A new international study challenges assumptions about how adults perceive the timing of children’s cognitive and behavioural skills, uncovering surprisingly consistent and systematic beliefs across diverse cultures. Parents and teachers often assume they know when a child should be able…
A 2024 study warns that excessive homework and extracurriculars can harm children’s well-being, urging parents to prioritise balanced routines and open conversations about stress and overload. A new school year often brings renewed routines, but it can also tip family…
New research highlights how community social and economic opportunities shape language, cognitive, and motor development in infants discharged from neonatal intensive care, underscoring the importance of extending support beyond hospital settings. A new study in the Journal of Perinatology suggests…
Researchers have developed the D-DAND scale, a specialised interview tool to monitor the multifaceted impact of Dravet syndrome, capturing motor, behavioural, sleep and communication challenges often missed by broader assessments. Researchers have developed a new caregiver interview designed to measure…
Experts highlight the importance of recognising alarming symptoms such as breathing difficulties, rashes, dehydration, and behavioural changes in children, urging parents to seek prompt medical advice when necessary. A fever in a child is often less alarming than it feels…
Research from western China indicates that overreactive parenting may contribute to disparities in mental health and prosocial behaviour between preschool boys and girls, highlighting potential targets for early intervention. A large study from western China suggests that parental overreactivity may…
A new study reveals gender differences in how depressive symptoms spread among Chinese early adolescents, highlighting the roles of friendship quality, rumination, and peer acceptance in shaping mental health trajectories. A new study of Chinese early adolescents suggests that a…
A Dartmouth study finds that PlaySmart, a school-based educational game, not only teaches teens about substance misuse but also provides lasting relief from depression symptoms, outperforming traditional programmes over a 12-month period. A clinical trial involving 532 secondary school students…
A mother’s customised approach to raising her children highlights the importance of tailored parenting and clear communication, especially when managing diverse needs and circumstances within a family. A mother’s unequal treatment of her children is often mistaken for bias when…
A newly published school guide highlights the importance of early, collaborative strategies among parents, teachers, and therapists to support children with selective mutism, addressing misconceptions and promoting safe classroom environments. Selective mutism in nursery and primary school is often misunderstood…
Dr Laura Markham advocates for parents to manage their own strong feelings effectively, modelling calm and honest responses to help children navigate their emotions and foster healthier behaviours. Parents are often told to stay calm, but Dr Laura Markham argues…
A groundbreaking Finnish study following children over eight years reveals that active, engaging screen use may enhance cognitive performance in teens, prompting a rethink of dominant warnings about screen time and its effects on young minds. A Finnish study is…
