Erin is a developmental psychologist, a professor in teaching and learning at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, and the program leader for Early Childhood Education. She is also the co-host of the parenting podcast Parenting Understood, and chief of education at the parenting advisory company Cooper. Her research focuses on development within the context of social interactions.
Read Erin O’Connor's writing
Join the ParentData Village
See moreLatest discussions
Do men really get worse colds? Not really, but they definitely think so!
#mancold #perceptionvsreality #sickday #staystrong #emilyoster
Do men really get worse colds? Not really, but they definitely think so!
#mancold #perceptionvsreality #sickday #staystrong #emilyoster
💧 Is your kid drinking bathwater? Here’s the 411: It’s gross but not dangerous! Comment “Link” for my full guide to bathtime.
A little soap or mold from toys isn’t harmful, and diluted pee is no big deal. Eating a lot of poop can make you sick, but in small amounts, it isn’t toxic.
Bottom line: Bathwater isn’t your kid’s best drink option, but don’t stress too much! Just keep an eye on them during bathtime for safety.
#kidsbathtime #bathtoys #bathtimefuntime #emilyoster #parentdata
💧 Is your kid drinking bathwater? Here’s the 411: It’s gross but not dangerous! Comment “Link” for my full guide to bathtime.
A little soap or mold from toys isn’t harmful, and diluted pee is no big deal. Eating a lot of poop can make you sick, but in small amounts, it isn’t toxic.
Bottom line: Bathwater isn’t your kid’s best drink option, but don’t stress too much! Just keep an eye on them during bathtime for safety.
#kidsbathtime #bathtoys #bathtimefuntime #emilyoster #parentdata
Why is it that schools always call mom, even when dad’s the one with more availability? Comment “Link” to dive into the data on inequality in parental workloads.
A study shows just how deep the gender divide runs when it comes to household labor—even in something as simple as a phone call. Does this ring true for you? Share your experience in the comments 👇
#gendergap #momstruggles #parentsupport #emilyoster #parentdata
Why is it that schools always call mom, even when dad’s the one with more availability? Comment “Link” to dive into the data on inequality in parental workloads.
A study shows just how deep the gender divide runs when it comes to household labor—even in something as simple as a phone call. Does this ring true for you? Share your experience in the comments 👇
#gendergap #momstruggles #parentsupport #emilyoster #parentdata
Let’s talk about hip dysplasia, a condition that can affect your baby’s hip development. Comment “Link” for an article by pediatrician Adam Davis to learn about the warning signs and how to diagnose it.
Swipe through to learn about the four clear risk factors. Early detection and proper care are crucial to preventing long-term issues! ➡️
#hipdysplasia #hipdysplasiaawareness #babydevelopment #emilyoster #parentdata
Let’s talk about hip dysplasia, a condition that can affect your baby’s hip development. Comment “Link” for an article by pediatrician Adam Davis to learn about the warning signs and how to diagnose it.
Swipe through to learn about the four clear risk factors. Early detection and proper care are crucial to preventing long-term issues! ➡️
#hipdysplasia #hipdysplasiaawareness #babydevelopment #emilyoster #parentdata
Is your child getting enough sleep? 💤 Kids need 9-11 hours of rest for better focus, behavior, and health. Comment “Link” for an article on the importance of sleep and how to help your kids get more of it. It’s time to make sleep a priority!
#childsleep #childhooddevelopment #parentingtips #emilyoster #parentdata
Is your child getting enough sleep? 💤 Kids need 9-11 hours of rest for better focus, behavior, and health. Comment “Link” for an article on the importance of sleep and how to help your kids get more of it. It’s time to make sleep a priority!
#childsleep #childhooddevelopment #parentingtips #emilyoster #parentdata
Here’s my rant on motherhood inspired by the Barbie movie. Motherhood is hard enough without the unsolicited expectations we’re constantly assigned. As I always say, there is no secret option c. You’re doing great, and I hope you know that!
Share this with a mom you think is doing great!
#parentdata #emilyoster #motherhood #barbiemovie
Here’s my rant on motherhood inspired by the Barbie movie. Motherhood is hard enough without the unsolicited expectations we’re constantly assigned. As I always say, there is no secret option c. You’re doing great, and I hope you know that!
Share this with a mom you think is doing great!
#parentdata #emilyoster #motherhood #barbiemovie
Ever seen a headline that makes your heart race, but when you dig deeper, the study behind it doesn’t hold up? That’s a panic headline! It’s designed to grab attention and spark fear, but the research it’s based on is often weak or irrelevant. Next time you see one, take a breath, look closer, and don’t let sensationalism get you stressed out.
What’s the most recent panic headline you’ve seen? Drop it in the comments and let’s break it down together! ⬇️
#parentdata #emilyoster #panicheadline #datadriven #riskmanagement #parentingstruggles
Ever seen a headline that makes your heart race, but when you dig deeper, the study behind it doesn’t hold up? That’s a panic headline! It’s designed to grab attention and spark fear, but the research it’s based on is often weak or irrelevant. Next time you see one, take a breath, look closer, and don’t let sensationalism get you stressed out.
What’s the most recent panic headline you’ve seen? Drop it in the comments and let’s break it down together! ⬇️
#parentdata #emilyoster #panicheadline #datadriven #riskmanagement #parentingstruggles
Is it normal for toddlers to hit and bite? Spoiler alert: Yes! It`s a natural part of development, not a sign your kid is headed for trouble. Comment “Link” for an article unpacking the data behind these behaviors.
Swipe through the graphs above to see how these behaviors change with age 📊 Biting tends to peak in those toddler years while hitting remains pretty common through the early years.
#parentdata #emilyoster #terribletwos #toddlerlife #parentingtips
Is it normal for toddlers to hit and bite? Spoiler alert: Yes! It`s a natural part of development, not a sign your kid is headed for trouble. Comment “Link” for an article unpacking the data behind these behaviors.
Swipe through the graphs above to see how these behaviors change with age 📊 Biting tends to peak in those toddler years while hitting remains pretty common through the early years.
#parentdata #emilyoster #terribletwos #toddlerlife #parentingtips
Is constant phone access impacting your child’s development? 📵 Today on the ParentData podcast, listen to @profemilyoster and @jonathanhaidt discuss the impact of phones and social media on learning and child mental health.
Listen to this episode now and subscribe to ParentData with Emily Oster in your favorite podcast app 🎧
#parentdata #parentdatapodcast #theanxiousgeneration #kidsmentalhealth #screentime #jonathanhaidt #emilyoster
Is constant phone access impacting your child’s development? 📵 Today on the ParentData podcast, listen to @profemilyoster and @jonathanhaidt discuss the impact of phones and social media on learning and child mental health.
Listen to this episode now and subscribe to ParentData with Emily Oster in your favorite podcast app 🎧
#parentdata #parentdatapodcast #theanxiousgeneration #kidsmentalhealth #screentime #jonathanhaidt #emilyoster
Here’s your Monday reminder for the start of the school year: You’re doing a great job, rice bunnies or not!
This is a sneak peek from the Saturday newsletter on ParentData. Want more parenting tips and insights? Subscribe now at the link in bio.
#parentdata #emilyoster #parentingadvice #parentingtips #parentingquotes #parentingishard
Here’s your Monday reminder for the start of the school year: You’re doing a great job, rice bunnies or not!
This is a sneak peek from the Saturday newsletter on ParentData. Want more parenting tips and insights? Subscribe now at the link in bio.
#parentdata #emilyoster #parentingadvice #parentingtips #parentingquotes #parentingishard
Reflux: It’s more common than you think! Comment “Link” for an article by @thepediatricianmom breaking down the information we have about reflux — what it is, what you can do, and red flags to look out for.
This graph shows how reflux changes with age. Nearly half of all babies experience reflux by 3 months, often peaking around 4 months before improving by their first birthday. And remember, if you’re struggling, you’re not alone. The most effective treatment for infant reflux is time. It will get better!
#parentdata #refluxbaby #babyreflux #spitup #parentingadvice #emilyoster
Reflux: It’s more common than you think! Comment “Link” for an article by @thepediatricianmom breaking down the information we have about reflux — what it is, what you can do, and red flags to look out for.
This graph shows how reflux changes with age. Nearly half of all babies experience reflux by 3 months, often peaking around 4 months before improving by their first birthday. And remember, if you’re struggling, you’re not alone. The most effective treatment for infant reflux is time. It will get better!
#parentdata #refluxbaby #babyreflux #spitup #parentingadvice #emilyoster
Is homework important? 📚 Comment “Link” for an article digging into what the data tells us.
Homework can boost learning and problem-solving skills, but too much might affect sleep and playtime. Finding a balance is essential for maximizing benefits and minimizing drawbacks.
What’s your take on homework? Do you find it helpful or stressful? Share your thoughts below! ⬇️
#parentdata #emilyoster #homework #homeworkhelp #childsleep #childlearning #schoolassignment
Is homework important? 📚 Comment “Link” for an article digging into what the data tells us.
Homework can boost learning and problem-solving skills, but too much might affect sleep and playtime. Finding a balance is essential for maximizing benefits and minimizing drawbacks.
What’s your take on homework? Do you find it helpful or stressful? Share your thoughts below! ⬇️
#parentdata #emilyoster #homework #homeworkhelp #childsleep #childlearning #schoolassignment
We’re heading into a three-day weekend, which means a lot of you might take the opportunity to do some potty training.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
🚽 It takes longer than three days (based on the data!)
🚽 Your child will have trouble staying dry at night.
🚽 Poop sometimes comes later than pee – this is common, you just have to work through it.
Comment “Link” for an article that breaks down potty training data from ParentData readers, along with helpful tips and tricks.
#pottytraining #pottytrainingtips #pottytrainingproblems #parentdata #emilyoster
We’re heading into a three-day weekend, which means a lot of you might take the opportunity to do some potty training.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
🚽 It takes longer than three days (based on the data!)
🚽 Your child will have trouble staying dry at night.
🚽 Poop sometimes comes later than pee – this is common, you just have to work through it.
Comment “Link” for an article that breaks down potty training data from ParentData readers, along with helpful tips and tricks.
#pottytraining #pottytrainingtips #pottytrainingproblems #parentdata #emilyoster
Trampoline parks: great way to get the sillies out or injury haven? Or both? Comment “Link” for an article breaking down a 2023 study on injury trends in trampoline parks.
Here’s a visualisation based on the paper, showing the injury rate by area. Beware the foam pit and the high-performance areas! Slam-dunking, though, seems fine.
#parentdata #emilyoster #trampolinepark #childsafety #trampolinefun
Trampoline parks: great way to get the sillies out or injury haven? Or both? Comment “Link” for an article breaking down a 2023 study on injury trends in trampoline parks.
Here’s a visualisation based on the paper, showing the injury rate by area. Beware the foam pit and the high-performance areas! Slam-dunking, though, seems fine.
#parentdata #emilyoster #trampolinepark #childsafety #trampolinefun
Lead in chocolate? In tampons? In your beloved Stanley Cup?! It’s easy to be alarmed by the headlines. But here’s the good news: lead exposure has actually decreased significantly over the years. While some products have raised concerns, it’s important to remember that your child’s lead levels today are likely much lower than they were for previous generations.
👉 Comment “Link” for an article about the data behind these panic headlines and why it’s crucial to understand the real risks.
#parentdata #emilyoster #publichealth #leadscare #panicheadline
Lead in chocolate? In tampons? In your beloved Stanley Cup?! It’s easy to be alarmed by the headlines. But here’s the good news: lead exposure has actually decreased significantly over the years. While some products have raised concerns, it’s important to remember that your child’s lead levels today are likely much lower than they were for previous generations.
👉 Comment “Link” for an article about the data behind these panic headlines and why it’s crucial to understand the real risks.
#parentdata #emilyoster #publichealth #leadscare #panicheadline
I’m teaming up with @Wholefoods to remind you that even though school lunches can be tricky, they have everything you need, from conventional to organic, to give you peace of mind about the foods your kids eat. Through their rigorous Quality Standards, they ban 300+ ingredients from food.
Does your kid have any special or weird lunch requests? Share in the comments! Tap the link in my bio for more tips and inspiration #WholeFoodsMarket
I’m teaming up with @Wholefoods to remind you that even though school lunches can be tricky, they have everything you need, from conventional to organic, to give you peace of mind about the foods your kids eat. Through their rigorous Quality Standards, they ban 300+ ingredients from food.
Does your kid have any special or weird lunch requests? Share in the comments! Tap the link in my bio for more tips and inspiration #WholeFoodsMarket
Travel is already stressful. Add kids to the equation, and it becomes even more complicated. Here are 3 tips and considerations for handling jet lag in kids.
#travelwithkids #jetlag #melatonin #parentingtips #parentdata #emilyoster
Travel is already stressful. Add kids to the equation, and it becomes even more complicated. Here are 3 tips and considerations for handling jet lag in kids.
#travelwithkids #jetlag #melatonin #parentingtips #parentdata #emilyoster
Happy 11th birthday to #ExpectingBetter 🎂🎉 Writing this book completely changed my life. I could never have imagined the opportunities and community it would lead me to. Grateful to all of you for reading and being here!
To celebrate, you can use the code “expectingbetter” for 15% off Web or Plus subscriptions on ParentData.org 💛
#bookbirthday #pregnancyadvice #parentdata #emilyoster
Happy 11th birthday to #ExpectingBetter 🎂🎉 Writing this book completely changed my life. I could never have imagined the opportunities and community it would lead me to. Grateful to all of you for reading and being here!
To celebrate, you can use the code “expectingbetter” for 15% off Web or Plus subscriptions on ParentData.org 💛
#bookbirthday #pregnancyadvice #parentdata #emilyoster
Screens have become a ubiquitous part of classroom life. Is this a good thing? Today on the ParentData podcast, I talk with @jessgrosewrites from the @nytimes. She recently ran a survey asking about kids’ screen usage after not being able to find studies and data on the subject.
“Nothing is all bad or all good. But I think overall, there just has been very little scrutiny into something that has been a massive shift in the way kids learn in the past, let’s say, two decades.”
Comment “Link” for a DM to listen to today’s podcast episode. 🎧
#screentime #technologyintheclassroom #parentdatapodcast #parentdata #emilyoster
Screens have become a ubiquitous part of classroom life. Is this a good thing? Today on the ParentData podcast, I talk with @jessgrosewrites from the @nytimes. She recently ran a survey asking about kids’ screen usage after not being able to find studies and data on the subject.
“Nothing is all bad or all good. But I think overall, there just has been very little scrutiny into something that has been a massive shift in the way kids learn in the past, let’s say, two decades.”
Comment “Link” for a DM to listen to today’s podcast episode. 🎧
#screentime #technologyintheclassroom #parentdatapodcast #parentdata #emilyoster
We surveyed the ParentData audience and here’s what you said about the worst baby products. Bottom of the list: unnecessary warmers. Don’t get your kid used to having warm diaper wipes! Nothing good can come of that.
Comment “Link” for the best baby items and other parenting wisdom from the ParentData community. Best general advice: get things used, and you do not need as much as you think.
Add your advice below! What do you wish you’d known about in advance, and what was a waste? ⬇️
#parentdata #emilyoster #babyproducts #babyitems #newparents #firsttimeparents
We surveyed the ParentData audience and here’s what you said about the worst baby products. Bottom of the list: unnecessary warmers. Don’t get your kid used to having warm diaper wipes! Nothing good can come of that.
Comment “Link” for the best baby items and other parenting wisdom from the ParentData community. Best general advice: get things used, and you do not need as much as you think.
Add your advice below! What do you wish you’d known about in advance, and what was a waste? ⬇️
#parentdata #emilyoster #babyproducts #babyitems #newparents #firsttimeparents