Parenting
Articles tagged with Parenting
60% of U.S. teens have tried AI chatbots, 11.4% use them almost daily
Harshly parented children show poorer development of stress regulation
New UH tool measures whether lactating mothers’ psychological needs are being met
Dads are dying after their kids are born, and no one is tracking it
A new Northwestern University study found that 60% of paternal deaths in Georgia between 2017 and 2022 were preventable, resulting from homicide, accidental injury, suicide, or overdose. The study also revealed that fatherhood appears to be protective for men, with lower death rates among those who are fathers.
Birth after uterus transplant
A single-center study demonstrates uterus transplant feasibility in multidisciplinary centers, supporting its use for women with absolute uterine factor infertility. Ongoing reporting and data sharing will refine risk estimates and optimize patient counseling.
Long-term study of COVID lockdown and family life shows unexpected, lasting effects on fatherhood
A new study by Lee Gettler of the University of Notre Dame found that COVID-19 lockdowns had a limited lasting effect on fathers' involvement in childcare, contrary to initial reports. The 15-year longitudinal data showed no significant change in fathering behaviors before and after the pandemic, with most dads resuming their pre-pande...
What parents need to know about screen time and language development
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics suggests that excessive screen time may hinder children's language development. The research found a correlation between increased screen time and delays in vocabulary acquisition and communication skills.
More realistic content may reduce social media harms for new moms
A study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that interspersing realistic portrayals of motherhood alongside idealized posts can help sustain positive feelings and reduce shame among mothers. This balanced approach may mitigate some social media harms, particularly for those prone to social comparison.
Q&A: What do teenagers need from their parents?
Penn State professor Greg Fosco emphasizes the importance of parental monitoring, autonomy-supportive parenting, and fostering a sense of purpose in teenagers' lives. Research suggests that when adolescents perceive a stable relationship with their parents, their well-being suffers, while having a sense of purpose is linked to lower su...
Female veterans faced steeper well-being declines after COVID-19, study finds
A new study found that female post-9/11 veterans experienced a more significant decline in overall well-being compared to their male counterparts after the COVID-19 pandemic. They reported lower work satisfaction, higher underemployment, and less emotional support, with the sharpest difference appearing in work strain.
Expectant couples in Finland, Japan and Portugal aim at being a good parental team – long working hours and primacy of mother are barriers for gender-equal parenting
A study of expectant parents in three countries found that long working hours and traditional motherhood cultures hinder gender-equal parenting. Expectant couples identified the need for positive, culturally appropriate coparenting programs to build team spirit and support each other.
One in 20 babies experiences physical abuse, global review finds
A global review of 20 studies covering over 220,000 infants and caregivers found nearly five per cent of infants experience physical aggression from caregivers in their first two years of life. Simple education, support lines, and clear policies against hitting children can help address the issue.
How military deployment affects children: New study identifies parental burnout as critical
A new longitudinal study found that children's behavior problems are significantly linked to parental burnout, regardless of partner deployment status. Protecting children's resilience requires bolstering caregivers' emotional resources and external support to avoid burnout's negative impact on family well-being.
Routine helps children adjust to school, but harsh parenting may undo benefits
A study found that consistent routines in the home can reduce the likelihood of children struggling with school transitions, but harsh parenting can undermine these benefits. Parents who demonstrated flexibility in their parenting style were less likely to parent harshly.
A shift from the sandlot to the travel team for youth sports
Researchers found that youths born in the 1990s spent more time playing formal sports compared to their peers, with those from higher social class backgrounds dominating these opportunities. This shift away from informal play raises concerns about the costs and benefits of commercialized youth sports.
Adolescent cannabis use and risk of psychotic, bipolar, depressive, and anxiety disorders
A cohort study found that adolescent cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders, particularly psychotic and bipolar conditions. The study's results inform the development of interventions and policies to prevent or delay adolescent cannabis use.
US child mental health care need, unmet needs, and difficulty accessing services
A nationally representative study found that 1 in 5 US households have a parent-perceived mental health treatment need for their children. The study also revealed significant difficulties in accessing care, with 21.8% citing it as the reason for unmet needs.
Adolescent and young adult requests for medication abortion through online telemedicine
The study found increased requests for medication abortion among adolescents in states with gestational bans and parental consent requirements. Young adults also sought more medication abortion services post-Dobbs, with the highest demand in states with restrictive abortion laws.
How tech-dependency and pandemic isolation have created ‘anxious generation’
Experts like Amber Chandler suggest solutions such as no-tech public spaces, phone-free bedtimes, and hands-on problem-solving to help teenagers cope with unprecedented anxiety. Chandler's book offers evidence-based strategies to nurture belonging in a 'scared new world'.
LGB individuals in Israel aspire to be parents — far more than in Poland. Why?
A new study finds that public policy significantly impacts the desire for parenthood among LGB individuals, with Israel reporting stronger aspirations and lower stigma compared to Poland. Pronatalist attitudes and positive expectations of legislation also play a key role in shaping LGB people's visions of parenthood.
Hair oxytocin levels may reflect mother–child emotional bond, BGU study finds
A new study suggests that hair oxytocin levels can reflect the emotional connection between parents and young children. Higher maternal oxytocin levels were associated with higher-quality emotional interaction between mother and child, while children's hair oxytocin levels were higher than those of their mothers.
Why parents turn to social media about kids’ drug use
A study by Harvard Medical School and the University of Texas at Arlington found that parents seeking advice on substance use from online peers can be misled by misconceptions. The research suggests that while social media offers a unique window into parental concerns, it should complement evidence-based guidance rather than replace it.
Fathers’ early interactions with babies may affect child health years later
Fathers' warmth and developmentally supportive engagement with their babies at 10 months old were associated with better child health markers at age seven. In contrast, mothers' behavior had little predictive value on the child's physical health.
Parental concerns about child disordered eating common among youth with high weights in behavioral intervention
A new study in the Journal of Nutrition Education & Behavior found that nearly half of parents of young children with high weights reported concerns about disordered eating behaviors. Despite the intervention, parental concerns did not change over time, suggesting a protective effect of motivational interviewing.
How gender bias influences math education
A Rutgers University study reveals that early gender stereotypes can influence how children learn math, with young learners more inclined to trust incorrect information from male teachers. The findings suggest that children are not only absorbing stereotypes but also using them to calibrate their understanding of the world.
Overly involved parents may hold their kids back professionally
A recent study found that young people with highly involved parents tend to have occupations with less prestige. The study suggests that excessive parental involvement can hinder a child's ability to launch into independent careers.
Quality of life of parents of premature infants
The study reveals parental quality of life is compromised during the premature infant's hospitalization period. A family-centered approach with tailored support from the neonatal intensive care unit and postdischarge period can protect and promote parental well-being.
What if ADHD risk isn’t fixed at birth, but shaped by how early environments interact with a child’s sensitivity?
A longitudinal study of 125 children found that early environmental factors can predict ADHD, with infants showing high motor activity benefiting from rich home environments. This sensitivity is linked to better cognitive functioning and fewer ADHD symptoms in later childhood.
How does grandparental care affect children’s health?
Regular grandparental care can ease the pressures on parents but may have negative impacts on children's health, with some children showing poorer general health in studies of over 11,000 kids. Grandparental care also benefits parents' satisfaction rates, particularly mothers and fathers.
Mobile fetal heart monitoring linked to fewer newborn deaths in Tanzania
A new wireless fetal heart rate monitoring device improved perinatal mortality by 60% and detected abnormal fetal heart rates 8-10 times more frequently than standard techniques. The technology also reduced the risk of stillbirths and neonatal deaths, but its effectiveness was limited by late introduction in pregnancy.
Jeonbuk National University study shows positive parenting can protect adolescents against self-harm
A recent study by Jeonbuk National University researchers found that positive parenting styles can significantly reduce the risk of self-harm in adolescents. The study analyzed data from over 3,900 participants and identified three distinct parenting styles: negative, average, and positive, with positive parenting being the most protec...
Guide for parents of adolescents with autism published by Oxford University Press
A new guide published by Oxford University Press provides essential resources for parents of adolescents with autism. The book covers various challenges they face during this critical period, including social connections, puberty, and sexuality. It also offers extensive lists of resources to support these young individuals.
Research explores effect of parental depression symptoms on children’s reward processing
A study found that parental anhedonic depressive symptoms are associated with a reduced neural response in children to positive and negative feedback. This suggests a specific risk factor for developing depression in children of parents with this symptom, potentially impacting their ability to engage in activities.
Authoritative parenting styles are associated with better mental health and self-esteem among adolescents, while authoritarian parenting styles are associated with depression and lower self-esteem and permissive parenting styles are associated with stress
A Nepalese study of 583 adolescents found that authoritative parenting is associated with improved mental health and self-esteem, while authoritarian parenting is linked to depression and lower self-esteem. Permissive parenting styles are also connected to increased stress levels among adolescents.
Before the party starts: Parental attitudes linked to college binge drinking
A Washington State University-led study suggests that college students who binge drink have more permissive parents and join fraternities or sororities. Parents with less restrictive attitudes toward drinking are also more likely to have children who engage in heavy episodic drinking.
Priming for planned sex increases desire, frequency in parents with young children, York study finds
A new study published by York University found that encouraging couples with young children to plan sex led to increased desire and frequency. The researchers also discovered that planning sex reduced feelings of obligation to have sex, allowing participants to engage in more frequent and satisfying sexual experiences.
New Reichman University study finds: Babies begin forming expectations of their parents as early as the first year of life
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...
New study reveals that differences between parent and child views best assess quality of life after pediatric liver transplant
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.
Will my kid be a pro athlete? Study finds what parents think
A new study found that most parents have realistic expectations of their children's future athletic achievement, but a minority believes their kids will beat the odds. Parents who think their child has a strong athletic identity are up to 80% more likely to believe they'll become a college athlete.
Everyday routines in early infancy may shape later obesity risk, study finds
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...
Parental monitoring is linked to fewer teen conduct problems despite genetic risk
Researchers found consistent parental monitoring can offset genetic risk for developing behavior problems during adolescence. High levels of parental monitoring appeared to buffer the influence of genetic risk, making a measurable difference even for children who are more vulnerable biologically.
Acceptance, lack of negativity are keys for passing parenting styles on to the next generation
The study by researchers at Oregon State University and Utrecht University found that children of parents with high levels of acceptance and low negativity tend to struggle less with their own parenting, while those who experienced little acceptance and a lot of negativity as children are more likely to become parents with similar diff...
Rise in ADHD diagnoses can leave parents confused about ‘typical’ behavior for kids
A new book by experts highlights how the prevalence of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder has increased, but suggests it may not be due to a genuine increase in cases. The authors argue that 'typical' behavior can vary greatly among children, and that acceptance and understanding of individuality is key.
How parents and kids really feel about AI-generated images in children’s books
A new study found that while parents are willing to accept AI-generated images in children's stories with certain conditions, they raise concerns about errors in illustrations that might encourage unsafe behavior or lack real-world accuracy. Parents prefer clear notification on the cover of the story if AI was used to create images.
A husband’s self-esteem may protect against preterm births, study finds
A new study from University of California Merced found that married fathers' optimism and confidence can lower maternal inflammation during pregnancy, leading to longer gestation periods. Higher paternal resilience also predicted healthier fetal development.
Parent-teen sexual health communication and teens’ health information and service seeking
A nationally representative survey found that frequent parent-teen communication is associated with increased teen self-efficacy for sexual and reproductive health information. Teens whose parents feel comfortable discussing topics are more likely to seek services, highlighting the importance of accurate information and open dialogue.
Parental emotional support protects children during war, new study finds, even when parents suffer from post traumatic symptoms
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.
Parent opioid prescriptions linked to teen and young adult opioid use
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.
Strong evidence supports skin-to-skin contact after birth as standard care
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.
More omega-3s, please! Chicago parents need more EPA, DHA in their diets
A Northwestern University study found that Chicago parents have low intake of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, with women consuming even lower amounts. This deficiency may have direct negative effects on children's health, including preterm birth risk.
Stress caused by family structure changes in infancy can triple psoriasis risk later in life, new research shows
Longitudinal research found that severe stress caused by family structure changes like divorce or separation during infancy triples the risk of developing psoriasis. The study, published in Journal of Investigative Dermatology, emphasizes the need to protect young children from stressful life factors.
National poll: 1 in 10 young children play outdoors as little as once a week
A national poll found that 1 in 10 young children play outdoors as infrequently as once a week, while nearly all engage in screen time daily. Parents are encouraged to create space for active, imaginative, and social play to support healthy development.
Adverse, positive childhood experience levels in US haven’t changed much
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...
New survey shows many are unaware of advancements in obstetrics care
A new survey conducted by Orlando Health found that less than half of Americans are aware of the technology and testing available to decrease risks for a healthy baby after 35 years old. Advanced prenatal testing and care can help older mothers have safe and healthy pregnancies, dispelling common misconceptions about age and pregnancy.
Unrecognized motor difficulties and developmental coordination disorder in preschool children
A cross-sectional study reveals substantial motor difficulties in preschool children that remain under-recognized by parents. The study supports timely referral to clinicians for formal diagnosis using a systematic approach for early identification in preschoolers. The findings highlight the need for structured screening and awareness ...
Instability in foster care doubles the risk of mental health problems, UK study shows
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.
Firstborn behavioral problems impact sibling relationships
A recent study published in Social Development found that firstborn behavioral problems can predict the quality of their sibling relationship over time. Maternal reflective functioning plays a crucial role in mitigating negative outcomes, particularly for children exhibiting internalizing behavioral problems. The researchers suggest th...
Foster care study calls for better training, support
A new study by University of Cincinnati researchers finds that foster caregivers across the US need more accessible, ongoing and community-driven training. They want sustainable learning, consistent support and meaningful connection with peers and experts to help them care for vulnerable children.
Parental diseases of despair and suicidal events in their children
A cohort study found an association between parental diseases of despair and youth suicidal events, suggesting a potential underlying factor in the increase in adolescent suicidal behavior. Improved access to care for parents with these conditions may help reduce the adolescent suicide rate.