Every child encounters fear, ranging from the palpable terror of loud noises to the unfounded dread of imaginary monsters lurking in their closets. These fears don’t simply appear from thin air; they are often the manifestation of a child’s developing understanding of the world around them. As children grow, they become increasingly aware of potential
Children’s Health
Navigating the world as a pediatrician and a mother of three, I encountered a challenging conundrum while introducing solid foods to my twins. My background as an Indian immigrant shaped my culinary experiences, particularly when my own mother expressed horror at my use of plastic dishes. She replaced my plastic bowls and spoons with traditional
A groundbreaking study from University College London (UCL) has brought to light an astonishing connection between parental language and the hormone oxytocin, commonly referred to as the ‘love hormone.’ Oxytocin is a pivotal element in developing social bonds, fostering trust, and enhancing emotional intelligence. Detailed in the journal Development and Psychopathology, the research elucidates how
As parents, one of our most challenging experiences is witnessing our babies cry or show signs of distress without understanding the underlying reason. While the causes can frequently be as mundane as hunger or sleepiness, these moments often signify something deeper. Infants communicate their emotional needs through their cries and behaviors, and how we interpret
Every parent knows the nightly tug-of-war that can unfold during toothbrushing time with young children. This relatively mundane task often feels more like a battle than a routine. However, recent research suggests that how we approach these moments can significantly influence not just oral hygiene habits but also cultivate essential life skills in our children,
As guardians of our children’s health, we often find ourselves caught in a seemingly endless struggle to mitigate messes and shield our little ones from germs. It is crucial, however, to understand the nuanced world of bacteria. While we tend to associate bacteria with sickness, the truth is that many types, particularly those found in
The significance of the human microbiome in maintaining our health is something that many may overlook. It may come as a surprise to learn that the human body hosts approximately the same number of bacterial cells as human cells. In fact, we are home to around 38 trillion bacteria! These bacteria, along with other microbes,
The journey toward healthy body image begins within the confines of our homes. As parents, we bear the responsibility of nurturing our children’s self-esteem and body positivity, serving as their first role models. From the outset, our approach to food, exercise, and the messages we communicate about health can lay the groundwork for how they
When Samantha Hanratty, renowned actress known for her role in *Yellowjackets*, received the heart-stopping news during her pregnancy that her child would be born with a cleft lip, it altered her world in an instant. As the New Year dawned in 2024 with her son’s arrival, Hanratty’s emotions swung from despair to a profound resilience.
Peanut allergies have long posed significant challenges for families, transforming everyday life into an intricate maze of precautions, vigilance, and anxiety. For parents of children diagnosed with peanut allergies, the fear of accidental exposure often defines their daily routine—label-checking and rigorous meal planning become essential. Traditionally, the primary strategy to deal with this dietary constraint