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Does the comparison on social media sites make parents feel less positive about their parenting skills or does it make them feel happy and empowered? Here’s the lowdown on the study: Researchers assessed: – how often the moms used social media – how much they compared themselves to others on social media Researchers assessed parenting factors: – parenting competence ( (do you feel like you can’t fulfill all the duties you have) Researchers also assessed mental health measures like feelings of depression and life satisfaction Researchers looked at relationship factors: The study also indicated that moms who compared themselves to others on social media were more likely to feel like they receive less support from their network and also feel worse about their co-parenting relationship with their partner.

If we, as parents, can learn to be “unruffled” (as one of my favorite parenting writers, Janet Lansbury describes it) in the midst of our toddlers’ tantrums and big emotions, they will learn self-regulation sooner. The development of emotional intelligence in toddlers is a common question among parents and this research gives great insight. Understanding a bit about these growth spurts, when they occur and their effect on toddlers can help parents tremendously. Intentionally understanding toddlers and their development can help make these years ones that you look back on fondly.

Although little boys are thought to develop self-regulation skills later than young girls, research shows that language skills can help make up this difference.} A recent study published in Early Childhood Research Quarterly found that language skills are more important in the development of self-regulation skills in young boys than young girls. Research has often found that girls are typically more advanced in their language skills, and thus self-regulation skills, at this young age. Activities that allow kids to practice executive function skills and self-regulation are a wonderful way for kids to learn these skills.

Usually, while we are making breakfast we spot a little bird or two eating their breakfast. I did the free trial (which is lengthy enough to get hooked) and I’m finding the motivation to keep going almost every day. This podcast with Brene Brown interviewing Dr. Susan David (my psychology hero) was fabulous. Plus, you all know Susan David’s work on emotion and happiness is top-notch.