is a good time to begin applications, request teacher recommendations, and complete financial aid forms. For student-athletes, the timeline is different, with the process kicking off as early as sophomore year. High school and club team coaches are great resources to help guide you through the process. It's also a good idea to reach out to other parents who have been down that road with their student athlete. They'll likely be happy to help you get a lay of the land. Supporting Your Teen Without Taking Over Experts emphasize that allowing your child to take charge during on-campus visits is a powerful way to help them feel self-assured and develop more autonomy. Maintaining an open dialogue about their process helps you support them, without taking over. Remember, keeping your child on track with college visits and applications is a parent's role—doing it for them is not. As Smith says, encouraging independent decision-making prepares kids to self-advocate and handle challenges down when you aren't there to provide guidance 24/7. Meanwhile, if they're unmotivated, she says, 'Yelling or lecturing is unlikely to motivate them.' And, according to Smith, a child who is showing little or no interest in the process may be signaling that they aren't ready to dive into it just yet. If you notice that your child seems stressed around the issue, it can help for parents to set boundaries around when and where you discuss college with your child. For instance, not at the dinner table, or on weekends. 'They're hearing about college from everyone—teachers, friends, and social media,' Smith assures parents. Finally, Smith encourages parents to find a hobby to keep their own minds engaged other than thinking about college. Read the original article on Parents Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
The 4 Best Nanny Cameras To Keep Caregivers In The Loop
Leaving your baby alone with a sitter for the first time can feel scary to any parent. But knowing you can see what they're up to throughout the day provides many caregivers peace of mind—which is why some choose to install an indoor camera, or 'nanny cam,' in their home. The best nanny cameras are easy to set up, offer clear video and easily connect with your smartphone. Our top pick, the Google Nest Indoor Camera features all those things and more, while our budget pick, the Tapo C210 effectively gets the job done for a lower cost. The best nanny cameras deliver clear video and audio to give you peace of mind while away from your ... More baby. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer If you are going to install a nanny cam clear communication is key—both to build trust with an important figure in your child's life and to ensure you're following local laws regarding recording others. 'If a family chooses to install a nanny cam, we encourage them to let the nanny know upfront. Most professional career nannies will understand that they will be working in homes with nanny cams,' says Ryan Jordan, founder of Educated Nannies, a nationwide nanny placement agency. She emphasizes that while nanny cams can be a helpful tool, 'they should never replace genuine communication… The most successful placements come from trust, not surveillance.' Read on to discover why the following nanny cameras were our top picks. Jordan offered additional advice on how to introduce a nanny cam, too. 'The best time for parents to inform a nanny about the use of a nanny cam is during the interview or before the trial period,' says Jordan. This helps prevent future misunderstandings. She says to use clear language. 'For example, they might say, 'We do have a camera in the nursery and playroom. It's really just for peace of mind, and it helps us feel connected when we're away.'' She also recommends disclosing which rooms cameras are placed in and if they're also recording audio, because some laws don't allow for audio recording without consent. Best Nanny Camera Overall Easy Setup With Clear Video And Seamless Integration Amazon Google Nest Camera Resolution: 1080p | Power: Wired or battery | Audio: Two-way | AI Detection: Motion, people and pets Our top pick comes from a reputable brand that just about everyone already has an account with, making the setup quick and seamless. It can be set on a shelf or mounted. You can check the livestream from your phone all day long and a wide 135-degree field of view means it can capture a large swath of whatever room you place it in. High-quality 1080p HDR and night vision delivers a clear picture, so you can always tell what's going on with your little one. It quickly connects to the Google Home app and works with Alexa and Amazon devices but not on Apple Home. It has two-way audio so you can both listen and speak to someone remotely, and it can identify differences between people, pets and vehicles, so you don't get a million pesky notifications with every tiny movement in the room (or out the window.) In terms of privacy, there's a small LED light on the camera that lets you know when the camera is active and all of the video it records is 125-bit encrypted and requires two-step verification via your Google account. While some indoor (and outdoor) cameras make you purchase a subscription to store video, the Nest gives you three hours of free event video history, so you can look at same-day recent activity. Just note if you want to store older videos, you'll have to subscribe to Nest Aware to use its cloud—fortunately, it's pretty affordable: For $10 per month (or $100 per year), it can identify specific faces and gives you 30 days of event video history, or you can subscribe to Nest Aware Plus for $20 per month (or $200 per year) to get 60 days of event video history and 10 days of 24/7 history. And if you don't need a nanny cam in a few years, it works equally well as an outdoor camera as well. Best Budget Nanny Camera Everything You Need For $20 Amazon Tapo C210 Shop At Amazon Resolution: 2K | Power: Wired | Audio: Two-way | AI Detection: Yes For less than $25, the Tapo C210 is an effective and feature-packed nanny camera. Its night vision can spot things up to 30 feet away, while its higher resolution means the image is clear. It connects with both Google Home and Amazon Alexa smart devices and apps. The camera's pan and tilt feature makes it easy to remotely control what you can see. It has a 360-degree horizontal and 114-degree vertical range pan/tilt field of view. You (and other caregivers) can get automatic push notifications on your phone via the Tapo app when it detects motion or sound. The baby cry detection is a nice feature if you also plan on using this as a baby monitor. Set custom 'activity zones' to only receive notifications when someone is in that zone. You can also use this feature to block certain zones from ever being recorded like a bathroom or bedroom. The camera also has a built-in light and siren that can be used remotely. Store recorded video on a microSD card up to 512GB or subscribe to its Tapo Care cloud storage ($3.49 per month), which keeps up to 30 days of video history. Best Nanny Camera For iPhone Integrates Seamlessly With Apple (And More) Amazon Eufy Indoor Cam E220 Resolution: 2K | Power: Wired | Audio: Two-way | AI Detection: Yes While many nanny cameras work with Amazon Alexa or Google Home, not as many are designed to connect easily with Apple products. Fortunately, the Eufy E220 is built to seamlessly connect with Apple HomeKit—and your iPhone. This means you can watch live feeds, get notifications and customize camera settings from your iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch. You can also use Siri: 'Siri, show me the nursery camera' for added convenience. If you're not an Apple user, don't worry, it also connects with Alexa and Google Home. The Eufy E220 also features pan and tilt, motion detection, night vision up to 33 feet and allows owners to customize the zones it does and does not record. Its built-in AI can detect people, pets and, perhaps most importantly, crying babies. It has a microSD slot that can hold up to a 128GB card or you can use the brand's cloud storage plan which starts at $3.99 per month. Perhaps the most notable feature is that it uses Apple's HomeKit Secure Video if you already have an iCloud+ subscription, which adds another layer of privacy and security. Your recorded video is analyzed on your device before it's end-to-end encrypted and sent to iCloud. This means Eufy doesn't keep your sensitive video on their servers. What's more, this footage won't eat into your iCloud storage, depending on your chosen plan. Best Nanny Camera For Audio Better AI Detection, Reporting—And Clear Sound Amazon Psync Camera Genie S Shop At Amazon Resolution: 2K | Power: Wired | Audio: Two-way | AI Detection: Yes Named our best indoor home security camera, the Psync Camera Genie S is a GPT-enabled smart camera with a distinctive body, two-way audio and a bevy of AI-enabled features. The camera uses AI to identify (almost) exactly what it's seeing and hearing and reports that to you via a text transcript instead of just ceaseless notifications. 'The Genie S has an almost 360-degree range thanks to its ability to rotate from side-to-side, so we could see almost the entire room where we set it up for testing," says Forbes Vetted tech writer Steve John who tested the camera. 'What's more, I could hear every word spoken and hear the sounds in the room where I set it up with good clarity, and could be easily understood through its speaker when I was talking to my family.' It also has built-in local storage, so you won't have to subscribe to store your videos—you can select between a 32GB and 64GB version. Just be careful with audio recordings, which Jordan says is one of the 'most significant' issues that arise with nannies. 'In states like California and other all-party consent states, it is illegal to record conversations without the consent of everyone involved. If a nanny cam records audio and the nanny was not informed, the family could face serious legal consequences,' she says. Why Trust Forbes Vetted At Forbes Vetted, we're committed to thoroughly researching, testing and applying expert feedback in order to find the best products for kids and babies including family security devices like baby monitors and the best non-wi-fi baby monitors. The author of this article, Esther Carlstone, is a longtime parenting editor who has extensively tested various parenting-related tech products, including iPads and digital calendars, is a parent of three kids ranging in age from little kid to teen. The story was edited by Forbes Vetted deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala, a parenting and tech editor and mom of three. We interviewed Ryan Jordan, founder of Educated Nannies, a nationwide nanny placement agency, who has 20 years of experience working with families and children, including six years as a full-time nanny for high-profile clients. How We Chose The Best Nanny Cameras After extensive research into nanny cameras and considering our favorite baby monitor brands, as well as home security cameras, I began to pull together these top picks based on research, reviews and weighing each model's attributes and potential drawbacks. I spoke with other parents to see which nanny camera they had or were currently using and compared specs between all of the popular models. I dug through online reviews of various indoor security cameras, focusing on reviews specifically from parents who had used them as a nanny camera. Knowing each family's needs and priorities are different, I selected various cameras across a range of prices, features and storage options. I also considered which ones easily connected to popular smartphones and apps parents were most likely to use. Knowing parents are busy, I prioritized cameras that were known to be easy to set up with little fuss. I only considered cameras that had an average of four stars or higher. I spoke to our resident tech writer, Steven John, who had already tested various security cameras, smart locks and more tech for the home to get his thoughts. How To Find The Best Nanny Cameras Size Depending on how and where you want to use the camera, size may be a deal breaker. You may want something small and discreet or larger and stationary that can easily be placed on a shelf or wall-mounted. Image Quality While all the cameras on our list offer high-quality video, some are a little more clear than others. Some offer capabilities like extreme zoom options and pan and tilt so you can remotely scan the room. Depending on what's most important to you and how closely you want to monitor what's going on these details may be of importance to you. Audio Capabilities Not all models of indoor cameras come with audio recording capabilities. If that's important to you, or you want to be able to communicate through the camera via two-way audio, that's a spec you'll want to pay close attention to, especially if you're also planning on using this camera as a baby monitor. Storage Options Many nanny cameras come with a microSD slot so you can store recordings on a microSD card, usually sold separately. Others don't have that option and may require you to pay for a subscription service for cloud storage of recordings. The monthly costs on this varies and can sometimes be bundled with existing services you may have with the brand, so take note of these details on the camera you select. Motion Detection All of the cameras on this list offer motion detection, with or without a subscription. This means anytime motion is detected in the room the camera is set up in, a notification is sent to your phone, much like a smart doorbell. This could be a helpful feature for parents who want to know whenever their child or nanny enters a certain room. If the constant notifications are annoying, you can adjust your settings. Extra Features The nanny cams of today often come with a wide variety of smart features, some of which may be important to you and some which are just nice-to-haves. These may include everything from motion detection, AI detection of faces, smart home connectivity with Alexa and Apple Home or night vision. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What Is The Best Nanny Cam On The Market? Our top overall pick for best nanny camera is the Google Nest Indoor Camera. It's easy to use, has clear video and connects easily with smartphones, Alexa and Google Home devices. What Is The Difference Between A Nanny Cam And A Baby Cam? 'A nanny cam is used to monitor the nanny's interactions with a child or in the household. Families will typically use home security systems to record, such as the Ring or Nest,' says Jordan. 'A baby cam is used to monitor the baby's sleep, safety and well-being.' Is It Illegal To Have A Nanny Cam Without Telling The Nanny? The laws around recording someone without prior disclosure varies from state to state, so always be sure to consult your state's laws around this before proceeding with a nanny cam. 'California has strict privacy laws, especially regarding audio recording. You cannot record audio without the consent of all parties,' says Jordan. 'If a nanny cam includes audio and it's recording private conversations, the family could be in legal trouble unless the nanny has given consent. Recording video may be restricted in certain areas of the home that are considered either public or private.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Prices On Baby Items Expected to Rise Due to Tariffs—How Parents Can Save Now
Tariffs on overseas good are set to go into effect on August 1. Here's what parents need to know to get the most out of their money. Fact checked by Sarah Scott If you've been following the news lately, you may have gotten wind of the fact that for months, President Donald Trump has been discussing imposing tariffs on various countries, including the European Union, Mexico, and China. Although the details of these tariff deals are in flux and negotiations appear to be ongoing, the Trump administration has set an August 1, 2025 deadline for these potential tariffs to be imposed. When tariffs are placed on countries that manufacture goods that Americans use, the price of these goods tends to go up. If you are a new parent, you are likely wondering if the products you need to buy for your little one will be affected by these proposed tariffs. After all, young children require quite a lot of gear—strollers, cribs, car seats, clothing, diapers, etc.—and these items are pricey as it is. What happens when tariffs enter the equation? No worries—we've got you covered. We put together an explainer about these tariffs: what they mean for parents of babies and young children, along with some expert tips on how to budget and save on baby gear in the current market. How Could Pending Tariffs Affect Baby Products? The baby gear industry is reliant on global distribution and manufacturing, explains Siobhan Adcock, director of baby content development at Consumer Reports. This means that when potential tariffs are in the news, companies that manufacture baby gear begin to make adjustments even before the tariffs go into effect. 'The truth is that in this industry, advance orders for parts and inventory are impacted by the prospect of tariffs well in advance of tariffs actually going into effect,' Adcock explains. 'What this means is that, unfortunately, parents are already seeing prices go up for strollers, car seats, and other baby gear items.' You may have already been feeling these effects for several months. For example, a June report from the Joint Economic Committee in the U.S. Senate found that between April and June of 2025, the price of baby goods rose 24%. This time period coincided with President Trump announcing tariffs on most countries around the world. Which Baby Products Would Be Affected? According to Consumer Reports, the majority of essential baby gear products would be impacted by upcoming tariffs. That's because most of these products are manufactured in China, a key country affected by these possible tariffs. As Consumer Reports outlines, the following baby products could be among the most affected: Car seats Strollers Cribs There's a good chance other baby gear products could be impacted, too. 'Beyond big-ticket baby gear, everyday essentials like baby bottles, diapers, and wipes are often imported or rely on international supply chains for packaging, parts, or assembly,' Adcock notes. In fact, Consumer Reports is tracking the prices of various products on its website, including baby items. Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers (Size 1, 108 Count) saw a bit of an increase between June 27 and July 4, 2025, but the price has since leveled off. Similar story for the Chicco KeyFit Car Seat. It's not a baby product, but if your kid wants the new Nintendo Switch 2, it went up about $73 in the same time frame. How Parents Can Save on Baby Products Prices are already up on some baby gear products, and with the prospect of them rising further, it's understandable to have strong concerns. Experts agree that even with these potential price changes on the horizon, there are things you can do now to budget and save on your baby gear essentials. 'As a CFP and mom, I understand firsthand how overwhelming the financial demands of a baby can be,' says Sophoan Prak, CFP, a certified financial planner and financial advisor at Vanguard. 'While it's always difficult to predict exactly how much prices will rise or when families will start to feel the impact, parents should focus on what they can control and take proactive steps today to safeguard their financial plans amid potential cost hikes.' Prak and Adcock shared their top tips for saving on baby products in the upcoming months: Revisit your family's budget It's always good to tweak your family's budget—or start keeping a budget, if you don't already, says Prak. 'A new baby brings new expenses, so take a close look at your current cash flow and identify places you can cut back to save a few dollars, whether it's pausing your subscriptions or eating out less often,' she adds. Prioritize, but don't panic shop Consider the baby gear you really need, like a car seat, a crib, or stroller, Adcock suggests, and prioritize those over other purchases. She also recommends researching products that can grow with your baby through multiple stages, such as convertible strollers and all-in-one car seats. Just make sure they are tested and safe. Wait for big online sales If you have some flexibility in terms of timing, Adcock suggests waiting for big online sales—the ones that tend to pop up in July and October. 'When one big online retailer has a splashy sale, the rest of them tend to follow suit, so parents can shop around for better prices,' she says. Looks for in-store deals Prak recommends checking out in-store deals, too. 'Don't overlook store-brand options and loyalty programs, which often offer discounts on baby essentials,' she says. You can also consider signing up for recurring diaper or formula purchases, which can lock in discount prices and shield you from potential price increases, Prak says. Make the most of your savings If you've been able to put away cash for future baby or kid purchases, Prak recommends getting the most bang for your savings buck. 'Consider keeping your savings in a vehicle that earns a higher yield, such as money market funds or cash management accounts,' she suggests. Sign up for a registry If you are expecting, you shouldn't shy away from using a baby registry. 'Registries and group gifting options can help expecting parents-to-be share some of the cost of the big-ticket items, as well as everyday essentials like diapers and wipes,' says Adcock. If you've set up the registry, make sure to spread the word to friends, families, and colleagues. 'It's rough out there for new parents—people want to help,' Adcock assures. Buy secondhand (but carefully) Finally, consider secondhand baby items and hand-me-downs. This is often best for items like baby clothing and toys—especially since babies outgrow this stuff at lightning speed, and your parent friends will want to pass this stuff along and get it out of their homes. However, Adcock warns that there are often safety concerns when it comes to used strollers, cribs, car seats, and high chairs. 'The product might have been recalled, might be subject to updated safety standards, or might have structural problems after years of use that could make it no longer safe (how many times has that crib been taken apart and reassembled to move from owner to owner?),' Adcock explains. 'It's best to buy these must-haves new if you're able.' Read the original article on Parents Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Forget gentle parenting! If you really want your child to thrive, you need to be STRICT with them, study confirms
If you're a parent, you'll likely have heard of the popular trend known as 'gentle parenting'. The approach, increasingly fashionable with Millennial and Gen Z parents, encourages adults to never raise their voice. Gentle parents calmly explain to their child the consequences of their behaviour, rather than getting angry and engaging in a shouting match. But if you're an advocate of gentle parenting, you might want to start to toughen up for the good of your child's future. According to a new study, children who experience more 'authoritative' parenting do better at school up until the age of 11. The analysis of nearly 6,000 children from across England suggests 'clear boundaries' and a bit of tough love help youngsters thrive. 'Higher parental limit-setting was associated with a greater likelihood of children achieving the expected level,' say the study authors. Celebs who use gentle parenting include actress Mindy Kaling, singer Alanis Morissette and comedian Dax Shepard – but many claim it fails to show kids the consequences of their negative actions. According to experts, the punishment-free style focuses on improving a child's self-awareness and understanding of their own behaviour. It completely avoids shouting and use of the word 'no', while maintaining warmth and empathy and trying to act as the child's friend. 'The idea is to be more like a coach for your kid rather than a punisher,' said Dr Karen Estrella, pediatrician at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio who was not involved with the study. But some fear gentle parenting leads to children becoming spoilt and entitled – and increases the likelihood their behaviour will spiral out of control. Meanwhile, the more traditional authoritative parenting involves 'high levels of psychological control and clearer parental limit-setting'. Although it also includes displays of warmth and sensitivity, shouting and other forms of boundary-setting are not off-limits with authoritative parenting. The study by researchers at the National Centre for Social Research, a registered charity in London, tracked nearly 6,000 children for more than 10 years. It involved interviews with families, surveys with childcare staff and class teachers, and linking of survey results to educational attainment data. Parenting styles and the progress of children were recorded from the age of two right up to the end of primary school (Year 6, ages 10-11). According to the findings, children who experienced authoritative parenting were more likely to reach the expected standard in reading, writing and maths tests in Year 6, they found. Having limits set by parents was also linked with better academic performance for Key Stage 1 children – those aged five to seven. Authoritative parenting was also better in this sense than 'authoritarian' parenting, which employs even greater strictness and far less warmth. Although the study suggests that gentle parenting hinders academic performance, it's unclear why exactly this is, but it may be that children who know no boundaries are more prone to disruptive behaviour that distracts them from learning. Higher academic performance may continue past the age of 11 following authoritative parenting, although this is not something the study looked at. One critic of gentle parenting is Katharine Birbalsingh, commonly known as Britain's strictest headmistress, who thinks the approach makes modern parents 'infantilised' and doesn't hold children to account. 'The culture and the language that's being used means parents feel that they're not in a position of authority over their child,' she said. Professor Vivien Hill, psychologist at University College London's Institute of Education, thinks gentle parenting can lead to problems when the child starts school. 'That child is going to be entering the world of school where a teacher has to be able to control and teach 30 children,' she told the Telegraph. 'Nobody has the capacity to negotiate in that environment.' On the other hand, Sarah Ockwell-Smith, gentle parenting advocate and author, claims the philosophy results in 'calmer, happier children'. Gentle parenting will 'validate a child's feelings and employ kindness, empathy and understanding', she said, but many believe that in practice it fails to curb chaos. Why stressed-out dads may be to blame for their child's 'terrible twos' It's known as one of the most problematic periods in an infant's life, dreaded by new parents. The terrible twos is a problematic developmental period characterised by tantrums, shouting, crying and repeated use of the word 'no'. But researchers at King's College London may have finally discovered what triggers this difficult phase. The experts found a link between fathers who experience too much stress in the months following the birth of their child, and the child's subsequent development of emotional and behavioural problems at age two. It's possible that stressed dads have a 'negative parenting style' that causes their child's problems, according to the researchers. 'Our study found that paternal stress makes a unique contribution to child outcomes, particularly during the early postpartum months,' said lead study author Dr Fiona Challacombe at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London.
