Curiosity is key to early childhood success in math and reading. Curious children are better able to grasp basic math and reading, according to a new study investigating a possible link between curiosity and early academic success among young children. Source 2n.
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Child Development (Hover)
Parents may help prep kids for healthier, less violent relationships. Warm, nurturing parents may pass along strategies for building and maintaining positive relationships to their kids, setting them up for healthier, less-violent romantic relationships as young adults, according to researchers. In a study, adolescents who reported a positive family climate and their parents using more effective parenting strategies tended to go on to have better relationship problem-solving skills and less-violent romantic relationships as young adults. Source 2p.
New studies measure screen-based media use in children. Screen-based media are increasingly prevalent in children's lives beginning in infancy, with different aspects linked to potential benefits and developmental/health risks. Related study is the first to use MRI to explore the influence of story format (Audio, illustrated, animated) on the engagement of brain networks supporting language, visual imagery and learning in preschool-age children. Source 4h.
Attentive adults increase children's ability to empathize. For human beings to function socially, they need to be able to perceive, understand, and talk about others' mental states, such as beliefs, desires and intentions. There is no consensus among researchers as to when children develop this ability. Previous research indicates that it emerges around the age of four, but research shows that children can demonstrate this ability earlier - within social situations that they experience together with an engaged adult. Source 4o.
The secret to honing kids' language and literacy. Researchers found that a child's ability to self-regulate is a critical element in childhood language and literacy development, and that the earlier they can hone these skills, the faster language and literacy skills develop leading to better skills in the long run. Source 4y.