Even low levels of lead hamper kindergartners' reading skills
Even children with low levels of lead in their blood score lower on reading-readiness tests when they begin kindergarten, a new study found.
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More kids diagnosed with mental health disabilities
Significantly more U.S. children have a neurodevelopmental or mental health disability than did a decade ago, according to new research.
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Many parents texting, phoning while driving their kids
The vast majority of parents admit to being distracted in some way while driving their young child around, a new survey reveals.
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Prescription drug abuse up among US teens
The United States appears to be in the throes of a prescription drug abuse crisis among teens, with a new survey showing that 24 percent of high school students -- more than 5 million kids -- have abused these medications.
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'Clean your plate' orders from parents may backfire
New research suggests that up to two-thirds of parents still encourage teenagers to finish all the food on their plates, even if the teen is overweight.
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Biggest new mom mistakes ever. Are you guilty?
It's not the obvious "what were they thinking?" mishaps we're talking about here. These are probably things you're doing right now -- without even realizing it.
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Odds of dying in traffic accident increase with age
Elderly pedestrians face a much higher risk of being killed in a traffic accident than the young do, a new government report finds.
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Mean mom confessions
When moms judge, they show no mercy. Here's the lowdown on what mean moms really think.
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Better school lunches may lead to slimmer students
Although students who get free or discounted lunches through federal programs are more likely to be obese than students who don't, kids in states that set higher standards for these meals are less likely to suffer that fate.
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Smoking in youth-rated movies doubles
Smoking scenes in youth-rated movies doubled in number between 2010 and 2012, and have returned to the same level as a decade ago, according to a new report.
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Frequent eating in kids tied to less weight gain
In what may seem a surprising finding, kids in a new study who ate more often over the course of a day were less likely to be overweight than their peers who ate the traditional three squares.
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Kids given big plates help themselves to more food
Small kids who are given large plates and then allowed to serve themselves take more food and consume more calories, new research finds.
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When teens focus on TV, obesity risk rises
It's not how much time teens spend watching TV but how intensely they watch that adds on the pounds, new research suggests.
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Fewer US teens dying in teen-driver crashes
The number of teen driver-related fatalities has dropped by almost half in the last six years, and the number of teen passengers killed in crashes involving teen drivers fell 30 percent in the United States.
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Baby gear you should never borrow
There are some dangers to using certain hand-me-downs. Find out what baby gear is safe to borrow and what's not.
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Chickenpox shot provides long-term protection
The chickenpox vaccine is very effective at preventing the disease, and its protection doesn't wane over time, new research finds.
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Child's cancer often causes parents severe distress
Many parents of children with advanced cancer have high to severe levels of psychological distress, a new study finds.
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Consensual sex typically doesn't begin before teen years
It's rare for children in the United States aged 10 to 12 to be sexually active, especially on a voluntary basis, a new study finds. However, almost one in five teens has had sex before age 15.
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One in 10 US kids diagnosed with ADHD
About 11 percent of school-age children in the United States -- and 19 percent of high-school-age boys -- have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
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Parents will push for medication, even if doctor says not needed
When doctors use quick-and-easy disease labels to sum up symptoms of concern in an otherwise healthy infant, parents are more apt to want to treat their child with some type of medication.
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Parent-focused classes may help tots at risk for ADHD
Parent behavior training is an effective and well-studied intervention for preschoolers at risk of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a new review shows.
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Kids of better-educated parents have healthier diets
Children of highly educated parents have healthier diets, according to a new study.
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Keep kids safe from laundry detergent packets
Single-load liquid laundry packets are becoming more popular but need to be used and stored safely.
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Pre-college parental chat may reduce freshman drinking
Parents who want to help their teens better navigate the world of college drinking might consider a pre-college chat on the topic. New research suggests it will help douse their desire to imbibe when they hit campus.
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Another study sees no vaccine-autism link
Although some parents worry about the sheer number of vaccines babies typically receive, a new U.S. government study finds no evidence that more vaccinations increase the risk of autism.
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Rubella in pregnancy rare in US, but can be devastating for baby
Although rare in the United States, three babies with birth defects caused by rubella (or "German measles") were reported in 2012 and doctors need to be on the lookout for such cases, a new government report indicates.
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Frequent moves take toll on poor kids
Poor children who move three or more times before they're 5 years old are at increased risk for behavioral problems, a new study contends.
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Same-sex parents may face harsher criticism than others
Bystanders judge same-sex parents more harshly than straight parents, according to a new study.
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Too much TV may make kids anti-social
Five-year-olds who watch television for three or more hours a day are a bit more likely to fight, steal and have other antisocial behaviors by the age of 7, a new study suggests.
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Family meals nourish teens' mental health
Having regular family suppers is good for teens' mental health, according to a new study.
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Four in 10 babies given solid foods too early
Child development experts advise parents not to introduce solid foods, such as baby cereal, into an infant's diet until the infant is at least 4 to 6 months old.
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Fit kids may dodge fractures in old age
Physically active children may be at lower risk for fractures when they grow older, according to a new study from Sweden.
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Picky eating in youngsters might be largely caused by genes
If your young children are picky eaters, they may be able to blame it on their genes, according to a new study.
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Measles can spread further than thought on airplanes
On airplanes, measles can spread beyond the passengers seated immediately around an infected person, a new study says.
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One in 50 school-aged children in US has autism
The number of children in the United States with autism spectrum disorder has jumped dramatically since 2007, federal health officials reported Wednesday.
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Brain circuitry yields clue to autism
A problem with a certain brain circuit may be one reason why 7-month-old infants who later develop autism are slower to shift their gaze and attention from one object to another.
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Black children less likely to get antibiotics
Black children are less likely than other children to be given antibiotics and less likely to be given the most powerful antibiotics to treat acute respiratory tract infections, new research suggests.
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Switch to skim milk won't prevent toddler's obesity
Drinking low-fat or skim milk does not prevent toddlers from gaining excess weight and is actually associated with overweight and obesity in preschool children, a new study finds.
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Vitamin D levels in pregnancy may not affect kids' bone health
Women's vitamin D levels during pregnancy do not affect their children's bone health later in life, a new study shows.
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Fewer kids getting hurt in most sports
Football has been blamed for a growing number of injuries among young players in the past decade, but a new study finds that football is an exception, and injuries from most other popular sports have dropped in children.
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Parents' worries about HPV vaccine on the rise
Although experts recommend girls and young women be vaccinated against the virus that causes most cases of cervical cancer, parents seem to be increasingly worried about the vaccine's safety, a new U.S. study shows.
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How to prevent, treat diaper rash
SUNDAY, March 17 (HealthDay News) --Baby "wipes" and scented skin lotions can lead to diaper rash in infants, but new parents can soothe their baby's irritated skin and prevent a recurrence.
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FDA: Know what's in your child's medications
It's the time of year when cold season and allergy season overlap, and parents need to know the active ingredients in the medicines they give their children for these conditions.
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Emergency rooms not doing enough to educate parents on car-seats
Emergency departments in the United States are missing important opportunities to educate parents on car-seat safety, new research suggests.
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Sports help dads, daughters bond
Fathers interested in creating a sense of closeness with their daughters should look for fun things to do together, a new study suggests.
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Anxiety more common than depression after pregnancy
Anxiety is far more common in the days after childbirth than depression, with nearly one in five new mothers reporting acute mental stress surrounding delivery and the transition to a larger family.
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Motherhood may spur obsessive-compulsive behavior
New mothers have a much higher rate of obsessive-compulsive symptoms than other people and these symptoms center on their baby's well-being.
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Heart-healthy habits in childhood may prevent future disease
Teaching children heart-healthy habits now can help protect them from heart disease when they're adults.
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Parents: Revealing your past smoking, pot use may not help your kids
It's time for that heart to heart with your kids about the dangers of smoking, drinking or illicit drugs. One thing it's best not to bring up: Your own dabbling in such substances in your youth, a new study suggests.
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Most expensive states to raise a child
Planning a family in one of these 5 states? You may be surprised to learn that they're the most expensive states to raise a child.
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Many younger parents weigh online doctor reviews
Most parents still rely on word-of-mouth recommendations when choosing their child's doctor, according to the latest University of Michigan Mott Children's Hospital national poll on children's health.
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Switching kids away from violent TV may lower aggression
Two studies, one from the United States and the other from New Zealand, add more fuel to the long-standing claim that exposure to television -- especially violent TV -- can harm children.
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'Hovering' moms may take fun out of play
Even something as simple as play can be complicated: A new study shows that mothers who try to tell their young children how to play with their toys can turn their kids off, at least in the short run.
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Praising kids for efforts, not qualities, may help them succeed
Telling your young children that they are smart may not be all that wise.
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Little known on how to best help kids after trauma
When children go through a trauma -- whether it's as rare as a school shooting or as common as a car accident -- they may need therapy to help them deal with it.
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Skin-care basics for your new baby
Bathing a baby and caring for the newborn's skin can intimidate new parents, an expert says.
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Day care may not raise behavior woes in kids after all
Parents who send their children to day care may be able to breathe a sigh of relief. New research finds that children in child care do not have an increased risk of behavioral problems.
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Pregnancy and cats
Along with the admonitions about caffeine, lunch meat and wine, many pregnant women are told they should get rid of their cats because of health risks.
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More time at family dinners might curb obesity in kids
Devoting just a few extra minutes to regular family mealtimes can help children in poor families achieve and maintain a normal weight, according to a new study.
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Games for building better family bonds
Check out these kid-friendly game ideas to create memorable moments in the car, at the market and the family dinner table.
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Being 'boss' at home may undermine women's ambition at work
Working women who are in charge of running their household are less likely to pursue promotions and types of career advancement, a new study contends.
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30 percent of U.S. teen girls meet up with online strangers
Nearly a third of American teenage girls say that at some point they've met up with people with whom their only prior contact was online, new research reveals.
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Valentine's Day party ideas for kids
Throwing a Valentine's Day party for your children and their friends is an easy way to have fun and celebrate a day of sweetness and friendship.
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Let babies 'cry it out'
Most babies who wake up during the night should be allowed to self-soothe and fall back to sleep on their own, researchers say.
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Mental health of dads-to-be may influence toddler's behavior
A new study suggests that an expectant father's psychological distress might influence his toddler's emotional and behavioral development.
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'Not fair!' how sibling fights may lead to later mood problems
Fights between siblings can lead to anxiety, depression and lower self-esteem, a new study contends.
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Moms: Stop fears before they start
There are steps you can take to avoid making yourself sick with worry -- for your sake and your child's.
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Childless people die sooner, study says
A new study of couples treated for infertility found a significantly higher death rate among couples who remained childless and lower odds of psychiatric illness among those who adopt.
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Make sure toys you buy are safe for tots
Toy shopping season is here and experts urge parents and others to make sure any gifts they buy for children are safe and age-appropriate.
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Injuries skyrocket from inflatable bounce houses
Inflatable bounce houses and moonwalks are springboards for childhood fun, but they're also the source of an alarming number of children's injuries, a new report warns.
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Family car rides without the fighting
What's the safest way to get my kids to stop arguing with each other in the backseat while I'm driving?
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Food allergies can make kids targets for bullies
Research shows that many kids with food allergies report being bullied or teased about the condition.
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Liberal or conservative: Study finds childhood influence
A person's temperament in childhood and the type of parenting they received have a major effect on their political beliefs, according to a new study.
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Harmful chemicals found in day care centers
Levels of formaldehyde and several other contaminants in some California day care centers exceed state health guidelines, according to a new study.
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Conservation with kids
Check out these tips from eco-minded moms on encouraging conservation and reducing waste among the younger set.
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'Plugged-in' teens vulnerable in traffic
Plugged-in teens who can't part company with their iPods and other electronic devices don't just risk hearing problems and eyestrain. As pedestrians, they may be more likely to be struck by cars, new research finds.
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Dad's advice could be key to teens' sexual activity
The idea that fathers play a significant role in the development of their kids' approach to sex has received some support in a new evidence review.
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Taking terror out of nightmares: Tips for parents
Nightmares are common in children and upsetting for both youngsters and parents, but there are some things you can do to manage and prevent them, an expert says.
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Best iPhone apps for moms
Check out the five apps one mom can't live without.
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U.S. kids exposed to 4 hours of background TV daily
Children in the United States are exposed to nearly four hours of background television on average every day, an amount that threatens healthy child development, new research reveals.
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TV for kids filled with social bullying
Long before Hollywood introduced the concept of "Mean Girls," people knew that childhood can be full of name-calling, manipulation and we-won't-talk-to-you freeze-outs.
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Son's real-life drama leads Julie Bowen to medical role
Actress Julie Bowen, awarded her second Emmy Sunday for her role in the hit TV comedy "Modern Family," starts a more serious role today: raising awareness about life-threatening childhood allergies.
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Doctors to parents: No trampolines
Trampolines may be hazardous to your child's health, pediatricians warn.
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8 best cars for teen drivers
Buying a car for your teen to drive to and from high school takes some thought. You might pick something sporty for yourself -- but you want something different for your kids.
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Raise a baby without breaking the bank
Every parent wants the best for baby -- but there's no reason to go into debt before baby's first birthday. Use these expert tips to help you cut parenting costs.
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9 pregnancy myths busted!
Do you really have to give up caffeine and stop working out? Find out what's fact and fiction when it comes to what you can and can't do during pregnancy.
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Top 10 sleep secrets for pregnant women
Tossing and turning while expecting? A restful night of sleep will (finally!) be yours with this sleep advice.
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Making parental peace with kids' homework
The start of a new school year is edging closer and it might be a good idea for parents to start thinking about how they're going to deal with homework issues, one expert suggests.
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Teens benefit by spending more time with parents
Parents often assume that time spent with their kids will dwindle in adolescence. But a new study suggests that private parent-child encounters may actually increase during these critical years.
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10 ways to save money on back-to-school expenses
It can cost $500 to get an elementary school student ready for class, and twice that for a high school student. Here are some ways to lower that number.
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How to quell 9th-grade angst
Parents can play a key role in helping their children transition successfully from middle school to the more complex and challenging environment of high school.
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Four back to school tips to stay organized
Getting ready for the back to school rush doesn't have to be hard. Here are some tips to get you and your kids organized.
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Childhood friendships may be key to adult happiness
Happiness in adulthood may be determined by the quality of relationships in your youth, not brain power or academic prowess, new Australian research suggests.
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Few follow car safety guidelines for kids
Many American children are not meeting recommended car passenger safety guidelines for their age group, a new study finds.
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Violent TV shows keep young kids awake
There's more evidence that watching violent or age-inappropriate images on TV, in movies or on computers can significantly disrupt children's sleep.
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When should your kid start seeing the dentist?
Taking your baby to the dentist is more important than you might think.
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Keep back to school panic to a minimum
If your house is unprepared to go back to school, here's some tips on how to get everybody back on track before fall.
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Teaching young hockey players to body check doesn't decrease risk of injury
Introducing body checking to hockey players at a younger age does not reduce their risk of injury over the long term, according to a new study.
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Don't be afraid to talk to your kids about the Dark Knight shooting in Colorado
Mental health experts have offered guidance on how to cope with the aftermath of the shooting during the new Batman movie in a suburban Denver movie theater.
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FDA bans BPA from baby bottles, sippy cups
The controversial plastics chemical bisphenol A (BPA) is now banned for use in baby bottles and sippy cups, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday.
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How much does having a baby really cost?
With or without insurance, you can get hit with a sky-high hospital bill after delivering your baby. Check out the scoop on what your prenatal health care costs will be and how to keep them down.
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Babies with pets not dogged by colds
Babies who live with dogs and cats during their first year of life may be less susceptible to respiratory infections, such as the common cold, according to new research.
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Spanking batters kids' mental health
Spanking or slapping your children may increase the odds that they will develop mental health issues that plague them in adulthood.
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Job worries for parents may mean poorer nutrition for kids
The more work-related stress parents experience, the more likely their children are to eat unhealthy meals, a new study shows.
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Is taking tech on vacation an intrusion or improvement?
From poolside smartphones to on-demand movies anywhere, technology has changed what it means to "get away from it all," for better and worse.
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7 baby sleep myths -- debunked!
Turns out there are times when you should wake a sleeping baby! Here's the real deal on the sleep advice you shouldn't listen to and what to do instead.
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Active, outdoor teens are happier teens
Teens who engaged in more moderate-to-vigorous outdoor activity reported better health and social functioning than their peers who spent hours in front of television and computer screens, a new study in Australia has found.
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As heat builds, take steps to protect yourself
As the first major heat wave of the summer engulfs the continental United States, health experts are urging people to take special precautions when dealing with scorching temperatures and oppressive humidity.
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4 tips for a tough summer job market
If you're a high school or college student looking for work in the coming months, here's some tips on how to make your own form of employment, whether you're looking to pad your resume or line your pocketbook.
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'Sexting' common among teens
Many teens send and receive sexually explicit photos on their cellphones and have little to no awareness of the possible mental health, social or legal consequences of doing so, a new study warns.
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Why every mom needs time alone
Being by yourself gives you time to collect your thoughts and ponder life's challenges.
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Dad's love can be crucial for happy childhood
Move over, tiger moms. Dads can play an even more significant role in the development of happy, well-adjusted children than do mothers, a new study indicates.
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Father time: Make every day Father's Day
This Father's Day, take a minute to think about the kind of dad you want be.
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Biggest parenting surprises no one warns you about
Everyone knows that having a baby is a challenging and emotional experience, but here are the top unexpected things moms wish someone had told them.
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Do your kids drink too much soda?
Times may have changed, but our children's soda habits have only gotten worse.
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Battling the kids over bedtimes? Not anymore
Follow these steps for combating bedtime bummers and put more ease into your z's.
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Graduated driver licenses can save teen lives, says IIHS
While fatal crash rates of teen drivers have plunged in recent years, states can significantly reduce teen fatalities rates by strengthening existing graduated driver licensing laws.
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Key to more active, slimmer kids: Friends
Could your young child be putting on excess pounds because her friends sit around? A small study suggests it's possible: Kids seemed to become more active in after-school programs if they hung out with active kids.
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Memorial Day crafts for kids
To get your kids into the spirit of the season and help keep them occupied over Memorial Day weekend, there are lots of simple and inexpensive crafts that they can make themselves.
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Fun and creative activities to do with Dad
Father's Day is just around the corner, and if you haven't planned anything for dear old Dad, check out this list of fun Father's Day activities.
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Kid-friendly projects to celebrate mom
When mom is your go-to person for a ride, help with homework or a quick snack before dinner, take a moment to show your appreciation this Mother's Day.
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8 creative sick-day activities for kids
Sick days are rough for a parent, especially if you have to miss work to take care of a sniffling kid. Check out this list of simple activities to make the most of your day together.
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Fun Earth Day activities for kids
It's time to show your love for the planet! Celebrate Earth Day with kid-friendly activities and crafts.
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Family fun: Homemade gifts for Mother's Day
With these three craft ideas, you'll be well on your way to making Mom's special day all the better.
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Youth sports: Martial arts
More than any other contact sport, teaching children martial arts must be given careful consideration.
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Dye Easter eggs with unique & creative ideas
For centuries, families have been dyeing Easter eggs each spring. With the countless ways to create beautiful eggs at every skill level, egg dyeing is accessible to everyone.
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Easter egg hunt ideas
Easter egg hunts are a timeless favorite for kids everywhere. Plan ahead to help yours to go smoothly and safely for everyone involved.
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A parent's guide to cold medicine
When your child's under the weather, check out this guide to over-the-counter cold medicine.
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Top 5 ways to work at home with young kids
The following tips can be used as a template to help level the work-at-home playing field.
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St. Patrick’s Day crafts for kids
With some simple supplies, you can spend an enjoyable afternoon crafting with your kids.
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Basement conversion: How to design a family room
Building a basement family room increases your usable living space and the resale value of your home while creating an environment that encourages togetherness with family and friends.
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Eco-friendly activities to beat the winter blues
Keep spirits up -- and the kids entertained -- with these simple, eco-oriented indoor activities.
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Easy instructions on how to build a snow fort
Building a snow fort is a great opportunity for spending quality time with your children and teaching them basic construction techniques. And, it can provide hours, or days, of outdoor fun for the entire family.
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Tips for taking great family photos
Since most families don't have a resident professional photographer, here are some useful tips to help any member of the family take wonderful pictures that will be shared and saved for generations to come.
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Tips for choosing a daycare for your child
With more and more parents needing to work to make ends meet, it's only natural that more kids are spending an increasing amount of time in daycare each week.
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Healthy Valentine’s Day snacks for kids
While Valentine's Day can mean romance for grown-ups, this holiday means love, friendship, sweet goodies, and time with loved ones for children and toddlers. Take advantage of this festive occasion by making fun, eye-popping snacks out of healthy foods for your little ones.
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Valentine's Day party ideas for kids
For children, Valentine's Day focuses on sweets, parties, and perhaps a Valentine from a "Secret Admirer." Plan the perfect party for a fun celebration of this day devoted to love, friendship and sweet treats.
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Simple ways to make dinner at home a special night
Dining at home has many advantages, from saving money to affording family members more time together. But it's easy for those at-home meals to become routine and boring - unless you take some simple steps to make dinner time a special time for everyone.
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Game On – What does a video game culture mean for kids?
Hundreds of studies have been written both pro and con about the developmental impact of video games on children. With the advent of tablet computing, the pervasiveness of a video game oriented society will inevitably increase. What should parents do?
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Active indoor activities for kids during rainy days
Keeping your active kids entertained indoors when the weather becomes too extreme outside can be a challenge. Here's a list of ideas to diminish the possibility of kids plunging into cabin fever meltdown.
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Vacation travel advice for parents with young kids
Without question, traveling with young children over an extended period of time requires planning. Here are some tips to help you get over the river and through the woods without too much anxiety.
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Managing spending on toys
Between children's pleas and clever marketing from toy stores it's easy to go overboard when buying gifts for your kids. Here are some ways to help you get through the holiday season with your sanity and checkbook intact.
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Slim down the holidays
You want to dial back the holiday spending this year, but you don't want to disappoint friends and family -- especially your own kids. Here are ways to keep the spirit while sparing the cash.
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How to raise caring kids
Empathy for others is a trait that must be learned -- and parents are the best people to teach it. Volunteering together is an excellent way to increase your child's social and emotional growth while spending quality time together.
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How to handle sibling rivalry
The arguing, teasing and endless competition between your kids may drive you nuts, but a bit of sibling rivalry may actually be good for them.
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Dog-friendly games for the whole family
A yard, your family and friends, plus at least one dog equal a recipe for ultimate fun.
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Tricycle to bicycle
What can be more exciting and terrifying for a child (and parent) than making the jump from tricycle to bicycle? Here are some tips to help ease that transition.
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De-stress your mornings
The morning rush hour in your home doesn't have to be so hectic. Here are solutions for simpler, saner mornings.
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Child safety and cars
If you follow your state laws regarding child safety seats, your children must be safe in your car, right? Oh, how wrong you are.
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Mother's Day 101
