Greater maternal involvement upregulates the oxytocin system in their babies.
Genomic analysis reveals some of the neurogenomic dynamics closely resemble changes associated with pregnancy and reproduction in mammalian mothers.
The differences between each parents' stress and happiness may boil down to how, and when, childcare activities are split between the parties. Fathers tend to be less stressed and happier, especially if their childcare activities are more recreational. Maternal stress is higher, and happiness is lower, as they tend to provide more of the hands-on parenting.
Many pregnant women are turning to marijuana to help curb morning sickness during early pregnancy. A new study reports maternal marijuana use may be detrimental to the brain development of children. Exposure to THC in utero can cause learning and memory problems in children that may continue through adolescence.
Psychologists warn parental burnout needs to be taken more seriously by both partners and clinicians. A new study reveals burnt out parents experience escape ideations, and show an increased risk of neglect and violence toward their children. Supporting a parent experiencing burnout by letting them relax and avoid exhaustion reduces negative feelings and is also good for the children.
Breast milk may help train the circadian clock in young babies. The hormonal composition of breast milk changes throughout the day, with cortisol levels being higher in the morning and melatonin levels being higher at night.
Responsive teaching techniques help improve parental stress and depression in mothers whose children are on the autism spectrum.
Children born to older parents have fewer externalizing behavioral problems than those born to younger parents.
Parents who use marijuana and alcohol are more likely to use both non-violent and violent discipline on their children than those who do not use substances. The annual frequency of physical abuse was 0.5 times higher in those parents who had used alcohol and marijuana in the past year.
A new national poll reveals 50 percent of fathers say they face criticism and second guess their parenting style, from the way they discipline to play with their children.
Previous research into the effects of lithium exposure via breastmilk are poorly designed and sparse, researchers report. Until more research is done, mothers and babies should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for lithium continuation, as discontinuing the medication could pose a significant risk for both child and parent.
Unsupportive parenting and early life stress can lead to premature aging and associated health risks in children. Researchers say adults who faced early life stress had shorter telomeres than their peers who did not.
