Amy Webb

Amy Webb, PhD is a scholar turned stay-at-home mom with two young sons. With her blog, The Thoughtful Parent, she brings academic child development research into the lives of parents in the trenches of child-rearing. She does not claim to be a parenting guru, but rather a translator of academic research into knowledge that parents can actually use.

mom holding newborn between her legs

From hummingbird to helicopter—what’s your parenting style?

There are no perfect parenting philosophies, but these labels may help us understand ourselves a little more clearly.

Parenting, Child, Life

little girl reading a book in bed

Toddler Milestones

Is your toddler ready for preschool? 6 ways to know

Readiness for preschool can include a mix of physical, emotional and social characteristics unique to each child.

Toddler Milestones, Child, Child Milestones, Parenting, Toddler

The science behind play-fighting—and why it’s not all bad

The science behind play-fighting—and why it’s not all bad

Commence bear cub-wrestling!

Parenting

Having a cranky baby doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent

Having a cranky baby doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent

A child’s mood has nothing to do with a parent’s skill.

Baby, Parenting

How to find the right balance between helpful and helicopter parenting

How to find the right balance between helpful and helicopter parenting

Ultimately, our children’s strives towards independence are signs that we parents are doing something right.

Parenting

How to raise our sons with a full emotional life—from vulnerability to strength

How to raise our sons with a full emotional life—from vulnerability to strength

How we talk to our kids becomes their internal dialogue.

Parenting

Struggling with breastfeeding? Memorize these mantras

Struggling with breastfeeding? Memorize these mantras

5. Be kind to yourself.

Life

I’m so proud of my childrens’ growth—but it also breaks my heart

I’m so proud of my childrens’ growth—but it also breaks my heart

Maybe this is why we cringe at the passing of time and their growing maturity—because it forces us to grow, too.

Parenting

5 ways to make playtime good for your child’s brain, too

5 ways to make playtime good for your child’s brain, too

Some of the best brain-boosting activities are more old-fashioned than Pinterest-worthy—and we’re good with that!

Child, Child Learn & Play, Parenting

6 ways to thrive in the early years as a stay-at-home mom

6 ways to thrive in the early years as a stay-at-home mom

5. Realize self-care is essential.

Parenting

baby smiling

Marriage & Partnerships

Rest easy: Research shows co-sleeping won’t ruin your marriage

Here's what we found out.

Marriage & Partnerships

Toddlers are unpredictable—5 ways to be a more proactive parent

Toddlers are unpredictable—5 ways to be a more proactive parent

2. Consider your child’s temperament

Parenting, Toddler