Health Journal Online

Tag: Children

  • The FDA Just Approved a Powerful Biologic for Children as Young as 6 with Severe Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis

    The FDA Just Approved a Powerful Biologic for Children as Young as 6 with Severe Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis

    Children as young as 6 years old with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis or active psoriatic arthritis now have access to one of the most effective biologics in dermatology and rheumatology, following an FDA approval announced June 26, 2026.

    AbbVie announced that the FDA has approved risankizumab (Skyrizi) for children 6 years of age and older with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, and for active psoriatic arthritis in the same age group. A new 55 mg prefilled syringe was simultaneously approved to support weight-based dosing for patients weighing less than 40 kg, filling a critical gap in pediatric treatment access.

    Risankizumab is now the first and only interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitor approved in the United States for pediatric patients 6 years of age and older who weigh less than 40 kg with either plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.

    Why This Matters

    According to Drug Topics, approximately 30 percent of people who develop psoriasis first experience symptoms before age 18. For these patients, severe psoriatic disease can mean painful, visible skin lesions that affect school participation, social development, and mental health in addition to causing physical discomfort.

    Psoriatic arthritis in children — called juvenile psoriatic arthritis or psoriatic juvenile idiopathic arthritis — causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness that can impair a child’s ability to walk, write, or participate in normal childhood activities. Before biologics in this class were available for children, treatment options were more limited, and some children were treated off-label with adult formulations in adult doses, which is not ideal from a pharmacokinetic standpoint.

    “Plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can affect much more than skin and joints — these conditions can shape daily life and disrupt important childhood experiences,” said Roopal Thakkar, MD, executive vice president of research and development at AbbVie.

    What We Know So Far

    Risankizumab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that selectively blocks the p19 subunit of IL-23, a cytokine that drives the inflammatory cascade responsible for the skin plaques and joint inflammation in psoriatic disease. It was first approved for adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in 2019 and has since received approvals for adult psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.

    The pediatric approval is supported by data from the Phase 3 OptIMMize clinical trial program, which enrolled children and adolescents aged 6 through 17. Key findings from the trial:

    In adolescents aged 12 to 17: At week 16, 85.2 percent of risankizumab-treated patients achieved PASI75 (75% reduction in psoriasis severity), comparable to ustekinumab (85.7%). However, PASI100 (complete clearance) favored risankizumab at 40.7% versus 17.9% for ustekinumab.

    In children aged 6 to 11: Response rates at week 16 were high: PASI75 in 86.7%, PASI90 in 76.7%, and PASI100 (complete clearance) in 43.3%. Nearly all patients (90.0%) achieved a physician global assessment score of clear or almost clear.

    Durability: In adolescents who responded and continued treatment through week 52, approximately 95% maintained clear or almost clear skin — a strong durability finding for this age group.

    The safety profile in pediatric patients was consistent with the established adult safety profile, according to AbbVie and Contemporary Pediatrics.

    Who Qualifies for Skyrizi — Children and Dosing

    Age: 6 years and older

    Conditions: Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy; OR active psoriatic arthritis

    Dosing by weight:

    • Children weighing less than 40 kg: 55 mg subcutaneous injection (new weight-based formulation)
    • Children weighing 40 kg or more: 150 mg subcutaneous injection (same as adult dosing)

    Administration schedule: An initial dose, followed by a dose 4 weeks later, then maintenance dosing every 12 weeks thereafter — the same schedule used in adults.

    The psoriatic arthritis approval for children 6 and older is supported by the OptIMMize psoriasis data plus population pharmacokinetic modeling from well-controlled adult PsA studies.

    What Doctors and Experts Say

    Amy S. Paller, MD, chair of dermatology and professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a lead OptIMMize study investigator, called the approval significant: “These clinical responses, combined with weight-based dosing for younger patients, may help physicians better support a broad range of children living with these conditions.”

    Medscape’s analysis noted that this is the first IL-23 inhibitor to reach the under-40 kg pediatric population, distinguishing Skyrizi from other biologics in this class that have not yet reached this weight category in children.

    What the Evidence Shows — and What It Does Not

    MedicalDaily Evidence Check

    • Study type: Phase 3 randomized controlled trial (OptIMMize psoriasis program) — active-controlled in adolescents; single-arm open-label in children 6 to 11
    • Participants: Children and adolescents aged 6–17 with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis; PsA approval additionally supported by adult data plus PK modeling
    • Published in: Journal of Investigative Dermatology (conference data); FDA review completed June 26, 2026
    • What it found: High rates of PASI75, PASI90, and PASI100 at week 16 with durable responses through week 52
    • Key limitation: The psoriatic arthritis approval for children is partially supported by adult study data extrapolation through PK modeling rather than a dedicated pediatric PsA efficacy trial
    • Safety limitation noted: Detailed pediatric adverse event rates and serious adverse event rates were not publicly released in the press announcement

    What You Can Do Now

    • If your child has moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis that has not been adequately controlled with topical therapies, ask your pediatric dermatologist or pediatric rheumatologist about risankizumab at your next appointment.
    • Before starting any biologic, standard screening includes tuberculosis testing, hepatitis B testing, and a review of current infections — discuss these with your child’s specialist.
    • The European Commission approved risankizumab for pediatric plaque psoriasis (ages 6 and up) on June 23, 2026 — just days before the U.S. approval — making this a global regulatory milestone for pediatric psoriatic disease.

    Cost and Access: What Patients Should Know

    Skyrizi is a biologic specialty medication. Insurance coverage and prior authorization requirements vary by plan. AbbVie has a patient support program — myAbbVie Assist — for eligible patients who need help with access or cost. Contact your specialty pharmacy or AbbVie’s patient support team for current assistance program details.

    The Bottom Line

    Skyrizi (risankizumab) is now FDA-approved for children 6 and older with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis or active psoriatic arthritis — making it the first and only IL-23 inhibitor available for the under-40 kg pediatric population in the United States. Clinical trial data showed high rates of complete skin clearance in both adolescents and younger children, with durable responses through a year of treatment. Families of children with severe psoriatic disease should ask their pediatric specialist whether risankizumab is appropriate.

    Source link

  • June Brought Two Major FDA Advances for Children with Type 1 Diabetes: Here’s What Each One Does

    June Brought Two Major FDA Advances for Children with Type 1 Diabetes: Here’s What Each One Does

    June 2026 brought two separate FDA decisions that, together, represent a meaningful shift in how children with Type 1 diabetes can be monitored and treated.

    On June 12, the FDA cleared the Dexcom Stelo continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for over-the-counter use in children as young as 2 years old — the first OTC CGM ever cleared for a pediatric population. And also on June 12, the FDA granted accelerated approval to teplizumab (Tzield; Sanofi) for a new indication: slowing the loss of insulin production in children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 who were recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Type 1 diabetes.

    These two developments address different stages and aspects of the same disease, one making it easier for families to track glucose levels without a prescription, and the other giving newly diagnosed children a disease-modifying therapy option that did not exist before.

    Why This Matters

    Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. An estimated 1.9 million Americans live with Type 1 diabetes, with a significant share diagnosed in childhood. Unlike Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 has no lifestyle-driven cause and no cure. Management has historically consisted entirely of insulin replacement, keeping glucose levels in range through multiple daily injections or an insulin pump, guided by continuous glucose monitoring.

    These two approvals change what is available to families. One makes glucose monitoring more accessible without the barrier of a prescription or insurance prior authorization. The other introduces the first therapy that targets the disease’s underlying mechanism — the autoimmune destruction of beta cells — rather than simply replacing what those cells would have produced.

    The OTC Children’s CGM: What the Stelo Clearance Means

    According to HCPLive reporting on the June 12 FDA announcement, the FDA cleared Dexcom’s Stelo Glucose Biosensor System for OTC use in children aged 2 and older who do not use insulin. This expands a clearance that previously existed for adults without insulin use.

    The Stelo is designed for real-time blood glucose monitoring without the need for a prescription. It can be purchased directly by consumers and is intended for children managing blood sugar through diet, exercise, and oral medications, as well as those who want to understand how food and physical activity affect glucose levels.

    “Children deserve access to the best tools available to manage their health,” said Michelle Tarver, MD, PhD, Director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, in the agency’s announcement. “Today’s clearance reflects the FDA’s commitment to fostering innovation for pediatric patients and supporting the safe and effective use of medical devices where children live, learn, and play.”

    This is an important distinction: the Stelo OTC clearance is for children not currently on insulin. Children with Type 1 diabetes using insulin will continue to use prescription-level CGMs (like the Dexcom G7) that integrate with insulin pumps and have more intensive monitoring features. The OTC clearance primarily benefits children with Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes — and those at risk for blood sugar fluctuations from other causes — whose families have previously faced barriers accessing CGM technology without a prescription.

    Teplizumab for Stage 3 Type 1 Diabetes: The First Disease-Modifying Treatment

    The FDA’s June 12, 2026 accelerated approval of teplizumab (Tzield) for Stage 3 Type 1 diabetes in patients aged 8 to 17 is the more clinically transformative of the two decisions.

    What the stages mean: Type 1 diabetes is a staged disease. Stage 1 is the presence of autoantibodies with normal glucose. Stage 2 is autoantibodies plus dysglycemia (abnormal glucose levels but no clinical symptoms). Stage 3 is the onset of clinical diabetes — the point at which symptoms appear and insulin treatment begins.

    What teplizumab does: Teplizumab is an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody. It works by targeting and partially exhausting the autoimmune T cells that attack and destroy the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. By limiting this autoimmune destruction, teplizumab preserves residual beta cell function, allowing the pancreas to continue producing some insulin even after diagnosis.

    The pivotal PROTECT trial enrolled 328 newly diagnosed Type 1 patients aged 8 through 17 within six weeks of diagnosis. Participants received two 12-day infusion courses — one at baseline and one at 26 weeks. Those who received teplizumab showed significantly better preservation of beta cell function, measured by stimulated C-peptide levels at 78 weeks, compared to placebo.

    According to Patient Care Online, Mahtab Niyyati, MD, acting associate director at the FDA’s Division of Diabetes, Lipid Disorders and Obesity, stated: “Based on robust evidence of safety and effectiveness, this accelerated approval provides a chance for pediatric patients with recently diagnosed Stage 3 type 1 diabetes to alter the course of their disease.”

    What Preserved Beta Cell Function Means Clinically

    Teplizumab does not cure Type 1 diabetes. Children who receive it still need insulin. But preserving some residual beta cell function — even for one to two years longer than without treatment — is clinically meaningful in several ways:

    • Lower insulin requirements
    • Better glycemic control with less hypoglycemia (dangerous low blood sugar)
    • A longer window of the “honeymoon period,” when some natural insulin production reduces the intensity of insulin management

    The Pediatric Endocrine Society notes that the drug is given as a 14-consecutive-day IV infusion cycle at baseline and again at 26 weeks, and that prescribers must monitor for Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus reactivation, cytokine release syndrome in the first five days, and transient drops in lymphocytes and neutrophils.

    The approval is accelerated, meaning a post-marketing confirmatory study is required.

    Where Teplizumab Has Been and Where It Is Going

    Teplizumab was first FDA-approved in November 2022 for individuals aged 8 and older with Stage 2 Type 1 diabetes — to prevent or delay progression to Stage 3. In April 2026, that Stage 2 indication was extended to children as young as 1 year old. The June 2026 action is the first approval for Stage 3 disease, meaning teplizumab can now be used across multiple stages of T1D in pediatric patients.

    This progression matters: it means a child could potentially receive teplizumab at Stage 2 to delay clinical onset, and again at Stage 3 to preserve beta-cell function after diagnosis.

    Who Qualifies for Each Approval?

    Dexcom Stelo OTC CGM: Children aged 2 and older who do not use insulin. No prescription required. Available for purchase directly by consumers.

    Teplizumab (Tzield) for Stage 3 T1D: Children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 who have been recently diagnosed (within 6 weeks) with Stage 3 Type 1 diabetes. Administered by infusion in a clinical setting. Requires a physician’s prescription and monitoring for adverse effects.

    What You Can Do Now

    • If you are the parent of a child with Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, talk to your pediatrician or endocrinologist about whether the Dexcom Stelo OTC CGM is appropriate for monitoring your child’s glucose levels.
    • If your child has been recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (within the past six weeks) and is between 8 and 17 years old, ask their pediatric endocrinologist about teplizumab (Tzield) and whether they are a candidate for treatment.
    • If your child was previously diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes more than six weeks ago, they likely fall outside the current approval window for Stage 3 teplizumab, but your endocrinologist can advise on whether clinical trial participation is an option.

    Cost and Access: What Patients Should Know

    The Dexcom Stelo OTC CGM can be purchased without a prescription at major retailers and online. Without insurance, the cost of CGM sensors is approximately $90 to $100 per month. Some insurance plans cover OTC CGMs, but coverage varies — check with your insurer.

    Teplizumab (Tzield) is an infusion drug that requires administration in a clinical setting. Insurance coverage for teplizumab has historically been a significant access barrier. Sanofi has a patient assistance program for eligible patients; families should contact their endocrinologist or the manufacturer for current access program details.

    What Happens Next

    The accelerated approval for teplizumab in Stage 3 requires a post-marketing confirmatory study. Sanofi has ongoing clinical research programs. The OTC CGM market for children is likely to expand as additional manufacturers seek similar clearances. MedicalDaily will report on confirmatory study results and any guideline updates from the American Diabetes Association or Pediatric Endocrine Society.

    The Bottom Line

    June 2026 delivered two meaningful changes for children living with Type 1 diabetes and those at risk. A prescription barrier for glucose monitoring in non-insulin-dependent children has been removed with the OTC CGM clearance. And for newly diagnosed children ages 8 to 17, teplizumab is now the first FDA-approved therapy that targets the autoimmune destruction underlying their disease, not just its metabolic consequences. Families should discuss both developments with their pediatric endocrinologist.

    References

    Source link

  • 40% of American Children Ages 6–19 Are Now Nearsighted — Here’s the Evidence-Based Plan to Slow Pediatric Myopia

    40% of American Children Ages 6–19 Are Now Nearsighted — Here’s the Evidence-Based Plan to Slow Pediatric Myopia

    Forty percent of American children between the ages of 6 and 19 are currently nearsighted, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In Asia, the rate is nearly double. Worldwide, researchers project that if current trajectories continue, 50% of the global population will be myopic by 2050 — a figure that was once considered alarmist and is now regarded as a conservative estimate by the ophthalmology community.

    This is not simply an inconvenience that corrective lenses can fix. Myopia, when it progresses to its most severe form, dramatically elevates the risk of potentially blinding conditions: retinal detachment, glaucoma, early cataracts, and myopic maculopathy. According to the AAO, children who develop myopia early and progress to high myopia face a 50% greater risk of glaucoma, are 17% more likely to need cataract surgery, and carry a 6-fold greater risk of retinal detachment and retinal tears. The disease burden that will materialize in adult life as today’s myopic children age represents one of the most significant preventable vision crises in history.

    “Kids who develop myopia early in life and progress to high myopia face an uncertain future,” the AAO stated in its myopia epidemic initiative. “The time to intervene is in childhood.”

    Why Myopia Is Rising — The Screen Time and Outdoor Time Evidence

    The primary drivers of the pediatric myopia epidemic are now well-characterized in the scientific literature, even if the precise mechanisms are still being refined. Two behavioral factors dominate: increased time spent on close-range visual tasks (near work, including screens), and reduced time spent outdoors.

    Near work and prolonged close focusing. When the eye focuses on objects at close range for extended periods, it may receive signals that promote axial elongation — the physical lengthening of the eyeball from front to back that defines myopia. The visual cortex signals involved are not yet fully characterized, but the epidemiological pattern is consistent across multiple studies: populations with higher near-work exposure have higher myopia rates.

    The COVID acceleration. The pandemic provided an inadvertent natural experiment. As Contemporary Pediatrics documented in its April 2026 comprehensive review, home confinement and distance learning drove children’s average daily screen time from approximately 2.1 hours to 5.6 hours per day. The result was a measurable, documented surge in myopia onset and progression, particularly in children ages 6 to 8 — the developmental window during which the eye’s growth rate is highest, and myopia risk is most acute.

    The outdoor time protective effect. This is the finding with the strongest intervention potential. Time spent outdoors — not necessarily time spent looking at distant objects — appears to protect against myopia onset and slow its progression in children who already have it. The AAO attributes this primarily to bright outdoor light (typically 10,000 to 100,000 lux) triggering the release of dopamine in the retina, which signals the eye to slow its axial growth. Indoor lighting typically delivers only 300–500 lux — insufficient to trigger the same protective signal.

    As the AAO describes: “A study of a school-based program in Taiwan that encouraged kids to spend 11 hours a week outdoors showed that sunlight can decrease myopia progression.” That 11 hours per week — roughly 80 minutes per day — is the threshold that research identifies as protective. Most American children get significantly less.

    Pediatric Myopia Epidemic — Key Data Detail
    U.S. children (ages 6–19) who are myopic ~40% (American Academy of Ophthalmology)
    Global myopia projection by 2050 ~50% of world population
    Asian rates (children and young adults) 80–90% in East/Southeast Asia
    U.S. myopia increase in past 50 years Nearly doubled (from ~21% to ~41.6%)
    COVID-era screen time shift 2.1 hrs/day → 5.6 hrs/day (significant myopia acceleration)
    Age group most at risk for rapid progression 6–8 years during pandemic school closures
    High myopia glaucoma risk increase 50% greater
    High myopia cataracts risk increase 17% more likely to need cataract surgery
    High myopia retinal detachment risk 6x greater
    Protective outdoor time threshold ~11 hours/week (80+ min/day)
    Outdoor light vs. indoor light Outdoor: 10,000–100,000 lux; indoor: 300–500 lux
    Mechanism of outdoor protection Bright light triggers retinal dopamine release, slowing axial growth
    Treatment options beyond glasses Low-dose atropine eyedrops; orthokeratology contact lenses; defocus contact lenses
    Age to begin eye exams First exam by age 1 (AAO recommendation); age 3 for full assessment

    Evidence-Based Interventions — What Actually Slows Myopia in Children

    The encouraging news is that myopia progression is not inevitable in the way the epidemic trajectory might suggest. Specific interventions have documented efficacy for slowing or preventing progression:

    Outdoor time — the most accessible intervention. Based on the Taiwan school program and multiple subsequent studies, increasing children’s daily outdoor time to 80+ minutes significantly reduces both myopia onset risk and the rate of progression in children who already have it. This does not require structured eye exercises or specific activities — simply being outside in bright natural light appears sufficient. Pediatricians can prescribe outdoor time just as specifically as they prescribe medication.

    Low-dose atropine eyedrops. Atropine at 0.01% concentration, applied once daily at bedtime, has been shown in multiple randomized trials to slow myopia progression by approximately 50–60% compared to controls, with minimal side effects. The mechanism is not fully characterized but appears to involve direct effects on retinal signaling rather than the pupil dilation seen with higher atropine doses. Low-dose atropine is increasingly used in pediatric ophthalmology practices for children with documented myopia progression, typically in children between ages 7 and 14.

    Orthokeratology (ortho-k) and specialty contact lenses. Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight (orthokeratology) reshape the cornea during sleep and simultaneously reduce the peripheral defocus pattern thought to drive axial growth. Soft multifocal contact lenses and “defocus incorporated multiple segment” (DIMS) lenses achieve similar myopia control effects through optical means. These options are typically discussed with a pediatric ophthalmologist or optometrist with myopia management expertise.

    Screen time management — necessary but not sufficient alone. Reducing screen time matters, but the primary driver of the protective benefit appears to be adding outdoor time rather than simply reducing screen time. As Clearview Eyes’ 2026 guidelines review noted: “After the restrictions were lifted and screen time was reduced, the trend of myopia worsening or slowing down happened” — but the most effective intervention is the replacement of indoor time with outdoor time, not merely passive reduction of device use.

    What Parents and Pediatricians Should Do Starting Now

    For parents: Prioritize outdoor play as a health intervention, not merely recreation. Aim for 80+ minutes of daily outdoor time for children from early childhood. Use the AAO and AAPOS screen time guidelines as a starting point (no more than 1 hour per day for ages 2–5, and more flexible but structured limits with outdoor balance for older children). Ensure annual eye exams beginning at age 3, and ask specifically about myopia management options if your child is already myopic and showing progression.

    For pediatricians: The AAO and American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) joint clinical statement recommends routine vision screening at well-child visits. Asking about daily outdoor time at every well-child visit is a low-cost, high-yield intervention. Children with myopia onset before age 10, documented rapid progression, or parental myopia in both parents warrant early referral to a pediatric ophthalmologist for myopia management discussion.

    For schools: The Taiwan evidence suggests that school-based policies increasing outdoor recess and limiting prolonged continuous close work time can measurably reduce population-level myopia rates. Schools with longer, more frequent outdoor breaks show lower myopia prevalence in controlled comparisons.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How common is myopia in American children?

    The American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates approximately 40% of American children ages 6–19 are currently nearsighted. This nearly doubles the rate from 50 years ago. In East and Southeast Asia, rates reach 80–90% among children and young adults.

    Why is myopia becoming an epidemic?

    The primary drivers are reduced outdoor time (children now spend significantly less time outside in natural light than prior generations) and increased near-work exposure from screens and close-range learning. The COVID pandemic accelerated myopia onset and progression by dramatically increasing screen time and reducing outdoor activity.

    Is high myopia different from regular nearsightedness?

    Yes. High myopia (refractive error greater than -6 diopters) is associated with significantly elevated risks of retinal detachment (6x higher), glaucoma (50% higher), cataracts (requiring surgery 17% more often), and myopic maculopathy — a leading cause of blindness in myopic individuals. This is why slowing myopia progression in childhood matters so much.

    What is the most effective intervention for preventing myopia?

    Increasing outdoor time to approximately 80 minutes or more per day is the most accessible and evidence-supported intervention for reducing myopia onset and slowing progression. Bright outdoor light (10,000–100,000 lux, far above indoor lighting) triggers retinal dopamine release that slows the axial eye growth that drives myopia.

    What treatments are available if my child already has myopia?

    Beyond corrective glasses or contact lenses, evidence-based myopia management options include: low-dose atropine 0.01% eyedrops (approximately 50–60% slowing of progression), orthokeratology (overnight rigid contact lenses that slow axial growth), and specialized soft multifocal contact lenses. These are typically managed by a pediatric ophthalmologist with myopia management expertise.

    Source link

  • Raising Happy Children In Challenging Times: Practices that Build  Essential Skills For Well-Being

    Raising Happy Children In Challenging Times: Practices that Build  Essential Skills For Well-Being

    Sometimes happiness might seem like a stretch—for us and even for our children. The stresses of daily life, getting out the door in the morning, managing a household, coordinating schedules, as well as the bigger issues, including concern about the struggles in the world, can all take a toll on us as adults. Given the increasing issues with children’s mental health, we know it’s taking a toll on our children as well.

    And yet, amid difficulties, happiness is still attainable and essential to well-being and resilience. Research on adult well-being shows that there are specific steps we can take to develop and nurture happiness. 

    As James Baraz writes, joy is “a general feeling of aliveness and well-being that is characterized by meeting ups and downs in life with authenticity and perspective.” 

    Based on our work with children, we know this is true for them, as well. It can be as simple as enjoying a hug, being mesmerized by a ladybug, or giggling at the shape of a cloud. These simple pleasures can be little moments of joy for our children and for us—and they can be a part of raising happy children who are resilient, even in the middle of normal ups and downs.

    Not Denying Difficulty, But Opening to Possibility

    When we talk about raising happy children, we are not talking about “happiness” as the fleeting emotion that is a response to good or fun things. We are not suggesting pushing difficulties aside, but instead developing the capacity to hold them alongside our well-being. As James Baraz writes in Awakening Joy, joy is “a general feeling of aliveness and well-being that is characterized by meeting ups and downs in life with authenticity and perspective.” 

    We envision a happy child as one with a developing sense of ease with themselves, one who often sees and enjoys the good around them and within themselves. 

    Happiness is not a destination or something to be achieved, but rather what Chang Meng Tan, author of Search Inside Yourself, defines as “a deep sense of flourishing that arises from an exceptionally healthy mind.”

    We envision a happy child as one with a developing sense of ease with themselves, one who often sees and enjoys the good around them and within themselves. 

    Research by the Center for Healthy Minds shows that well-being is a learnable skill. There are multiple evidence-based perspectives offering practical ideas for cultivating happiness. 

    In particular, The Resilience Project by Hugh Van Cuylenburg focuses on gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness to support resilience and happiness. The Action for Happiness Project has a similar focus and lists mindfulness, gratitude, and kindness as core skills. In Hardwiring Happiness, Rick Hanson adds to this list and stresses the importance of inclining the mind, or being on the lookout, for happiness and then taking it in. 

    Raising Happy Children Starts by Building Well-Being Skills Together

    Here are three fun activities based on these frameworks to try with your child.

    Inclining The Mind And Taking It In Practice: Glimmer Wand

    Glimmers, coined by Deb Dana, are little moments of peace, safety, and happiness. 

    Cut out, decorate, and glue a star on top of a popsicle or other stick. You can write “catching glimmers” on the star. Share about glimmers and use the wand to “cast a spell” to notice and enjoy glimmers that day. You can also wave it overhead as people share their glimmers and how they make them feel. 

    The brain has a negativity bias. By pausing to seek out glimmers, we can train our brains to notice and savor delight more often.

    Gratitude Practice: Gratitude Sandwich

    Children can draw and cut out pictures of five things or people they are grateful for as their sandwich fillings. 

    • Cut two pieces of paper for the sandwich bread.
    • Glue one piece of the “bread“ to the top and one to the bottom of a poster. 
    • Paste the fillings between the bread (or Velcro so it’s interchangeable).
    • Write Gratitude Sandwich and “I am grateful for…” on the “bread.”
    • Leave the sandwich somewhere visible and use it as a conversation starter about gratitude. 

    Dr. Robert Emmons at UC Davis found that feeling gratitude can move our nervous system out of the stress response. Giving children a visual link to things that foster feelings of gratitude can help strengthen the body-brain connection and develop positive neural pathways.

    Cultivating happiness can be quite simple if we focus on it, even when things are hard. Pausing to notice and take in the good, feeling gratitude, and connecting with others with empathy and kindness in the tiny moments of our day can make a genuine difference. 

    Have the child think about five people who make them feel loved or happy.

    • String a bead for each person onto a pipe cleaner. 
    • Twist the ends together so the beads don’t fall off. These are links of love.
    • Have them touch one bead at a time and remember the special person. 
    • Take a breath in, taking in their love, and out, offering love back to them.
    • Encourage them to notice how they feel. The links of love can be attached to a backpack, worn around a wrist, or left in a visible location. 

    Especially when a child feels lonely or insecure, having a physical anchor can remind them that they are worthy and loved.

    Tuning Attention Towards Happiness

    Cultivating happiness can be quite simple if we focus on it, even when things are hard. Pausing to notice and take in the good, feeling gratitude, and connecting with others with empathy and kindness in the tiny moments of our day can make a genuine difference. 

    Fun, hands-on activities, like those above, can help both adults and children lean into happiness and create space for more joy in our lives.

    Would you like more support building habits of well-being and resilience in your child? Try our new card deck, available April 21. Let’s Grow Happiness includes 50 activity cards to help kids build gratitude, self-compassion, and emotional regulation skills.



    Source link

  • Children Health Risks of Sugary Drinks and Why Pediatricians Urge Parents to Rethink Kids’ Favorite Beverages

    Children Health Risks of Sugary Drinks and Why Pediatricians Urge Parents to Rethink Kids’ Favorite Beverages

    Sugary drinks are woven into many children’s daily routines, from school lunches to weekend treats, and pediatricians are increasingly concerned about sugary drinks’ children’s health risks that come with this constant exposure.

    These beverages may seem like harmless rewards, but evidence links regular intake to weight gain, dental problems, sleep and behavior issues, and a higher risk of chronic diseases. Because children’s bodies are smaller and still developing, the impact of added sugars can be especially significant.

    Parents often focus on food and overlook the sugar in drinks, even though beverages can quietly add a large amount of calories without providing meaningful nutrients. Understanding why pediatricians worry about sugary drinks helps families make more informed choices that support children’s health now and in the future.

    What Counts as a Sugary Drink for Children?

    Sugary drinks include much more than soda. Pediatricians group together regular soft drinks, fruit drinks and punches, sweetened iced teas, lemonades, energy drinks, sports drinks, and many flavored milks as part of the same problem. They share a key feature: added sugars that increase sweetness and calories, but add little nutritional value.

    Some products that appear healthier still contribute to sugary drinks’ children’s health risks. Juice boxes, fruit drinks marketed with “real fruit,” flavored waters, and certain smoothies can contain several teaspoons of sugar per serving.

    Packaging that highlights vitamins or natural flavors can distract from the actual sugar content. Learning to read ingredient lists and nutrition facts helps caregivers spot added sugars such as high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, honey, and syrups.

    Natural sugar in whole fruit comes with fiber and nutrients that slow absorption and promote fullness. In contrast, the sugars in most kids’ drinks, whether added or concentrated in juice, are absorbed quickly and can disrupt appetite and metabolism.

    Why Are Sugary Drinks So Bad for Kids’ Health?

    Sugary drinks are often called “empty calories” because they provide energy without important nutrients like protein, fiber, or essential vitamins and minerals. When children drink these beverages regularly, they can exceed recommended daily sugar and calorie limits without feeling full.

    Liquids do not trigger satiety signals as effectively as solid foods, so kids usually eat the same amount of food on top of what they drink.

    This pattern is central to sugary drinks’ children’s health risks. The body absorbs liquid sugar rapidly, causing spikes and dips in blood sugar that can affect energy, mood, and hunger.

    Over time, regular exposure to high-sugar drinks can promote unhealthy eating patterns and metabolic changes that increase the likelihood of weight gain and other health issues.

    How Sugary Drinks Drive Childhood Obesity

    Rising childhood obesity rates are closely linked to sugary beverage intake. Children who consume sugary drinks frequently are more likely to gain excess weight than those who rarely drink them. Because these drinks do not satisfy hunger well, they often add calories on top of regular meals and snacks rather than replacing them.

    In pediatric clinics, doctors see these patterns reflected in higher body mass index (BMI) percentiles and early signs of weight-related concerns. Reducing sugary drink intake is often one of the first and most effective steps recommended to families working to improve a child’s weight trajectory.

    The widespread availability and aggressive marketing of sugary drinks make them a normalized part of childhood, which is why pediatricians repeatedly emphasize the sugary drinks’ children’s health risks during visits.

    Diabetes, Heart Health, and Long-Term Risks

    Pediatricians also worry about how sugary drinks affect the body’s ability to manage blood sugar over time. Frequent spikes in blood sugar force the body to produce more insulin, and repeated strain can contribute to insulin resistance, a key risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

    Doctors are seeing more children and adolescents with conditions once considered “adult” diseases, including prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    While sugary drinks are only one factor, they are a concentrated and easily reduced source of added sugar, making them a practical target for prevention.

    These long-term concerns underscore why sugary drinks’ children’s health risks are highlighted in professional guidelines and public health messages. Changing drink choices is a relatively simple step that can help lower a child’s risk for serious conditions later in life.

    Impact on Kids’ Teeth, Sleep, and Behavior

    Sugary drinks also affect oral health. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that weaken tooth enamel, leading to cavities and tooth pain.

    When children sip sugary drinks throughout the day or fall asleep with sweet liquids in bottles or cups, their teeth face prolonged acid exposure. Both baby and permanent teeth can be damaged, affecting comfort, nutrition, and speech.

    Behavior and sleep can be influenced as well. Rapid changes in blood sugar can contribute to irritability, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating, which may show up as school and behavior challenges. Many sugary drinks, especially colas and energy drinks, also contain caffeine.

    Caffeine can interfere with falling asleep, staying asleep, and overall rest quality, which in turn affects mood, learning, and even weight. These combined effects form another layer of sugary drinks’ children’s health risks that pediatricians discuss with families.

    Are Supposedly ‘Healthier’ Sugary Drinks Any Safer?

    Products marketed as healthier, such as fruit drinks with added vitamins, sports drinks with electrolytes, and flavored milks, can still carry significant amounts of sugar. The added nutrients do not eliminate the risks associated with excessive sugar intake.

    Even 100% fruit juice, while free of added sugar, lacks the fiber in whole fruit and can still raise blood sugar quickly.

    Sports drinks are rarely necessary for most children’s routine activities, and diet or zero-sugar drinks, while lower in sugar, introduce other ingredients and are not recommended as daily staples for kids.

    From a pediatric perspective, many of these beverages still fit within the broader picture of sugary drinks’ children’s health risks when used frequently.

    Practical Ways to Reduce Sugary Drinks’ Children Health Risks

    Health experts routinely recommend water as the main drink for children. Plain milk, within age-appropriate portion and fat guidelines, supports growth and bone development. Limited amounts of 100% fruit juice may fit some diets but are often best kept small or diluted, as per Harvard Health.

    Families can make progress by changing habits gradually. Helpful strategies include: not keeping soda and sweetened drinks at home, offering water with meals, serving smaller portions of juice, and slowly diluting sweet drinks with water.

    Letting children choose a favorite refillable water bottle or adding fruit slices to water can make healthier choices more appealing. When adults also choose water and unsweetened drinks, they reinforce that these habits are normal rather than restrictive.

    Supporting Children’s Health by Rethinking Sugary Drinks

    Paying attention to sugary drinks’ children’s health risks gives families a manageable, high-impact way to support kids’ well-being. Sugary beverages contribute to obesity, dental decay, metabolic problems, and behavior and sleep issues, yet they are one of the easiest parts of the diet to change.

    Simple steps, such as replacing one sugary drink a day with water, limiting juice to small portions, and reserving sweet drinks for special occasions, can add up over time.

    By rethinking what children drink and making healthier options the default, caregivers help build a stronger foundation for growth, learning, and long-term health.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Are flavored sparkling waters better than sugary drinks for kids?

    Lightly flavored sparkling waters without added sugar or sweeteners are generally a better choice than sugary drinks because they avoid excess sugar and calories. Still, plain water is the best everyday option.

    2. How quickly can cutting sugary drinks improve a child’s health?

    Some changes, like more stable energy and fewer cavities, may appear within weeks, while weight and long-term disease risk improve gradually over months and years.

    3. Is it okay for kids to have sugary drinks only on weekends?

    Occasional sugary drinks, such as limited weekend treats, are usually considered more acceptable than daily intake, as long as portions stay small and water remains the main drink.

    4. Do homemade smoothies count as sugary drinks?

    Homemade smoothies can be healthier if they use whole fruit, milk or yogurt, and no added sugars, but large portions with lots of juice or sweeteners can still act like sugary drinks.



    Source link

  • Gene Therapy for Children With Rare ‘Bubble Boy Disease’ Proves Effective After Long-Term Follow-Up

    Gene Therapy for Children With Rare ‘Bubble Boy Disease’ Proves Effective After Long-Term Follow-Up

    The 62 children who were found to have the rare “Bubble Boy disease” as babies and toddlers between 2012 and 2017 still seem cured after long-term follow-up, after being treated with a genetic therapy for severe combined immunodeficiency.

    The results of the trial noted that by 2019, 95 percent of the children, which equates to all but two of the young patients, showed complete immune system reconstruction. And now, years later, long-term follow-up results show that the therapy is still 95 percent effective.

    Treatment for Children With Rare “Bubble Boy Disease”

    In a statement, a pediatric transplant physician at the University of California, Los Angeles, Donald Kohn, MD, said that the durability of immune function, the consistency over time, and the continued safety profile among the children were all encouraging.

    Severe combined immunodeficiency due to adenosine deaminase deficiency (ADA-SCID) is typically caused by mutations in an individual’s ADA gene. This gene is responsible for creating an enzyme that is essential for a person’s immune function, according to Good News Network.

    For kids who have this rare condition, typical daily activities, such as going to school or playing with friends, can result in dangerous, life-threatening infections. If left untreated, ADA-SCID can even be fatal within an infant’s first two years of life.

    SCID suddenly became well-known in America in 1984 because of “the boy in the bubble,” David Vetter. He received a special spacesuit from NASA that allowed him to leave his total medical isolation and see the world. However, despite this suit, the boy passed away due to an infection when he was 12 years old.

    The researchers who led the multi-center program related to the cured children said that the persistence of healthy immune systems and results of long-term follow-up should be taken as signs that the approach could become a standard treatment for individuals with ADA-SCID, Science Media Centre reported.

    An Effective Approach

    The families whose lives were previously defined by the strict isolation of affected individuals are now able to describe ordinary childhood milestones that they would never have dreamed were possible.

    The gene therapy in question is a treatment that was tested by researchers at UCLA in collaboration with institutions in the United Kingdom. It takes a personalized, cell-based approach to correct an individual’s genetic defect.

    The first step in the process is doctors collecting a child’s hematopoietic stem cells from their bone marrow or blood. Then, a laboratory team uses a modified viral vector to deliver a healthy copy of the ADA gene into those stem cells. Finally, those corrected stem cells are returned to the patient, where they then engraft and produce a continual supply of functional immune cells, as per the Valley Vanguard Online.



    Originally published on parentherald.com

    © {{Year}} ParentHerald.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

    Source link

  • Fewer Children are Having Peanut Allergies in Recent Years Following a Change in Guidelines, Study Shows

    Fewer Children are Having Peanut Allergies in Recent Years Following a Change in Guidelines, Study Shows

    Fewer children are being found with peanut allergies in the last few years, a study shows, which is believed to be due to a change in policy regarding early exposure.

    This began when experts recommended that parents should avoid having their infants exposed to common allergens as a means to curb rising food allergy rates. However, a 2015 landmark trial found that feeding peanuts to babies could actually decrease their chances of developing an allergy by more than 80 percent.

    Peanut Allergies in Children

    In 2017, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases formally recommended that parents use the early-introduction approach and issued national guidelines. A new study that was published on Monday found that food allergy rates in kids under three have fallen following those changes.

    The data showed that the numbers dropped to 0.93 percent between 2017 and 2020, from 1.46 percent between 2012 and 2015. Comparing these statistics shows a 36 percent reduction in all food allergies, which is largely driven by a 43 percent drop in peanut allergies, according to the New York Times.

    Additionally, the study found that eggs overtook peanuts as the No. 1 food allergen in young children. However, the researchers did not examine what infants ate, which means the study does not show that the guidelines directly caused the decline.

    A pediatrician at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York, Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, said that the data is still promising as it relates to the prevention of a potentially deadly and life-changing diagnosis.

    One of the researchers of the latest study, co-author Sanislaw Gabryszewski, MD, PhD, said that their observations provide real-world evidence that public health efforts that promote early allergen introduction in infancy are making an impact, AJMC reported.

    A Change in National Guidelines

    The finding comes as roughly four percent of kids are affected by a food allergy that is mediated by IgE, which includes food like eggs, nuts, milk, wheat, and peanuts. These can then cause immediate reactions that can threaten the children’s lives, including difficulty breathing and swelling.

    Another researcher involved in the new study, Dr. David Hill, said that their findings were “remarkable.” He and his colleagues analyzed electronic health records from dozens of pediatric practices so they could track diagnoses of food allergies in young kids before, during, and after the guidelines were issued.

    Despite this, the effort has not yet resulted in a reduction in the overall increase in food allergies in the United States in the past few years, as per LMT Online.



    Originally published on parentherald.com

    © {{Year}} ParentHerald.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

    Source link

  • CDC Report Shows More Children Are Either Dying or Becoming Severely Ill With Flu Amid Declining Vaccination Rates

    CDC Report Shows More Children Are Either Dying or Becoming Severely Ill With Flu Amid Declining Vaccination Rates

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report showing that more and more children are either dying or becoming severely ill with the flu amid declining vaccination rates in the United States.

    Now, cases of pediatric acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) are on the rise, with 109 children being diagnosed during the 2024-25 flu season. This is a rare inflammatory brain disease caused by the illness.

    Rise in Flu-Related Deaths Among Kids

    A new report also showed that 84% of kids who have influenza-associated encephalopathy whose vaccination status was known were not vaccinated. This comes as the country recorded 280 pediatric flu deaths last year, which is the deadliest since the 2009-10 H1N1 pandemic.

    A pediatric infectious disease physician at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Dr. Buddy Creech, said that they do not always know how to predict which children are going to get the most severe forms of flu. This is why they recommend the vaccine for everyone, according to NBC News.

    ANE is considered a rare disease, as there are only a handful of cases recorded every year, and it has never been formally tracked. However, this year, doctors noted an increase in kids affected by the brain inflammation after suffering from the flu.

    A pediatric neurologist at Boston Children’s Hospital, Dr. Molly Wilson-Murphy, said that they are not yet sure if there really is an increase in real numbers. However, being on the ground as a physician, she was struck that it certainly is.

    The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases also underscored the crucial role that annual flu vaccinations play in preventing serious illness, particularly among children. The CDC recommends the shots for everyone aged six months and older yearly, KSTE reported.

    A Decline in Vaccination Rates

    Despite the decline in vaccination rates, the CDC continues to advocate for flu shots, saying these are the most effective way to protect kids from severe flu-related complications, as well as death.

    The situation comes after the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently voted to change recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine. These recommendations must still be approved by the CDC director in order to become official guidance.

    Advice on the COVID-19 vaccine differs from the flu shots, as the CDC said parents of healthy children aged six months to 17 years should talk about the benefits with a health care provider. The CDC broadly recommends the vaccine for moderately or severely immunocompromised kids, as per CBS News.



    Originally published on parentherald.com

    © {{Year}} ParentHerald.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

    Source link

  • RFK Jr. Admits Removing Fluoride From Drinking Water Will ‘Probably’ Lead to More Cavities in Children

    RFK Jr. Admits Removing Fluoride From Drinking Water Will ‘Probably’ Lead to More Cavities in Children

    Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. admitted that one of the points on his agenda, removing fluoride from water supplies across the nation, would “probably” result in more Americans getting cavities hence worsening dental health in the United States.

    Kennedy appeared on Fox News with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt on Thursday in conversation with host Harris Faulkner. The two were hosting an event at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City on the same day in order to begin the “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” campaign focused on promoting “common-sense health policies, medical freedom, and a return to personal responsibility.”


    “On the issue of fluoride, what has been the response from dentists in America who may be concerned that some children in lower incomes in particular don’t get those dental preventative situations where they can go in and get their teeth indemnified and treated against cavities?” Faulkner asked.

    “Well, people will still get indemnified for it, to the extent that they are already indemnified. But you know, it is an issue. It’s a balance. You’re gonna see probably slightly more cavities, although in Europe, where they banned fluoride, they did not see an uptick in cavities. The issue is, parents need to decide, because science is very clear on fluoride,” Kennedy responded.

    Social media users quickly took to online platforms to ridicule the Health Secretary’s rhetoric.

    “Fluoride is safe and effective. RFK has no medical or Dental background that makes him an expert on Fluoride,” wrote one.


    “On the downside there will be more cavities but on the upside there will be… um actually there is no upside,” joked another.


    “More cavities for kids in families who can’t afford dental care. And neglected cavities can cause other health issues with infections etc, not to mention leading to the need for more serious and expensive dental work…” noted a third.


    “So they admit that taking out fluoride is bad, yet they’ll still do it. Morons,” said a fourth.


    “Some dentists are excited. They will have a lot more business soon,” said another.


    The American Dental Association has reiterated their support for fluoridating water supplies after RFK Jr. announced his intention to direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to denounce water fluoridation.

    “As dentists, we see the direct consequences fluoride removal has on our patients and it’s a real tragedy when policymakers’ decisions hurt vulnerable kids and adults in the long term. Blindly calling for a ban on fluoridated water hurts people, costs money, and will ultimately harm our economy,” said ADA President Brett Kessler, D.D.S.

    Originally published on Latin Times



    Source link

  • Raising Empathetic Children in a Changing World

    Raising Empathetic Children in a Changing World

    The world has changed dramatically in recent years, and with it, our understanding of what it means to connect with one another. In Empathy in Crisis: How Compassion Transformed Care During COVID-19, Dr. Erin Coakley explores the crucial role of compassion in navigating challenging times.

    One of the most important lessons we can take away is the need to nurture empathy in our children. How do we, as parents and educators, equip the next generation with the tools they need to build a more compassionate world? This is a question that Dr. Coakley addresses in Empathy in Crisis, offering valuable insights into fostering empathy in young minds.

    Children aren’t born with fully developed empathy. It’s a skill that, like any other, needs to be nurtured and practiced. It begins with creating a safe and loving environment where children feel understood and valued. When children experience empathy from the adults in their lives, they learn what it feels like and are more likely to extend it to others. It’s about showing them, through our actions and words, what it means to truly care.

    One of the most powerful ways to teach empathy is through modeling. Children are keen observers. They watch how we interact with others, how we respond to difficult situations, and how we express our own emotions. When they see us demonstrating empathy in our daily lives, they learn by example. It’s about showing them what it looks like to listen actively, to offer support, and to show compassion, even when it’s not easy.

    Dr. Coakley highlights the importance of emotional intelligence. Helping children understand and manage their own emotions is crucial for developing empathy. When children are aware of their feelings, they are better equipped to recognize and understand the emotions of others. It’s about teaching them the language of emotions, helping them identify and name what they’re feeling, and giving them tools to cope with difficult emotions in healthy ways.

    Reading stories together is another fantastic way to foster empathy. Books can transport children to different worlds and introduce them to characters from all walks of life. Discussing the characters’ feelings and motivations can help children develop perspective-taking skills, which is a key component of empathy. It encourages them to step into someone else’s shoes and understand their experiences, even if they’re different from their own.

    Empathy in Crisis emphasizes the importance of active listening. Truly listening to children without interruption or judgment shows them that their thoughts and feelings matter. It creates a safe space for them to express themselves and learn that their voice is valued. Active listening also teaches children the importance of paying attention to others and considering their perspectives.

    It’s also important to give children opportunities to practice empathy. This can be as simple as encouraging them to help a friend who is feeling down or volunteering in their community. These experiences provide children with real-world opportunities to put their empathy skills into action and see the positive impact they can have on others. It’s about giving them the chance to make a difference, however small, and experience the joy of helping others.

    Empathy in Crisis reminds us that empathy is not just a feeling; it’s a skill that can be learned and developed. It’s a skill that is essential for building strong relationships, creating a more compassionate society, and navigating the challenges of life. By nurturing empathy in our children, we are giving them a gift that will benefit them and the world around them for years to come.

    In a world that often feels divided, raising empathetic children is more important than ever. It’s about fostering a sense of connection, understanding, and compassion. It’s about creating a future where kindness and empathy are valued and celebrated.

    Dr. Coakley‘s latest work builds on the foundation she laid in her first book, Heartbeats And Homecomings: A Doctor’s Pandemic Experience. In it, she recounts her deeply personal and professional journey through the height of the COVID-19 crisis. As a hospital leader, she guided her team through unprecedented challenges, offering readers an intimate look at the toll the pandemic took on healthcare professionals and their families. From moments on the frontlines to quiet evenings at home, Dr. Coakley sheds light on the strength, humanity, and emotional resilience required in times of crisis. It’s a powerful narrative that underscores the values of compassion and perseverance—qualities that continue to shape her work and message today. Heartbeats And Homecomings is available online for purchase.

    Learn more about the power of empathy and how to cultivate it in your own life and in the lives of your children. Empathy in Crisis: How Compassion Transformed Care During COVID-19 offers valuable insights and practical advice for building a more compassionate world, one child at a time. Pick up your copy today and join the movement toward a more empathetic future.



    Source link