We’re here to give you easy access to research on topics that matter to you and ideas about how to use that information to raise healthy children.

Science can’t tell you how to bring up your children or what kind of lifestyle suits your family – that’s up to you. But research can inform your choices, giving you confidence that you are fostering healthy development and laying a strong foundation for the future.

The scientific thinking highlighted here comes from top quality research conducted at UCLA and around the world. We aim to bring the university’s wealth of resources to your community, in ways that make a difference to you and your family.
  • Why Habits Matter to Well-Being

    Habits are the foundation of health and well-being. They are also a central part of a person’s identity. As Aristotle tells us, “We are what we repeatedly do.” Four habits, often established in childhood, can improve your family’s chances of living...
  • Why Habits Matter to the Environment

    Personal choices make a difference not just to families’ well-being, but to the health of the environment. For example, more than 2 billion single-use, plastic shopping bags are used in Los Angeles County each year. Some estimate that Californians...
  • How Mindfulness Benefits Parenting

    For thousands of years, people have practiced mindfulness to increase their insight, empathy, and ability to approach life with balance and calmness. Over the past fifteen years, research has increasingly confirmed the benefits of these practices....
  • Martial Arts Builds Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies

    The practice of martial arts does more than just increase physical fitness. It also builds mental, emotional and social traits that contribute to lifelong well-being. Of course, other sports – like soccer, basketball, swimming or baseball – also...