Parents with teenagers spend an average of 5.3 hours per day on work-related activities while managing family responsibilities. The challenge isn’t just finding more time but using it wisely. These research-backed strategies will help you create structure, reduce stress, and strengthen family bonds while maintaining your career momentum.

10 Essential Time Management Strategies for Busy Parents

1. Implement Time Boxing for Daily Tasks

Set specific time limits for each activity on your schedule. Whether it’s helping with homework, preparing meals, or responding to work emails, assign exact time-frames to prevent tasks from expanding unnecessarily.

Start with realistic estimates. If making dinner typically takes 45 minutes, block out one hour to account for interruptions. This buffer prevents the domino effect where one delayed task throws off your entire evening routine.

Track your actual completion times for a week. You’ll discover which activities consistently take longer than expected and can adjust your planning accordingly. Most parents underestimate transition time between activities by 10-15 minutes.

2. Create Strategic Carpooling Networks

Transportation consumes significant portions of parents’ schedules. Building reliable carpooling arrangements with other families cuts your driving responsibilities while strengthening community connections.

Connect with parents during school events, sports practices, or neighborhood gatherings. Look for families with similar values and scheduling needs. Many schools have parent Facebook groups where you can find carpooling partners.

Establish clear expectations upfront. Discuss pickup times, backup plans for sick days, and fuel cost sharing. Rotate driving duties fairly rather than expecting one parent to handle all transportation responsibilities.

3. Prioritize Non-Negotiable Family Time

When it comes to time management, working parents often struggle with guilt about missing important moments. Combat this by scheduling family appointments like business meetings. Block specific times for activities that matter most to your children.

Research shows that quality trumps quantity when it comes to parent-child interactions. Thirty minutes of focused attention often provides more value than hours of distracted presence while multitasking.

Put devices away during designated family periods. Children notice when you’re physically present but mentally elsewhere. Your undivided attention during shorter windows creates stronger connections than longer periods with constant interruptions.

4. Build Buffer Time Into Your Schedule

Plan for the unexpected because children excel at creating surprise situations. Add 15-20 minute cushions between scheduled activities to accommodate forgotten homework, wardrobe changes, or meltdowns.

Use completed buffer time for quick personal activities. Enjoy your coffee while it’s still hot, read a few pages of a book, or simply sit quietly for a moment. These micro-breaks prevent burnout and help you approach the next task with renewed energy.

Parents with multiple children especially benefit from buffer time. What works smoothly with one child often becomes complicated when siblings are involved. Plan accordingly rather than hoping for perfect timing.

5. Prepare Everything the Night Before

Morning routines run smoother when you handle preparation tasks the evening prior. Lay out clothes, pack school bags, prepare lunch ingredients, and set up breakfast items before going to bed.

Create a family launch pad near your main exit. Install hooks for backpacks, designate spots for shoes, and keep a small basket for keys, permission slips, and other daily essentials. This central station prevents frantic searching during busy mornings.

Teach older children to participate in evening preparation. Even preschoolers can choose their clothes and put items in their backpacks. This builds independence while reducing your workload.

6. Establish Consistent Daily Routines

Children thrive with predictable schedules, and parents benefit from automated decision-making. When bedtime routines, homework times, and meal schedules become habits, you spend less mental energy managing basic daily functions.

Post visual schedules for younger children showing the sequence of activities. Pictures help kids understand what comes next without constant parental reminders. This independence frees you to focus on other tasks.

Adjust routines seasonally rather than constantly tweaking them. Major changes require 3-4 weeks to become automatic. Stick with new systems long enough to see real benefits before making additional modifications.

Related » 4 Productivity Hacks That Actually Work by David Allen

7. Delegate Age-Appropriate Household Tasks

Children can contribute meaningfully to household functioning while learning valuable life skills. Start with simple responsibilities and gradually increase complexity as they demonstrate competence.

Preschoolers can sort laundry by color, set napkins on the table, and put toys away. Elementary-age children can load dishwashers, fold towels, and prepare simple snacks. Teenagers should handle their own laundry and contribute to meal preparation.

Make delegation about capability building rather than punishment. Frame household contributions as family teamwork. Children who learn responsibility early often become more organized adults.

Related » The Best Way of Sharing Household Chores

8. Use Technology Strategically

Digital tools can streamline family management when used purposefully. Shared family calendars help everyone stay informed about schedules and commitments. Grocery apps with shared lists prevent duplicate purchases and forgotten items.

Set up automatic bill payments and subscription deliveries for household essentials. Reducing routine decision-making preserves mental energy for more important parenting tasks.

Establish tech-free zones and times to maintain family connections. While technology assists with logistics, it shouldn’t replace human interaction during meals or bedtime routines.

Related » How to Stop Being Busy and Start Being Productive

9. Maintain Your Physical and Mental Health

Working mothers spend about 25 hours more in total work time per week but 20 hours less in leisure time than their non-employed partners. This imbalance leads to exhaustion and resentment.

Schedule self-care like any other important appointment. Even 15 minutes of morning stretching or evening reading contributes to your overall wellbeing. You cannot pour from an empty cup.

Model healthy habits for your children. Eat nutritious meals together when possible, demonstrate stress management techniques, and show them that adults also need rest and recovery time.

10. Practice Single-Tasking During Family Time

Multitasking feels productive but often reduces the quality of everything you’re attempting to accomplish simultaneously. When spending time with children, focus entirely on that interaction.

Put work emails and household tasks on hold during designated family periods. Children sense divided attention and may escalate behaviors to gain your full focus. Present-moment awareness strengthens relationships while actually saving time by reducing conflicts.

Set boundaries around work availability. Establish specific hours when you’re accessible for work communications and stick to those limits. Constant availability creates stress for everyone in your household.

Creating Your Personalized Time Management System

Start by implementing 2-3 strategies that address your biggest pain points. Most families see improvements within two weeks of consistent application. Avoid overwhelming yourself by attempting too many changes simultaneously.

Track what works and what doesn’t for your specific situation. Every family has unique circumstances that require customized solutions. Be willing to modify strategies based on your results rather than rigidly following generic advice.

Remember that effective time management for busy parents isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating systems that reduce stress, increase family connection, and help everyone thrive. Small improvements compound over time into significant positive changes.

The goal isn’t to optimize every minute but to ensure the time you do have aligns with your family’s values and priorities. When you manage time intentionally, you create space for what matters most while maintaining the structure needed for daily life to run smoothly.

References:

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024); Employment Characteristics of Families Summary
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022); How parents used their time in 2021
• Pew Research Center (2024); Chapter 4: How Mothers and Fathers Spend Their Time

The post 10 Essential Time Management Strategies for Busy Parents appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

A well-planned schedule that incorporates sensory-friendly play, interactive learning, and structured routines provides children with consistency and security. By offering hands-on experiences such as sensory bins, visual schedules, and guided play, parents and educators can support developmental milestones in both home and educational settings.

Understanding how to structure these activities can make a significant impact on a child’s ability to engage with their environment effectively.

Enhancing Communication Through Visual and Interactive Learning

Communication challenges are common among children with autism, making interactive and visual-based learning particularly beneficial. Activities that encourage expressive and receptive communication include:

• Visual Schedules: Using picture-based schedules helps children understand routines and transitions, reducing anxiety and improving independence.
• Storytelling with Visuals: Incorporating illustrated books, social stories, and digital storytelling platforms enhances comprehension and engagement.
• Adaptive Arts and Crafts: Providing step-by-step guided art projects encourages self-expression and fine motor skill development.

These activities support language development and social interaction, offering children alternative ways to communicate their thoughts and emotions. Parents and educators can use activities for children with autism to further enhance these communication techniques.

Sensory Play: Encouraging Exploration and Engagement

Children with autism often experience sensory sensitivities that impact how they interact with their surroundings. Sensory-friendly activities can help desensitize overwhelming stimuli while encouraging positive engagement. Examples of effective sensory play include:

• Sensory Bins: Filled with materials like rice, sand, or water beads, these bins allow children to explore different textures and improve fine motor skills.
• Fidget Tools and Sensory Toys: Items like stress balls, textured mats, and putty help children self-regulate and enhance focus.
• Music and Movement Activities: Simple rhythm exercises or dancing to music can stimulate auditory processing and improve coordination.

By integrating sensory play into daily routines, caregivers can create enjoyable experiences that enhance sensory integration and cognitive flexibility.

Social Skills Development: Creating Opportunities for Interaction

Social interactions can be challenging for children with autism, but structured activities can facilitate meaningful connections. Implementing guided social interactions in a supportive environment encourages positive peer relationships and social skill development. Some effective strategies include:

• Role-Playing Games: Practicing real-life scenarios like ordering at a restaurant or greeting a friend builds confidence and prepares children for social interactions.
• Turn-Taking Activities: Simple games that require waiting and sharing teach patience and cooperation.
• Group Activities with Clear Structure: Activities such as cooperative building projects or structured play dates create predictable social environments, making interactions more manageable.

Encouraging participation in social activities tailored to individual comfort levels can help children build essential social skills for lifelong development.

Using Assistive Technology in Learning and Play

As understanding of autism evolves, new technologies and educational tools are revolutionizing the way children engage with the world. Assistive technology provides innovative ways to enhance learning, communication, and social interaction. Notable advancements include:

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices: Tablets and speech-generating devices help nonverbal children communicate effectively.
• Educational Apps and Games: Interactive apps tailored to autism-specific learning needs support cognitive development and reinforce concepts through engaging game play.
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Gamified Learning: Emerging VR experiences allow children to practice real-world scenarios in a controlled, stress-free setting.

By incorporating assistive technology into daily learning, parents and educators can offer personalized support that aligns with a child’s unique needs.

Adapting Strategies to Individual Needs

Every child with autism is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Adapting activities to individual strengths and preferences ensures meaningful engagement. Key considerations include:

• Observing Interests and Sensitivities: Identifying preferred activities and sensory preferences helps tailor experiences to a child’s comfort level.
• Using Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding participation and effort with praise or preferred incentives encourages continued engagement.
• Being Flexible and Patient: Allowing children to engage at their own pace fosters a positive and pressure-free learning environment.

By incorporating flexibility and individualized approaches, caregivers can create enriching developmental experiences that cater to each child’s specific needs.

Conclusion: Building a Foundation for Lifelong Success

Engaging children with autism in structured, interactive activities plays a crucial role in their cognitive, emotional, and social development. By leveraging sensory-friendly play, visual learning, social interactions, and assistive technology, caregivers can create opportunities for growth and skill-building. Encouraging participation in tailored activities, utilizing positive reinforcement, and adapting strategies to individual needs can make a lasting impact. Whether at home, in school, or in community programs, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment helps children with autism develop essential skills for lifelong success.

The post Engaging Ways to Support the Development of Children with Autism appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Culturally, boys and girls often face different expectations, and it’s tempting to impose limits to “protect” daughters. Yet, emotional maturity is developing in tandem with physical changes. So, while setting boundaries, balance them with trust. Remember that adolescence is about forming a new identity—an ongoing journey of self-discovery.

How to Help Your Teenage Daughter Blossom Into a Healthy and Happy Adult

Here are a few pointers that can empower you to support your teenage daughter as she embraces her transition to adulthood.

Balancing Freedom and Responsibility

With all the physical and mental changes your daughter is experiencing, her reasoning, judgment, and self-image are constantly evolving. Social preferences also shift, with time spent increasingly among friends. This transition doesn’t mean she doesn’t value your support; in fact, you remain her steady anchor. Respect her social choices but stay gently involved.

Monitor her friends without infringing on her privacy. Rather than spying, talk openly about her relationships. If you notice concerning behavior, express your concerns calmly and encourage a positive, open dialogue. Set family-wide rules that foster mutual respect, not a hierarchy of limitations.

Supporting Your Teen’s Career Choices

Teenagers may seem resistant to guidance, but your insights can be valuable. Explore her strengths and interests and discuss career possibilities without pushing her toward your dreams. Encouraging her to follow her natural talents can motivate her to strive in her chosen field.

If you’re unsure of her inclinations, professional career counseling or aptitude tests can help reveal unique skills and interests. Remember, though, that sons and daughters deserve equal encouragement and support, free of gender-based expectations. Promote an environment where she feels empowered to pursue her aspirations.

Handling Her Mood Swings

Mood swings, driven by hormonal changes, are a natural part of adolescence. While these shifts may test your patience, it’s vital to remain calm and understanding. Empathize with your teenage daughter’s struggles and validate her emotions. If she resists advice, simply listen without judgment. Letting her express herself is sometimes more valuable than offering solutions.

Remain consistent, and try not to interpret rebellious behavior as a parenting failure. Strengthen your role by being open and adaptable, balancing boundaries with trust. Share your own values calmly rather than imposing them; this models self-assurance and provides a safe emotional anchor as she explores her identity.

Building a Supportive Community

Parenting a teenage daughter can be overwhelming, but connecting with other parents of adolescents can provide fresh perspectives. Exchange ideas, share struggles, and support one another. Hearing how others manage similar challenges can remind you that you’re not alone and can help you develop effective strategies.

Championing Her Right to Independence

Your teenage daughter deserves the freedom to make her own choices and shape her life. Help her resist societal pressures that may limit her opportunities. Encourage her to seek equality and value her worth beyond stereotypes. As her parent, you play a crucial role in helping her break free from gender constraints and aim high.

Related » 7 ways to help your teenager survive and thrive

Conclusion

Raising a teenage daughter is a dynamic journey that calls for patience, understanding, and mutual respect. By fostering open communication, respecting her growing independence, and balancing guidance with trust, you can support her path to becoming a strong, empowered individual. Remember, your presence and acceptance are the foundations that will help her navigate this transformative stage with confidence.

This is an updated version of the article that originally appeared in the March 2009 issue of Complete Wellbeing magazine.

The post Tips to Help Your Teenage Daughter Blossom Into a Thriving Adult appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

My Daughter Ran Away From School Too Often

There are as many reasons to run away from school as there are children who do it. It’s important to pay attention to school avoidance—it can be a serious cry for help—but truancy is not always as big a problem as parents and educators think it is.

One of my daughters—a curious, sociable, and energetic child—hated school from the age of three, when I enrolled her in nursery school. I worked from home, and she loved spending time there with me. She always had projects of her own that she wanted to work on, and she experienced school as a waste of her time. Her academic skills were advanced for her age, and continued to develop through pursuing her various interests. In kindergarten, she developed a bad case of ‘Monday Morning Sickness’—she’d be great all weekend, then fall terribly ill on Monday morning. If I kept her home from school, she’d be well by 10am, and get progressively ‘healthier’ as the week went on.

The details of my daughter’s school avoidance tactics changed as she got older, until she was truant more than she attended during one year of high school. This was terribly worrying for me, but I’m glad to say that this story has a happy ending. After many years of conflict between us, and countless attempts to find a good solution, she became an enthusiastic and successful university student. Finally, she was able to throw herself passionately into topics she found meaningful, at a depth and complexity she found challenging. Finally school was worth attending.

Understanding School Truancy

Is school truancy about a creative and independent spirit, a bad fit, or simply a cry for help?

In my counseling practice, I’ve worked with many parents who are concerned about a child’s attempts to avoid school, and I’ve learned there are many reasons for running away from school.

Running away from school can involve a bad fit between the child’s temperament or learning needs, and what is being provided at school, as was the case with my daughter. It can involve any one or more of a number of emotional issues, sometimes reflecting worries to do with family problems—divorce, neglect, economic uncertainty, illness or conflict at home. School truancy can also be a way to avoid having to do with social pressures, including bullies and problems with social skills. One solution is seeking teenage counseling, which provides teens with the tools and support they need to manage anxiety, stress, or other issues contributing to school avoidance

One of the most frequent reasons for school avoidance that I’ve seen in my private practice occurs when smart kids have serious learning issues, including attention problems, uneven skill development, learning disabilities.

School truancy issues are highly individual, and reflect particular circumstances. They’re different across children, and they also change over time, as kids develop. Some children run away from school when they’re young, but then later love it, as eventually occurred with my daughter. Others enjoy school when they’re young, but reach a point where they have no time or use for it. Sometimes kids in the latter category are going through a stage where they’re more interested in other things—social, creative, athletic or other interests—and sometimes they’re independent learners, and create alternative educational and career paths for themselves.

While sometimes children run away from school for a relatively simple and benign cause, other times it’s a serious cry for help.

9 Action Tips for Parents Whose Child Runs Away From School

1. Listen to your child

Ask questions, patiently and calmly, with the focus on understanding what’s happening. Try to look beyond this as a simple discipline problem, the fact that your child isn’t doing what he’s supposed to be doing. Let him do the talking. Listen actively to his answers. Try to remain open to what he’s saying, without judgement or criticism.

2. Do some soul-searching

Are there problems at home that might lead to your child needing more attention than she’s getting? Does she have worries you can help her with? Does she need help with social, emotional, or academic skills? Does she need more focused time with you when you’re not checking your phone or thinking about your next commitment?

3. Focus on collaborative problem-solving

Avoid anger and blame. Don’t stigmatize or punish, your child. Don’t waste your time feeling guilty. Look at the issue as a shared problem, one to address and solve with your child and others, including the child’s other parent, as well as teachers and administrators. Perhaps there are friends or family members who can offer some insight or help, a grandparent, sibling or someone else who knows your child and the situation.

4. Think about simple fixes

Would it help if the early morning getting-ready-for-school routine was made less rushed? Maybe you could get up 30 minutes earlier and have some easy time together before school starts. Would it help if the after-school arrangements were different? Is there anything you can do to smooth the end of the day for your child? How about if you were more actively involved in the school, perhaps doing some volunteer work on a regular basis?

5. Talk to the teacher

How does the teacher see the problem? What strengths and challenges has he or she identified that might lead to your child not wanting to go to school? Does the teacher like your child? When you’re in the school, does it feel like a positive environment for your child?

6. Think about an assessment

Your child may be experiencing a psychological or cognitive problem you’re not aware of, perhaps an undiagnosed attention deficit or learning disability. It can be easier for a child to run than to deal with a circumstance where people are telling him he’s not living up to his potential, where he’s working hard but not getting very far.

7. Look for signs of serious problems

There are many less serious concerns that lead to kids running away from school, but truancy sometimes results from involvement with drugs, alcohol or sexual activity. It can also reflect experiences of bullying and social rejection or neglect, whether from teachers, peers or both.

8. Be creative

Consider changing classrooms or teachers. Think about home-schooling possibilities [which can be done collaboratively with other parents, or as part-time supplements to school]. Explore reducing or increasing your child’s academic load. Think about giving her days off—maybe one ‘mental health day’ for each four or nine days she attends. For some kids, the fact their parents are willing to consider alternatives like these is enough to ease the strain they’re feeling and help them move toward a solution.

9. Give your child as much control over the problem as you can

Do some problem-solving together, and be respectful of the solutions he generates. Work with him so she feels ownership over solutions and a partner in your actions moving forward. Ask he what she thinks will help, and give that a try if at all possible.

Summing Up

Ultimately, school avoidance is not a one-size-fits-all problem, and it’s crucial to approach it with understanding, creativity, and collaboration. By listening to your child, addressing any underlying concerns, and seeking appropriate support when needed, you can help them find a path that works for their unique needs. For some, it may be a phase that passes, while for others, it might signal the need for long-term adjustments. Either way, focusing on their wellbeing and being open to alternative approaches can lead to a more positive outcome for both the child and the family.

Before you go…

You might also like to read » Why Children Lie and What You Can Do About It

A version of this article first appeared in the July 2015 issue of Complete Wellbeing magazine (print edition).

The post Understanding School Truancy: Navigating the Reasons and Finding Solutions appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

• Introduction: What Is Gentle Parenting —  A Mother’s Perspective
• A Real-Life Example of Gentle Parenting Technique
• Why I Chose to Embrace Gentle Parenting
• How to Discipline Your Child Through Gentle Parenting
• 7 Benefits of Gentle Parenting
• Possible Challenges of Adopting the Gentle Parenting Approach
• A Few Tips to Adopt Gentle Parenting
• Summary of Do’s and Don’ts of Gentle Parenting
• Conclusion

What Is Gentle Parenting —  A Mother’s Perspective

Gentle parenting is a sound parenting approach that centers on parent treating their children with kindness, empathy, and respect. It’s about creating a safe environment where your children feel comfortable exploring themselves and their world in a non-judgmental space.

To me, it means putting the needs of my child before my ego. It is about letting go of things and emotions that suppress my child from expressing hers. I try to communicate openly with my daughter, listen to her needs and feelings, and give her choices whenever possible.

Gentle parenting encourages good behavior through positive reinforcement rather than punishment. In my view, gentle parenting is about building strong bonds between my children and me. This requires me to be emotionally available, comfort and support them, and respond to their needs in a loving and responsive manner.

Overall, gentle parenting is an approach that prioritizes treating children with kindness, respect, and dignity. Intuitively, the approach feels just the right for nurturing my child’s mental and emotional development as she grows up.

A Real-Life Example of Gentle Parenting Technique

Let me share an example from my own parenting journey. I was replying to emails and my 5-year-old daughter Myra was playing in the same room, her non-stop chatter serving as background music.

All of a sudden there was pin-drop silence and as a parent you would know: sudden silence rings alarm bells. I immediately turned around to check and there she was, sitting in a pool of water, that she had spilled all over the floor and the new rug, with a look of fear and embarrassment over her face. My first impulse was displeasure, but I took a deep breath, walked up to her and told her “It is OK, let’s first get you out of the damp clothes”. I then asked her to clean up the mess [with my help, of course] and later, over lunch, I asked her why she was playing with water on the rug, when I have told her clearly that it is not allowed. Like all kids her age, she kept dodging the question and finally promised that she will not do it again.

This does not mean she will keep her word, but I keep reminding her of what is allowed and what is not. This is an example of gentle parenting techniques, and I am a gentle parent.

Why I Chose to Embrace Gentle Parenting

As a child I was verbally abused, hit and slapped; I was made to feel guilty for the smallest mistakes, made to stand in front of the altar and made to feel bad because I made “God” unhappy. I was clear that I didn’t want to do that to my child. I want her to be able to trust me, I want to be her safe space. It’s not easy doing this. There are days I yell at her too—I’m human after all. But one thing I will always do, which my parents never did: I will apologize to her. I will apologize to her, no matter how small the hurt is.

As a kid, when I broke or messed up something, the first reaction of my parents was to yell. Perhaps it wasn’t intentional, but that’s how they were raised and they thought that was the way it is done. Breaking something would result in a long lecture instead of being asked, “Are you hurt?” This instilled a lot of fear in me. In fact, at the age of nine, I actually ran away from home, because I lost a pair of socks and I was petrified of facing the fury of my parents. I don’t want my child to feel the same way and that is why I choose to discipline her gently.

Related » Strict parenting increases risk of depression in later life

How I Discipline My Child With Gentle Parenting

Contrary to what many people believe, gentle parenting isn’t devoid of discipline—it is an integral part of the approach. Here are some ways I discipline my child in a gentle way:

1. Set clear boundaries

I establish clear boundaries and guidelines for my child, explaining the reasons behind the rules. I help her understand that rules are there to keep them safe and healthy.

2. Offer positive reinforcement

I praise my child when she makes good choices. I try to focus on the good and avoid referring to the not-so-good. Some parents offer rewards or incentives as a means to encourage their children to behave well, though I don’t do this.

3. Let them learn from natural consequences

I allow my child to experience the natural consequences of their actions. That means that she breaks a toy, she must live without it for a while, and if she doesn’t clean up her mess, she can’t play with friends until she does.

4. Use redirection to distract them from undesirable behavior

When my child starts to misbehave, I try to distract her attention and energy towards positive activities. As an example, let’s say that when she is throwing a tantrum, I might suggest we read a book or go for a walk instead.

5. Use respectful communication

I speak to my child in a calm and respectful tone, even when I need to correct her behavior. I try to use “I” statements to express how her behavior affects me, rather than blaming or shaming them.

As a gentle parenting mom, I have come to believe that gentle parenting helps me discipline my child in a way that teaches her responsibility and respect, while also maintaining a positive and loving relationship.

How Gentle Parenting Benefits Your Children

There are many reasons to be a gentle parent. Here are some of the key benefits of the approach:

1. Builds a strong and secure attachment with your child

Gentle parenting is about building a strong emotional bond between you and your child, creating a safe and nurturing environment for the child to thrive.

2. Promotes positive behavior among kids

Gentle parenting focuses on positive reinforcement and redirection rather than punishment, which helps encourage good behavior and reduces negative behavior.

3. Enhances their communication skills

As you listen to your child’s needs and feelings, and respond with empathy and understanding, you are teaching them to communicate in the same effective way.

4. Develops their emotional intelligence

Gentle parenting helps your child learn to identify and express their emotions in a healthy and appropriate way, which is an important life skill.

5. Improves your child’s self-esteem

When you provide your child with positive feedback and encouragement, and treat them with kindness and respect, their self-esteem and confidence gets a fillip.

6. Encourages the spirit of independence in your child

Gentle parenting allows your child to make choices and decisions for themselves, which can help them develop a sense of independence and autonomy.

7. Supports long-term mental health of your child

By nurturing your child’s emotional well-being through gentle parenting, you can help support their long-term mental health and happiness.

Possible Challenges of Adopting the Gentle Parenting Approach

As with any parenting approach, there may be challenges associated with practicing gentle parenting. Here are some possible challenges and ways to deal with them:

Difficulty setting boundaries

I have found that setting and enforcing clear boundaries with my children is never easy even when I know that boundaries are necessary for their own safety and wellbeing. I try my best to communicate this to them.

Dealing with challenging behavior

Gentle parenting may is not that effective in dealing with difficult behavior, such as aggression or defiance. In such situations, you might want to seek professional help and support from a qualified therapist or counselor.

Managing frustration and anger

Gentle parenting requires patience and self-control, which is not always possible. I have been learning to manage my own emotions so that I respond to my child in a calm and loving way as much as possible.

Balancing your child’s needs with your own

Gentle parenting can be time-consuming and emotionally draining, which can make it difficult to balance your child’s needs with your own. I struggle to prioritize self-care but I try and seek support from family and friends when I can.

Dealing with criticism from others

Some people may not understand or agree with gentle parenting, and may criticize or judge your approach. In such times, I remind myself that as a mother I know what is best for my child, and I must continue to trust my instincts and beliefs.

Overall, it’s important to approach gentle parenting with an open mind and a willingness to adapt to challenges as they arise. Seek support and guidance from trusted sources, and prioritize your child’s emotional well-being above all else.

A Few Tips to Adopt Gentle Parenting

If you have any doubts about whether you are equipped to embrace the gentle parenting approach for your kids, read what parenting expert Sarah Ockwell-Smith says in her book The Gentle Parenting Book: How to raise calmer, happier children from birth to seven: “Gentle parenting requires nothing more than love, dedication and consistency. It isn’t reserved for the most naturally calm or highly educated parents, for stay-at-home parents or those with only one child. Money, qualifications, and temperament are not relevant; and it doesn’t matter how well you were parented yourself or if you started your own parenting journey using a different approach.”

Here are a few tips to help you get started on your journey to become a gentle parent.

Be kind to yourself first

Unless you are kind to yourself, you won’t be kind to your child. Don’t let guilt overrule your mind. Very often our guilt causes us to react very wrongly and that results in us being mean to our kids.

Identify your child’s triggers

Children throw tantrums not because they are badly behaved, but because they aren’t able to self regulate emotions. They need help to do so and it’s on us to provide them that help.

Identify your own triggers

Knowing your own triggers helps you stay mindful in the face of a challenging situation. One of my triggers is that I can’t tolerate my daughter crying loudly, without a reason — it drives me up the wall. So if her dad is around, I walk away and ask him to take over.

Go down to your child’s level

There’s nothing which beats this. Kneeling down in front of your child, taking them in a warm embrace and speaking to them gently. Speak to your child in a gentle soothing voice. Validate their feelings, tell them you know exactly how they feel, hear them out, a warm cuddle is worth more than a 1000 words sometimes.

Talk to them about their mistakes

It’s important to let kids know that they did wrong, but not in the heat of the moment. Do it later, when the child is calm. You could have a conversation about their behavior at bedtime. Talk to them about what they did. Ask them why they did it and then gently explain to them why it was not such a nice thing to do. Being gentle doesn’t mean always having to say yes to them, it means hearing them out first and then telling them why they can’t have everything they ask for.

Summary of Do’s and Don’ts of Gentle Parenting

Do’s

• Show your children love, kindness, and respect. Treat them the way you would want to be treated
• Communicate with your children in a calm and respectful manner. Listen to their needs and feelings, and respond with empathy and understanding
• Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. Praise your children when they do something well, and help them understand why their actions were positive
• Set appropriate boundaries and guidelines for your children. Explain your expectations and provide clear consequences when rules are broken
• Prioritize building a strong and secure attachment with your children. Be emotionally available, responsive, and supportive
• Be generous with expressions of love — shower them with hugs with or without reason.

Don’ts

• Never use physical or emotional punishment to discipline your children. For instance, never withhold love and affection from your children, no matter what the provocation as doing so can damage the trust and attachment between you and your child
• Don’t ignore your child’s needs or feelings. Even if you can’t fulfill their request, acknowledge their emotions and show them that you care
• Avoid criticizing or shaming your child for their mistakes or misbehavior. Instead, use their blunders as opportunities to teach them about better choices.
• Don’t use fear or threats to control your child’s behavior. This can create a negative and stressful environment for your child.
• Don’t assume that your child is intentionally misbehaving or acting out. Try to find out the underlying cause of their behavior and address it in a loving and understanding way.

Conclusion

Gentle parenting focuses on building strong attachments and using positive reinforcement, redirection, and respectful communication with children. This approach helps promote positive behavior, enhance communication skills, and support the child’s long-term mental and emotional health. While gentle parenting may come with its challenges, such as setting boundaries and dealing with challenging behavior, the benefits for both parent and child are clear. By prioritizing empathy, understanding, and love, parents can help their children grow into confident, resilient, and emotionally intelligent individuals.

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Everyone is aware of the damaging consequences excessive screen time has on our health and happiness. However, because childhood and adolescence are critical times for brain development, the negative consequences of overexposure to screens among children are of particular concern.

Ongoing research indicates that excessive used of screen-based devices may obstruct a child’s physical, mental, emotional, and social development. Youngsters who are addicted to their devices tend to have poorer postures, altered sleep habits, decreased attention spans, and problems with impulse control. Moreover, such kids are more prone to developing issues like obesity, depression, anxiety, and ADHD. The risks of screens can affect even very young children. According to MRIs, kids who use screens experience slower brain growth. That is why public health organizations such as WHO, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development recommend that parents and teachers must restrict screen time among children.

In this article, we will try to understand the various possible ill-effects caused by overexposure to screens among children and adolescents.

Overexposure to Screens Among Children: Top Causes of Concern

Poor posture

Because it encourages extended sitting or slouching in front of the computer, excessive screen time among youngsters frequently results in poor posture, which is one of the main causes of concern. Youngsters frequently slump in their seats or lean over their devices, which leads to ‘text neck’ and improper spinal and shoulder alignment. Moreover, the incorrect posture stresses the muscles and joints, resulting in discomfort and suffering.
Long-term slouching is linked to muscle imbalances and structural abnormalities in the spine.

Eye strain

Children, like adults, can develop eye strain, fatigue, and dry eyes from gazing at a screen for an extended period of time. But in their situation, prolonged screen use puts their eye health at greater risk. Studies show that children who use digital devices more regularly are more likely to become myopic. Kids’ eyes are constantly converging when they are focusing on screens, which ophthalmologists fear may lead to an enlargement of the eyeball over time. Spending more time indoors prevents kids from having adequate opportunities to relax their eye’s focusing muscles, which can lead to myopia.

Poor sleep

Blue light, which screens emit, is known to inhibit the generation of melatonin, a hormone that controls sleep. Without enough melatonin, your child may struggle to fall asleep at nights. The actual content is the next factor. Screens’ exciting material makes it more difficult for kids to unwind and unwind before bed. Youngsters who spend too much time staring at devices find it challenging to fall asleep because they are unable to transition to a state of rest. However, regular screen time before bed may throw off the body’s natural clock, which can lead to sleep disorders like delayed sleep phase disorder. Due to the disruption of the regular sleep cycle caused by this illness, it is challenging to wake up the following morning because one feels sleepy much later in the evening. According to a research that appeared in the Journal of Pediatrics, each hour of screen usage can cause three to eight minutes less sleep per night. Yet inadequate sleep is known to have a negative impact on general health.

Decreased attention spans

Children who spend too much time staring at screens tend to struggle sustaining attention and completing tasks, both in school and at home. This is hardly surprising because prolonged use of screens overstimulated the brain, which then hinders focus of the child; the fast-paced nature of digital media adds fuel to the fire.  Children are being increasingly diagnosed with a condition called “attentional blink,” where they find it hard to switch their focus from one thing to another.The prefrontal cortex, which is important for attention, decision-making, and impulse control, may be particularly affected by excessive screen usage in children. Even pre-schoolers aren’t immune to the negative effects of excessive screen-time.

Underdeveloped communication skills

Youngsters who spend a lot of time looking at screens may find struggle to recognize nonverbal cues and understand tone of voice, two skills that are essential for face-to-face communication. As a result, it may be difficult for them to comprehend social situations and respond appropriately, affecting their ability to interact with with others

When children spend a lot of time talking online through computers, they may find it challenging to communicate offline in ways like initiating and maintaining conversations or recognizing and reacting to social cues in real-world interactions. Their verbal communication skills, which are essential for future success in life, may suffer from a lack of experience with real discussions or from listening and talking to others in person.

What’s more, children who spend a lot of time on screens or digital devices tend to have fewer opportunities for unstructured play and free time with peers, which is important for developing social skills.

Poor impulse control

Again, the activity of the prefrontal cortex may decrease with the constant over-stimulation from digital devices. So children who are overexposed to screens may have issues related to self-regulation and impulse-control. This is because when their screens are constantly inundated with notifications and alerts and so on, children start to feel an artificial sense of urgency at all times. This also affects their impulse-control. Moreover, the instant gratification and rewards provided by digital devices means that it is evermore difficult for kids to delay gratification, which is an important marker for success in later life .

Risk of obesity

It is hardly surprising that scientific research has found a link between excessive screen time and childhood obesity. This is because kids who spend more time on screens are less likely to exercise and more likely to buy unhealthy drinks and snacks, especially since TV and social media commercials commonly feature junk food advertisements.

Poor mental health

Overexposure to screens could cause an imbalance in the neurotransmitters of the brain causing mood alteration and changes in emotional regulation. Social media posts and online entertainment’s constant over-stimulation and social comparison can cause kids to experience feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, as well as feelings of isolation and a separation from reality. Moreover, content that consists of violence, bullying, and harassment can cause emotional distress among kids. These factors tend to increase a child’s risk of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. In fact, a study conducted by San Diego State University’s professor of psychology Jean Twenge suggests that time spent looking at screens “might have contributed to an uptick in symptoms of depression and suicide-related behaviors and thoughts in American young people, especially girls.

Research has found that adolescents who were regularly overexposed to screens had double the risk of depression/anxiety. They were also twice as likely to need treatment for mental or behavioral health conditions.

What Can Parents and Teachers Do to Help

In view of the risks of overexposure to screens among children discussed above, there are many ways you can help. Here are a few suggestions

• Encourage your children to take frequent breaks from screen and devices;
• Teach your children to look frequently away from their devices and into the distance — will help protect their eye health;
• Ensure that their child’s workstation and devices are set up in a way that promotes good posture;
• Encourage them to engage in outdoor activities that don’t involve their smartphones and other digital devices;
• Make sure kids put their devices away at least an hour before bed; a consistent bedtime routine devoid of electronics can will allow your child to get a good night’s sleep;
• Set appropriate limits on media consumption to ensure that your children have the opportunity to develop the attentional and cognitive skills;
• Encouraging kids to participate in activities that help them develop impulse control, such playing sports and being creative;
• Teach your children the art of mindfulness;
• Encourage your child to be physically active; restrict access to junk food to help prevent childhood obesity;
• Find ways so that your children spend enough time with friends and family; this protects their mental health.

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Presenting the work at the ECNP Congress in Vienna, Dr Evelien Van Assche said:

“We discovered that perceived harsh parenting, with physical punishment and psychological manipulation, can introduce an additional set of instructions on how a gene is read to become hard-wired into DNA. We have some indications that these changes themselves can predispose the growing child to depression. This does not happen to the same extent if the children have had a supportive upbringing”.

Details of the methodology and findings of the study

The researchers, from the University of Leuven in Belgium, selected 21 adolescents who reported good parenting (for example, the parents being supportive and giving the children autonomy), and compared them with 23 adolescents who reported harsh parenting (for example, manipulative behaviour, physical punishment, excessive strictness). All adolescents were between 12 and 16 years old, with a mean of 14 years for both groups. For both groups 11 adolescents were boys meaning that the two groups  were comparable, with a similar age and a similar, boy-girl distribution.

Many of those who had experienced harsh parenting showed initial, subclinical signs of depression.

The researchers then measured the range of methylation at more than 450,000 places in the DNA of each subject and found that this was significantly increased in those who reported a harsh upbringing.

Evelien Van Assche said “We based our approach on prior research with identical twins. Two independent groups found that the twin diagnosed with major depression also had a higher range of DNA methylation for the majority of these hundreds of thousands of data points, as compared to the healthy twin”.

Childhood stress, too, can cause the similar changes in DNA

Dr Van Assche (now working at the University of Munster, Germany) continued “The DNA remains the same, but these additional chemical groups affect how the instructions from the DNA are read. Those who reported harsher parenting showed a tendency towards depression, and we believe that this tendency has been baked into their DNA through increased variation in methylation. We are now seeing if we can close the loop by linking it to a later diagnosis of depression and  perhaps use this increased methylation variation as a marker, to give advance warning of who might be at greater risk of developing depression as a result of their upbringing”.

In this study we investigated the role of harsh parenting, but it’s likely that any significant stress will lead to such changes in DNA methylation; so in general, stresses in childhood may lead to a general tendency to depression in later life by altering the way your DNA is read. However these results need to be confirmed in a larger sample”. 

Commenting, Professor Christiaan Vinkers, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, said:

“This is extremely important work to understand the mechanisms how adverse experiences during childhood have life-long consequences for both mental health and physical health. There is a lot to gain if we can understand who is at risk, but also why there are differing effects of strict parenting”.

Professor Vinkers was not involved in this work, this is an independent comment.

This work was presented at the 35^th European College of Neuropsychopharmacology annual conference, which took place in Vienna and online from 15-18 October, see https://www.ecnp.eu/Congress2022/ECNPcongress. The ECNP is Europe’s main organisation working in applied neuroscience.

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There’s often a tendency to panic when a picky eater falls low on the growth charts. I’ve consulted with thousands of parents who are concerned that their child may be undernourished. They worry that this may compromise their child’s optimal growth.

The good news

Here’s the good news: Being a toddler and a picky eater often go hand in hand. There are developmental reasons why your three-year-old pokes at their food. After a rapid growth spurt during their “terrific twos”, toddlers gain weight more slowly. So, of course, they need less food.

They also won’t sit still for long, including meal times. Snacking throughout the day is more compatible with their busy lifestyles. As parents, our job is to buy the right food, prepare it nutritiously and serve it creatively. Leave the rest up to the kids. The picky eater stage is usually one that passes or at least mellows over time.

Filling those nutritional gaps in your picky eater

Look for foods that are nutrient dense. They pack the most nutrition per calorie, per volume. This is very important especially when feeding picky eaters because tiny children have tiny tummies. At any age, the size of our stomach is the size of our fist. Theoretically, you want to feed children a fist-full of nutrient dense food per meal.

Also remember, the brain grows fastest during the first five years. So, you are feeding a little fathead! Unless advised by your pediatrician, low-fat diets are a no-no for children. Instead, think of a smart-fat diet. The brain is 60% fat.

8 tips to get your little picky eater to eat

Here are a few tips for getting your picky toddler to eat more nutrient-dense foods include:

1. Fill your fridge and pantry with good options

Some of my favorites are wild salmon; eggs [healthy fats and protein for a measly 75 calories]; avocado [the fattest fruit on the planet; remember you’re feeding your fathead]; nut butters; olive oil; ghee; sweet potatoes; tofu; cottage cheese; yoghurt [whole milk, organic, plain]; lentils; and blueberries. Between three and four years of age, children can begin to comprehend which foods are the most nutritious and why. We would often say to our children, “Eat the food that makes you grow first and then you can have your fun food.”

2. Make nutrient-dense foods relevant to your child’s interests

I like calling them “grow foods” and kids start asking for them that way. But you can call them “football foods,” “lacrosse foods,” or “dance foods” and emphasize the fact that these foods will help your child excel in his or her preferred interests.

3. Don’t be wimpy

Many parents today will say, “Oh honey, you don’t like deviled eggs? I’ll make some mac and cheese out of the box for you.” It may not be immediate but a hungry child will eat what they’re served if they don’t have a choice.

4. Try the sipping solution

If your picky eater would rather drink than eat, don’t despair. One of the top feeding strategies that I have found over my decades in pediatric practice, that corrects the most nutritional deficiencies in most children, is what I call the sipping solution. Making a daily smoothie has been our family nutritional adventure for many decades. They are a great way to sneak in nutritious foods.

If you’re looking for shortcuts, please resist the urge to feed your child smoothie powders such as sports or protein powders that are made for adults. Look for grow food powders developed especially for little ones, that are clinically studied and pediatrician-developed to help children achieve optimal growth.

5. Involve your kids in the process

I must have heard, “Doctor, he won’t eat his vegetables” a thousand times. Yet, the picky  child keeps right on growing. Vegetables require some creative marketing for a picky eater, as they seem to be the most contested food in households with young children. Plant a garden with your child. Let them help care for the plants, harvest the ripe vegetables, and wash and prepare them. They will probably be much more interested in eating what they helped to grow.

How much vegetables do toddlers need? Although kids should be offered three to five servings of veggies a day, for children under five, each serving need be only a tablespoon for each year of age. In other words, a two-year-old should ideally consume two tablespoons of vegetables three to five times a day.

6. Try a nibble tray for your picky eater

A child’s demeanor often parallels her eating patterns. Parents often notice that a toddler’s behaviour deteriorates toward the end of the morning or mid-afternoon. Notice the connection? Behaviour is at its worst, the longer they go without food. Grazing minimizes blood-sugar swings and lessens the resulting undesirable behavior.

Our sixth child, Matthew, was a picky eater. We were so busy with our other children that we couldn’t hover around making sure he ate every bite of his veggies. Our fun solution was to fill an ice cube tray or muffin tin with nutritious nibbles. We gave each food a fun name such as banana wheels and cheese on trees (lightly steamed broccoli florets dipped in cheese). Toddlers love to dip their food. So, in five of the nibble compartments, add guacamole; plain, organic full-fat yogurt, cheese sauce, hummus and olive oil. By the end of the day, the nibble tray was empty, Matthew’s tummy was full. We were in charge of what he ate, and he was in charge of how he ate it.

7. Invite a playmate for lunch

If your child is going through a picky eater stage, invite over a friend who is the same age or slightly older whom you know “likes to eat.” Your child will catch on. Group feeding lets the other kids set the example.

8. Respect tiny tummies

Keep food servings small. Because a young child’s stomach is tiny, dole out small portions at first. Refill the plate when your child asks for more. This less-is-more meal plan is not only more successful with the picky eater; it also has the added benefit of stabilizing blood-sugar levels, which in turn minimizes mood swings. As most parents know, a hungry kid is generally not a happy kid.

And finally, use what we call “the bite rule” to encourage the picky eater: “Take one bite, two bites…” [however far you think you can push it without force-feeding]. The bite rule at least gets your child to taste new food while giving her some control over the feeding. As much as you possibly can, let your child – and his appetite – set the pace for meals.

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But does childhood necessarily have to be such a mind-numbing and maddening rat-race? Not if you redefine what success means for your children.

In their book, Scarcity, behavioural economists, Senthil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir chronicle the effects of scarcity on human behaviour. The authors define scarcity as “having less than you feel you need” and identify different forms of this malaise. From poverty to social isolation to a lack of time, scarcity assumes various guises.

Though we cannot equate feeling crunched for time with living on a paltry daily wage, the authors argue that “Scarcity captures the mind.” Thus, a lonely person craving company rues about all the connections he is missing. A person who is starving or even dieting cannot help but think of food. According to Mullainathan and Shafir, when we experience scarcity of any kind, we become absorbed by it.

Scarcity shapes our behaviour

Modern parenting has become a 24/7 occupation. Though both parents may be working, they ensure that their children’s time is accounted for, moment to moment. From dawn to dusk, children’s regimen is chalked out. Wake up, swimming coaching, school, music class, Hindi tuition, homework, sleep on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the schedule includes online Math tuition, school, karate class, coding and homework. While kids may get some downtime on weekends, parents usually check in whether their wards are staying abreast of various school projects and tests.

Mullainathan and Shafir believe that scarcity also directs our attention. It impacts what we observe, the choices we make, the decisions we take and our behaviour. Besides confirming that kids follow their schedules, parents also have their radars tuned to the latest fads, lest their kids fall behind.

A few years ago, there was a rush for phonics classes for pre-schoolers. Kumon math held sway for a while. Now, coding classes attract younger and younger kids. Elitist hobbies like horse riding, surfing and ballet are being pursued by increasing droves of children, often stretching the purse strings of middle-class families.

A mind “preoccupied by scarcity” also has less bandwidth for other aspects of life, argue the authors and we end up neglecting other concerns.

What does “being preoccupied by scarcity” look like in the context of parenting?

As parents zero in on prepping children for the future workplace, they tend to fixate on tangible achievements and successes of their wards. They place a premium on cognitive or academic skills and extracurricular activities that can lead to stellar careers. But this focus on accomplishments that are valued by society doesn’t necessarily address all the needs of a child.

Human development entails growth in physical, social, emotional, linguistic, cognitive and spiritual domains. In today’s hi-tech world, we can possibly also add a digital dimension as children have to learn how to navigate a virtual world responsibly and sensibly.

When the child becomes his achievements

When kids are young, parents pay more attention to the different aspects of human growth and potential. They delight in their baby’s gurgles, applaud his first steps, take pride in her first word, gaze fondly as their little one charms people and are amazed at how adept their toddler is with an iPad.

But once children start school, the prism through which parents view their kids gets narrowed. Their appreciation of the whole child slowly but sadly gets reduced to the grades or marks the child brings home as scarcity imposes a “focus dividend” or tunneling. Further, the authors point out, the scarcity mindset operates at both conscious and subconscious levels. So, parents are not always aware of its grip on their child rearing choices. As they emphasise intellectual growth and extracurricular activities, parents pay less attention to other aspects of children’s development.

While this unidimensional focus may help children drum up achievements and accolades on their resumes, at times, it can lead to compromised growth in other areas. While the emotionally-attuned parent may pick up signs of apathy or burnout in their kids, many don’t spot the signals in their children, until they reach a clinical threshold. As parents have limited bandwidth, their capacities to respond to all the needs of growing children may get blunted.

How to redefine what success means for your children

If your wish to redefine what success means for your children, you must first break out of the scarcity mindset. To do that, you need to stop viewing children as human capital. Further, you need to reset and redefine your parenting goals.

In a blog of the website Psyche, philosopher Erin Cline advocates that we take a few leaves out of ancient Chinese philosophy to guide our parenting. First, she asks us to broaden our construct of success. As ancient Chinese philosophers emphasised, a “life well lived” entails being “happy, fulfilled and finding meaning in what [you] do and who [you] are.” Ancient Chinese traditions of Confucianism and Daoism both highlight human flourishing in moral rather than material terms. Cline exhorts parents to help children flourish by cultivating core human values.

So, once again, if your wish to redefine what success means for your children, start by introspecting. Instead of focusing only on your child’s future, ask yourself if all the myriad needs of your children are being met in the present?

You might ask yourself questions such as :

• Is my child happy with her day-to-day life?
• Is he forging bonds with people both in and out of the house?
• Is my daughter getting adequate physical activity?
• Is my son exhibiting kindness, compassion and patience?
• Is my daughter learning to navigate the pulls and tugs of the Net in a responsible manner?
• Is my child learning to respect and celebrate difference in others?
• Does my child enjoy learning for its own sake?
• Is my daughter developing a passion in any area that needs to be nurtured?

Cline also urges parents to “resist conformity.” Instead of feeling pressured to sign up for a Bharatanatyam class because everyone in your child’s class is doing it, try to observe your child as an individual with unique needs and talents.

As each child is different, we need to cater to their distinctive profiles and help them discover a path that resonates with their constellation of proclivities and affinities. Rather than being dictated by stringent social perceptions of power and prestige, we should encourage our children to find a route that is the best fit for them even if it means being “actively countercultural.”

The crux of the matter

Ultimately, our goal as parents is to raise concerned and considerate human beings. By letting go of our fixation on school marks, admission test scores, college rankings and future salaries of our children, we need to nurture children so that they find “joy, fulfilment and deeper meaning” in whatever career or vocation they choose to follow.

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The results were published today in Review of Educational Research, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Educational Research Association.

The authors of the study, Natalia Kucirkova, May Irene Furenes and Adriana G. Bus, analysed the results of 39 studies that included a total 1,812 children between the ages of 1 and 8. For their analysis, the authors compared children’s story comprehension and vocabulary learning when they read a book on paper versus on screen, and assessed the effects of story-related enhancements in digital books, the presence of a dictionary, and the role of adult support. The bulk of the studies were carried out between 2010 and 2019, and for the greater part, in the last four years of that time span.

“The wide availability of digital reading options and the rich tradition of children’s print books beg the question of which reading format is better suited for young readers’ learning,” said Natalia Kucirkova, who is a professor of early childhood development at the University of Stavanger and The Open University and also one of the authors. “We found that when the print and digital versions of a book are practically the same and differ only in the voice-over or highlighted print as additional features in the digital book, then print outperforms digital.”

The authors found that the digital device itself and sometimes digital enhancements that are not aligned with the story content—such as a dictionary—interfere with children’s story comprehension.

When digital enhancements are designed to increase children’s ability to make sense of the narrative—for instance, by prompting children’s background knowledge to understand the story or providing additional explanations of story events—digital picture books not only outweigh the negative effects of the digital device but also outperform print books on children’s story comprehension.

Digitised versions are often inferior

“Our overall findings may reflect the rather low quality of enhancements in the digital books available for young children,” said Kucirkova. “Many digitised versions of picture books are inferior to the print version, yet young children widely use them.”

With a few exceptions, the commercially published digital books in the studies did not include storytelling techniques that adults provide during book sharing, for example attracting children’s attention to the main story elements and focusing their attention on the chain of story events.

“If we want to support all children, we need to understand the impact of digital books and make them of higher quality,” said Kucirkova. “Digital books are low-cost to access and thus more readily available to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Furthermore, we can customise digital books to a child’s level of learning by including interactive features responsive to the child.”

Production of digitised version needs more attention

“For reasons that need to be clarified by additional research, our meta-analysis shows that children from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to be distracted from story content on digital books by their interactive features and by the reading devices themselves,” said Adriana G. Bus, a professor at the University of Stavanger. “As a result, these children are experiencing the most difficulty comprehending digital picture books.”

“Makers of children’s digital books need to be careful about the enhancements they make, and educators and parents need to choose carefully which digital books young children read,” said Kucirkova. “Internationally, it is important to promote the production of exemplary prototypes including text in a range of languages and provide incentives to publishers, authors, designers, and illustrators to change the status quo.”

The authors found that digitised versions may be more effective than print books for enhancing children’s vocabulary if the digital books use a dictionary that defines infrequently used words and expressions. However, digital dictionary features hinder children’s ability to understand the story they are reading, indicating that focussing attention on word meanings distracts children’s attention from the story content.

“This is further evidence that digital book designers need to exercise caution with seemingly small and popular additions that may be helpful for isolated outcomes such as vocabulary learning but hinder the reading session overall,” Kucirkova said.

■ This study was supported by a grant from the Research Council of Norway.

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