Hi there and welcome to
the Happy Hearts Parenting Blog!
In these posts we explore some of the research linking social and moral development in childhood
to emotional and mental wellbeing -
and importantly, what it all means for how we raise our kids!
We hope you find our posts interesting and helpful. ❤️
Why bribing kids can backfire!
By: Jess Kingsford (Ph.D)In this blog, Jess unpacks why bribing kids with treats, screen time or other rewards might get quick results… but not the kind that last. Drawing on research from Self-Determination Theory, she explains the difference between low and high-quality motivators, and why helping children experience a sense of autonomy, competence and relatedness while they engage in behaviours that benefit other people, is essential if we want them to truly value kindness, helpfulness, contribution and caring for others.
Why family meals matter!
By: Jess Kingsford (Ph.D)In this blog, we hear about the research showing how the frequency of family meals can powerfully influence a range of outcomes for children, and Jess also explains the ways that family meals offer many opportunities to nurture children's moral development, and ultimately therefore, their wellbeing.
What mindset is your child catching?
By: Jess Kingsford (Ph.D)In this blog, Jess explains how children start developing mindsets from as early as age two, and how these tiny ways of seeing the world can shape their happiness, their friendships, and their ability to cope with challenges. She shares why gratitude and abundance mindsets matter, how scarcity and victim thinking can sneak in, and practical, everyday ways parents can promote the former and discourage the latter.
Empathy Starts with Noticing!
By: Jess Kingsford (Ph.D)In this blog, Jess reminds us of the importance of helping kids develop and exercise their empathy muscles. How? We can start by helping them develop the skill of noticing - the faces, the people, and the world around them.
About Us
Happy Hearts Parenting is a not-for-profit organisation supporting parents, carers & educators of young children to nurture and promote their children's mental and emotional wellbeing.
(We take a secular, evidence-based approach to our work and we are not affiliated with any religious or political organisations.)
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