Family Matters of Florida

04/09/2026

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A new study suggests giving to others is naturally rewarding for humans from a very young age. Scientists found that toddlers express significantly more happiness when sharing treats than when receiving treats themselves.

04/03/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1348558610642498&set=a.546616954170005

Look, don’t touch! 🐛

Tussock moth caterpillars are showing up on homes, cars, and outdoor furniture across Florida. Their fuzzy hairs act like tiny needles and can cause itchy, painful rashes if touched. Experts say to keep your distance and use tape to remove hairs if exposed.

If you or your child has a reaction, Poison Control is here 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222.
Read more: https://www.fox13news.com/news/look-dont-touch-what-know-about-tussock-moth-caterpillars

03/26/2026

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Sweden is changing its education strategy by bringing back physical books, handwriting, and paper-based learning in schools after years of heavy digital use. The government has ended its push for mandatory digital devices in early classrooms and is investing in printed textbooks instead.

This decision comes after experts and researchers warned that too much screen-based learning may reduce reading comprehension, attention span, and deep focus. Teachers also noticed students were weaker in traditional skills like sustained reading and handwriting.

Sweden’s goal is not to remove technology completely, but to restore balance—using digital tools as support while prioritizing core learning foundations in the early years. The country is now seen as a major example of an “analog revival” in modern education.

03/17/2026

"The consequences of device use aren’t just academic; they are also social and emotional because device use has displaced students talking to each other during lunch and breaks." ~Jean M. Twenge

A new analysis shows the twin impacts of the leisure use of devices during the school day: declines in test scores and increases in feelings of loneliness at school.

03/14/2026

Psychologist says the way people write information can influence how the brain learns and remembers. According to psychology and neuroscience research, handwriting activates several brain systems that are directly linked to memory, attention, and creative thinking.

When writing with a pen, the brain must coordinate fine motor movement, visual processing, and language formation at the same time. Psychologist says this complex coordination stimulates multiple neural circuits that strengthen learning and information retention.

According to psychology, handwriting forces the brain to slow down and process information more deeply. Instead of copying words quickly, the mind naturally summarizes ideas and organizes thoughts before putting them on paper.

Researchers have found that handwriting can activate about 3 more brain circuits related to memory formation and focus compared with typing. Psychologist says these circuits include regions responsible for motor learning, cognitive processing, and creative association.

Typing is still extremely useful for speed and productivity. However, according to psychology, keyboard typing often involves repetitive movements that require less deep cognitive processing.

Using both methods can be beneficial. Psychologist says typing helps efficiency while handwriting strengthens memory, comprehension, and creative thinking through deeper brain engagement.

02/24/2026

We’re excited to welcome Ashtyn Carter to the Family Matters team as our newest Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI)! 🎉

Ashtyn is a compassionate and dedicated counselor who supports individuals through life’s challenges with empathy, understanding, and evidence-based care. With experience as a school-based mental health counselor, she has worked closely with children, adolescents, and families to strengthen emotional well-being, build resilience, and encourage personal growth.

✨ She is now accepting new clients!

📞 Call (904) 269-3522 to schedule an appointment today.

02/05/2026

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IN FLORIDA: The bill requires cursive instruction for students in grades 2 through 5. Fifth graders would be required to pass a test showing they can read and write in cursive.

01/31/2026

According to psychology, a baby’s smile is not random or simply a reaction to kindness. Psychologist says infants smile most at people who make their nervous system feel safe. This response is deeply biological and tied to early brain development rather than social preference.

Psychologist explains that babies are born with an immature nervous system that constantly scans the environment for safety cues. Tone of voice, facial softness, predictability, and calm body language all signal safety. According to psychology research, when these cues are present, the baby’s brain shifts into a regulated state and a smile naturally emerges.

Neuroscience shows that this smile is more than an expression. Psychologist says it is the brain actively recording who helps regulate stress and who does not. Each positive interaction strengthens neural pathways linked to attachment, trust, and emotional security. The brain is literally taking notes for future relationships.

According to psychology, this is why babies may smile more at quiet, emotionally steady people than at loud or overly stimulating ones, even if the latter are playful or well intentioned. Safety comes before entertainment.

Psychologist says these early experiences form the foundation of attachment patterns. Feeling safe allows the brain to grow, explore, and learn. Without safety, development is interrupted.

Psychology shows that a baby’s smile is not a reward for niceness. It is a biological signal that the nervous system feels secure. That moment of connection shapes emotional regulation for years to come.

01/13/2026

"Bravo to Australia, and bravo to the five (or more) countries that will turn Australia’s bold move into a new international standard. Let’s make 16+ the standard around the globe."

Four features of strong age-limit policies for countries ready to follow Australia’s brave lead

12/17/2025

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Neuroscience research show that reading physical books engages the brain differently than reading on screens. When you read a printed book, multiple brain systems work together at once. Along with language processing areas, the brain activates regions responsible for spatial awareness, sensory integration, and memory mapping. The feel of the pages, the weight of the book, and the physical location of text all provide cues that help the brain organize information more effectively.

Studies have found that readers of physical books demonstrate better comprehension and stronger long term memory retention compared to screen readers. One reason is reduced cognitive load. Screens often encourage scrolling, multitasking, and skimming, which keeps the brain in a shallow processing mode. Physical books promote sustained attention, allowing the prefrontal cortex to focus deeply without constant external stimulation.

Memory formation is also influenced by spatial context. When reading a printed book, the brain creates a mental map of where information appears on the page. This spatial encoding strengthens recall because memory is linked not just to words, but to physical position and sensory experience.

Psychology research also shows that screen reading increases mental fatigue. Blue light exposure and rapid visual shifts strain attention networks and interfere with emotional regulation. Physical books support slower reading rhythms, which help the nervous system remain calm and receptive.

This does not mean digital reading is useless. It is efficient and accessible. But when it comes to deep learning, emotional engagement, and lasting memory, the brain consistently benefits more from physical books.

The medium matters because the brain learns best when attention is grounded, focused, and embodied.

12/10/2025

"Australia is leading. It’s protecting childhood. We hope others will join." Jon Haidt

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Why raising the minimum age to 16 is a breakthrough for families and child safety

06/25/2025

A mom in Maine found the perfect alternative to a smartphone for her 10-year-old daughter: a landline. As a mental health provider, she had seen firsthand how social media and screen time were affecting kids’ focus and well-being. She wanted her daughter to have some independence without the stress and pressure that comes with a smartphone. The solution was surprisingly simple and incredibly effective. Soon, other families in the neighborhood joined in, setting up their own landlines. What started as one mom’s creative solution quickly turned into a small movement rooted in connection, nostalgia, and peace of mind.