Susan Newman's Blog

Having babies “later” is increasingly common, signaling a trend that is more than likely to continue with clear, measurable benefits for children…and their parents. Read more

The post 6 Benefits for Children of “Older Mothers” appeared first on Parenting Expert, Susan Newman Ph.D..

Parents often make excuses for their children’s outrageous behavior, whether it’s a preschooler’s tantrum or a teenager’s sullen refusal to do what has been asked. Here’s what to do when your child attempts to “call the shots.” Read more

The post The 3 Types of Parents Who Get Bullied by Their Own Children appeared first on Parenting Expert, Susan Newman Ph.D..

What kind and how much contact between grown children and their parents is emotionally rewarding? Read more

The post The Best Way for Adult Children and Parents to Communicate appeared first on Parenting Expert, Susan Newman Ph.D..

People are having fewer children, and increasingly more only children. Nonetheless, those contemplating the one-child family ask themselves: Will my child be lonely, spoiled, bossy? No Sibling: Am I cheating my only child? These are legitimate concerns, but as research and adults who grew up as only children tell us, parents need not worry so much. Read more

The post Growing Up Without Siblings: Adult Only Children Speak Out appeared first on Parenting Expert, Susan Newman Ph.D..

… and expert advice to help turn the tide. Read more

The post 9 Signs Your Child Has Entitlement Issues appeared first on Parenting Expert, Susan Newman Ph.D..

Surprising benefits grandparents and other elders offer the youngest generation.

Zelda and great-great grandchildSource:
Courtesy of the Fields family

Parents put a lot of thought and effort into trying to be role models for their children. We’re not perfect, of course, but we want to set an example.

We teach children manners—like to say thank you and be compassionate. But how much thought do we give to what grandparents can add to a child’s development? These interactions can inform a child’s vi...

The everyday reality of free will.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

In his new book, The Science of Free Will , Roy Baumeister, professor of psychology at The University of Queensland, discusses three studies that asked college students and adults what they think it means to have free will . The themes that emerged were essentially, “making a choice and not being constrained or coerced,” and surprising to me, “thinking about the future, as in planning.” That is, “pondering future events rele...

The unknowing way we fail our children.

One of my closest friends frequently talks about wishing she could have a “do-over” as a parent. Her grown children are highly accomplished—two are lawyers, and another is the CEO of a corporation. Despite their achievements, however, my friend is convinced that she made mistakes by monitoring and overemphasizing academic and athletic success. Raising my only child, I was similarly intent on getting parenting “right,” but as most of us know, it is exceedin...

Understand the difference between showing up for and overprotecting your child.

Photo by Tholaal Mohamed on Unsplash

Part of growing up is learning how to handle uncomfortable situations and setbacks. This is how children become confident, independent adults. But overly protective parenting can reactively deliver children from challenging circumstances that help them develop and mature.

Call it what you will—“helicopter,” always hovering; or “lawnmower” or “snowplow” parenting, where Mom or Dad ...

Understand the difference between showing up for and overprotecting your child.

Photo by Tholaal Mohamed on Unsplash

Part of growing up is learning how to handle uncomfortable situations and setbacks. This is how children become confident, independent adults. But overly protective parenting can reactively deliver children from challenging circumstances that help them develop and mature.

Call it what you will—“helicopter,” always hovering; or “lawnmower” or “snowplow” parenting, where Mom or Dad ...