Child & Teen Health Archive

Articles

Lead poisoning: What parents should know and do

Lead poisoning is a serious health risk for children. And yet, they may be exposed to lead in their daily lives. Learn the dangers of lead exposure and what you can do to keep your child safe.

Helping children make friends: What parents can do

The COVID-19 pandemic affected children's developing social skills. Many children either didn't learn the skills they need to make friends — or those skills got rusty. Here are some ways parents can help.

Parents don't always realize that their teen is suicidal

Parents often think that they would know if their teen was suicidal. However, this is not always the case. Here's what to be aware of and watch for, and what to do if you see worrisome behavior.

Does your child need to gain weight?

Weight can be a sensitive topic with children and teens, and sometimes a child needs to gain some weight. Checking with your doctor before working on adding weight and emphasizing healthy, high-calorie foods are important.

Why play? Early games build bonds and brain

More than a million nerve connections are made in the brain in the first few years of life. Babies and young children thrive with responsive caregiving, such as engaging a child in playful games that change as they grow.

New pediatric guidelines on obesity in children and teens

Rates of obesity in children have more than tripled in the past six decades, and are still climbing. With millions of children and teens at risk for the many complications of obesity, the American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its guidelines for pediatricians.

Curbing nearsightedness in children: Can outdoor time help?

Nearsightedness is a growing problem worldwide. While genes and developmental factors play a role in whether a child becomes nearsighted, research suggests that spending time outdoors can lower a child's risk of developing this condition.

Sibling rivalry is normal — but is it helpful or harmful?

Sibling rivalry is a remarkably normal feature of family life, but too much squabbling and competition can be hurtful, and can have lasting effects on children. What can parents do to manage this when it happens in their family?

Concerned about your child's development?

Social media and apps about babies and children can fuel worries about a child's development. It's important to remember that every child is different and may move through stages of development at varying paces.

New guidelines on newborn jaundice: What parents need to know

Most newborn babies turn a little yellow. This is known as jaundice, and it's very common in the newborn period. But in some very rare cases it can be a sign of a more serious problem. Here's what parents need to know about it.

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