Source: Logan, J., et al. (2019). A ‘Million Word Gap’ for Children Who Aren’t Read to at Home. Published by The Ohio State University. Originally published online in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. Summary: Young children whose parents read them five books a...
You’ve probably heard of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (more commonly referred to as “ADHD”). This very common mental disorder often causes difficulty focusing, excessive movement, and poor impulse control. But did you know that ADHD may also increase creativity? Researchers are still working to determine whether there’s...
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental disorder that can cause excessive movements, lead to poor impulse control, and make it difficult to focus. Researchers are still working to determine exactly what causes ADHD, but studies suggest that certain foods and beverages can worsen symptoms....
The brain has three main executive functions: working memory (which helps you remember what you’re doing at the present moment), cognitive flexibility (which helps you shift your thinking from one topic to another), and inhibition control (which helps you focus and stop yourself from saying...
Chronic stress can have serious consequences on your health. It’s true—stress can make it difficult to sleep, weaken your immune system, and lead to other problems like heart attacks, strokes, anxiety, and depression. Plus, stress can cause irritability, lack of motivation, and difficulty concentrating, thereby...
Back when many of us were growing up, our parents would yell at us to shut the TV off and go outside and play. Parents of generations past knew that fresh air and sunshine were ultimately healthier than watching the “tube.” And back then the...
Whether your child is an infant, a preteen, or a full-fledged adult, you may be overwhelmed and in need of parenting tips. Here are just a few examples of challenges that parents commonly face as their children grow up: Infants (0 to 1) – Infancy...
Let’s face it—spellcheck is everywhere. It’s built into phones, laptops, tablets, and even voice-to-text tools. It’s fast, convenient, and fixes mistakes in a flash. So it’s easy to wonder: Do kids really need to learn how to spell anymore? The answer is a resounding yes—and...
If you've been wondering about the state of education, the latest Nation’s Report Card just dropped, and the results are a mixed bag—with some progress in math but alarming declines in reading. Let’s break it all down… 📊 What Is the Nation’s Report Card? The...
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant future - it's here, transforming how we learn, work, and live. While AI brings exciting opportunities, it also raises important questions, particularly when it comes to our children’s education. Let’s explore both the benefits and concerns of...
Navigating homework with your child who has ADHD or executive functioning challenges can be a real struggle. To help streamline a process and support your child effectively, use the following tips as a checklist. Reflect on which strategies you’re already using and identify areas for...
1. Review Your Child's Current IEP or 504 Plan The accommodations children receive need to reflect the challenges of the new school year. Review which educational goals have been met and identify any remaining trouble spots. Schedule a team meeting and bring relevant documents like...
In our practice, we emphasize the importance of a holistic approach, which includes physical activity. Understanding how exercise benefits the brain can help you support your child's development more effectively. Here’s why exercise is essential for cognitive and mental health, and how to make the...
In today's hyperconnected world, where every second counts and distractions are endless, our attention has become one of the most valuable resources. As we navigate through the constant influx of information, it’s crucial to rethink how we measure success and productivity. Enter ROA - Return...
As the school year comes to a close, it's important to acknowledge that both students and parents are feeling burned out. However, summer provides a valuable opportunity to recharge while maintaining the skills and knowledge your children have worked hard to acquire. With strategic planning...
In today's fast-paced world, nurturing creativity in children is more important than ever. But what does creativity really entail? Insights from a meta-analysis of creativity tests and personality assessments, notably highlighted in Feist's 1998 study and KH Kim's 2016 book The Creativity Challenge, shed light...
In today's fast-paced digital world, parents and educators face a unique challenge: adapting to the decreasing attention spans of younger generations. The influx of games, movies, news, and videos bombards us daily, making it increasingly difficult to focus on a single task for an extended...
Research in educational psychology suggests that the way we frame our dialogue with children can significantly influence their motivation, engagement, and understanding. By asking open-ended, positively framed questions, we not only foster a deeper connection to the material but also cultivate an environment where learning...
Your child comes home from school, eyes his newest video game, and speeds through his schoolwork to “get it over with” and start playing. Does this scenario sound familiar? Many students rush through their schoolwork, doing the absolute minimum required, and make careless mistakes along...
Have you ever wondered how to inspire your child to willingly tackle their homework, engage in household chores, or persist through challenging tasks without solely relying on predictable rewards? Here's a thought: what if the secret to keeping our children engaged and driven lies in...