Family Matters of Florida

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.

04/26/2025

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In this powerful short film, watch and hear from elementary school students learning to use mindfulness to navigate complex feelings.“Just Breathe” was creat...

03/30/2025

"Let's write a better story. Let's learn how to repair." ❤️

Everyone loses their temper from time to time — but the stakes are dizzyingly high when the focus of your fury is your own child. Clinical psychologist and renowned parenting whisperer Becky Kennedy is here to help. Not only does she have practical advice to help parents manage the guilt and shame...

03/10/2025

“Play is how young children make sense of the world,” says Lauren Starnes, EdD, a child development expert and chief academic officer for The Goddard School. “It's through play that young children reenact social situations and take on different roles and perspectives.”

As your child ages, they’ll participate in many different types of play. Here’s how each type stage and type contributes to their growth and development.

01/27/2025

When it comes to our thoughts, there’s a lot we can't control but we can control how we respond to those thoughts we know are unhelpful, unkind, or untrue. These mind-quieting tools can help.

01/22/2025

Increased short video usage among elementary school students is associated with reduced attention and lower academic performance, according to new research.

12/30/2024

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