A recent study released by Pediatrics has conveyed that kids who are non-conforming in their activities before the age of 11 are much more likely to face Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other hindering issues in early adulthood than conforming kids. The study surveyed 9,000 young adults who were asked about their childhood experiences, ranging from play-date activities and roles to facing sexual or psychological abuse. Research revealed that 1 out of 10 kids display gender non-conformity before the age of 11. These children, who fail to take on their ‘expected’ gender role and activities, are more likely to experience physical, psychological and sexual abuse and experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by early adulthood. The results showed significant differences in both male and female young adults who were non-conforming when they were children, as opposed to those who acted and as they were expected to as boys or girls.

Unfortunately, most of the abuse faced by some children was found to be rooted in the kids’ homes and by members of their family.

Do you place a strong emphasis on what activities should be doing? Or on the way they should be acting even from a young age? Either way it is important to be aware of the differences. Read more on this interesting article.

A recent study from the University of New Hampshire revealed certain flaws and advantages to choosing one parenting technique over another. A team of researchers collected data revolving around three particular approaches to parenting since the fall of 2007: authoritative (demanding and controlling, but still receptive to children’s needs), permissive (non-demanding, non-controlling), and authoritarian (rules established unilaterally without explanation). While many parents firmly believe that an authoritarian parenting style yields the best results, research conveys that children exposed to stern and non-negotiable parenting often become ‘disrespectful’ and ‘delinquent’. However, permissive parenting could produce results that are equally as detrimental to a child’s personality. Children who do not have a strong parent presence could lack traits such as ‘self-control’ and ‘self-reliance’. As a result, the authoritative parenting method proved to be most effective.

What is your parenting style? Do you agree that an authoritative approach is the best solution?

Read more on this interesting article here

Reading is such an important activity for growing kids, but with the Internet, TV, and video games it is harder and harder to keep kids interested in reading. It can be hard finding a balance between making sure your kid reads but not making it a huge struggle that pushes them further away from a book. As a mom who loves to read but has a kid who can think of a lot of other things they would rather do I totally relate to Heather Holley-Hall’s article in The Times News. I agree with her that the best thing you can do is find books that they will love, and she lists some great examples.
 
Read the article here.