One superpower all psychologists would kill for is the ability to read minds. Not only would it make psychology research a lot easier, we would be able to experience what it is like to be someone else – a fascinating prospect.
Although telepathy is still science fiction most of us can do something clever that, while [...]

A classic study of childhood learning suggests true understanding comes from letting go of established preconceptions.
Imagine the revelations we all once absorbed: humans are descended from apes, numbers can be usefully replaced by letters to solve problems and the Earth is (near-enough) a sphere which rotates around the sun. Despite their momentous importance for our [...]

Most people look out for number one, themselves, which makes it strange to think that there was ever a time when we had no concept of ‘me’. A simple study dating from the early 70s suggests that before the age of around two years old we can’t recognise ourselves in the mirror. Because of this [...]

Some argue it’s impossible for us to remember anything much from before around two to four years of age. Others think our memories can go way back – perhaps even to before birth. The question of ‘infantile amnesia’ is thorny because it’s hard to test whether adults’ earliest memories are real or imagined.

What psychologists [...]

You know you’re in a dream world when the physical laws of the universe appear to have changed. When gravity has been turned off at the socket, objects seem to have no inertia and vanish when they are out of view. Dreams can be surprising and unsettling precisely because we’re so used to how the [...]

Children can develop language skills
only if they have many opportunities
to talk, listen and use
language to solve problems and
learn about the world.
Long before your child enters
school, you can do many things to
help her develop language. You can:
★ Give your child opportunities to play. Play is how children learn. It
is the natural way for them to explore, [...]

Children start school with different degrees of social and emotional
maturity. These qualities take time and practice to learn. Give your child
opportunities at home to begin to develop the following positive qualities.
★ Confidence: Children must feel good about themselves and believe
they can succeed. Confident children are more willing to attempt
new tasks—and try again if they don’t [...]

Seeing to it that your preschool child has nutritious food, enough
exercise and regular medical care gives him* a good start in life and lessens the chances that he will have serious health problems or trouble learning later on.
Food
Preschoolers require a healthy diet. After your child is born, she requires nutritious food to keep her healthy. [...]

Scientists who study how the brain works have shown that children learn
earlier—and learn more—than we once thought possible. From birth
through age 5, children are developing the language, thinking, physical,
emotional and social skills that they will need for the rest of their lives.
This booklet is for families and caregivers who want to help their
preschool children to [...]

Taking responsibility and working independently are important qualities for school
success. Here are some suggestions for helping your child to develop these qualities:
*| Establish rules. Every home needs reasonable rules that children know and can
depend on. Have your child help you to set rules, then make sure that you enforce the
rules consistently.
*| Make it clear to [...]