How do you raise a thankful child?

How (and when) do children develop gratitude?  During this week of giving thanks, Zero to Three offers us some tips on helping children develop the values of thankfulness and gratitude. Learning to be appreciative helps children to build strong and healthy relationships and to become sensitive to the needs of others less fortunate than they are. Click here to discover tips on how to raise a thankful child.

Finding Happiness

THIS EMOTIONAL LIFE opens a window into real lives, exploring ways to improve our social relationships, cope with emotional issues, and become more positive, resilient individuals. Hosted by Daniel Gilbert, Harvard psychologist and best-selling author of Stumbling on Happiness. Watch insightful videos, get help and more information, and connect with others at http://www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife

Eating and Emotions in Obese Toddlers: Facilitating Self-Regulation

ZERO TO THREE: 

Infants and young children have the ability to regulate their food intake according to their energy needs, and parents play an important role in facilitating their self-regulation. When overweight children learn to eat in accordance with feelings of hunger and fullness and learn to soothe themselves without eating, they will reduce their caloric intake and normalize their weight. In this article the author illustrates these principles in a case study of the treatment of a 2-year-old boy with morbid obesity. Read this free article now: http://tinyurl.com/29fewzn

Resources on Child Trauma and Infant Mental Health

THE CHILDTRAUMA ACADEMY

A not-for-profit organization, based in Houston, Texas, working to improve the lives of high-risk children through direct service, research and education.

http://childtrauma.org/

THE LIFESPAN LEARNING INSTITUTE

For nearly twenty years Lifespan Learning Institute has brought together leading experts from around the world to present their latest research and critical thinking.

http://lifespanlearn.org/

THE INSTITUTE OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT

The institute strives to help children suffering the effects of early trauma, abuse or neglect. They conduct research to deepen understanding about the complex needs of these children and how and why these harmful experiences can impair development and lead to social, behavioral and emotional problems.

http://www.child.tcu.edu/

Infants Take Self-Regulation Into Their Own Hands

Abstract:  Language serves as a mental tool set for self-regulation, allowing us to reflect on and modify our own behavior. Children as young as 3 years talk out loud to themselves to regulate their behavior, using self-regulatory self-talk. Can preverbal children use infant signs as self-talk for the purpose of self-regulation? The author shares observations from a child development center using the Baby Signs® Program.

Infants and toddlers use signs to request comfort in regulatory interactions with caregivers, and they use signs when alone to modify their own behavior in emotionally challenging situations. Infant signs provide infants with the cognitive tools to participate actively in their own regulation.

CLICK HERE to download the article now.