parenting

Children's photos that parents have posted online have ended up in advertisements and on pornography sites.

Do Parents Invade Children's Privacy When They Post Photos Online?

10:34am October 28, 2016

by Tara Haelle

The kids look so darned cute in that photo, it's hard not to post it online for all to see. But there are privacy risks to sharing children's images, and children often don't want the exposure.

Pam Rector (left) with her daughter Grace became a single mother by choice when she was ready to have a child. Liv Aannestad is expecting her first child in March through the same process, and like all expecting parents she has some questions.

Single Moms By Choice Don't Need To Do It Alone

6:00pm October 25, 2016

At 36 and without a partner, Liv Aannestad has chosen to become a mother. Eighteen years ago Pam Rector went through a similar process. Pam tells Liv that being single doesn't mean you're on your own.

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Pediatricians realize parents need strategies beyond "Put down that phone!"

No Snapchat In The Bedroom? An Online Tool To Manage Kids' Media Use

4:34pm October 21, 2016

by Katherine Hobson

The American Academy of Pediatrics has launched more liberal guidelines on children's media use. They're offering parents an online tool to help manage the what, where and when of family screen time.

Parents say they're getting excellent child care. Researchers aren't convinced.

What Makes For Quality Child Care? It Depends Whom You Ask

12:12pm October 18, 2016

by Alison Kodjak

Parents look for a place where their child will be loved and happy, but often have to make decisions based on cost and location. Researchers are looking for a rich developmental experience.

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A new poll finds 88 percent of parents rate child care as very good or excellent. But researchers say that's off base. By their measures, just 10 percent of child care rates as high quality.

NPR Poll: Are Parents Overrating The Quality Of Child Care?

5:46pm October 17, 2016

by Joe Neel

Almost all parents rate their child care as very good or excellent, according to a new NPR poll. But researchers say that's off base, and that just 10 percent of child care is high quality.

In the first months of life, there are 700 new synapses formed in the brain every second. Nurturing — or the lack of nurturing — in these months can have lifelong effects.

A Pediatrician's View Of Paid Parental Leave

6:55pm October 10, 2016

by NPR Staff

Paternity leave can make a big difference in a dad's long-term engagement with the child, doctors find. Paid family leave also fosters breastfeeding and reduces the incidence of maternal depression.

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Iris and Eli Fugate with their 6-month-old son Jack, at the family's home in San Diego. Thanks to California's paid family leave law, Iris was able to take six weeks off when Jack was born, and Eli took three weeks, with plans to take the remaining time o

How California's 'Paid Family Leave' Law Buys Time For New Parents

4:32pm October 07, 2016

by Patti Neighmond

The state's 2002 law offers six weeks' leave at a little over half-pay to eligible workers after the birth of a child. Ninety percent of businesses say the law's had a "neutral or positive" impact.

Abraham Vidaurre, 12, checks his arm after receiving an HPV shot in Corpus Christi, Texas. The vaccine is recommended for 11- and 12-year-old boys and girls.

Parents Feel Better About HPV Shots For Preteens If They Can Opt Out

1:25pm August 19, 2016

by Tara Haelle

The HPV vaccine prevents cancer, but in a survey most parents said they don't want it to be required for school. They're much happier with a mandate if they're given an opportunity to opt out.

Anthony Merkerson and Charles Jones, on a visit with StoryCorps in New York City.

From Father To Father, A Few Words Of Wisdom On Raising Kids With Autism

12:08pm July 15, 2016

by NPR Staff

Anthony Merkerson's son was diagnosed with autism. Then, his younger daughter was, too. "It was a heavy load," he says, until he started getting advice from another father farther along the same path.

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Pssssst, kid: If you go to bed early enough, you might still have a bit of time for covert reading before nodding off.

Early Bedtime For Preschoolers Might Help Reduce Obesity Risk Later

1:36pm July 14, 2016

by Carolyn Beans

Little kids who hit the sack early may be less likely to get overtired and fussy in a way that messes with their sleep cycle, researchers say.