Susan Newman's Blog, page 15

Who Will Care for Your Parents? For You? When and Why Siblings Disappoint

As parents age, their offspring often struggle with caretaking responsibilities. In most families, siblings don’t contribute equally to the care of their parents. The research on the subject shows that the share is often disproportionate, creating resentment and argument between siblings.

In her study, “Conflict and Cooperation Among Adult Siblings During the Transition to the Role of Filial Caregiver,” Deborah Merrill, associate professor of sociology at Clark University, reported that only o...

Welcome

Parenting expert Susan Newman, Ph.D. specializes in issues impacting your children, family life, and work and personal friendships. Dr. Newman is a social psychologist and author of 15 books who focuses on solutions that enrich and protect those relationships.

Given altered definitions of family and society’s fast pace, new concerns emerge and we need to adapt and adjust to them. As children grow, a parent’s role is constantly being redefined and challenged. These pages are designed to help yo...

In the News

Unspoiled Children, No Rod Needed (Wall Street Journal)

How to Say NO at Work (Forbes)

How to Avoid Raising an Entitled Child (The Mother Company)

Too Old To Be A Dad? (Time Magazine)

When Grandma Can’t Be Bothered (The New York Times)

Are Only Children Bossy, Lonely, Selfish? (20/20 ABC News (Video))

Read more

Psychology Today Blog

How Many “iRules” Should Your Family Have?

Are you a family of tech-enthusiasts? Technology should enrich family life — not rule it. Here are important guidelines your family needs to thrive. Read more

“Stern Parenting” or Child Abuse?

Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson believes in punitively disciplining his children. And, some believe that is perfectly fine given Peterson’s reasoning.Sixty-five percent of Americans approve of spanking children. Read more

Are Screens “Drugging” Your Child...

Note to Parents of Singletons: Your Child Won’t Be Lonely

By Susan Newman, PhD

Parents of singletons often worry that without siblings, their child might have problems sharing and making friends — and hence, will be lonely. This stereotype of the only child as lonely child has long been without merit. In this day and age, with children’s early socialization in daycare, playgroups, in school and involved in endless after school activities, I believe parents should worry less than ever before, if at all.

The Wall Street Journal reported that some concer...

In Defense of Older First-Time Moms

by Susan Newman, PhD

Actress Halle Berry had her first child at age 42

“When is the ideal time to have a baby?” Everyone has an opinion and most people have no qualms sharing it. Whatever people believe, women are having their first babies later than ever before.

In 1967 pregnancies among 40-something women were typically mothers having a third or fourth child. Today, however, women aged 40-44 are very likely to be having their first child. The National Center for Health Statistics recently foun...