Family
Caring for aging parents without burning out
Taking care of an aging mom or dad is an act of love — and a heavy load. Research on caregiver stress, warning signs of burnout, and where to find support in the US.
Family life and family dynamics
A family is more than the people in it. It has its own rules, roles and stories that pass from one generation to the next. Here: how family systems work, what strains them, and what helps them change.
Explainers
Short guides to psychological ideas: what they mean, where they come from and what the research says.
- What does it mean to see the family as a system?Why does one person’s stress ripple through the whole house? Family systems theory explains how roles, rules and relationships shape everyone in a family.
- What is parentification — when a child becomes the parent?Cooking for siblings, comforting a depressed parent, translating bills at age ten. When a child takes on adult roles, it’s called parentification. Here’s what research says.
Articles
Family
Why family dinners matter for kids
Eating together three or more times a week is linked to healthier eating and fewer eating problems in kids. Here’s what research says and how to make it work in a busy week.
FamilyExplainer
What does it mean to see the family as a system?
Why does one person’s stress ripple through the whole house? Family systems theory explains how roles, rules and relationships shape everyone in a family.
Family
How grandparents shape grandkids — and where to draw the line
Grandparents can be a lifeline for kids and parents. Research shows their involvement helps children’s well-being — especially in single-parent and stepfamilies.
FamilyExplainer
What is parentification — when a child becomes the parent?
Cooking for siblings, comforting a depressed parent, translating bills at age ten. When a child takes on adult roles, it’s called parentification. Here’s what research says.
Family
When your partner drinks too much: how to help without losing yourself
You can’t force a loved one to stop drinking, but research shows family members have more influence than they think. Here’s what works — and how to protect yourself and your kids.
Family
Domestic violence: how to recognize it and where to get help
Abuse isn’t only hitting. Control, threats, isolation and financial abuse are domestic violence too. Here’s how to recognize it and where to turn, 24/7.
Family
When does a family need therapy?
Constant fights, distance, a crisis or a big transition. Here’s how to know when a family or couple could use therapy, and what research says about results.
Family
How parents’ arguments affect kids — and how to fight in front of them
Not every argument harms kids. Research shows what kind of parental conflict hurts children — and how resolving it in front of them can even teach them something valuable.
Family
How to create family traditions that actually stick
Taco Tuesdays, Saturday pancakes, the first-day-of-school photo. Research shows family rituals give kids security and a sense of belonging. Here’s how to start yours.
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