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Parenting – Analysis and Comment

Warm, supportive caregiving can help counteract the effects of stress during childhood and development. Halfpoint Images/Moment via Getty Images

Positive parenting can help protect against the effects of stress in childhood and adolescence, new study shows

Without supportive parents, children already under stress may experience a shrinkage in brain volume in an area of the brain that is important for learning and memory.
Carmel O'Shannessy

A new study of Warlpiri language shows how ‘baby talk’ helps little kids learn to speak

Previous studies of baby talk have focussed on European languages, Mandarin and Japanese. For the first time, research looks at an Australian Indigenous language.
Caregivers are encouraged to have conversations about mental health early and often, whether their child or teen is struggling or not. (Shutterstock)

What to do if your child is struggling: Steps caregivers can take to help kids and teens with their mental health

With child and adolescent mental health problems on the rise, here is a step-by-step guide for caregivers for recognizing signs of mental distress and responding with support and resources.
Moms get about 25 minutes less sleep each weeknight when their kids’ school is in session. Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/DigitalVision Collection/Getty Images

Less sleep, less exercise and less relaxation – here’s the data on just how much busier moms are during the school year

Parents spend more time actively engaged with their kids – such as helping with homework or reading together – during the school year than during summer. But the difference is almost three times greater for moms than for dads.