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At Baumgarten Child Psychology and More, we often meet children who are bright, curious, and capable—yet quietly struggling with reading. What may look like a simple academic hurdle is often something deeper: reading-related anxiety. A recent study by Grills and colleagues (2026) introduces an important new tool designed to better understand this challenge: the Reading Anxiety Scale (RAS). This development marks a meaningful step forward—not just for researchers, but for educ

Relocating to a new country is a major transition for families. Alongside the excitement of new opportunities, international families in the Netherlands often navigate language barriers, shifting cultural norms, and changes in school systems. For children, these adjustments can deeply affect emotional wellbeing, identity development, and academic functioning. Yet many psychological and educational interventions are still built on a “one-size-fits-all” model. Research increasi

For many international families living in the Netherlands, grandparents play a special role—whether they live nearby, visit often, or stay connected across borders. Beyond emotional support and childcare, new research suggests something remarkable: 👉 Caring for grandchildren may actually help keep grandparents’ brains healthier for longer. What the Research Shows A recent study published in Psychology and Aging followed nearly 3,000 grandparents over several years to explor

As parents, it’s natural to focus on your child’s immediate wellbeing—school performance, friendships, and emotional health. But new research from the American Psychological Association suggests something deeper: teen aggression may be linked to long-term physical health, including how fast the body ages. For international families living in the Netherlands, navigating cultural transitions, school systems, and social integration can add extra layers of complexity to parenting

For many international families living in the Netherlands, dinnertime can feel like a daily balancing act. You may be aiming for calm, connection, and good nutrition—while your preschooler seems determined to wiggle, bounce, and leave their chair every two minutes. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and importantly, it’s not a parenting failure. A recent study by Jackie A. Nelson and colleagues (2026) sheds new light on what’s really happening during these moments—and

In our previous blog, we explored how children develop beliefs about ability—often referred to as mindsets —and how these beliefs influence motivation, persistence, and willingness to take on challenges. Research shows that when children believe abilities can grow with effort, they are more likely to embrace learning and keep trying when things feel difficult. But mindsets do not only shape how children think about intelligence or talent. They can also influence how children

Praise is one of the most powerful tools parents and teachers use to encourage children. A simple “Well done!” or “I’m proud of you” can boost motivation, confidence, and joy. But recent psychological research suggests that in some cases, children may become overly dependent on praise.    When this happens, encouragement can shift from being supportive to something children feel they need in order to feel good about themselves. A recent study by Eddie Brummelman, Stathis Gra

How the right safety messages can help children take smarter risks For many international families living in the Netherlands, childhood means bikes, playgrounds, schoolyards, sports clubs, and a culture that encourages independence from an early age. This freedom is wonderful for children’s development—but it can also come with risks. Recent research highlights something many parents recognize intuitively: when children are excited and in a very positive mood, they are more l