MD
Claudia M. Gold is a pediatrician and writer who practiced pediatrics for over 20 years and currently specializes in infant-parent mental health. She is on the faculty of the Infant-Parent Mental Health Fellowship Program at University of Massachusetts Boston, the Brazelton Institute at Boston Children’s Hospital, and the Berkshire Psychoanalytic Institute. She has written 4 books: The Power of Discord with co-author Ed Tronick (June 2020), The Developmental Science of Early Childhood (2017),The Silenced Child (2016), and Keeping Your Child in Mind (2011). She speaks frequently for audiences of parents and professionals and writes regularly for her online blog
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While it is known that puberty is characterized by growth spurts, it is not uncommon for young boys to experience emotional changes during puberty. Most emotional changes during puberty reflect a change in their behavior. Coping with these changes in their appearance and the way they feel can be difficult not only for the teenagers but also for their parents. Read this post to learn the causes, common behavioral changes, and tips for parents on dealing with these changes in their teens. [mj-toc] Why Emotional Changes Occur During Puberty [caption id="attachment_878111" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock+[/caption] Puberty is a process through which a child develops into a sexually mature adult. Adolescence is a period that can be best described as an emotional roller coaster ride. It is filled with curiosity, exploration, and self-discovery. Puberty begins with an increase in hormone production, which leads to changes that result in physical and psychological changes (1). The hormonal changes have a direct effect on...
Being too strict with your children robs them of the little joys of childhood that they can cherish for the rest of their lives. If you were raised by strict parents, you might not want your children to go through the ordeal of following your orders and would rather try out the permissive parenting style. Permissive parents are not demanding and treat their children as equals. They are against the idea of exerting control over their children and believe in nurturing them by being emotionally supportive and responsive. Read this post as we discuss permissive parenting and the pros and cons of this parenting style. [mj-toc] What Is Permissive Parenting? Permissive parenting, otherwise known as ‘indulgent parenting’ or ‘lenient parenting,’ is one of the parenting styles identified by Diana Baumrind (1). Permissive parents are highly responsive towards their children’s needs and nurture their talents and personality. But they are least demanding because they have low expectations on discipline and self-regulation...
Rectangle. Triangle. Circle. Hexagon. Cylinder. Cube. Introducing shape activities for toddlers is a fun way to teach them about various structures. Almost everything in our environment has a shape. Shapes are used to define and identify an object. Therefore, it is vital for kids to learn shapes at a young age. Shape recognition is an important aspect of a child's primary schooling and is ideally taught between the ages of two and three. We have compiled a list of fun shape activities for preschoolers that your child may enjoy in this post. [mj-toc] 15 Best Shape Activities For Toddlers 1. Shape treasure hunt [caption id="attachment_446023" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Discovering something can be such a joy! With this treasure hunt activity, your toddler will enjoy discovering and learning about new shapes. You will need: Several sheets of colored paper Scissors A large plastic container Wheat flour How to: Cut the colored paper into different shapes such as a triangle, circle,...
Fostering social-emotional development for infants and toddlers is just as important as teaching them how to walk, talk, and eat. Social-emotional development refers to the child’s ability to experience, express, and manage their emotions and form positive and rewarding relationships with others (1). Read this post as we delve deeper and explain what social-emotional development is, including the various developmental milestones, and give you tips on developing social and emotional skills in infants and toddlers. [mj-toc] What Is Social-Emotional Development In Infants? [caption id="attachment_890127" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Social and emotional learning is a process through which babies begin to learn and develop life and coping skills to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions that will continue in their adult life (2). Babies are born with the need and desire to connect with people around them. Primary caregivers and teachers play a...
How to improve concentration in kids? Many parents ask this question when they notice their children struggling to stay focused and attentive. While attention varies from one child to another, difficulty in concentrating may also depend on several underlying factors such as stress or poor nutrition. To help your children improve their concentration, you should pay attention to the symptoms, understand the cause, and devise supportive strategies. You may also involve children in games and activities that boost focus and mindfulness. Keep reading the post to know more about why children struggle with concentration, things you can do to help them, and some interesting activities that improve focus. [mj-toc] Signs Of Poor Concentration In Children If your kid is having attention and concentration difficulties, then you may notice some of these signs in their behavior (1): Does not sit in one place and gets distracted easily [caption id="attachment_879138" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] Loses things often and cannot stay organized Has...
“Why do babies get clingy?” is a common question many parents have when their little ones start demanding to be around parents or caregivers all the time. Clinginess is a normal sign of mental development at an early age. It can also signify separation anxiety, where a baby may cry or behave crankily to be away from the parents. Babies and toddlers can express strong emotions and behaviors when away from the one they love to cling to all time. A clingy baby is also called a Velcro baby since they may not like putting them down from the hands of a parent or a caregiver. Although babies may cry and throw tantrums when away from their favorite person, it is manageable to make them overcome this phase. Read on to find out why babies get clingy and how to manage them. [mj-toc] Stranger Anxiety [caption id="attachment_888119" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Babies can differentiate familiar faces from strangers by the...
When your child reaches adolescence, you may see many behavioral changes in them, including teen rebellion. Your children may be answering you back, rarely assist you with household chores, and are determined to break your every rule. Most parents deal with it in some way or another, with some cases being minor and others being serious. As a teen, they might have had their explanations on why they acted [simple_tooltip text="defiantly" tooltip="Behaving in a way to oppose, resist, or disobey something boldly." ] toward their parents. However, as a parent, you would want to know how to deal with a rebellious teen, particularly if they have lost control. This post discusses some of the reasons teenagers rebel and how parents might deal with the situation. [mj-toc] What Is Teenage Rebellion? Teenage rebellion is an act of highest assertion of independence and little adherence to parental advice during the teen years of a child’s life. It is called a “rebellion” because...
The teenage years are a struggle for most children. Your child's discipline may have been impeccable up until now, but teenage hormones can make them chaotic. Thus, read on as we tell you about parenting teenagers and helping your children become the best version of themselves. During the teenage years, your child goes through a roller coaster of emotions, and it can make them moody. They might also feel like you don’t understand them. Keep scrolling to learn how to raise teenage boys and girls efficiently. [mj-toc] Understanding Adolescence Puberty is one aspect of adolescence. Puberty is the process of physical changes, which involves the development of sexual organs, the beginning of periods in girls, and facial hair growth in boys (1). Adolescence also encompasses emotional and psychological changes. Parenting a teenager in this growing phase can be challenging. A child becomes an adolescent and also hits puberty during the teen years. So yes, they are going through a lot...
For years, there has been a widespread assumption that middle children do not receive the same level of care as the family's eldest or youngest children. This phenomenon is known as second child syndrome. While this may not be the case in every home, you should take precautions and be careful to prevent it in your home. Read this post to know about the second or middle child syndrome, its indications, and how to help your child overcome it. [mj-toc] What Is Second Child Syndrome? [caption id="attachment_875859" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] A second or middle child syndrome describes a situation in which the second (in case there are only two siblings) or the middle child (in case there are three siblings) is adversely affected by the presence of siblings. This situation could arise when parents pamper the youngest child and give all the responsibilities to the eldest one, while the middle child gets less attention and less responsibility. In The...
‘Self-esteem is the reputation we acquire with ourselves.’ - Nathaniel Branden Every parent wants to build self-esteem in children. They would love to watch them grow confident of their abilities and respect themselves for who they are. However, sometimes children seem to exhibit poor self-worth due to different reasons. This may be discouraging for parents, but it is important to understand that they play a critical role in building their children’s personalities. Children’s behavior starts being influenced from a young age, so you need to devise self-esteem strategies from the beginning. Read to know the different ways to build your children’s self-esteem and activities that would encourage positive personality development. [mj-toc] What Is Self-Esteem? In simple terms, self-esteem is what we think of ourselves. Our sense of ourselves in the world emerges as a developmental process over time beginning with our earliest relationships. Children who have a positive sense of self and are more confident and hopeful in their interactions....
Many babies can walk with assistance and even stand independently by the 12th month (1). And, gross motor activities for toddlers can further boost their growth and development. In other words, gross motor abilities require the use of large muscles or the entire body. Indulging children in gross motor exercises is also a fun approach to exercise their muscles and promote growth. Keep reading for some engaging gross motor activities for toddlers. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/easy-exercises-for-newborn-babies-ages_00761066/" title="9 Easy Exercises For Babies At Different Ages"] [mj-toc] What Are Gross Motor Skills? Gross motor skills are the movements made with the large muscles of arms and legs (2). These skills help a child walk, run, jump, and throw an object. A gross motor activity aims at improving these skills, and aids in subsequent development. 15 Best Gross Motor Activities For Toddler 1. Obstacle course This is an elaborate motor skill activity that little ones can play indoors. It works best for younger toddlers who...
If all it took to get your little one to obey you were a strong “no,” parenting would be a delight, and you wouldn’t have to wonder how to discipline your toddler with less drama. But, as we all know, toddlers aren’t like that in real life! As a parent, you may have heard of many ways to discipline a toddler; however, you may wonder if those methods are effective or appropriate. This post outlines some practical strategies and disciplinary approaches for managing your toddler’s tantrums and meltdowns and offers advice on some strategies to avoid while disciplining your toddler. [mj-toc]How To Discipline A Toddler? Disciplining toddlers is a gradual process and requires constant effort. Here are ten steps to ensure optimum success: 1. Choose the right time to start Select a phase when your toddler is least susceptible to stress and the most receptive to instructions. Avoid initiating a discipline plan when your toddler is sick or likely to...
Many parents become anxious when they find aggression in toddlers. However, aggression can be a way of communicating feelings. It is often seen as a normal behavioral change. However, it is important to understand its cause when it becomes a pattern and goes out of control. Parents play an important role in controlling aggression in their children. But, you can control this behavior with good support strategies, better communication, love, and appreciation. If your strategies do not help, you may consult a doctor or therapist. Read the post to understand more about toddler aggression, its causes, and things you can do to prevent or manage it. [mj-toc]Can Aggression Be Normal In Toddlers? Yes. Experts state that aggression is a part of the normal development process in toddlers (1). Aggression is used as a means of communication before verbal skills are established. A toddler’s aggression usually begins at the age of 17 months and tends to peak between 18 and 24...
From the adorable gurgles and the coos to the goo-goo-ga-gas and ‘dada’ and ‘mama’, your baby will learn and use new words as she grows. Language development in children is a fascinating transition that you, as a parent, will enjoy. It is also an aspect that you may have several questions about, for it plays a crucial part in your child's overall development. In case you are wondering if your child is catching up with the language skills as she should for her age, Momjunction will help you with it. Here, we tell you about the stages of language development in children, issues associated with it and some tips. [mj-toc]Language Development In Children The foundation for language development is laid during the first 12 months while the first three years of life are crucial for acquiring language and speaking abilities. These skills develop in an environment full of sights, sound, and exposure to others’ speech and language. Children younger than...
You may find toddlers trying to bite at things or someone's arm for no apparent reason. But why do toddlers bite? You may find it difficult to figure out whether it is for venting anger and frustration or is something wrong with the child. Such behavior can even make parents worry about their child's social and emotional development. If you are searching for answers to these questions, keep reading this post as we tell you if it is normal for toddlers to bite, why they do so, and what you can do in such situations. [mj-toc]Why Do Toddlers Bite? There may be no explanation as to why a toddler bites, but there is always a trigger behind the behavior. Here are a few reasons why your toddler may resort to biting (1) (2): Venting frustration and anger: It is the leading cause of biting among toddlers. Toddlers do not have the vocabulary to express their emotions, which can be frustrating...