Glossary of Terms
Parenting Concepts
Attachment The emotional bond between child and caregiver. Secure attachment develops when children consistently receive responsive care.
Authoritative Parenting Parenting style with high warmth and high expectations. Generally associated with best outcomes. Contrast with authoritarian (high control, low warmth) or permissive (high warmth, low control).
Co-regulation When a calm adult helps a dysregulated child calm down. Children learn regulation through relationship before they can self-regulate.
Connection Before Correction The principle that children are more receptive to guidance when they first feel connected and understood.
Developmental Stage A period of growth characterized by certain abilities, needs, and challenges. Each stage has typical patterns.
Emotional Regulation The ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences appropriately. Develops through childhood and adolescence.
Individuation The developmental process (especially in adolescence) of becoming a separate self. Includes pushing away from parents.
Natural Consequences Allowing the real-world results of a child's actions to teach them, rather than imposing punishment.
Repair Reconnecting after a rupture in the relationship. Apologizing, making amends, restoring connection.
Rupture A break in connection — conflict, misunderstanding, hurtful interaction. Normal in all relationships.
Secure Base The sense of safety children feel with their caregiver, which allows them to explore and take risks.
Validate/Validation Acknowledging someone's feelings as real and understandable, even if you don't agree with their behavior.
Child Development
Executive Function Brain processes including working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. Develops through childhood and adolescence.
Milestones Developmental achievements typically reached by certain ages (walking, talking, etc.).
Prefrontal Cortex Brain region responsible for judgment, impulse control, and decision-making. Not fully developed until mid-20s.
Regression When children temporarily return to earlier behaviors, often during stress or transition.
Temperament Inborn personality characteristics that affect how children react to the world.
Behavior
Antecedent What happens before a behavior. Understanding antecedents helps prevent problems.
Boundary A limit set by parents about what is acceptable. Healthy development requires boundaries.
Consequence What happens after a behavior. Can be natural, logical, or imposed.
Extinction Burst When a behavior temporarily gets worse after you stop reinforcing it. Normal and usually temporary.
Positive Reinforcement Adding something desirable to encourage behavior (praise, rewards, attention).
Trigger Something that sets off a behavioral or emotional response. For parents or children.
Communication
Active Listening Fully focusing on what someone is saying, showing you're listening, and reflecting back.
I-Statement Expressing feelings without blaming ("I feel frustrated when..." vs. "You always...").
Reflective Listening Mirroring back what someone has said to show understanding ("It sounds like you're feeling...").
Mental Health
Anxiety Excessive worry or fear that interferes with function. Common in children and parents.
Burnout State of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion from prolonged stress.
Depression Persistent low mood, loss of interest, and other symptoms that interfere with function.
Self-Care Activities and practices that maintain physical, emotional, and mental health.
Technology
Algorithmic Feed Content served by algorithms designed to maximize engagement (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram).
Digital Citizenship Responsible, ethical behavior in online spaces.
Digital Footprint The trail of data you leave online. Can be permanent.
Screen Time Time spent using screens. Quality and context matter alongside quantity.
Education
Executive Function Skills Brain-based skills including organization, time management, and impulse control.
Growth Mindset Belief that abilities can be developed through effort. Contrast with fixed mindset.
Learning Difference Neurological differences that affect learning (dyslexia, ADHD, etc.).
STAR Method Story structure for answering questions: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
AI Terms
AI (Artificial Intelligence) Computer systems that perform tasks requiring human-like intelligence.
Large Language Model (LLM) AI trained on text to understand and generate language. Includes ChatGPT, Claude.
Prompt Instructions given to AI to get desired output.
Hallucination When AI generates false information confidently.