Readers Weigh In on Science and Parenting

More resources

As a mother, grandmother, and retired school teacher, I am delighted to see a growing interest in evidence-based parenting. Unfortunately, there aren't many authors popularizing the research. One exception is the website parentingscience.com, which features fully-referenced, in-depth analysis by a scientist and anthropologist (Gwen Dewar).

I hope evidence-based websites and blogs like yours will help raise awareness.

Spanking

I spanked both of my children in their second and third years of life. Beyond that it has been unnecessary, for I feel that I laid down the law whily they were young. They are really great and respectful kids. I believe spanking is a useful disciplinary device for a short time in childhood. It just maybe the only thing a two-year old understands!

Parenting Books

I very much support the idea that parents, teachers, and adults in general could be doing more to help kids to a brighter future. My 10yo son has serious challenges paying attention in school; while at home he has great self-control and responsibility. I credit the book "Your Baby and Child (from birth to 5 years old)" by Penelope Leach, for lots of common-sense advice on raising preschoolers. Thanks for your open-minded views on how to translate research into practical child upbringing.

Nancy, your post on spanking was definitely fascinating. As a child therapist and parenting coach, I know that spanking is alive & well. I also know that it's a discipline technique that won't work forever. Parents have to get more sophisticated with discipline when their kids are older.

Count me in as a reader who would love to see links to the original studies/evidence.

But mostly, just keep writing! Great blog.

thank you!

Katie Malinski

www.katiemalinski.com