Child Development

Get More Great Content

Sign up for the Fatherly newsletter to get expert advice about fitness, gear, travel, style, parenting, and more in your inbox.

By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Child Development

When Can You Pierce a Baby's Ears? A Pediatrician Explains

ByPatrick A. Coleman

There are some ground rules to baby ear piecing, but for the most part it’s totally safe.

Child Development

The Five Stages Of Self-Awareness Explain What Babies See In The Mirror

ByJoshua A. Krisch

That's a mirror (Level 1), there's a person in it (Level 2), that person is me (Level 3), that person is going to be me forever (Level 4), and everyone else can see it (Level 5).

Child Development

The Normal Age For Children To Start Masturbating Is Earlier Than You Think

ByLauren Vinopal

Psychologists explain what is normal and when parents should be concerned.

Neurodiversity

ADHD Diagnosis Is Twice As Likely For Youngest Kids In Class, Study Says

ByRachel Crowell

The youngest kids were also 80% more likely to be prescribed ADHD medication.

Child Development

Toddler Learning Videos Don’t Work Because Young Brains Don’t Get Screens

ByLexi Krupp

A new study shows that toddlers brains are wired to learn new tricks — but through real-live social cues, not something taught on a screen.

Parenting

Praise The Process, Not The Talent: How To Build A Growth Mindset In Kids

ByJillian Mock

Children who are taught to believe intelligence can grow with hard work are more likely to be resilient and confident when facing challenges.

Child Development

The 7 Big Benefits Of Rough-And-Tumble Play With Your Kids

ByPatrick A. Coleman

They're going to have to get smart to take you down. Literally.

Child Development

Why Do Newborns Hiccup A Lot? For Brain Development. Seriously. 

ByMelaina Juntti

Baby hiccups might seem like a strange quirk or muscle development, but they're so very much more than that.

Kids' Health

What Parents Can (And Can’t) Learn From Babies’ Weird Head Shapes

ByLauren Vinopal

From soft spots to flat spots, the shape of a baby's skull shape can give parents a lot of clues about how they're developing.

Fatherhood

How To Be A Good Dad: Be Involved, Have A Relationship, Be There

ByDr. Rob Palkovitz

Through closeness, engagement, and connection with kids, dads create a positive space for their kids. They also benefit themselves.

Milestones

When Do Babies Start Sitting Up?

ByPatrick A. Coleman

Not all babies start sitting up in the same time frame. What's more important is the way they go about trying to do so.

Questions of faith

My Son Refuses To Go To Church. What Should I Do?

ByJoshua A. Krisch

Is it ever okay to force religion upon your children?

Kids' Health

Why Boys’ Voices Crack During Puberty (And Girls’ Voices Don’t)

ByLauren Vinopal

Pubescent boys often experience overwhelming growth in their voice boxes in a short period of time, and that can be an awkward auditory transition.

Child Development

How Much Of Child Development Is Nature Vs. Nurture?

ByJoshua A. Krisch

The nature vs nurture debate is settled: Personality traits are heritable. But how much of child development hinges on DNA, and what should parents do with this information?

Kids' Health

Baby Learning Videos Don’t Benefit Your Baby’s Brain

ByLauren Vinopal

The clips you play to pacify your kid aren't for them. They're for you.

Child Development

How To Recognize And Address A Baby’s Developmental Delays

ByAndy Kryza

Parents worry about developmental delays because of confusion around the developmental delay definition and milestones.