Recent Articles

The incidence of multiple births has increased dramatically in the past two decades. The birth rate for twins, who constitute the most common kind of multiple births, increased 42% from 1980 to 1994 (Lytton, Singh, & Gallagher, 1995). Given this trend, it seems reasonable to assume that many teachers will have twins and other multiple siblings in their classes at some point in their classroom careers. To a large extent, the available research on twins stems from a long tradition of studies focused on the nature-nurture debates. These studies look at twins reared together and apart and atte......read more

Developmental psychologists have been interested in how parents influence the development of children's social and instrumental competence since at least the 1920s. One of the most robust approaches to this area is the study of what has been called "parenting style." This Digest defines parenting style, explores four types, and discusses the consequences of the different styles for children. PARENTING STYLE DEFINED Parenting is a complex activity that includes many specific behaviors that work individually and together to influence child outcomes. Although specific parenting behaviors, such......read more

Created by Chick Moorman and  Thomas Haller 1. What percent of teachers report liking their jobs after 10 years in the field? 93% 84% 16.5% 2. Why would a school ban the game of tag? It's not included on the state assessment test and therefore has no value. Some children complained that they were chased. Kids get all sweaty and stink up the classrooms. 3. Who says that "Free and unstructured play is healthy and essential for helping children reach important social, emotional, and cognitive development milestones as well as helping them manage stress and become resi......read more

By Chick Moorman and Thomas Haller The shootings continue. So do fights, arguments, pushing and shoving. We think we are sending our children off to a safe place when they get on the school bus in the morning. Then we hear more distressing school violence news on the television or radio.  So what's a parent to do? Can you really keep your child safe in this world? Can you make a difference in regard to school violence? We think you can. Consider the following.Begin locally in your home and school. Implement the ten suggestions which follow. Stay involved in your child's social l......read more

By Chick Moorman and Thomas Haller My teen came home with a poor report card. How do I talk to her about it?  ·         I want to praise my son for his recent grades but I don’t want to go overboard. How should I handle it?  ·         What do you say to a child who has a decent report card but you know they could do so much better? These are just a few of the questions we have received in recent weeks via email, at workshops, or from clients. These parents, who place a high emphasis on grades, want t......read more