Bilingualism in early childhood is more than just learning two languages- it sets a child up for success. Some parents worry that learning two languages might confuse kids or delay their speech, but science proves otherwise. Research shows that while learning two languages simultaneously may delay certain linguistic milestones, this is temporary and does not indicate a deficit. 

Bilingualism in general offers many cognitive advantages, such as enhanced executive function, better problem-solving skills, and improved ability to switch between tasks. When these skills are developed at an early age, the more proficient they become. These cognitive benefits extend beyond language, helping them excel in other areas of life. The research shows that the key to success is providing children with consistent exposure to both languages. This can be done through Conversations, storytelling, and playtime in both languages. 

 

Interested in reading more? Click here! 

Rachel Silverman 

UConn KIDS, Research Assistant 

Our strongest and most impactful bond is the sibling bond. In his TED Talk, Jeffrey Kluger explores the lasting influence of sibling relationships. Siblings are our first companions, growing up alongside us in a shared home and through shared experiences. Each relationship is unique: some siblings take on the role of best friends, others are rivals, and many have a mix of both feelings. No matter the dynamic, the bond is undeniable. 

According to Kluger, older siblings may act as role models or protectors, while younger siblings often push boundaries and challenge the status quo. Conflicts among siblings and within families are common, but the ways we learn to resolve these conflicts shape how we tackle challenges in life. The growth and forgiveness cultivated through sibling bonds can profoundly prepare us for success in the future. 

 

Interested in learning more? Click here to watch the TED Talk! 

Rachel Silverman 

UConn KIDS, Research Assistant 

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder where one experiences reoccurring thoughts and/or repetitive compulsions. Compared to the quality of life in adults with OCD, the quality of life in children with OCD has not been researched as much. The prevalence of OCD in children is 0.5-3%, and they can experience other psychological disorders like depression, anxiety, etc. 

In this study, they measured the quality of life in children/adolescents after cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in comparison to those without OCD. The results yielded that the quality of life was worse before CBT treatment and improved after the CBT treatment as self-reported by the children and their parents. 

Quality of life is not used as a measure of treatment in aiding children and adolescents with OCD, but this study provides implications for incorporating quality of life as a measure! 

To read more, click here! 

Ashley Bejar, UConn KIDS Research Assistant 

Welcome back to Trivia Tuesday!

This week’s question is… True or false: “When people feel coerced into a certain behavior, they will react against the coercion, often by demonstrating an increased preference for the behavior that is restrained, and may perform the behavior opposite to that desired.” (American Psychological Association, 2018) This experience is called Reactance Theory.

A. True
B. False 

Last week’s question was “True or false: Cognitive Dissonance is defined by the American Psychological Association (2018) as ‘an unpleasant psychological state resulting from inconsistency between two or more elements in a cognitive system.’” The answer was true!

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

 

What is known about socio-emotional learning (SEL) is early childhood SEL skills are strongly associated with social, academic, and cognitive outcomes later in life. However, there is not much known about how a large scale SEL program would impact children. The research on SEL interventions in school suggested short term benefits, but there needs to be more longitudinal research for the long-term benefits. 

The current framework for SEL was organized by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL); this includes five core areas of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. 

This article reviewed a few intervention methods. A highlight of this article is based on past evidence that having a sensitive and responsive caregiver is associated with healthy development. It was found that programs with high-quality teacher- child relationships (ex. Smaller class sizes) and safe learning environments are more likely to have positive impacts on children’s SEL. 

This paper concluded that investments should be made to support a child’s SEL at many levels. One way this can be done is to add SEL skills into the curriculum, along with the literacy and numeracy skills. 

All in all, the benefits of SEL on childrens’ well being is well known but there is much to be studied on the possible benefits of a large skill SEL intervention.

If you want to read more, click here!

Kaitlyn Vitucci
UConn KIDS, Research Assistant

Sixto Cancel, founder of the Think of Us organization, talked about his own lived experience in foster care since he was 11 years old. It was not a pleasant experience as the US foster care system is flawed, and the adoption process is not as good as it could be with placing children into loving homes. The consequences of this can greatly impact the well-being of children. 

Youth in foster care are more likely to experience negative outcomes, like PTSD, homelessness, and incarceration, among other outcomes. However, the prominent consequence of the flawed system is the severe mental health impact it has on the children. Not growing up in a loving, supportive environment can worsen their mental health. This is why Sixto Cancel started his organization, to help the children in the system find a good home. 

His main goal is to transform foster care into kinship care. In other words, he focuses on finding any extended family members or kin that can raise the child. By doing so, this positively impacts the child, especially with their mental health! His work can change the lives of many children and bring the one thing they all want most: a loving family. 

To watch the full Ted Talk, click here! 

Ashley Bejar, UConn KIDS Research Assistant 

Generally, parents enroll their children in organized sports to help them make friends, get active, or simply have fun. However, what some parents might not initially consider is the impact that sports games can have on children’s motor skills, such as balance, coordination, and control! After analyzing multiple studies, researchers Shengchuan Sun and Changzhou Chen found that structured sports significantly improved these skills in children compared to unstructured activities. 

What factors influence this improvement in motor skills? The researchers found that both the intensity and consistency of structured programs, especially when combined with high-energy sessions, were effective. The hope is that organized sports will continue to be incorporated into children’s daily routines as a fun way to build those essential motor skills they’ll need later in life. 

Interested in learning more? Click here to read the full article! 

 

Rachel Silverman 

UConn KIDS, Research Assistant 

Welcome back to Trivia Tuesday!

True or false: Cognitive Dissonance is defined by the American Psychological Association (2018) as “an unpleasant psychological state resulting from inconsistency between two or more elements in a cognitive system.” 

A. True
B. False

Last week’s question was “‘during various phases of brain development through the onset of puberty, the process in which excess or redundant neurons and synaptic connections are eliminated to enable more efficient neural processing’ (American Psychological Association, 2018) is the process of:” The answer was pruning!

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

For many parents, reading books and stories, whether fictional or nonfictional, is a great joy for them to do. Of course, that is not the only benefit both parties get from storytelling, reading to children is one of the greatest sources of linguistic and phonological knowledge! 

In the study, researchers conducted a comparison of how well young children can learn words/vocabulary with picture books or child directed speech conversations. They found that the picture books contained more detailed, unique words than child directed speech conversations with adults. 

Therefore, using picture books with children can advance their mechanism of language learning and learn various, new vocabulary words. Child directed speech is still useful in linguistic input, however, there is more to learning language than simply talking to your child. 

To read more, click here! 

Ashley Bejar, UConn KIDS Research Assistant 

Art therapy is defined by the American Psychological Association as “therapeutic interventions that use artistic endeavors or mediums, such as music, poetry, dance, and drama, to facilitate communication and emotional expression, enhance self-awareness, and foster health and change.” The aim of art therapy is to facilitate children’s personal growth through the use of different medias; such as drawing, painting, digital art, etc. 

A major challenge when it comes to mental health is a person’s limited understanding and ability to safely express their feelings, and this can be enhanced in children due to their limited vocabulary and knowledge. When children are not able to express their negative feelings, not only emotional, but behavioral issues arise. A potential solution is art therapy!

This article referred to multiple studies. One included focused on the realization of one’s self concept and transformation. This included mask making to express feelings, transform clay volcanoes into mountains to relieve anger, and coloring. The results suggested improvements from the parent’s and child’s perspective. 

Overall, there are still a lot of unknowns of the benefits and factors affecting art therapy. This leaves a lot of room for future studies on the effectiveness of art therapy for children! 

If you want to read more about other studies of art therapy, click here!

Kaitlyn Vitucci
UConn KIDS, Research Assistant