Infants develop expectations about parental responsiveness from daily interactions, influencing their perception of the world. Consistent, calm, and supportive responses shape a sense of security, while inconsistent or distant responses lead to uncertainty. The study found that infants' preferences for responsive or unresponsive caregi...
A new electronic application highlights discrepancies between parents and children's views on the child's well-being, providing powerful insight into how children truly cope. This approach has broad implications beyond transplant medicine and may reshape patient-reported outcomes for pediatric chronic illnesses.
Researchers found that everyday routines in early infancy can shape later obesity risk. A new study from Penn State suggests that a handful of routines around feeding, sleep and play during the first two months of an infant's life can be linked to higher weight just a few months later. The EHL tool helps pediatricians identify specific...
The study found a positive shift in the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among U.S. children between 2016 and 2023, with an increase in individuals reporting 0 ACEs and a decrease in severe ACEs. This trend suggests a reduction in severe ACEs among specific racial and ethnic groups and low-income families.
Middle-aged Australians are experiencing mounting pressures as they balance work, family, and financial demands, leading to declining life satisfaction and increased stress. Women face sharper declines in wellbeing due to unpaid care and time stress, with one in ten caring for both children and ageing parents.
A large sample of first-time mothers in the US reported informal human milk sharing, with 1 in 27 participants feeding their infants shared milk. Pediatric practitioners should be aware of this trend and counsel families on risks and recommended risk-reduction strategies.
A new study found that parental emotional support helps protect children from anxiety and distress during wartime. Parents who encouraged open conversations and validated emotions created a safe space strengthening their children's resilience in the face of conflict.
A Norwegian study of over 21,000 adolescents and young adults found that those with persistent parental opioid prescriptions faced more than double the risk of persistent opioid use. The study suggests considering family-based approaches to managing pain conditions in adolescents and young adults.
A new Cochrane review found that immediate skin-to-skin contact between newborns and their mothers significantly improves exclusive breastfeeding rates, optimal body temperature, breathing, and heart rate. The review suggests that skin-to-skin contact should be the global standard of care for all babies after birth.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 21, 2025
A new study finds that adverse and positive childhood experiences reported by parents of US teenagers have remained relatively stable over the past eight years. Positive childhood experiences were significantly more common than negative ones, affecting 40-90% of parents, whereas only 35% of adolescents experienced all negative experien...
A meta-analysis found significantly higher treatment failure and major complication rates within a year with nonoperative management among children and adolescents. Pediatricians can now inform shared decision-making with families using up-to-date data.
Researchers found that teens who view their age group positively are more likely to take on family responsibilities and prioritize schoolwork. This positive outlook is linked to improved academic functioning, motivation, and attachment with parents.
A UK study finds that frequent placement changes in foster care increase the risk of mental health problems by more than two-fold. The research highlights the need for early, accessible support and closer collaboration between local authorities and mental health services to address this issue.
A recent survey found that misinformation and disinformation have a significant impact on romantic relationships, leading to increased conflict and tension. The study, conducted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, suggests that divisiveness in the public sphere is contributing to the decline of couples' relationships.
A recent study reveals that private club and travel teams in youth sports have surged, with kids from high-educated parents and affluent backgrounds more likely to participate. The shift towards elite sports positions has led to increased costs and commitments for families, exacerbating social inequalities.
A study by Mireka Caselius found that children who moved abroad as kids develop unique skills such as social adaptability and tolerance for stress, making them highly sought-after employees in the global job market. These young adults often pursue careers with an international dimension, reflecting their adaptable nature.
A new study reveals that states ending emergency SNAP benefits during the pandemic led to increased difficulty affording food and household expenses, especially for households with children. This reduction in funding threatens the health and well-being of millions of families reliant on the program.
A recent study found that only 16.5% of military spouses participated in a formal reintegration program after their partner's return from deployment. Informal sources, such as friends and family, were more effective in supporting mental health, social functioning, and marital quality.
Research shows that when parents model their own values and show understanding, teens are more likely to heed warnings about risky behavior. However, authentic parental values do not alone lead teens to stop their risky behaviors, but rather reduce defiance. When parents demonstrate their values in daily life, teens experience their wa...
A large sample of U.S. children born between 1959 and 1966 showed a consistent association between higher blood pressure at age 7 and greater risk of premature cardiovascular disease mortality. The findings are supported by similar associations found in siblings, reducing concerns about confounding factors.
Food insecurity is associated with increased caregiver stress and household instability in rural families. The study highlights the negative impact of food insecurity on child mental health, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to support vulnerable populations.
A survey study found that food insecurity declined between 2019 and 2021 but exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 2023, with new food insecurity being a major contributor. This increase is concerning as households experiencing new food insecurity face elevated risk for adverse health outcomes.
A study suggests that children's depression may contribute to worsening maternal depression, rather than the other way around. This finding highlights the need for family-centered approaches to mental health care.
A new online assessment tool, developed by Penn State, assists veteran-serving organizations in identifying individualized risks and providing targeted support. The tool, called the Veteran Transition Screener (VTS), uses predictive models to match a veteran's demographic profile with risk factors linked to poor transition outcomes.
A cohort study found a higher prevalence of eating disorders among adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The study suggests that reducing population-level socioeconomic inequalities may aid in preventing eating disorders.
A study by Polish researchers explores how parents and adult children construct shared narratives about their lives in Germany, with different emotional tones. The findings highlight the importance of intergenerational support and preparation for children before departure.
A study by Uppsala University found that parents of children with type 1 diabetes experience a significant drop in work-related incomes, particularly mothers. The impact is most pronounced for mothers of children diagnosed in preschool years. Long-term effects show that pension-qualifying incomes gradually decrease over time.
The report warns that immigration enforcement is a public health emergency for millions of children, causing constant anxiety and harm to their emotional development and academic performance. Clinical case studies reveal how trauma is transmitted across generations, shaping the mental health of immigrant children.
A new study estimates US vacation renters waste $2.3 billion worth of food each year due to grocery and leftovers going uneaten. The average nightly rental fee comes with a 5.1% surcharge for wasted food, equivalent to an additional lodging tax.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act led to a significant decrease in Medicaid health insurance loss. The study found that the Act reduced the risk of losing health insurance for individuals enrolled in the Medicaid program.
A survey of 261 new fathers found that 64% took less than two weeks of leave, while 36% took more than two weeks. The main barrier was fear of losing their job. Paid leave would reduce barriers and increase take-up. Involving dads in childcare from the start is crucial for healthy outcomes.
A new UCLA Health study found that maternal warmth in early childhood predicts better physical and mental health outcomes for teens by shaping their perceptions of social safety. Children who experience more maternal warmth at age 3 have more positive social safety schemas, leading to improved health outcomes at age 17.
This study finds that teen drivers in older vehicles are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes, highlighting the need for safer vehicles. The study's authors stress the importance of ensuring teens drive newer vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance technologies.
A new report by UCL researchers found that parental genes can influence child development through environmental factors, such as reading habits or access to resources. Non-inherited genes also show a tentative link to mental health traits, with strongest effects around age three.
Families of children with disabilities experience higher adjusted odds for financial hardships due to inadequate health insurance policies. The study highlights the need for structured policies ensuring covered medical care without financial burden on families.
A study found that hazardous drinking and daily alcohol consumption were associated with increased odds of abusive and neglectful behaviors among family caregivers of patients with dementia. The findings suggest the importance of addressing caregiving complexities and alcohol use patterns through personalized interventions.
A study found that dog owners rate their bond as the most satisfying, with dogs scoring high in nurturing and relationship security. However, there is a power imbalance towards the owner, with full control over the dog's decisions.
A pooled cross-sectional study found a positive correlation between state minimum wage hikes and improved food security rates among at-risk households. Policymakers can use these findings to set wages that reduce food insecurity burden on U.S. children and families.
Dr. Consuelo Walss-Bass shares her groundbreaking research on schizophrenia, emphasizing the importance of considering both genetic predisposition and environmental factors. She also discusses her work with induced pluripotent stem cells to develop personalized psychiatry and reduce stigma around mental health.
A recent survey found that over a third of US adults with guns do not store all of them in locked locations. This increases the risk of accidental death, suicide, and child access. Additionally, younger adults and those with children are more likely to report storing their guns in a safe manner.
The USPSTF has concluded that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for food insecurity on health outcomes. Nearly one-third of households with incomes below the federal poverty threshold experience food insecurity, highlighting a significant public health concern.
A new study by Dr John Day of the University of Essex found that physical activity provides a common ground for fathers and daughters to develop deep emotional connections. The research discovered that societal shifts in what it means to be a dad, combined with increased focus on exercise, have led to this transformation.
A recent study found that from 2009 through 2020, child victims in mass shootings were most likely to be killed by parents or family members. The research highlights the often-overlooked role of domestic violence in these tragic events.
A new study by Megumi Watanabe found that glass fences - invisible gendered barriers preventing women from engaging in international research and collaboration - exist within Japan, strengthened by cultural norms. Women are underrepresented among faculty and in leadership positions at Japanese universities.
A Norwegian study investigates the relationship between volunteers and patients, revealing that intimate disclosures can create an imbalanced dynamic. The researchers emphasize the importance of maintaining professional boundaries to avoid emotional burnout and ensure effective support.
A new study from Penn State found that parents who experienced difficult childhoods provided an average of $2,200 less for their children's college education. This suggests that intergenerational monetary exchanges could influence the next generation's success, with even parents' current socioeconomic status mattering.
A new study reveals how biases in family court decisions harm fathers and their children. The research found that systemic inequities, including racism, Islamophobia, and sexism, often lead to unjust custody outcomes. Key findings suggest that these biases can have a lasting impact on the lives of families.
A study of Polish women found that their mothers' and daughters' views on feminism often converged, with pro-feminist attitudes being more prevalent among younger generations. The research suggests that family dynamics play a significant role in shaping women's worldviews on gender equality.
This study reveals prevalent adverse childhood experiences among children, including abuse and neglect, with notable disparities across demographics. Early identification and community interventions can reduce ACEs and mitigate future health consequences.
A new study by NUS Medicine reveals that Singaporean families with young children successfully adapted to the pandemic's challenges, with 31% showing economic security and relational strengthening. Families with strong relational factors, such as maternal self-efficacy and quality family time, demonstrated higher relational resilience.
A study by University of Cambridge historian Emily Rhodes found that 17th-century foster carers were entitled to payment from the parish and had significant authority over the authorities. They often accused local authorities of mismanagement and dishonesty, leading to increased funding for their care.
As of 2019, over 1.4 million US children have lost a family member to a drug overdose, according to a USC Dornsife study. The trend shows younger children are increasingly affected, with 5-year-olds experiencing loss at the same rate as 10-year-olds 15 years ago.
A new study published in PLOS One found that most people view humor as an effective parenting tool, leading to improved relationships between parents and children. The research team surveyed 312 people aged 18-45 and discovered a correlation between a parent's use of humor and the quality of their relationship with their children.
This study highlights small to moderate effect sizes of early childhood screen use on cognition and social skills, emphasizing the importance of considering context when making recommendations; intentional and productive screen use, age-appropriate content, and co-use with caregivers are key factors.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics highlights the critical role of family support in maintaining the mental health of transgender youth following gender identity milestones. Without a supportive family environment, these young individuals are at a higher risk of attempting suicide or running away from home.
A short-term reduction in leisure-time screen media use within families was found to positively affect psychological symptoms of children and adolescents. This effect was particularly notable in mitigating internalizing behavioral issues and enhancing prosocial behavior.
A new study finds that single-payer financing based on the current federal income tax schedule can increase progressivity of household payments. Rate setting led to slight increases in payments for higher-income households, while spending growth targets reduced payments slightly across all income groups.
A study published in Frontiers found that relying on digital devices to calm children's tantrums leads to poorer anger management skills and less effortful control. Children who used digital devices more frequently showed increased frustration and decreased ability to regulate emotions.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2024
A new study from the University of Birmingham and the University of Nottingham found that the UK public is more accepting of adoption and surrogacy methods when one or both parents are infertile. The research showed significant increases in support for these methods, including planned private adoption and double donor surrogacy.
Household wealth is strongly associated with food security, with higher relative wealth households experiencing less probability of falling into food insecurity. Assets help preserve human capital by reducing costly coping strategies like dietary modification and spending reductions. Eradicating poverty and inequality is key to reducin...