Siblings are often our first friends, rivals, and role models, and research shows they play a big role in shaping who we become. This article delves into what can be learned by exploring sibling interactions and how they influence our social, emotional, and behavioral development. Siblings generally spend a lot of time together where they learn to share, deal with conflict, and support one another. With that being said, all sibling relationships differ. The context and roles that they play within families also influence one’s development. For example, older siblings tend to be more influential role models.  

An interesting finding was that individuals who grew up with a sibling with a disability or chronic illness display warmer characteristics. They tend to take on more parenting roles in life and have more of an aptitude for adjusting in life. 

This research highlights the importance of fostering good sibling relationships and recognizing the lasting impact they can have throughout a person’s life. Positive sibling relationships can lead to better social skills, academic success, and emotional health. On the flip side, negative sibling relationships can contribute to conflicts and behavioral issues. 

 

If you want to read more, click here! 

 

Rachel Silverman 

UConn KIDS, Research Assistant 

Welcome back to Trivia Tuesday!

This week’s question is: _______ deals with how cognitive processes— such as reasoning, perception and memory— change over time.

A. Cognitive development

B. Perceptual development

C. Moral development

D. Attachment theory

 

Last week’s question was…”True or False: The brain starts to grow as a neural tube?” The answer is true!

Tune in next week to find out the answer to this weeks question!

Hi! My name is Rachel Silverman and I am a research assistant for UConn KIDS. I am a junior Allied Health Major with a double minor in Psychology and American Sign Language. My career goal is to become a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. I have always had a passion for working with children and knew that it was something that I wanted to tie into my future career.

Some fun facts about me I am from Tinton Falls, NJ. I love the beach, it is my absolute happy place. I have a dog named Pudding! I love to travel, I had the opportunity to go to Italy, France, and Greece this past summer. It was amazing! I volunteer for an early intervention program where I was introduced to the world of Occupational Therapy and instantly fell in love. Learning about childhood development is something I learned that I am passionate about and am always eager to learn more.

Parenting stress and child behavior issues are closely connected, but it’s not just parents impacting their kids, but children also influence their parents. This study looked at over 2,100 families from early childhood to adolescence and explored how stress between parents and children plays out over time. Using the transactional model of development, which emphasizes the two-way relationship between parents and children, the study found that as children get older, especially during adolescence, they play a more active role in shaping their family dynamics.

A key finding of the study was the role maternal affection plays within this dynamic. In families where mothers showed high levels of affection; parenting stress and child behavior problems were more strongly linked. One example: stress that a mother felt when her child was young could predict the child’s behavior problems a few years later. Also as the child grew into adolescence, their behavior could, in turn, increase the mother’s stress. In contrast, in families with lower maternal affection, this back-and-forth wasn’t as strong.

Interestingly, while maternal affection usually helps protect kids from stress, the study found that in highly affectionate families, stress was more likely to be shared between parent and child. This can make it harder for both to cope, especially during the teenage years when kids become more aware of their parents’ emotions. For families facing additional challenges like financial stress or racial stress, understanding how affection and stress interact could help them better manage these emotional dynamics as their children grow.

To read the full study, click here.

 

Jasleen Kaur, UConn KIDS Research Assistant.

As infants experience the world, they begin to learn from the environment around them. They consider the people around them, how the speak, and how others react to their behaviors. This helps infants learn about human emotions and understand what each emotion is. In this literature review, it talks about what previous research has found regarding infant’s social-emotional development. It covers a wide range of topics in developmental processes such as attention, memory, and word learning and how past research has measured development. It is truly an interesting read to learn more about the development of emotions!

To read today’s article, click here!

 

Mikayla Clemens

Research Assistant

UConn KIDS

Welcome back to Trivia Tuesday!

True or False: The brain starts to grow as a neural tube?

Tune in next week to find out the answer to this weeks question!

Ever wonder how your little one becomes such a caring soul? Well, let me tell you a fascinating story about the development of empathy in children. Picture this: even as tiny as 18 months old, your child starts showing signs of empathy, like mimicking distress when they see someone else in pain. It turns out, this beautiful trait doesn’t just sprout up on its own; it’s nurtured by the love and sensitivity you, as a parent, provide.

Researchers found that when caregivers respond tenderly to their child’s needs, it sets the stage for this empathy journey. It’s like planting seeds of compassion that bloom as your child grows. But here’s the kicker: empathy isn’t just about feeling; it’s also about understanding. Your little one learns to step into someone else’s shoes, seeing the world from their perspective.

And here’s the most heartwarming part: this empathy isn’t just some innate ability; it’s a skill learned through social interactions, especially those tender moments between parent and child. So, every time you comfort your child, wiping away their tears, you’re not just soothing them; you’re also teaching them how to care for others.

So, next time you witness your child sharing toys or offering a hug to a friend in need, remember, you’re witnessing the beautiful fruits of your nurturing love.

 

To read the full article, click here

 

 

Jasleen Kaur, UConn KIDS Research Assistant

 

Embark on the captivating journey of a courageous eight-year-old, thrust into a new school in a foreign land, unable to comprehend a single word of English. Witness the unwavering determination of his mother, despite her own language barriers, as she becomes his lifeline in navigating the bewildering maze of education. Their story illuminates the universal struggle faced by millions of underserved and immigrant families, striving to find their place in the educational landscape. Amidst this chaos, emerges a powerful truth: family engagement holds the key to unlocking a child’s full potential, transcending socioeconomic barriers.

Innovative solutions, such as leveraging mobile technology, bridge the gap between teachers and families, fostering meaningful communication and support. Through empowerment and knowledge-sharing, these initiatives not only enhance academic outcomes but also fortify communities and shape future generations. Inclusive education isn’t just about grades—it’s about nurturing citizens and building a thriving society. Together, we must ensure that every child and family feels valued and supported on their educational journey. For when we invest in their success, we invest in a brighter tomorrow for us all.

 

To watch the full TedTalk click here

 

Jasleen Kaur, UConn KIDS Research Assistant

 

 

 

In this captivating study, researchers delved into the intricate journey of children’s personalities as they navigate the transition from childhood to adolescence. Through meticulous analysis, they unveiled three distinct developmental personality types: Resilients, Overcontrollers, and Undercontrollers, each characterized by unique configurations of traits such as Extraversion, Emotional Stability, and Benevolence. What’s truly fascinating is how parental warmth emerged as a pivotal factor shaping these personality types, with children of warm and affectionate parents more likely to fall into the Resilient category. Conversely, overreactive discipline seemed to correlate with the emergence of Undercontrollers, who displayed lower levels of Benevolence and Conscientiousness. Surprisingly, the study found no significant link between parental discipline and the formation of Overcontrollers, highlighting the complexity of parent-child dynamics.

These findings offer parents invaluable insights into how their nurturing style can profoundly impact their child’s personality development. Armed with this knowledge, parents can tailor their approach to provide the optimal environment for their child’s emotional growth. Understanding the nuances of these personality types opens up avenues for more effective parenting strategies during this critical period of transition. Ultimately, by fostering an environment of warmth and understanding, parents can empower their children to navigate the challenges of adolescence with resilience and grace.

To read about the full study click here

 

Jasleen Kaur UConn KIDS Research Assistant