Understand your child’s development through milestones, expert insights and practical advice covering cognitive, emotional, social and physical growth.
As suicide remains the second-leading cause of death among US youths, experts urge parents to initiate honest, age-appropriate talks about mental health, highlighting prevention through early engagement and community support. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a timely reminder for…
Effective play supervision balances safety with independence, enabling children to learn, problem-solve and build confidence in a variety of settings through age-appropriate guidance and risk management. Children benefit from play when they have enough freedom to make choices, experiment and…
Emerging research advocates for a shift in mental health care for young people, emphasising their strengths and resilience alongside traditional treatments, with promising implications for more inclusive and effective support systems. A growing body of research is reinforcing a message…
Child development specialists advise parents to use validating language instead of commanding children to calm down, fostering better emotional understanding and regulation during meltdowns. Parents often reach for “calm down” when a child is distressed, but child development specialists say…
A new study reveals that having a smartphone at age 12 may double the likelihood of developing eating-disorder symptoms by age 14, highlighting the importance of timing and content exposure in children’s digital habits. A new study suggests that ownership…
Research indicates that while puberty is beginning earlier in some populations, household changes and chemicals are not proven to delay its onset. Genetics, nutrition, and social factors play a more significant role, underscoring the importance of parental preparation rather than…
Prescriptions of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs among children aged 8 to 11 have surged by 310-fold since 2019, sparking concerns over off-label use and the need for individualised treatment approaches. Prescriptions for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are rising among children aged 8…
The American Academy of Pediatrics has expanded its newborn screening guidelines for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) to improve detection of a common infection often unnoticed at birth, aiming to reduce long-term developmental risks. The American Academy of Pediatrics has broadened its…
A comprehensive study in Bradford uncovers widespread eating disorder symptoms among young people, with notable differences linked to gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, prompting calls for tailored prevention and early intervention in schools. A large Bradford study has found that…
Australia’s recent attempt to restrict under-16s from major social platforms exposes enforcement difficulties and highlights how peer influence impacts compliance, prompting calls for broader evaluations of online restrictions. Australia’s attempt to keep under-16s off major social media platforms is already…
Autistic girls often go undiagnosed for years due to camouflaging and atypical presentations, leading to increased mental health risks and missed opportunities for support, as families share heartbreaking stories of delay and tragedy. Ruby Hobbs-Leffler’s story is a painful example…
Early preparation, flexible routines, and tailored support are key to helping children with autism, ADHD, or additional needs manage the challenges of returning to school, ensuring a smoother transition and ending the year feeling understood and supported. The start of…
