People were writing to ask me what I thought of this, frankly, moronic report in the WaPo last month on how it doesn’t matter how much time parents spend with kids. I didn’t respond then because I just didn’t have time to do a proper take-down and, honestly, the findings ran so counter to every other study on the subject for the last 30 years I just didn’t think it was worth it. Fortunately, no less an authority than... Read more
Well, this is horrifying. The brains of babies ‘light up’ in a very similar way to adults when exposed to the same painful stimulus, a pioneering brain scanning study has discovered. It suggests that babies experience pain much like adults. As recently as the 1980s it was common practice for babies to be given neuromuscular blocks but no pain relief medication during surgery. In 2014 a review of neonatal pain management practice in intensive care highlighted that although such infants... Read more
In light of my earlier post advancing a secular, empirical argument for the value of public prayer, I’ve been engaged in an interesting discussion with a couple of atheist bloggers at Patheos on what religious freedom really entails (Note: the discussion occurred on a private forum and I don’t have permission to share their thoughts so I will refrain from naming or quoting them or the other participants). I realize that politics is outside the usual purview of this... Read more
On the Patheos Atheist Channel, Jeffrey Jay Lowder posted an article titled, “Question for Theists: Why Is It Important to Begin Governmental Meetings with Prayer?” I appreciated the honest and respectful attempt to engage believers on this controversial issue–especially in light of Canada’s high court ruling that such prayer is impermissible— so I thought I would attempt a purely secular, non-theist, research-based response to the question. There actually is a purely psychological argument for the benefits of public prayer.... Read more
From ScienceDaily. Linking probiotics and mood Probiotics are live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, are fundamental in improving digestion and immune function. A new study found that people focus less on bad feelings and experiences from the past (i.e. rumination) after four weeks of probiotics administration. The study was published in the journal, Brain, Behavior and Immunity. In the study, half of the people received a placebo powder, while the other half received the probiotics mixture.... Read more
Sometimes the Holy Spirit sends a hug just when you need it most. At the end of a VERY long week, Lisa and I just received this beautiful message from Down Under. We thought we’d share it with you (after removing any identifying information) in the hopes that others might be inspired by this reader’s experience and the resources offered through the Pastoral Solutions Institute. Dear Dr. Greg and Lisa, About eight months ago, I was randomly searching for a... Read more
Kathleen Basi interviewed Lisa and I for an upcoming issue of Family Foundations. Here’s what she had to say about one of the discipline ideas we recommend in Parenting with Grace that we discussed in our interview. We did this exercise on Easter night, and we have already had three occasions to refer to these “shields.” I have hung them in the kitchen, where people are constantly walking by and where they are in plain view from the table. I really love... Read more
Previous research has demonstrated a strong link between marital quality and physical health. This most recent study examined to what degree a spouse’s stress indirectly impact his or her mate’s health. Researchers discovered stress and relationship quality have both direct and indirect effects on the cardiovascular system, confirming previous research. They also discovered that it is important to consider the couple as a whole rather than the individual when examining marriage and health. Overall, some of the findings were surprising.... Read more
More2Life Radio contributor and editor of Tender Tidings e-magazine for Catholic Parents, Kim Cameron-Smith, identifies 3 reasons this study has no teeth. Check it out! Read more
Researchers estimate that 40% of Americans feel lonely. That’s remarkable, considering that we’re more connected than ever. Unfortunately, there is some evidence suggesting that the kinds of connections we’re seeking are not the kinds of connections we need. Most of us are actively engaged in some form or another of social media, but researches have recently discovered that the more time a person spends on social media, the more likely it is they will also experience a depressed mood. Pope... Read more
Faith on the Couch
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