ARTICLES RELATED TO:
Child Development

Long before a child picks up a book and begins to read on their own, the groundwork for reading success is already being laid. Early literacy doesn’t start with formal reading instruction; it begins with a child listening to the sounds of language, noticing print in the world around them, and discovering that their own marks on paper can carry meaning. These emerging abilities, from hearing the rhymes and rhythms in spoken words to making the first connections between letters and sounds, develop naturally through play, conversation, and shared experiences with caring adults. When these emerging abilities are intentionally supported and encouraged, they can blossom into the strong reading foundations that every child needs — and this is exactly where programs like Nemours Children’s Reading BrightStart! (NCRBS!) come in. NCRBS! is one example of how early literacy can be nurtured through research-based approaches, offering parents and educators practical, age-appropriate ways […]

Right now, there are new kindergarteners running off the school bus, bursting with pride to tell their families how caterpillars become butterflies. In class, their little hands shoot up in the air when the teacher asks what sound the letters “CH” make. “You’ve grown so much since you were a baby!” their pediatricians exclaim, smiling. For other kids, the shift into a structured classroom isn’t so smooth. When lessons are hard to follow, they tune out. Following directions or cooperating with the other kids can be overwhelming, leading to emotional outbursts. Lunch can’t come soon enough—there wasn’t much to eat at home. Instead of rapidly learning new information, these kids are struggling to catch up. Today, more than a third of U.S. children entering kindergarten are not academically, physically, socially, and emotionally ready to learn. That is not just an education problem—it is a health problem as well. Educational achievement […]

A Chiari malformation is a condition in which the lower part of the brain — called the cerebellum — extends into the spinal canal, where it doesn’t belong. Chiari (kee-AH-ree) malformations are more common than previously known, affecting approximately 1 in every 1,000 people. Due to advances in MRI technology, they’re being identified more frequently and earlier than ever. Here’s what families should know. What is Chiari malformation?  Chiari malformations are congenital (present at birth) in nearly all cases. The issue typically develops while a fetus is growing but, depending on the Chiari type, a person may not experience symptoms until later in childhood, adulthood, or possibly never. The condition is named for German pathologist Professor Hans Chiari, who described it in the 1890s and established the Chiari Types I through IV classification still used today. One important distinction is that Chiari Type II (Arnold-Chiari malformation) is always associated with […]

Summer is often viewed as a break from school and a chance to relax. But as the leader of a pediatric health system, I see summer as a stress test for the systems that support children’s health. When the structure of the school year falls away, we gain a clearer view of the factors that shape a child’s well-being: access to nutritious food, safe places to play, nurturing adults, learning opportunities, and stable family support. These conditions matter because medical care is only one component of health. Research consistently shows that the vast majority of health outcomes—around 85%—are shaped by the circumstances of daily life. Over the summer, dependable school breakfast and lunch give way to whatever a family can piece together. Built-in recess and physical education give way to unstructured hours, often leaving children to look for community spaces to play. The network of trusted teachers, counselors, and coaches […]

Before your child can read a single word, they’re learning to read the world. Your gaze, your voice, the way you answer their coos and cries — all of these inputs wire their brain for a lifetime of learning. It’s an invisible curriculum, delivered in the ordinary moments of daily life, and it’s the foundation upon which all language and literacy are built. It’s also, quietly and without much public debate, under threat. Learning Starts Long Before Reading As a pediatric surgeon and social scientist, my entire career has revolved around one central question: What do children need from the adults in their lives in order to thrive? Again and again, the science points to the same thing: Nurturing human interaction, and a whole lot of it. Not “educational” videos. Not apps. Not YouTube. Your words, your songs, your eye contact. This is why I’ve spent the last 15 years […]

A diagnosis of childhood lupus can feel overwhelming at first, for both children and the people who love and care for them. Because lupus can affect many parts of the body, and its symptoms may change over time, families often find themselves learning to navigate not only medical care, but also school, emotions, daily routines, and long-term uncertainty. The good news is that families do not have to face this journey alone. Whether you’re managing lupus symptoms, seeking lupus treatment, or still early in your child’s diagnosis and simply trying to understand what it means going forward, you need guidance. Along with support from their medical team, there are many organizations and communities that can offer practical help, trustworthy information, and meaningful connection. Connect With Support Groups Living with lupus can sometimes feel lonely, but families should know they are not alone. There’s a strong lupus community with many opportunities […]