3 Parenting Studies That Don’t Really Surprise Me

If you frequent this blog, you’ll know that I often write about the latest parenting-related studies and research.

I come across quite a number, and while they are highly informative in nature, there are a few that make me scratch my head and say:

“Really? Did researchers just waste their smarts and time on that study? Couldn’t they just find the ultimate fat-burning solution? That’s time well spent!”

Note: My thought bubbles are italicized.

1. Study: Kids 0 – 2 years old exposed to maltreatment or trauma have lower IQ

This is what researchers from the Boston Children’s Hospital and the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota found.

Exposure to maltreatment and trauma, in relation to this study, is defined as domestic violence towards the children’s moms.

The reason for this may be because the brain experiences a rapid growth from 0 – 2 years, making it highly impressionable and malleable to external factors – including violence. In addition, children in the study also scored low on cognitive tests.

Regardless of age, no child should ever have to see his or her parent be physically abused. And while this is a great study in terms of showing how exposure to violence reduces IQ and cognitive skills, I can’t say it’s surprising.

2. Video games are good

This article from Gamasutra cites a number of studies done by big universities and (even bigger) companies on why video games are good for both children and adults.

A few key points are:

• Parent-approved video games help children improve their social, educational and physical development if played in moderation.

So can playing real games like tag or math hopscotch. And yes, I already know that moderation is key.

• Surgeons who play video games often are better at performing surgeries.

Uhh, this actually makes a lot of sense but I could (weakly) argue that (perhaps) surgeons could get better by performing more surgeries too. Right?

• Kids who successfully play more complex video games can learn: interpretative analysis, strategic thinking, adaptation to rapid change, plan formulation and execution and problem solving skills.

I have to admit this does make sense but can’t the same skills be taken from chess or a paintball match?

Okay, so some of the points aren’t so bad, let’s go see what’s next on the list then, shall we?

3. Where kids live may increase the risk for childhood obesity

This is actually an interesting study from the Seattle Children’s Research Institute.

The findings show that children who live in an ideal neighborhood have a 59% lesser chance of being obese. But wait, what constitutes an ideal neighborhood?

An area that has increased walkability, more access to healthy food in the form of stores and those near high-quality parks.

Though the study is interesting, I can’t say it’s surprising since we’re greatly influenced by our immediate surroundings. You can almost be certain that if there’s a candy store around the corner, your children will frequent the place.

Alright, alright

I’ll leave it to you to determine which studies surprise you or not. The good part is we still all learned a few things, right?

What’s in YOUR thought bubble?

Photo:
Creative Commons from klynslis