American health care and ancient family values

silhouette of a toddler, viewed from behind, the child holding up her hand to shield herself from the bright sun

Who should decide whether a child gets access to life-saving care? Or if the child’s family should receive a crippling financial blow – one that might permanently and negatively alter the course of their lives? In traditional cultures throughout the world, folks share similar values about this: Some things should not be determined by the … Continue reading

How to foster sharing: Help children experience the “warm glow of giving”

toddler, viewed from behind, concealing a gift of flowers for mother

Are little kids hopelessly selfish? Many people assume so. But scientific research suggests otherwise. Like adults, children experience the warm glow of giving. And it’s a motivating force for good. How early in life do children feel this warm glow, and what can we do to nurture it — and encourage kids to share?

The effects of air pollution on children

toddler crouched on a rock outdoors, with a factory in the distance - air pollution

Air pollution doesn’t just cause respiratory problems. It can also put kids at risk for poor birth outcomes, premature cellular aging, altered brain development, and inflammatory disease.

Kids are losing fitness during the summer. How do we fight back?

young girl at playground with her head buried in a phone

In affluent, industrialized countries, we hear a lot about children’s lack of physical activity. What gets mentioned less often is the seasonal component: Contrary to what we might expect, kids tend to become less active during the summer months, and less physically fit. How big is the shortfall, and what can we do to combat it?

Video game addiction: A parent’s evidence-based guide

three kids sitting on the floor, each in the grip of a video game addiction, each playing on their own device

Does your child have a video game addiction? Researchers use several different terms to describe this problem, but whatever the label, it can have serious consequences, and a disturbing number of kids are symptomatic. Learn the signs of pathological gaming, and how we can help kids lead more balanced lives.

Iron-rich foods: How to improve children’s iron status through diet

assortment of iron rich foods, including fish, beans, seeds, nuts, vegetables

Why do children – especially babies over the age of 6 months who have been breastfed – need to consume iron-rich foods? And what’s the best diet for achieving iron sufficiency? The question can be tricky, because many foods, including some with substantial iron content, contain chemical compounds that interfere with iron absorption.

What do children’s drawings tell us about life at home?

children's colorful, cheerful drawing of a child walking in nature, with a baloon, while holding adult's hand

Children’s drawings can function as a fascinating window into how kids perceive and represent their world. They are also helpful tools for therapists, because children sometimes find it easier to communicate with imagery rather than words. But can children’s drawings — by themselves — function as trustworthy evidence that something is wrong? Research strongly indicates otherwise.

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