Approximately 150,000 babies (one in 33) are born with a birth defect in the United States each year. Birth defects are a leading cause of infant mortality, and no parent is immune. The cause of some birth defects remains unknown despite research. While not all birth defects are preventable, …

There is magic in the moment when something reaches and teaches a child in ways typical school settings can’t. For some children with special needs, this breakthrough is found with horses. For almost 20 years, the nonprofit Rose of Sharon Equestrian School (ROSES) has provided equine-facilitated learning services that draw …

As we celebrate our fathers on Father’s Day, some dads are celebrating a life they’ve regained. These men are those who have conquered substance use disorders. Their numbers are many, yet they often go unnoticed. The Recovery Research Institute reports that one in 10 American adults are in recovery from …

A wail for “mommy!” and pitter-pattering feet in the hall. Many parents know the sounds of sleep disturbances. Sometimes, dreams get scary, and children turn to parents for comfort. On average, people dream about two hours per night. SleepFoundation.org offers some theories about why we dream, including building memory, handling …

Brad Boarman has worn many hats—and skates—in ice hockey: player, coach, official and parent. His dad founded an ice hockey club in 1973. In 1975, 3-year-old Brad was already playing. As a teenager, he joined high-performance programs. After college, Boarman began coaching and became an official. He’s now in his …

In a world where too many school systems undervalue the arts, beacons of hope and success show us how the arts can be presented. These schools realize the transformational power of bringing creativity into the curriculum, especially for children with learning differences, atypical development or disabilities. Theater, in particular, presents …

At some point during his or her childhood, your son or daughter will need to take some type of medication—vitamin D drops for breastfed babies, bubblegum pink amoxicillin for a bout of strep throat, acetaminophen for an occasional fever or prescription drugs to treat chronic conditions. If you’ve ever struggled …

During this pandemic, so many cherished routines have been sacrificed, and the loss of sports is one that really stings for lots of kids. Not only do sports provide a way to stay fit and have fun, but they are also sources of socialization and confidence. And, of course, they …

In a full-blown global pandemic, I find myself wistful for this time last year, when a measles outbreak was the biggest health story around. The COVID-19 crisis is tough to write about because … well, because everything just seems harder right now. Things aren’t just changing week to week but …

About 11 years ago, after having had two great kids, resulting from smooth-sailing pregnancies at ages 29 and 31, my husband and I realized we wanted a third child. Pregnancy at age 37 actually came easily again but didn’t stick—and we struggled through two miscarriages. I went from having been …