Maintaining open communication between you and your child increases the likelihood that the child will come to you in times of need. The American Psychological Association suggests ways to do this: Take note of when the child is more open to conversation, for example, when in the car, before dinner or at bedtime. Start the…  read on >

If your child lands in the hospital with an accidental injury, new research suggests you should watch for signs they may be struggling with what happened to them. Investigators found that among children treated for serious injuries at one pediatric hospital, the odds of being diagnosed with a mental health condition rose by 63 percent…  read on >

Teens who were once hooked on sugary sodas may now be now turning to sugary sports drinks, a new study reveals. While soda’s popularity declines, the number of U.S. high school students who drank sports drinks at least once per week actually rose slightly, from 56 percent in 2010 to nearly 57 percent in 2015.…  read on >

When it comes to having “the talk,” many teens admit they’re not communicating with their parents or their doctors about sex, new research reveals. “Teens and young adults account for more STIs [sexually transmitted infections] than all other ages combined,” said study co-author Dr. Kari Schneider, an assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at…  read on >

Fewer young Americans are killed by guns in states with stricter gun laws, a new study finds. “Injuries due to firearms are the nation’s third-leading cause of pediatric death,” said study author Dr. Monika Goyal. She is director of research in the division of emergency medicine and trauma services at Children’s National Health System in…  read on >

Hundreds of millions of people visit U.S. amusement parks every year and take over a billion rides. Serious injuries are few — about one in 24 million. Yet accidents — including fatal accidents — do happen, often because riders didn’t follow safety guidelines or had a pre-existing medical condition. But sometimes accidents can be caused…  read on >

As America’s opioid crisis continues, too many toddlers are accidentally overdosing on narcotic medicines. But a new study suggests that better packaging might curb the problem. Among kids under the age of 6, single-dose packaging prompted a 79 percent decrease in the number of unintentional exposures to a narcotic called buprenorphine. The medication is given…  read on >

French Bulldogs can melt your heart with their wrinkled faces and big ears, but they come with a special set of health problems, a new report warns. The breed is becoming the most popular in the United Kingdom, so researchers at the Royal Veterinary College analyzed data from more than 2,200 French Bulldogs that received…  read on >

Graduating from high school is a milestone that includes some emotional stress for you and your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests how you can support your child as he or she graduates: Make sure your teen has medical coverage after high school, and that the teen knows how to use it. Many health…  read on >