Singing the science: using karaoke to examine blushing
Most of us know what it feels like to blush. The face becomes warm and red, and we experience self-conscious emotions, such as embarrassment, shyness, shame, and pride. It is perhaps no wonder that Charles Darwin referred to it as “the most peculiar and the most human of all expressions”. But why do we blush, […]
Is your teenager too anxious to socialize?
Social situations are often avoided by teenagers with social anxiety under the assumption that they are not capable of handling them well. But is this assumption correct? Here we go again. Your teenager’s extroverted friend wants to drag them to a party. Social situations make them anxious, and they tell you, “But I’m not good […]
What we (don’t) say with emotions around the world
Everyone has emotions – regardless of your age, gender, or cultural background. Facial expressions form a kind of language that we can use to share our emotions with others, but is this language the same across the world? In other words, does an angry face communicate the same information in Japan as it does in […]
How to raise confident teens? (And why is it important?)
Parenting a teenager is not easy, but neither is being a teenager itself. Adolescence is a period of many challenges. One’s body begins to mature and becomes more adult-like, first romantic experiences take place, close friendships form, new hobbies develop, and many more changes occur. While on one hand, adolescents strive for autonomy from their […]
Parenting the Pooh Way: Encouraging the Shy Child
In the heart of the Hundred Acre Wood, Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet teach us a valuable lesson about how children may overcome their shyness. Their friendship captures the essence of what parents may want to know. With his kind heart and his gentle words, Winnie encourages and supports Piglet to overcome his shyness and fears. But […]
Small self, big heart
How can children become kinder and more generous versions of themselves? As the world is becoming increasingly individualistic, nurturing prosociality is one of the major challenges for parents and teachers around the world. Our research shows that finding moments of awe can help children to feel more relaxed and able to set aside their own […]
Parent mind-mindedness can boost children’s self-regulation
By becoming more attuned to their child’s mental states early in development, both fathers and mothers can help their child develop self-regulation. What is mind-mindedness? I have vivid memories of the first weeks of motherhood, feeling anxious and confused about why my baby was crying. I wondered: Why is she crying? How is she feeling? […]
