Video games are often observed in a negative light; a lot of research examines the negative effects of video games on youth… but what are some of the positives effects?

The articleThe Link Between Playing Video Games and Positive Youth Outcomes examines what are some of the positive effects behind video games. The study finds that there are numerous positive impacts such as promoting problem solving skills, social skills, and even physical activity! These findings give truly a new perspective on how video games support child development while also supporting the idea that future research is needed. 

 

To read more, click here!

 

Mikayla Clemens 

Research Assistant UConn KIDS 

 

Step into the captivating world of parental understanding and childhood aspirations in this touching narrative. Join Rain, a spirited 10-year-old, as he embarks on a journey within the delicate balance between parental expectations and personal dreams. Through Rain’s tumultuous experience with learning the violin, delve into the vast amount of complex layers of communication within families. Through his story, the audience gets a clear perspective of the frustration and tears that ensue when misunderstandings cloud the path to connection. However, amidst the misunderstanding, Rain’s mother learns the transformative power of empathy and understanding. Through her newfound perspective, she navigates the challenges of nurturing her child’s passions with grace and compassion. Follow the heartwarming evolution as Rain’s liberation from the violin becomes a catalyst for familial harmony. Through this touching tale, parents are invited to reflect on their own relationships with their children, pondering the significance of empathy in bridging generational divides. As Rain’s story unfolds, audiences are inspired to embrace their children’s dreams with understanding, fostering a symphony of love and connection within their own families. Don’t miss this enlightening journey into the depths of parental empathy and childhood aspirations, where every note resonates with the timeless melody of familial harmony. 

To read more about this story click here.  

 

 

Jasleen Kaur, UConn KIDS Research Assistant

If you’ve ever had this question before, you’re not the only one. A group of researchers at Harvard are currently researching how environments affect children’s learning skills and development. 

It has already been well researched and found that small children who grow and learn in formal and high-quality preschools develop better language, math, and literacy skills. As well as stronger emotional and social connections. But what about the other environments that children grow up and develop in?

This research is being led by Nonie Lesaux and Stephanie Jones, two developmental psychologists, who aim to conduct a study of 5,000 children. These children are 3 to 4 years old, and this study can possibly follow them into adult-hood! 

“Lesaux and Jones aim to update the science around child care by examining the links between children’s development and the characteristics of the educational and care settings where they spend their formative years…”

This research is extremely important because not all families have the resources to send their children to private or high-quality schools, and there’s a variety of environments that children grow up in. Some parents send their children to after school programs, relatives’ houses, and many other places. This study is promising and will hopefully produce telling results!

If you want to read more about this study, read here!

Kaitlyn Vitucci, Research Assistant UConn KIDS

Welcome back to Trivia Tuesday!

This weeks question is…True or false: A context is a unique combination of personal and environmental circumstances that can result in different paths of change. These can include: gender, race, personality variables, and biological factors.

A. True
B. False

Last weeks question was…”True or false: How much a child eats at any one meal matters less than the total amount eaten over several days and the nutritional value of foods eaten.” The answer was true!

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

 

 

An avid advocate brings attention to the underappreciated tales of extraordinary women in a society where mothers’ vital responsibilities are sometimes ignored by history. From the unwavering spirit of Amy Jacques Garvey, who battled for Black liberation and women’s rights during theHarlem Renaissance, to the courageous Alberta King, whose activism and sacrifice were tragically cut short, and the trailblazing Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, who defied social norms to become a trailblazing physician. These mothers and activists fight against the narrative that is imposed upon them about their invisibility and call on society to acknowledge their efforts. A call to action that emphasizes the critical need for fair assistance and representation as well as a reevaluation of the importance society places on motherhood comes from their untold stories. It’s an interesting trip of rediscovery whilst highlight the vast impact of maternal figures shaping history.

To watch the full video click here

 

Jasleen Kaur, UConn KIDS Research Assistant

Humans, by nature are prosocial. From previous studies, we are seen to support helpful behaviors as early as infancy… but what can classrooms do to continue prosocial behavior? Is this something worth focusing on in the classroom?

 

Research conducted at Yale concludes that not only is social-emotional learning important, but it also comes with multiple positive outcomes. The study observed 250 social-emotional learning programs in over 50 different countries and discovered that it can lead to an overall increase in well-being, academic success, and safety within the classroom. However, this is just the surface of understanding social-emotional learning. Further research calls for understanding of social-emotional development and what we can do to create educational equity when providing support in this learning area.

 

To read more, click here!

Mikayla Clemens

Research Assistant, UConn KIDS

Welcome back to Trivia Tuesday!

This weeks question is…True or false: How much a child eats at any one meal matters less than the total amount eaten over several days and the nutritional value of foods eaten.
A. True
B. False

Last weeks question was…”True or false: pretend play is an important part of cognitive development” The answer was true!

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

Child development is a broad term that entails many milestones. A newborn and an 8 year old are at very different stages in development, and for this reason child development has been broken up into 5 distinct stages: 

Birth to 18 months: children can learn to identify familiar faces and respond to facial expressions. They also have the ability to learn some words, stand, and walk by themselves.

18 months to 3 years: children can start pretend play and play with other children!

3 years to 5 years: children can start to express their likes, learn to count, and identify numbers. They also have the ability to play on their own. 

5 years to 12 years: This is the age where children start grade school. Here they are able to develop their problem solving skills. They also can build close friendships and develop personal interests!

12 years to 18 years: This is the stage where adolescents start to grow their independence. They begin puberty, develop their own opinions and start to become interested in dating. 

There are many milestones children and adolescents reach in the time of child development. These milestones refer to behaviors that mark stages of growth. It’s very important to remember that children develop at their own pace, and two children might not reach a specific milestone at the same time. Some milestones children reach are repeating familiar songs, remembering faces and names, and sorting shapes and colors. 

If you’re concerned that your child is developmentally delayed it’s helpful to get them screened for any potential issues. 

If you want to read more about child developmental stages and potential signs/causes of developmental delays read here!

Kaitlyn Vitucci, Research Assistant UConn KIDS