Welcome

I'm a mother and journalist trying to learn what science has to tell us about media and the developing mind. There's a lot to say, and in my blog and newsletter I try to filter through some recent research that can help us make sense of it all. I also recently published a book, Into the Minds of Babes, which looks at how very young children respond to, and are affected by, what they see on TV. (If you are a parent who has ever wondered whether there is any worthwhile distinction between children's shows like Bob the Builder and Barney, you'll find the answer in these pages.)

Also happening in my world:

I had a piece published in The Washington Post's Outlook Section on April 20 and I reviewed a memoir for Brain, Child magazine's Spring issue.
I'm now writing a monthly column for BabyTalk magazine about new research on developmental milestones in infants and toddlers.
My youngest daughter, 3, is suddenly addicted to a show called Zoboomafoo (on PBS Sprout) and my oldest, 5, is asking for a Webkinz. (One's coming on her birthday, don't tell!)
I moderated a panel about "The New Frontier of Play" on January 8 at The Sandbox Summit at CES and made a few opening remarks.
I've been holding discussions about media and young children at many preschools and with parenting groups. (Here's where, if you're curious.) Parents have so many smart questions that still aren't being answered by even the most-cutting edge academic research, like how children respond differently to 3D versus 2D animation and whether different types of children's content will have different impacts on a child's sleep.
Recent blog entries include a recent call for more educational video games and questions about the impact of watching football with young kids.
The Wall Street Journal published a favorable review of my book on December 13.