Erin O’Connor Ed.D.

About

Erin O’Connor, Ed.D., is a Professor in Teaching and Learning at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, and Program Leader for Early Childhood at NYU. She also is co-host of the podcast Parenting Understood, and Chief of Education at Cooper (yourcooper.com, @your_coooper). She received her doctorate in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University, a master's in School Psychology from Columbia University, and a master's in teaching from Fordham University. Her research focuses on development within the context of social interactions.

Recent Posts

The Story of Paid Parental Leave Is Complex

Parental leave is a topic of vital importance. Supporting parents throughout their children's development is integral to the conversation.

The Power of Parental Connection

While parent-parent support can be a powerful predictor of parental, as well as child well-being, we often lack it.

"Grey's Anatomy" and "Modern Family": Comfort in Relational Repair

The concept of relational repair is central to feeling comfortable within close relationships.

Why People-Pleasing and Parenting Don't Mix

People-pleasers feel pressure to keep everyone around them happy. Yet being a present parent often requires making other people in our lives unhappy—at least temporarily.

The Emotional Strain of Picky Eating

As feeding our children is a primal need, having a picky eater can cause parental stress and anxiety. Yet, there are ways to support both selective eaters and their parents.

The Need for Universal Postpartum Depression Screening

As many as 20 percent of new parents experience postpartum depression and anxiety, but little screening is done to diagnose.

Flight or Fright: Traveling With a Toddler

Personal Perspective: Flying with a toddler brings into the spotlight how little support parents often receive, and the roots of parenting stress and loneliness.

When Depression, Mental Load, and the Holidays Collide

A Personal Perspective: My mother was wiped out by the holidays—and as an adult, I finally understand why.

“Barbie”: When Hollywood Gets Psychology Right

The "Barbie" movie eloquently illustrates the struggles of identity development.

An Attachment Researcher Adopts

Personal Perspective: Knowing the science and research of attachment supported me during unexpected times in our adoption journey.