Scientific Secrets for Raising Kids Who Thrive

Overview

No, parenting isn’t easy. But we’re here to help you learn scientific methods for raising healthy, happy, intelligent children.

Parenting advice isn’t hard to find. There are thousands of books on the subject, as well as a multitude of websites. Much has also been written on the science of child development. What’s been lacking, however, are sources of reliable advice that bring together scientific research and its real-world applications. This course bridges the divide.

In 24 engaging lectures, an expert in the cognitive development of early childhood presents what scientific research has revealed about the things parents can actively do to promote children’s long-term development right from birth. Professor Vishton delivers a wealth of practical tips to help children reach their full potential intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially.

You’ll touch on topics across all areas of childrearing, from sleep and nutrition to behavior and academics. You’ll get answers to many of the most common parenting questions, such as:

• Should I sleep-train my baby by letting her “cry it out”?

• Should I let my infant, toddler, or child watch TV—and if so, how much?

• Should I allow my child to play video games?

• Should I pressure my picky eater to finish her vegetables?

• Should I spank my child when he misbehaves?

In addition to learning methods for laying an early foundation in subjects such as math and reading, you’ll gain information for boosting your children’s overall cognitive abilities—and even their IQ scores.

Course Outline

01: Self-Control-From Tummy Time to Tae Kwon Do

Explore physical activities that promote self-awareness and self-control, and learn principles of science to sift through parenting advice.

Duration: 33 min

02: Seeing, Hearing, Thinking, Learning Infants

Discover how even very young infants are capable of complex thoughts and feelings, and gain tips for creating enriching experiences.

Duration: 31 min

03: Sleep-Getting Enough “Vitamin S”

Learn tips for ensuring your baby—and you—get the sleep needed for cognitive development and the importance of a consistent bedtime.

Duration: 30 min

04: Healthy Eating Habits for Life

Gain tips for dealing with finicky eaters and understand how exposure to nutritious foods can increase future desire for them.

Duration: 30 min

05: Baby Talk, Sign Language, and Speech

Learn simple signs to teach your baby and tips for promoting language development, including the importance of early conversations.

Duration: 33 min

06: Shaping Behavior-How Kids and Rats Differ

Discover why reward and punishment can produce less than optimal results in molding children’s behaviors and the research behind it.

Duration: 28 min

07: Which Style of Parenting Is Best?

Examine how your parenting style affects your child’s behavior, social development, and long-term happiness based on research.

Duration: 32 min

08: The Joy of Reading and the Place of Phonics

Get evidence-based tips for teaching your child to read and develop a love of reading, including the benefits of reading aloud.

Duration: 32 min

09: IQ Hazards and Boosting Intelligence

Remain skeptical of IQ tests while learning how to give your child an early advantage in achieving high scores and overall success.

Duration: 33 min

10: Enhancing Your Child’s Memory

Explore principles of human memory function and tips for teaching kids to make better use of their working memory capacity.

Duration: 32 min

11: Parent as Teacher-Homework and Beyond

Delve into research-based tips for helping children successfully complete homework while learning the material effectively.

Duration: 31 min

12: Getting a Jump on Math-Without Math Anxiety

Provide evidence-based tips for giving your child a head start in math and reducing frustrations associated with the subject.

Duration: 33 min

13: Advantages of a Second Language

Discover the cognitive benefits of learning a second language and the best methods for introducing it to children.

Duration: 34 min

14: What TV and Video Can and Can’t Teach

Learn how educational television can enhance children’s mental development and physical health at various ages.

Duration: 33 min

15: Values and Pitfalls of Video Games

Examine the pros and cons of video games and how they can be valuable tools for boosting mental development.

Duration: 32 min

16: Promoting Persistence and Self-Esteem

Understand the developmental processes associated with optimism and learn ways to help kids stay positive.

Duration: 33 min

17: Encouraging Cooperation, Sharing, Empathy

Find out how to promote pro-social behaviors and empathy in children while managing your own temper.

Duration: 31 min

18: Peer Conflicts and Social Development

Learn how to teach social competence and conflict management skills to help children avoid bullying and develop healthy relationships.

Duration: 34 min

19: Maria Montessori at Home for Young Children

Discover how to apply Montessori methods at home to encourage active exploration and responsibility in young children.

Duration: 31 min

20: Schooling and the Montessori Approach

Explore how Montessori principles can be adapted for older children and the benefits of independent learning.

Duration: 31 min

21: Physical Development and Education

Learn how to foster children’s physical development and the importance of physical education for overall well-being.

Duration: 34 min

22: The Adolescent Brain

Understand the factors influencing adolescent behavior and how to maintain a trusting relationship with your teen.

Duration: 32 min

23: Becoming a Parent-Scientist

Encourage yourself to be a producer of science by conducting research within your own family to assess outcomes.

Duration: 33 min

24: The Great Values of an Unhurried Childhood

Explore the importance of allowing children to progress at their own pace and the value of unstructured play.

Duration: 35 min