Health & Parenting News & Features
- The Danger of Internet Challenges
A child psychologist advises parents to address the threat of internet challenges with continual, preemptive conversations with kids -- and with special phone settings.
- Why Your Kids Should Spend Time Outdoors
Clinicians and educators are turning to Mother Nature for help in addressing widespread obesity, chronic illness, depression, and behavioral problems among youth.
- Baby Microbiome: Nurturing Your Baby's Healthy Bacteria
The trillions of bacteria that inhabit your gut and other bodily regions can have a critical impact on your overall health. The same holds true for babies, new research shows.
- Childhood in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
The potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to benefit our kids is real. For many of us, it's already integrated into our children's daily routines.
- Teach Your Kids to Give for Financial Literacy
New research suggests that teaching our children how to give their money away makes them more financially savvy adults.
- Feeding Tips for Your Baby
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is working on its first dietary guidelines for babies from 0 to 2 years old. Here's the advice the founder of a child health advocacy group would like to see in those guidelines.
- Is RSV Causing Your Baby’s Breathing Problems?
RSV can cause serious breathing problems in infants, so parents need to be able to recognize the signs. Find out how the labored breathing that can come with this virus might look and sound.
- Sugar Binges and Crashes
Researchers note a loss of sensitivity to the hormone that regulates appetite and fat storage in obese children. Does this explain sugar binges and the “crash” that comes soon after?
- Mattel Offers Gender-Inclusive Doll Collection
Mattel has launched a new line of gender-inclusive dolls aimed at making all kids feel welcome during playtime, the company says.
- Back-to-School Sports Test
Kids are getting ready for a new school year. When after-school activities include sports, they may need a pre-participation physical examination, which is different from the yearly physical exam you might be used to for your child.
- The Risks of Becoming a Dad Later in Life
As more men over 40 are becoming dads, a study says older men may be more likely to father children with health woes. But the overall risk of birth problems remains low, an expert says.
- Teens Uniquely Vulnerable to Marijuana's Effects
Remember being told to "just say no" to marijuana and other drugs? Researchers now say "just not yet" to teens considering marijuana, as the drug may affect brain growth.
- A Tech Time-Out for Parents of Toddlers
Researchers suggest guidelines for how and when parents should use electronic devices when their small children are competing for their time.
- Key Changes for Car Seat Safety
Car seat guidelines have changed, and they'll keep your child safer, longer, the author of a new statement on car seat safety says.
- What to Do When Adult Children Want to Move Back In
How do you handle it when your millennial adult child wants to move back home? See what a psychologist has to say about house rules and boundaries.
- Should Your Child Try a Cleanse?
If your child wants to try a detox diet, should you say yes? Here’s what every parent should know about cleanses.
- Good Food Goals: Help Kids Eat Healthier
Too much junk food in your house? Learn how to set goals to help your kids healthier.
- Mood Control Goals: How to Teach Your Kids
Struggling with your child’s mood swings? Learn how to set goals to improve their attitude.
- Can Vegetarian Food Fuel Your Kids?
Lots of adults are cutting meat out of their diet. But is a plant-based diet healthy for kids?
- The Right Snacks for Your Kid’s Schedule
Snacks help your kids get the nutrition they need to get through their busy days.
- Is Healthy Food Really More Expensive?
Good news, parents: Healthy eating might be cheaper than you think. Get tips for how to make smart choices at the grocery store.
- Does Your Kid Need a Smartphone?
A smartphone is a big responsibility. Can your child handle it? Expert advice on how to decide.
- Curtis Stone on Fatherhood and Fighting Hunger
For those who love to cook -- and for many who don't -- chef Curtis Stone whets appetites for inventive recipes and entertaining TV.
- 8 Surprising Facts About Twins
Can you guess which state has the highest rate of twin births?
- 9 Parents of Twins Share Their Best Advice
We asked what they would tell other parents before bringing two bundles of joy into the world.
- Why Handwriting Matters for Kids
Pencils, paper, and penmanship may be good for growing brains.
- Soledad O'Brien Talks Kids' Health and Self-Help
The award-winning journalist and busy mom takes a special interest in being well.
- Teaching Kids to Eat Healthy
Kids need to learn about nutrition. Start the conversations about the best way to choose healthy foods.
- Mindful Eating for Your Family
With a few easy changes, you can get your kids to slow down, eat when they’re hungry, and enjoy their food.
- Get Your Family Routine Back on Track
Derailed by a school break or family trip? Here’s how to get everyone in your house back on schedule.
- Help Your Child Choose the Right Sport
Many kids aren’t born knowing they want to play soccer or be on the cheerleading squad. Parents can help them find an activity that will keep them active.
- 8 'Healthy' Foods That Aren’t
Don’t be fooled by the health halo that hangs over seemingly good-for-you foods. Many of them are anything but.
- How to Teach Empathy to Selfie-Loving Kids
Have reality TV and social media promoted a rise in narcissism and a loss of empathy in children?
- How to Find Help for Your Anxious Child
Treatment can change the world for your child with anxiety -- you just have to find the right therapy.
- Is My Child Ready for a Cell Phone?
Younger and younger children are walking around with cell phones. Is your child ready for one?
- What Does Bullying Look Like?
Think your child is being bullied? Here’s how to find out if it’s happening and what you can do to make it stop.
- Christina Milian's Fun-Loving Parenting Style
The 'Grandfathered' actor reflects on mommyhood.
- Smart Sips for Healthy Kids
Kids need healthy drinks to fuel their growing bodies. Make a toast to good health with these smart choices.
- How to End the Picky Eating Struggle
The surprising reasons why some kids are picky eaters, and what you can do to end the struggle.
- How Can You Help Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues Do Better in School?
There is no medication to treat sensory processing issues, but there are therapies, as well as practical changes you can make at school and home to help your child feel and do better.
- 10 Tips for Parenting Anxious Children
Many well-meaning parents try to protect anxious kids from their fears, but overprotecting can actually make anxiety worse.
- Can Toddlers Be Overweight?
Worried about your toddler’s weight? Child obesity and weight gain in children is something to talk about now with your pediatrician.
- Sleep Tips for Kids of All Ages
Sleep is crucial kids’ health. Help them get the shut-eye they need with these tips.
- Safe Weight Loss for Overweight Kids
Dieting isn’t the answer when it comes to weight loss for kids. Learn to avoid crash diets and unhealthy habits when your doctor suggests safe weight loss.
- Go to Bed! How to Get Teens to Get Enough Sleep
Is your teen sleep deprived? Most are. Here’s why and how to help teens get enough sleep.
- Scott Foley Talks Parenthood and Pet Advocacy
More than just a TV heartthrob, this actor and dad is a champion for assistance dogs.
- Do Your Kids Get Too Many Holiday Presents?
The meaning behind gift-giving is what matters, an expert says.
- Teach Kids Manners
Ditch the nose pick for a polite handshake with these simple suggestions.
- How to Talk to Your Teen
A guidance counselor's cheat sheet for healthy communication.
- Back-to-School Homework Routine
Need a little homework help? Get back into the swing of things with these 6 simple steps.