Welcome!
Welcome to Development Decoded — where developmental psychology meets real life.
I’m Dr. Laura Dimler, a developmental psychologist, researcher, and professor who believes that science should be both evidence-based and easy to understand. Every week, I break down peer-reviewed research in child and adolescent development to answer questions like:
How much should I help my teen with school?
What does anxiety look like in a toddler?
Are time-outs actually harmful?
What kind of parenting helps kids become resilient adults?
You don’t need a Ph.D. to understand your kid of any age—you just need access to the science in a way that’s clear, honest, and practical. That’s what you’ll find here.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, nanny, therapist, or just someone who cares about kids, this space is for you.
Long story short? I decode the science so you don’t have to.
About Me
I’m a developmental psychologist with over a decade of experience researching how kids and teens grow, adapt, and thrive. I hold a BA and MA in Psychology from Pepperdine University (go Waves!) and a PhD in Developmental Psychology from the University of California, Riverside. I’m currently a professor and academic program director in sunny San Diego. My work has spanned everything from early childhood mental health to how parenting styles shape identity in college students.
Outside of academia, I’m a mom to 3 kids and a rescue dog, a military spouse, and a firm believer in making good science actually usable. Whether it's in a classroom, a parenting group, my friend group chat, or right here in this newsletter—I’m here to bridge the gap between research and real life.
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