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Mother’s warmth in childhood influences teen health by shaping perceptions of social safety

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 28, 2025

‘System rife with blame’ could threaten parents’ mental health when their kids struggle with school attendance

Research found parents of children struggling with school attendance experience distress across all aspects of life, rating it as the second most threatening event. Supporting a child with school attendance difficulties imperils parental mental health and causes significant impact on daily mood and anxiety levels.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateApr 24, 2025

Babies follow social cues despite trauma

Researchers found that babies from insecure backgrounds can still follow social cues, sparking hope for their development. The study used eye movement measurements and interviewed parents to assess a child's background and circumstances, concluding that some skills are intact despite trauma.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPsychological Science·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2025

New study reveals: Contingent responsive parenting can shape the brains of sensitive babies and support emotional regulation

A new study found that contingent responsive parenting can strengthen a baby's capacity for emotional regulation and reduce the likelihood of developing emotional difficulties. The study followed 51 mother-infant pairs and found that early parenting influences the baby's brain activity, supporting their emotional and social behavior.

SourceReichman University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2025

Breaking the cycle: unveiling how childhood trauma fuels parenting and abuse

A recent study by University of Fukui researchers found that impaired empathy in parents who experienced childhood trauma increases the risk of abusive parenting, perpetuating a cycle of abuse. The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions, such as mental health support and parenting programs, to break this cycle.

SourceUniversity of Fukui·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 2025

Are dogs the new children?

Research suggests that dog ownership is connected to declining birth rates, as people turn to dogs for emotional support and companionship. The theory proposes that the popularity of dogs is rooted in biological evolutionary causes, but has culturally escalated as human relationships are often damaged or absent.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateMar 25, 2025

New study: Fewer women want to have children

A new study from Uppsala University found that 75% of women aged 24 wanted to have children, significantly lower than the 91% in 2014. The survey also revealed that 40 women stated they didn't want children due to various reasons, including uncertainty about the future and health concerns.

SourceUppsala University·JournalThe European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care·TypeSurvey·DateMar 24, 2025

Parents’ advice benefits African American youth – when they seek support

A study found that African American youth who sought parental advice and received elaborate cognitive restructuring guidance had more positive social appraisals. Practitioners can equip parents with tools to enhance their parenting strategies and provide supportive guidance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSocial Development·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2025

Maternal depression can lead to children’s emotional overeating, study shows

A study found that maternal depression can negatively influence children's executive function and lead to emotional overeating. Mothers with postpartum depression may model unhealthy coping mechanisms for their children, affecting their ability to regulate emotions and develop healthy eating habits.

Another way longer paternity leaves help new parents

A longer paternity leave can improve the co-parenting relationship between moms and dads by making mothers less likely to discourage fathers' involvement. When fathers take more time off after their child is born, mothers relax unrealistic high standards for fathers' parenting and are less reliant on others' evaluations.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSex Roles·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2025

Previous experience affects family planning decisions of people with hereditary dementia

A new study led by UCL researchers reveals that people at risk of hereditary dementia significantly impact their choices about having children and parenting. Genetic risk is viewed in the context of other factors, with concerns including practical and emotional challenges of caring for someone with familial frontotemporal dementia.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Genetic Counseling·TypeSurvey·DateJan 13, 2025

App helps alleviate mental health symptoms in bereaved parents

A new study from Uppsala University shows that an app can help parents who are mourning the loss of a child, reducing symptoms of prolonged grief and post-traumatic stress. The app provides four components: learning about grief, finding support, practical exercises, and a 'grief meter' to track feelings.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCognitive Behaviour Therapy·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 18, 2024

Do teachers view parents as partners in the education of their child? Not so much…

A new study from Ben-Gurion University found that teachers often label parents as the problem, rather than viewing them as partners in their child's education. Researchers recommend increased professional training to help teachers diagnose and address various parenting styles, increasing professionalism and school legitimacy.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalTeachers and Teaching·DateDec 17, 2024

How helicopter parenting protects baby reef fish

Researchers discovered a species of damselfish actively eating gnathiid isopods, which are common reef parasites, to protect their young. This unique 'great fish parenting' behavior increased the survival rate of juvenile fish by three times.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2024

Parental food choice values influence children's restaurant eating behavior, research shows

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that parental food choice values significantly impact children's meal decisions in restaurants. The research identified three distinct parent groups: hassle-free consumers, indulgent consumers, and multifaceted consumers, each with unique eating habits.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateDec 9, 2024

American Academy of Pediatrics promotes shared reading starting in infancy as a positive parenting practice with lifelong benefits

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends pediatricians support families with guidance and books at well-child visits. Shared reading strengthens bonds and stimulates brain circuitry, creating early attachments. This practice has enduring benefits for social-emotional, cognitive, language, and literacy development.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 29, 2024

A ‘thank you’ goes a long way in family relationships

A study found that perceived gratitude from romantic partners and older children positively impacts individuals' psychological well-being and reduces parenting stress. Expressing gratitude within the family can promote a climate of appreciation, teaching children to acknowledge others' efforts.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 8, 2024

Protect the child, save the adult: An opportunity to cut welfare costs by nearly 40%

Research from University of South Australia finds that individuals who experienced child abuse or neglect are three times more likely to receive government income support payments. Cumulative income support payments for those with no protection contact were $38,570, while those in out-of-home care received $181,743.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 22, 2024

7 in 10 surveyed US adults believe humor can be an effective parenting tool, with those whose parents used humor being more likely to say their parents had done a good job and to report high-quality relationships with them

A survey of 7 in 10 US adults found that humor can be an effective parenting tool, with individuals whose parents used humor more likely to report positive relationships. Those who grew up in households using humor reported better parental bonding and stronger family ties.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 17, 2024

Mothers who receive childcare support from maternal grandparents show more parental warmth, finds NTU Singapore study

The NTU Singapore-led study found that mothers whose parents help with childcare are more likely to show their children parental warmth. Mothers who received childcare support from maternal grandparents also reported engaging in more positive parenting, characterized by warmth and responsiveness.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJul 1, 2024

Kids given ‘digital pacifiers’ to calm tantrums fail to learn how to regulate emotions, study finds

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

Heritability of body mass index among familial generations

Research emphasizes the impact of parental factors on offspring's health outcomes. The study discovered a significant association between parents' weight status at 17 and their children's risk of obesity. This finding suggests that health issues can be inherited across generations, with parental characteristics playing a crucial role.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 28, 2024

Inclusive care: Strategies to support infant feeding for parents with disabilities through WIC

A new study by Johns Hopkins School of Nursing found that WIC staff need additional accommodations to provide inclusive care for parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The research highlights the importance of accessible teaching materials and respectful communication to improve access and quality of services for the...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateJun 19, 2024

Taking care of caregivers of children with ADHD

A new 13-week group-based parent training program, Well Parent Japan (WPJ), has been shown to be effective in reducing parenting-specific stress, improving parenting efficacy, and reducing family strain for Japanese mothers of children with ADHD. The program provides social support and encourages shared learning amongst participants.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 4, 2024