UoM Child Study Centre

📢Study Shoutout! 📢
Children are learning about right and wrong every day, but not all mistakes are the same…
Breaking a toy, breaking a promise, or telling a lie can feel very different.
How do children understand these situations - and decide what to do next? 💭

If you have a 5 year old child and are interested in helping us learn more about how children make sense of these situations? Get in touch! 💬

☀️Say Hello to the Sun! ☀️ We had a lovely day meeting the parents at Baby Sensory Oldham today. Thank you to all the parents who spoke to us and signed up to our study database and thank you to Charlotte for having us! Baby Sensory Oldham

✨Friday Fact✨ 🧠 | Nature vs Nurture Series

This week we’re looking at behaviourism - a theory that highlights how children’s behaviour is shaped by their experiences (nurture) 👶

This theory proposes that children learn through reinforcement - behaviours that are praised or rewarded are more likely to be repeated.

This links closely to the EYFS, where consistent routines, positive relationships, and supportive environments help children understand expectations and develop confidence

👉Please see these research adverts from a colleague within the University of Manchester.

Participants needed for research on subtle language and communication difficulties and the effects on emotional wellbeing!

We're looking for:
Autistic women (18-35 years)
Non- autistic women (18- 35 years)
Parents of autistic girls (11- 17 years)
Parents of non- autistic girls (11- 17 years)

Either scan the QR code on the relevant poster or send an email to [email protected] with the details of which category you fit into (all details on the posters!).

Thank you

Colleagues at Manchester are investigating parents’ understanding of young children’s mental health and wellbeing via an online survey.

If you’re interested in finding out more or taking part, scan the QR code or head to:

https://www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_do3AYIWwtOs2tqC

World Ocean Day 🌊

You don’t need to live by the sea for your child to benefit from water play.
From splashing in the bath to pouring in a paddling pool, these everyday moments help children:

🐟explore through their senses
🐬build early science skills
🐠develop language through play

Simple activities can support big developmental steps 💙

#

🔆Study Spotlight 🔆

Do you have a little one aged 9 - 11 months?

We’re currently running an EEG study exploring how babies’ brains begin to categorise the world around them - from animals to vehicles and beyond! 🚗🐶

Your child will take part in two short, baby-friendly visits (around 45 minutes each), where they’ll look at images on a screen while we gently record their brain activity using a soft, comfortable cap.

👶 We’re looking for full-term, typically developing babies aged 9–11 months
📍 Based at The University of Manchester Child Study Centre

Interested in taking part or want to find out more?
📧 Email [email protected]

Help us better understand how babies learn about the world

✨Friday Fact✨ 🧠 | Nature vs Nurture Series

💡 Some theories focus more on nature (what children are born with)🧬
💡 Others focus on nurture (their experiences and environment)🫶
✨ Most research shows it’s a combination of both that shapes development

This week we’re looking at Piaget's Constructivist Theory - one way researchers have tried to understand how children grow and learn 👶It suggests children actively build their understanding through experience - something reflected in the EYFS framework, where play, exploration and curiosity are key to learning. ✨

Happy Global Day of Parents💛

Parenting is a journey - full of love, challenges, and constant learning. Today is a chance to recognise the selfless commitment parents show every day in supporting their children.

Families play such an important role in children’s development, offering care, stability, and a sense of belonging.

And to those who might be finding it hard right now - you’re not alone, and you’re doing more than enough.

Even on the difficult days, what you do matters.🫶

We also want to say a heartfelt thank you to all the families who support our research by taking part in our studies. Your time and trust help us better understand child development.

Friday Fact 🧠✨
Ever heard of Theory of Mind? It’s the ability to understand that other people have their own thoughts and beliefs-different from our own 💭

Research shows this skill develops gradually, with a big shift around age 4, when children begin to understand that others can hold false beliefs (believing something that isn’t true).

This is a key milestone for communication, empathy, and forming friendships 💬