The Art of Talking with Children

Anxiety

Why Today's Kids Are Facing a Meaning Crisis

Rebecca Rolland Ed.D. on August 12, 2024

Many kids today are anxious, in part because they're missing opportunities to develop a sense of meaning. With richer conversations, we can help.

Many kids today are anxious, in part because they're missing opportunities to develop a sense of meaning. With richer conversations, we can help.

Social Media

When We Use Screens to Reward Kids, They Use Screens More

Rebecca Rolland Ed.D. on July 2, 2024

A new study shows that using screens as a reward may backfire for tweens and teens.

A new study shows that using screens as a reward may backfire for tweens and teens.

Education

To Revive Education, Teach the Unknown

Rebecca Rolland Ed.D. on March 3, 2024

In a post-pandemic world, we need deep shifts in education—starting with how we talk with kids.

In a post-pandemic world, we need deep shifts in education—starting with how we talk with kids.

Child Development

Screen Time Isn't Bad for Kids, if It's Shared With Parents

Rebecca Rolland Ed.D. on December 8, 2023

All screen time isn't equal—and new research finds that when families watch screens together, kids show stronger literacy skills.

All screen time isn't equal—and new research finds that when families watch screens together, kids show stronger literacy skills.

Education

Talk for Resilience: Lessons From Ukrainian Schools

Rebecca Rolland Ed.D. on August 30, 2023

Learning from Ukrainian schools can help parents and teachers raise more resilient and empathetic kids.

Learning from Ukrainian schools can help parents and teachers raise more resilient and empathetic kids.

Artificial Intelligence

Why Automated Talk Doesn't Scare Us, And Why It Should

Rebecca Rolland Ed.D. on June 27, 2023

When technology talks for us, how do we—and our children—change? Are we allowing automated talk to go too far?

When technology talks for us, how do we—and our children—change? Are we allowing automated talk to go too far?

Academic Problems and Skills

The Surprising Thing Kids Need to Become Strong Readers

Rebecca Rolland Ed.D. on May 26, 2023

It's clearer than ever that kids need decoding skills to read well. But if books are to be meaningful to them, they also need great conversations.

It's clearer than ever that kids need decoding skills to read well. But if books are to be meaningful to them, they also need great conversations.

Cognition

New Research Shows Why Kids Need Play for Mental Health

Rebecca Rolland Ed.D. on March 21, 2023

Are you interested in helping a generation of stressed-out, anxious kids? Play is a critical way in.

Are you interested in helping a generation of stressed-out, anxious kids? Play is a critical way in.

Depression

The Simple Key to Strengthening Your Bond with Children

Rebecca Rolland Ed.D. on December 14, 2022

Do you want a deeper relationship with the kids in your life? Try this simple technique a few times a day.

Do you want a deeper relationship with the kids in your life? Try this simple technique a few times a day.

Relationships

How to Listen Actively Even When You're Tired

Rebecca Rolland Ed.D. on November 20, 2022

Have the children in your life ever complained, "That's not what I meant?" This three-part process helps kids feel seen and heard.

Have the children in your life ever complained, "That's not what I meant?" This three-part process helps kids feel seen and heard.

Creativity

4 Ways to Harness Your Focus and Creativity

Rebecca Rolland Ed.D. on October 2, 2022

Are you or your kids feeling unfocused, uncreative, or distracted? A few key changes can help.

Are you or your kids feeling unfocused, uncreative, or distracted? A few key changes can help.

Attention

Why Knowing More Words Helps Kids Succeed

Rebecca Rolland Ed.D. on August 20, 2022

A new study finds surprising links between a child's vocabulary and their ability to engage with school and make friends.

A new study finds surprising links between a child's vocabulary and their ability to engage with school and make friends.

Relationships

The Best Way to Help Kids Through Challenges

Rebecca Rolland Ed.D. on July 21, 2022

Are you struggling to help kids work through challenges? Focus on this key strategy.

Are you struggling to help kids work through challenges? Focus on this key strategy.

Empathy

The Talk Children Need in Violent Times

Rebecca Rolland Ed.D. on May 26, 2022

What to say when a child asks if they are safe? The importance of talking about—and taking—action.

What to say when a child asks if they are safe? The importance of talking about—and taking—action.

Autism

New Study Sheds Light on Kids With Autism

Rebecca Rolland Ed.D. on May 1, 2022

We know kids with autism have trouble socializing, but why is conversation so difficult? New research sheds light on why.

We know kids with autism have trouble socializing, but why is conversation so difficult? New research sheds light on why.

Education

4 Signs of an In-Sync Classroom

Rebecca Rolland Ed.D. on April 18, 2022

What's the "secret sauce" of an in-sync classroom? Check out this quick list.

What's the "secret sauce" of an in-sync classroom? Check out this quick list.

Cognition

4 Signs that You and Your Kids are in Sync

Rebecca Rolland Ed.D. on April 2, 2022

Do you wonder how well-connected you and the kids you raise, teach, or interact with are? This checklist will help you gauge how in-sync you are.

Do you wonder how well-connected you and the kids you raise, teach, or interact with are? This checklist will help you gauge how in-sync you are.

Cognition

The Science Behind Young Kids' Language and Social Delays

Rebecca Rolland Ed.D. on March 10, 2022

What's happened to young children's language and social skills? Look to the science of interactions.

What's happened to young children's language and social skills? Look to the science of interactions.

Education

Why Kids Aren't Learning to Read, and How to Help

Rebecca Rolland Ed.D. on February 10, 2022

Why aren't some kids learning to read? Blame the lack of science—and conversation.

Why aren't some kids learning to read? Blame the lack of science—and conversation.

Stress

The One Thing You Need for Great Conversations With Kids

Rebecca Rolland Ed.D. on February 2, 2022

Are you feeling too drained or exhausted to connect with your child? Try this one shift to support you both.

Are you feeling too drained or exhausted to connect with your child? Try this one shift to support you both.