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A research agenda to transform the field of early relational health

March 16, 2023

Dear NSP family, Last month, I announced the launch of Nurture Connection, which brings together a diverse team of parent advocates, pediatric care providers, researchers, early childhood development experts, funders, and policy professionals to advance the field of early relational health (ERH) in a relational way. Today, I am excited to share the research strategy…

Announcing the launch of Nurture Connection—the hub for Early Relational Health

February 6, 2023

I’m excited to announce the launch of Nurture Connection, a new movement conceived by our partners at the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP), dedicated to advancing the field of early relational health.  In 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a policy statement proposing a paradigm shift in pediatrics: one that…

Nurture Science Program Leadership Transition

March 10, 2022

Together, we have set the stage for a new paradigm of relational health and it is our commitment to emotional connection that brings us to this long-planned and welcome leadership transition.

Connecting Activities: Joint Attention through a Nurture Science Lens

December 13, 2021

Throughout our connecting activities series, the Nurture Science Program has provided a new perspective on what are frequently called “joint attention activities.”

Traveling with Kids: Disarming the Gremlins

December 7, 2021

How do we help our children (and ourselves) have a better—dare we even say fun—travel experience? By tapping into our biology.

Seven Ways to Make Family Movie Night Good For Everyone

November 30, 2021

Watching TV or a movie together can be a wonderful opportunity to co-regulate, especially for families! It’s something many of us already do on a regular basis, so why not get the most out of it that we can?

How Chores Make Kids Resilient

November 11, 2021

If we make chores activities of connection, we can turn the mundane into something meaningful, while protecting our children’s futures.

Improving Childhood Development Through Play: It’s Not Just About the Brain

November 3, 2021

We hear a lot about why play is good for children’s brains, but something is going on inside children’s bodies when they’re in a playful state that has phenomenal impacts on their health. Playful interactions can also promote empathy, deepen their capacity to learn, and set them up for healthy future relating.

The Tantrum Cycle (and How to Get Out of It)

October 21, 2021

Tantrums alert us to our child’s need for more connection, more feelings of calm and regulation. This Nurture Science lens offers a simple approach to tantrums that not only helps children potentially avoid a meltdown altogether, but also helps adults in the process.

Strategies for Promoting Healthy Bedtime Habits

September 22, 2021

Humans are social beings, and our bodies really benefit from learning to fall asleep in the calming presence of someone who loves us.