A renowned researcher of child psychology will speak tonight about the misconceptions of childhood.

David Elkind, professor of child study at Tufts University, is well known is his field and has appeared on several popular shows including Oprah, the Today Show, 20/20, Nightline and Donahue, said Pat Miller, coordinator for the Committee on Lectures.

Elkind will speak at 8 p.m. in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union.

“He’s someone parents turn to for help and ideas,” she said.

Miller said Elkind believes there are three changes which have had a stressful effect on today’s youth. The first is a greater fear of failure in school, the second is increased freedom and the third is greater loss often by divorce, she said.

Elkind also believes parents must lose the concept that today’s youth are so sophisticated that they don’t need adult guidance and supervision, Miller said.

“He has great ideas and great research on how children should be raised,” said Jill Meimann, senior in early childhood education and planner for the Institute on National Affairs.

Elkind’s lecture is part of the university-wide series of events “Strengthening families to become the best,” hosted by the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.