Petal’s Weekly Picks for Top Parenting Stories: Lifelong Learning, Plastic Toys, and Meltdowns

by | Apr 28, 2019 | Picks of the Week | 0 comments

As I get closer to launching my podcast Parenting for the Future, I think about how much I’ve enjoyed learning more about a wide range of topics through interviewing leading experts and authors on human development. One of the best stories that I came across this week was about how to condition your child to be a lifelong learner. I also appreciated a guide to successful studying techniques for teens. I’ve been sharing these articles — and many others — nightly on my Facebook page, Twitter feedPinterest boards and as a weekly round-up on my blog.

Here are my picks for the top parenting stories this week

How to Raise a Lifelong Learner
One of the best ways to thrive in the future is to never stop learning. Common Sense Media discusses how media — from books to screens — can keep the love of learning alive for kids.

5 Research-Backed Studying Techniques
Most teens could benefit from guidance on effective studying, which is one of the most important skills they’ll need for college and beyond.

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade Supporting Their Son Zion at Pride Is The Example We All Need
Children need our love and support right now if we want them to thrive in the future.

Grade Skipping: Is that still a thing for gifted kids?
In the past, academically advanced kids used to skip grades. With the proliferation of gifted programs, the practice has become less common.

Kids who are read to before kindergarten know 1 million more words
Reading books to young children helps them develop language, literacy skills and, of course, a love for reading. Kids whose parents read them five books daily enter kindergarten having heard about 1.4 million more words than kids who were never read to, a recent study found.

How to Stop Thinking Your Teen Is ‘Pushing Your Buttons’
This article from the New York Times suggests that controlling your reaction to your teen’s behavior could benefit both of you.

15+ Awesome Kids’ Songs For When You Can’t Hear “Baby Shark” One More Time
Get the whole family dancing with this list of upbeat songs from Good Housekeeping.

Plastic toys: Is it time we cut back?
Plastic toys present a true conundrum. They help children develop many important skills but they also further damage the environment for the future.

Is My Child’s Anger Normal or Should I Be Concerned?
Dealing with children’s meltdowns is part of parenting. Here’s when to be concerned that these outbursts might be more than typical behavior, plus tips to help minimize their occurrence.

Kids Are Now Hurting Themselves Playing Video Games, Not Playing Outside
Far less kids are getting hurt from climbing trees these days. Fatherly explains why that might not be a good thing.

Secretary-General’s remarks to General Assembly on the 100th Anniversary of the International Labour Organization
These eloquent and compelling remarks by António Guterres, the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations, are well worth a read.

Erik Kruger’s Lessons in Becoming the Best Version of You
If you ask this entrepreneur how he achieved success, he’ll tell you it was “accretion,” which is the process of growing and adding layers through experiences.