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Why the Wild Things Are

Animals and nature in the lives of children.

Media
Is Your Child Economically Literate?

Gail F. Melson Ph.D. on July 20, 2022

What do children think about the economic issues that bedevil us adults? A look at "naive economics" gives us some answers.

What do children think about the economic issues that bedevil us adults? A look at "naive economics" gives us some answers.

Child Development
Child Development in the Trump Age

Gail F. Melson Ph.D. on February 25, 2020

What are children and teens absorbing in this tumultuous political climate? A look at political socialization research may provide some clues.

What are children and teens absorbing in this tumultuous political climate? A look at political socialization research may provide some clues.

Environment
The Children Speak

Gail F. Melson Ph.D. on September 24, 2019

Were you moved by the children marching for action on the climate crisis? Research on children's environmental morality may give us hope.

Were you moved by the children marching for action on the climate crisis? Research on children's environmental morality may give us hope.

Play
A Disconnected Summer?

Gail F. Melson Ph.D. on June 21, 2019

As screens proliferate, they are crowding out other activities for children. Can summer be a time to disconnect?

As screens proliferate, they are crowding out other activities for children. Can summer be a time to disconnect?

Cognition
Brave New Tech

Gail F. Melson Ph.D. on February 19, 2019

Interactive and intelligent robots challenge us to explore how they are changing children's behavior and thinking. What does it mean to have attributes of both life and artifact?

Interactive and intelligent robots challenge us to explore how they are changing children's behavior and thinking. What does it mean to have attributes of both life and artifact?

Stress
Coping with PSS (Political Stress Syndrome)

Gail F. Melson Ph.D. on December 13, 2018

Children are not immune when politics turns toxic. PSS may not be a real syndrome, but I am more convinced than ever that political stress is finding its way into children’s lives.

Children are not immune when politics turns toxic. PSS may not be a real syndrome, but I am more convinced than ever that political stress is finding its way into children’s lives.

Animal Behavior
When a Pet Dies

Gail F. Melson Ph.D. on August 14, 2018

An estimated 80 percent of children first encounter death and permanent loss of a loved one when a pet dies. Yet, we know little about this experience.

An estimated 80 percent of children first encounter death and permanent loss of a loved one when a pet dies. Yet, we know little about this experience.

Health
Get a Pet, Get Healthy?

Gail F. Melson Ph.D. on April 21, 2018

The health benefits of pet ownership have been touted widely. However, a new study points to selection factors that question this conclusion.

The health benefits of pet ownership have been touted widely. However, a new study points to selection factors that question this conclusion.

Punishment
For Richer or Poorer: Kids Version

Gail F. Melson Ph.D. on January 13, 2018

What is the status of the American dream in the minds of children? Do they have a sense of their place on the economic ladder? Do they see the rungs as easy or hard to climb?

What is the status of the American dream in the minds of children? Do they have a sense of their place on the economic ladder? Do they see the rungs as easy or hard to climb?

Trauma
Refugee Children Need Our Help

Gail F. Melson Ph.D. on November 14, 2017

Refugees, including many children, from war-ravaged areas continue to flee. Psychologists can document, call attention to, and address to their trauma.

Refugees, including many children, from war-ravaged areas continue to flee. Psychologists can document, call attention to, and address to their trauma.

Mindfulness
Young Yogis Rock

Gail F. Melson Ph.D. on September 13, 2017

Contemplative practices, like yoga, mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, and relaxation breathing, can help children deal with stress, reduce anxiety, and improve well-being.

Contemplative practices, like yoga, mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, and relaxation breathing, can help children deal with stress, reduce anxiety, and improve well-being.

Bullying
The Bully on the Screen

Gail F. Melson Ph.D. on June 12, 2017

With the explosion of social media, the proliferation of screens, and the rapid rise in screen time, children are more exposed than ever to cyber-bullying.

With the explosion of social media, the proliferation of screens, and the rapid rise in screen time, children are more exposed than ever to cyber-bullying.

Friends
Friends in Fur

Gail F. Melson Ph.D. on March 27, 2017

With over 77 million dogs among us, is it surprising that many are stepping in as friends, confidantes, soulmates and support systems? Dogs pull way above their weight.

With over 77 million dogs among us, is it surprising that many are stepping in as friends, confidantes, soulmates and support systems? Dogs pull way above their weight.

Stress
10 Resolutions for the Harried Parent

Gail F. Melson Ph.D. on December 24, 2016

Holiday stress often crowds out holiday cheer. Here are some research-backed resolutions to recapture the essence of winter holidays and the promise of the new year.

Holiday stress often crowds out holiday cheer. Here are some research-backed resolutions to recapture the essence of winter holidays and the promise of the new year.

Addiction
The Price of a High

Gail F. Melson Ph.D. on October 28, 2016

Children are especially vulnerable when a parent is addicted. The current opioid epidemic makes it imperative that we hear children's voices and understand their felt experience.

Children are especially vulnerable when a parent is addicted. The current opioid epidemic makes it imperative that we hear children's voices and understand their felt experience.

Addiction
The Opioid Epidemic and Our Children

Gail F. Melson Ph.D. on July 15, 2016

The opioid addiction crisis is laying waste to families and communities. Children inevitably become victims. Research on treatment and child protection is just catching up.

The opioid addiction crisis is laying waste to families and communities. Children inevitably become victims. Research on treatment and child protection is just catching up.

Animal Behavior
Helping Children Become Nurturers

Gail F. Melson Ph.D. on May 22, 2016

Caring for others is a central mandate for adults as parents, caregivers to the elderly or helpers for those with disabilities. Can children grow into nurturers?

Caring for others is a central mandate for adults as parents, caregivers to the elderly or helpers for those with disabilities. Can children grow into nurturers?