Never too late for parenting intervention

Parenting intervention is a common and effective tool for reducing child behaviour problems. According to a recent study, parenting interventions for helping children with behaviour problems are just as effective in older children as it is in younger ones. There is a predominant view amongst scientists and policy-makers that for greatest effect, interventions need to be applied early in life when a child’s brain functions and behaviour is thought to be more malleable. However, a new research says that it can be helpful for children of all ages. A team of researchers analysed data from over 15,000 families from all over the world and found that older children benefited just as much as younger ones from parenting interventions for reducing behaviour problems. There was no evidence whatsoever for the common belief that earlier interventions are more powerful. This was based on data from more than 150 rigorous trials. Professor Gardner, Head Researcher of the study, said, “It’s never too early, never too late.”

Walking daily lessens stroke severity

People who walk for even just 35 minutes a day or participate in light to moderate physical activity, such as swimming for two to three hours a week, may have less severe strokes than people who are physically inactive. In a new study, participants were asked after the stroke how much they moved or exercised during leisure time before the stroke. Questions about duration and intensity of exercise were used to determine the average amount of physical activity. Relatives were asked to confirm exercise levels when needed. Study author Katharina S Sunnerhagen, said, “Finding ways to prevent stroke or reduce the disability caused by it is important. Physical activity each week may have a big impact later by possibly reducing the severity of a stroke.”

Use verbswhen around children

A recent study has suggested that using verbs to talk about actions with children, such as encouraging them to help, read, and paint, may make them more resilient. According to the research, encouraging children “to help,” rather than asking them to “be helpers,” can instil persistence as they work to fulfil daily tasks that are difficult to complete. Marjorie Rhodes, senior author of the study, said, “The new research shows how subtle features of language can shape child behaviour in ways not previously understood. In particular, using verbs to talk to children about behaviour, such as “You can help”, can lead to more determination following setbacks than using nouns to talk about identities, for instance, “You can be a helper”. In an experiment, children were asked either to “be helpers” or “to help.” Results showed that children who had been asked “to help” were more resilient than those asked to “be helpers.”