Research links regular shared meals with better diet, wellbeing and school outcomes for children, while the Philippines’ annual observance highlights the everyday value of talking and eating together. Around the family table, everyday conversation can do more than fill a…
A Maine study found marked improvements in adolescents’ wellbeing after two to three and a half weeks without phones, though researchers caution that exercise, sleep and camp friendships may have driven much of the change. A device-free summer camp in…
A small longitudinal study found stronger increases in frontoparietal connectivity among infants with a parental history of ADHD, but researchers stress that the preliminary findings need replication. A small longitudinal study in Frontiers in Neuroscience suggests that differences in brain…
A randomised trial of 180 children in China found that music lessons incorporating whole-body movement produced stronger and longer-lasting gains in executive function, emotion regulation and rhythmic synchronisation than music activities alone. A new randomised trial in Frontiers in Psychology…
Ireland’s national immunisation guidelines have grown from 16 to 26 chapters as vaccine policy has become more complex, with NIAC now preparing to replace PDFs with a searchable online resource. For three decades, Ireland’s immunisation advisers have helped steer vaccine…
A study of 192 teenagers found that time away from phones and social media was linked to stronger belonging, better focus and improved wellbeing, particularly among those who began camp feeling stressed. A study led in part by researchers at…
Dentists recommend an early first visit, by age one or within six months of the first tooth, to prevent decay, build healthy habits and reduce anxiety about treatment. Many parents leave a child’s first dental appointment until well after the…
Regular plasticine play can build fine motor skills, concentration, speech and spatial awareness while helping children prepare for school without formal lessons. Preparing for school does not have to begin with worksheets, textbooks or memorising rules. For many children, learning…
Regular clay play can build hand coordination, language, concentration and spatial awareness while helping children approach learning through creativity rather than rote practice. Preparing a child for school does not have to begin with worksheets, textbooks or rote learning. For…
Experts say parents can nurture independent thinking by pausing before they intervene, listening to children’s reasoning and treating mistakes as part of learning. Parents often want their children to grow into confident decision-makers, yet independence is usually built in small…
