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Why some kids talk earlier than others
Will the new child tax credit impact you?
The Weekly Parent
January 30, 2024
TOP OF MIND
Goo Goo Ga Ga
For years now, Harvard University psychologist Elika Bergelson has been trying to figure out why some babies learn to talk before others. In the past, experts have proposed socioeconomic status or even a baby's gender as reasons for the discrepancies, but Bergelson found something different.
Studying over 1,000 children, she and an international team of psychologists found no link between how much a kid vocalized during the day and their gender or socioeconomic status.
Instead, they found that the chattiest children had the chattiest parents.
The important bits
According to the latest guidance, most babies are babbling regularly by six months. And by babbling, we mean saying things like, "ba-ba" or "ma-ma," they're not ordering Iced Caramel Macchiatos at Starbucks. After babbling comes their "first word," which often happens between 9 and 12 months of age. And then rapid growth typically takes place between 18 and 24 months, where they're learning new words every day.
But of course, as any parent knows, those guidelines aren't always accurate. Some kids learn faster than others, and Bergelson's study suggests that may have something to do with how often they hear you talk.
An analysis of nearly 40,000 hours of audio recordings from children around the world suggests kids speak more when the adults around them are more talkative, which may also give them a larger vocabulary early in life. Factors such as social class appear to make no difference.
On average, the study found that kids under the age of four produce around 66 more vocalizations per hour with every year of development. This result was not surprising. Age is closely tied with cognitive development.
The surprising discovery? They found that for every 100 adult vocalizations heard by a child within an hour, that child produced 27 more vocalizations. And that number grew by 16 with every passing year.
What's it all mean?
Well, it doesn't mean you should pull out an encyclopedia and start badgering your toddler with its contents. Instead, you should simply interact with them and treat them like communicative partners. But if you still want more tips and tricks, you can try here.
DID YOU HEAR
Babe, wake up... the new child tax credit just dropped
Congress is close to passing a new $78 billion deal that would expand corporate tax breaks, and more importantly, the child tax credit. If the deal is passed, parents could see extra money in their pockets as soon as this year. Experts believe the new deal could lift nearly half a million kids out of poverty by next year. To see what benefits you might get, click here.
Drew Barrymore's number one parenting tip
Last week, Drew Barrymore welcomed parenting expert Dr. Aliza Pressman on her show, and during the interview, Barrymore revealed how a rather simple parenting tip from Pressman changed her life. Basically, stop trying to "fix" the emotions your kids might be feeling. For a much better explanation, watch the video in the "dose of parenting advice" section below!
The best thing to say when you don't want to play
We all love playing with our children, but sometimes, we need a break. Saying "no" can be hard, but it's actually beneficial to your child's emotional growth. Find out the best way to say no here.
More siblings = poorer mental health
A new study looked at over 9,000 eighth graders in America and China to determine if having siblings impacts a child's mental health. And the results were surprising. In both countries, the findings seemed to suggest teens who had more siblings had poorer mental health. The study did not look at the "quality" of siblings, suggesting additional siblings could be beneficial if the relationship between them is a healthy one.
A new way to get your kids to clean?
Apparently, there's this new product/toy going viral called "Kids Clean Car" and it's essentially a mini go-kart that doubles as a floor cleaner. The portable toy is equipped with a blue light feature, which supposedly helps zap bacteria. Some moms are not happy about it though.
BITES WITH KIYAH
Traditions help create a sense of stability, community, and belonging. For years, our family has had a Sunday morning pancake tradition. It started when the kids were little - spurred by our summers with grandparents and Grandpa’s famous shaped pancakes!
And although it has morphed over the years, it's one that still brings us all comfort. Check out our go-to (Gluten Free) recipe here.
Products used: Presto electric griddle | the best gluten-free pancake mix | stainless steel ring molds for fun shapes
Kiyah is the co-founder of Kizingo Kids and an expert in nutrition. Follow her on Instagram.
DEALS & FINDS
This week's theme? Parenting products you never knew you needed.
A grape cutter, because really, who has time to be cutting up all those dang grapes?
The booger tool, which you guessed it, safely removes boogers and even ear wax. One reviewer called it the "best $12 piece of plastic/silicone I have ever bought!"
This faucet extender, which saves you the pain of having to lift up your kid every time they need to wash their grimy hands.
And finally, a spoon that squirts.
PARENTING WIN/FAIL
This week, loyal reader Cassie M. learned a valuable lesson: she's not a hairstylist!
Hi! don't judge me, but in an effort to save money, i tried to cut my son's hair last week. 😐 believe me when i tell you that it did not go well. Like, i think if i sent him to school with this hair, they wouldn't let him come back home with me LOL! Ended up having to take him to get it fixed. No money was saved!!!
Cassie, we bet you don't even realize how common this is. You will never be judged here! Thank you for sharing!
If you have a parenting win/fail you'd like to share, email us at [email protected] and your story will be featured in a future edition!
HERE’S A QUESTION
If you could get rid of one mythical figure, who would it be? (feel free to let us know why after you vote!) |
Last week, we asked you at what age did you start feeling like an adult, and nearly 40% of you said, "still waiting." There was a tie for second place between "21" and "30".
RECALLS
Hold onto your royal carriages, dear court of concerned parents! It seems our little princes and princesses might have gotten more than they bargained for with their regal regalia. The Yaomiao Children's Rhinestone Silver Tiaras, sold exclusively on Amazon by LordRoadS, have been caught red-handed—or should we say, "lead-handed"?
Yes, you read that right. These tiaras, instead of bestowing noble grace, come with an unwanted dose of lead, violating the strict federal lead content standards.
Over 12,000 units were sold.
If you had the misfortune of buying one of those units, contact LordRoadS via the magical portal of Amazon to claim your royal refund. No need for a royal decree; a simple click and request should do.
Contact LordRoadS by email at [email protected], or online at their Amazon storefront (which can be found here) for more information.