Parenting Highlights: This Week's Must-Reads

This week, parenting articles around the world have covered a wide range of topics, reflecting diverse issues and concerns among parents globally.

Parenting Trends and Insights

A recent Pew Research Center survey explored how contemporary American parents' approaches align or diverge from their own upbringings. The findings reveal that many parents do not adhere strictly to a specific style. A significant number describe themselves as overprotective, and there are notable differences between mothers and fathers in their parenting approaches. For instance, mothers are more likely to view themselves as overprotective compared to fathers, who are more inclined to say they give their children too much freedom (Pew Research Center ).

Mental Health and Development

ScienceDaily highlighted several studies on children's mental health and development. One study discussed how household chaos can impact the sleep quality of teens with ADHD symptoms, while another linked prenatal exposure to air pollution with increased mental health risks for children. These studies emphasise the importance of stable and healthy environments for children's development (ScienceDaily ).

Social and Emotional Development

Greater Good Science Center explored strategies to help children with social anxiety and the broader impacts of parenting on personal growth. For instance, an article provided practical habits for parents to support children dealing with social fears, while another discussed how the challenges of parenting can foster personal growth and empathy (Greater Good ).

Different Perspectives:

Exploring the Impact of Asian and Western Parenting Styles: Finding the Balance

One of the most difficult and gratifying adventures one can take is being a parent. Parenting can be done in a variety of ways, each of which has advantages and disadvantages.

Exploring & examining two popular parenting philosophies in detail: Asian and Western. This article discusses the benefits and drawbacks of each strategy and offer advice on how to combine the finest features of both approaches to raise children who are content and well-rounded. (mcaresforkids )

Global Day of Parents: Celebrated on June 1st, this day recognised the crucial role of parents worldwide. The theme for 2024, "The Promise of Playful Parenting," emphasised the importance of engaging with children through playful interactions to foster their development. This day also encourages deeper bonding, showing appreciation, and allowing parents to take a break from their daily routines (FirstCry ) (Guidely ).

Here are some helpful and insightful parenting blogs that have been particularly engaging this week:

These blogs offer diverse perspectives and practical tips to help parents navigate the challenges of raising children. Whether you're looking for lighthearted content, evidence-based advice, or resources to support your parenting journey, these blogs have something valuable to offer.

1. Picklebums : This blog provides a wealth of resources for parents, including child development advice, kids’ activities, and meal planning tips. Created by a former preschool teacher, it offers practical insights and printable worksheets to help parents navigate daily challenges.
2. Alpha Mom: A comprehensive resource for moms and moms-to-be, Alpha Mom covers a wide range of topics from pregnancy and baby care to activities for older kids and relationship advice. The blog aims to support mothers by offering non-judgmental advice and practical tips for everyday parenting.
3. Happy You, Happy Family : Focused on finding happiness amidst the chaos of family life, this blog provides research-backed articles and mom-tested solutions. It emphasises creating a loving and respectful environment while managing the demands of parenting
4. Aha! Parenting : Founded by Dr. Laura Markham, a clinical psychologist, this blog promotes a relationship-based parenting model called Peaceful Parenting. It offers insights to help parents feel more in control and foster cooperative behavior in children without resorting to punishments.
5. Family Focus Blog : Written by Scarlett, a mom of two, this blog provides a wide range of resources for better family life, including crafts, activities, and tips for green living. Recent posts cover topics such as yoga for children and the benefits of kids' smartwatches
6. Fatherly : Aimed at empowering dads, this digital media brand offers articles on a variety of parenting topics, including education, health, and personal development. It provides support and practical advice to help fathers raise great kids
7. Elliott Rae Parenting Out Loud : supporting working fathers for wellbeing and gender equality

I wrote about:

Tips for Parents to Encourage Community Play

‘It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me’ Taylor Swift

Shielding Your Kids From Sextortion: Talk About What It Is & How To Handle It.

High Stakes: The Alarming Connection Between Slot Machines and Smartphone Addiction In Kids!

Digital Detectives: Teaching Kids to Identify Fake Facebook Friends

Navigating the Digital Jungle with Sue Atkins and Friends Podcast

Episode 1:

In this episode of ‘Navigating the Digital Jungle with Sue Atkins and Friends,’ Sue Atkins, a parenting author and broadcaster, along with her guests Tara Jones an experienced Deputy Head and Ed-tech Consultant, and Angeline Corvaglia creator of ‘Data Girl and Friends, ‘Empowering Young Minds with Online Safety and AI Literacy videos, games and educational materials to explore the intersection of technology and family life.?

They discuss the challenges and opportunities the digital landscape presents for families today. The podcast aims to provide insights, tips, and reflections for parents, tech enthusiasts, and anyone curious about balancing technology with family life.?

Today’s episode focuses on the challenge of surviving the Smartphone Safari with Kids?

The discussion covers healthy screen time, online safety, AI literacy, managing smartphones for children, and the impact of internet usage on developing brains. The episode emphasises the importance of understanding and navigating the complexities of smartphone usage, digital literacy, parental controls, and finding a balanced approach to technology use within the family. Additionally, it addresses strategies for engaging children about technology, setting boundaries, and ensuring a healthy digital environment at home.

Episode 2:

Navigating the Digital Jungle: Understanding FOMO, Screen Time, and Digital Well-being with special guest Lucy S. who shares her personal journey with her autistic daughter, who decided to give up her smartphone for better mental health. The episode concludes with a discussion on family activities, digital detox tips, and the role of societal change in promoting healthier tech use.

Episode 3:

Navigating the Digital Jungle: Mental Wellness for Kids in the Digital World

In this episode of ‘Navigating the Digital Jungle’, Sue Atkins, Angeline Corvaglia and Marneta Viegas explore the impact of technology on children’s mental health and well-being. They discuss essential components of good mental health in children and the negative effects of technology overuse, such as reduced physical activity and sleep disruption. Angeline offers practical advice for parents to balance screen time at home, while Marneta shares insights from her Relax Kids programme designed to support children’s mental and emotional health.?

And Sue offers her ‘ING’ ideas for finding Balance with Activities Off Screen: like climbing, biking, playing, cooking, baking, creating to roller skating or exploring in the garden, to make it compelling to come together and connect.

The episode also features tips for reducing screen dependency, maintaining healthy tech habits, and the importance of simplicity in mental health practices. The show concludes with listener questions, strategies for managing tech use, and practical solutions for digital detox.

All the episodes are BURSTING with Useful Links:

Next week: Episode 4: Behind the Selfie: Girls, Social Media, and Self-Esteem Struggles

Tell a friend, family, or colleague or teacher to join us on the journey!

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And that's it for this week.

Please send me things you find inspiring, insightful or thought provoking and I'll happily add them to my weekly roundup.

Until next time - try and get a little #ScreenFreeSaturday :)

Sue