Recent research reveals that sexually and gender-diverse young people are disproportionately ending up in emergency mental health services, exposing the need for tailored interventions and earlier support to address their heightened vulnerabilities. Sexually and gender-diverse young people are more likely…
Parenting expert and neurodivergent parent Laura Petix reveals how understanding a child’s sensory needs can transform responses to meltdowns, offering a deeper approach beyond traditional tantrum management. Parents often assume a child’s meltdown is a tantrum in disguise, but Laura…
Choosing the right environment for ABA therapy is increasingly tailored to individual child needs, balancing the benefits of centre-based and in-home approaches, with many families considering a flexible, combined strategy. For many families, the choice between centre-based and in-home ABA…
A new perspective on family life highlights the importance of parental emotional awareness in fostering healthier, more connected homes. Recognising and managing feelings can positively influence children’s emotional resilience and overall well-being. Parents do not leave their feelings at the…
A pioneering Finnish research follow-up suggests that screen use may not be harmful and could even enhance cognitive processing in adolescents, prompting a re-evaluation of current guidelines on children’s digital engagement. A new Finnish study suggests screen time is not…
Recent studies reveal a surge in teens using AI chatbots for emotional support and companionship, raising questions about safety, oversight, and the role of humans in mental health care. Teenagers are using AI chatbots for far more than homework. Pew…
A comprehensive analysis of nearly 10 million US siblings uncovers subtle associations between birth order and a spectrum of health diagnoses, prompting questions about environment, biology, and family dynamics, though causation remains unproven. A large study of nearly 10 million…
Health experts recommend setting predictable limits, modelling healthy habits, and integrating offline activities into daily routines to better manage children’s screen use and reduce device reliance. Getting children to put down phones, tablets and game consoles is often less about…
New research using machine-learning models reveals that children’s cognitive scores improve with exercise up to a certain threshold, beyond which benefits diminish, highlighting a nuanced relationship between physical activity and brain development. Researchers writing in Frontiers in Psychiatry report that…
A flexible approach to children’s screen use, emphasising content quality and family routines, offers a healthier alternative to strict bans during a time of growing digital integration in daily life. Screen time guilt has become a familiar part of modern…
Establishing predictable routines, dedicated spaces, and supportive strategies can transform after-school homework from a battleground into an opportunity for independence and confidence. After-school homework does not have to end in tears, arguments and a long evening of resistance. The simplest…
A reflective essay challenges the stereotype of teenagers as irredeemable or problematic, emphasising the importance of sustained patience and empathy from parents during adolescent development. Parents who have spent years being urged to respond to young children with patience and…
