A sperm donor whose samples helped conceive nearly 200 children across Europe unknowingly carried a cancer-causing genetic mutation — a hidden risk now tied to multiple childhood illnesses and early deaths. An investigation led by the BBC and many other public service broadcasters revealed that the donations were made to Denmark’s European Sperm Bank (ESB). Those donations … Read more
Parents are scrambling to secure a cheap generic cancer drug for their children after the Trump administration touted it as a potential treatment for autism symptoms in the fall. “I can’t even tell you how much of an influx we’ve had,” Dr. Richard Frye, a pediatric neurologist who studies the medication, called leucovorin, told The … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I am a teacher. I love my job, and I love my students. However, as I near the end of my 26th year of teaching, there’s something I need to get off my chest. At the end of every school year, many parents ask me to write a personal note to their student … Read more
For most Aussie kids, summer means freedom – long afternoons in the sun, backyard cricket, beach trips and pool parties. But for sisters Amielle, 12, and Taya, 7, sunlight is life-threatening. The Sydney girls live with Xeroderman Pigmentosum (XP), an incredibly rare genetic condition that leaves them unable to repair UV-induced DNA damage. Even the … Read more
This modern-day Scrooge is bah hum-bugging his neighbors. Phones at the Brantford Police station in Ontario, Canada, were recently ringing like sleigh bells thanks to a local grump who plastered “Santa is FAKE,” “Your Family Buys Your Presents” signs on the windows of their residence, which is along the route of the community’s annual Santa Claus … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My best friend of more than 10 years, “Ian,” ghosted me! We used to talk about everything — wives, children, jobs. We spent hours together and helped each other sort out our problems. He knew more about me than my wife. With no explanation, he stopped responding to texts and messages and is … Read more
“My mommy and daddy,” “chicken dino nuggets” and “my kitty cat” are some of the things today’s youngest children are most thankful for, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 parents of kids ages 0-6 asked parents to ask their child what he or she is most grateful for and record their unfiltered responses. … Read more
A meltdown-free holiday? A parent can dream. Yet, actually, you can safeguard your family from tinsel time tantrums with this practical guide to common scenarios. It’s not foolproof — what child care method is? — but it can keep the holly-jolly in your holidays. Scenario: After a day of shopping and errands, your overstimulated, overtired … Read more
They’re moody and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky — they’re altogether ooky: teens in the family. If you thought entertaining your tiny tot on a family vacation was fraught, then beware the raging hormones of a teen traveler. Resorts and hotels worldwide are replete with clubs, events and programs for little kids, while few even … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I’m struggling with my integrity and an important friendship. My friend “Beth’s” husband, “Jerry,” came to my house to help with a construction project. After discussing the project, we sat down to visit for a bit. He was very forward with me and overly affectionate. (It’s been 10 years since I’ve had any … Read more
Something doesn’t smell so great for moms to be. There are tons of studies that show that what you eat while pregnant can affect your unborn baby, contributing to everything from stress to intelligence. But new research has found that certain smells may actually affect your future child’s health — and put them more at … Read more
Is allowance-flation happening in 2025? A new study has found the average kid is raking in up to $52 per month in allowance — $36 more than their parents did at the same age, adjusting for inflation. The poll of 2,000 US parents of school-aged children revealed three in four parents give their kids a … Read more
It’s the age-old debate — at what age should kids get a cellphone? The downsides of too much screen time are well-documented, with increased anxiety, eye strain and poor attention span among the chief concerns. Plus, there are safety threats like cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content. New research suggests the ages at which cellphones can be … Read more
Today, many women are forgoing old-fashioned traditions like getting married or having kids for various reasons. However, one Gen X woman opened up in a series of TikTok videos about her decision not to start a family and how it affects her today. Nadiya Bekar, 53, is an award-winning beauty expert and the founder of … Read more
They’re tough words about gentle parenting. One mother who says she accidentally raised “anxious, entitled, people-pleasing kids” is publicly dragging her own “gentle parenting” — and fellow parents are wincing in recognition. Jaclyn Williams went viral after posting an Instagram video this month walking through her house with a mug in hand and several dogs … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I have been married for 38 years. We have three adult children and four grandchildren. I have always wondered whether I have stayed in the marriage out of obligation and/or because I got a young woman pregnant. I have on many occasions asked myself if I should have ended it and continued on … Read more
Move Over, Tylenol. New research suggests that a common — but often overlooked — pregnancy complication may increase your chances of having a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The good news? If you treat it, the risk doesn’t seem to rise. Researchers are exploring how various prenatal conditions might affect the risk of autism. … Read more
A California toddler is the first person in the world to receive gene therapy to treat his devastating disease. Three-year-old Oliver Chu was born with a rare, genetic condition called Hunter syndrome. Also known as mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), Hunter syndrome is a disorder where the body cannot break down specific sugar molecules. As … Read more
A medication meant to lift spirits may be falling flat. New research suggests that an antidepressant commonly prescribed to children and teens may not be as effective as once thought. Now, some experts are raising doubts about whether young people with depression should be taking the drug at all, citing concerns that the risk of … Read more
Toy bots are talking dirty to tots. As the season of gift-giving draws nigh, experts are warning parents against buying their children presents powered by AI — claiming certain robo-charged trinkets are having “sexually explicit” discussions with kids under age 12. “Some of these toys will talk in-depth about sexually explicit topics, act dismayed when … Read more