As children grow, they are exposed to a wealth of information about sex and relationships from television, movies, and the internet. By the time they approach puberty, they may already have a grasp on some complex concepts. However, this information can often be misleading or incomplete, making it essential for parents to initiate open and honest discussions about puberty.

Start Early: Timing is Key

It's important not to wait for your kids to approach you with questions about their changing bodies. Many children may feel too shy or unsure to ask, especially if they don’t know that discussing such sensitive topics is acceptable. Conversations about puberty should begin well before your child experiences any physical changes.

Typically, girls enter puberty between the ages of 8 and 14, while boys start between 9 and 15. Some girls may even begin developing as early as age 8, while others may not experience their first signs of puberty until 16. Therefore, parents should consider initiating these discussions early, ideally around the ages of 7 or 8.

The Difference in Experiences: Boys vs. Girls

When it comes to girls, parents should prepare their daughters for menstruation before they experience their first period. Girls often receive little education about what to expect, and being unprepared can lead to fear and confusion when they see blood for the first time. On average, girls get their first period at age 12 or 13, about two to two and a half years after the initial signs of puberty appear.

Boys generally experience physical changes a bit later than girls, with puberty typically starting around ages 9 to 15. Average boys may begin noticing changes around 10 or 11 years old, such as voice deepening and facial hair growth.

In many school settings, sex education is often divided by gender, leading to incomplete understandings. Girls may learn about menstruation and developing bodies, while boys focus on erections and changes in their voice. It’s crucial for both genders to learn about the changes that each experiences. Parents should collaborate with teachers to identify gaps in school education and reinforce those lessons at home.

Navigating the Conversation

When discussing puberty, a reassuring tone is vital. This period can be challenging, and many children may feel insecure or isolated due to the changes they are experiencing. It helps to remind them that everyone undergoes these changes, often awkwardly, and that the timeline varies greatly for each individual.

Children should be made aware of the typical physical changes that occur during puberty. For girls, this includes:

• A more rounded body shape, particularly around the hips and legs.
• Development of breast tissue, which may grow unevenly.
• Growth of pubic and underarm hair, along with thicker, darker leg hair.
• Onset of menstruation, typically lasting 3 to 7 days, during which they can use pads or tampons for absorption.

For boys, the changes include:

• Growth of facial hair and an increase in muscle mass.
• Development of the penis and testicles.
• Changes in voice pitch and depth.
• Occurrence of wet dreams, which signifies the ejaculation of semen during sleep.

These conversations equip children with the knowledge they need to understand their bodies and the physiological changes that accompany growing up. By encouraging open dialogue about puberty, parents can help normalise these experiences and foster a sense of security and understanding as their children navigate this critical phase of life.

There is a concerning trend among mothers in the United States—a sharp decline in mental health that has escalated as a public health issue. A study released recently in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that since 2016, 64% of American moms say their mental health has taken a serious downturn. Not only is this erosion of their emotional well-being but also of their physical health. Incidentally, fathers have not seen this same precipitous decline, and this reflects a gendered gap in parental health that needs to be addressed immediately.

The long-term study polled a staggering 198,417 mothers between the ages of 17 and their children, monitoring their self-assessment mental and physical health status from 2016 to 2023. They answered on a scale of four—excellent, very good, good, and fair/poor. The findings were dramatic: the proportion of mothers stating "excellent" mental health fell from 38.4% to a mere 25.8%, while the number marking their mental health as "fair/poor" rose from 5.5% to 8.5%. This is equivalent to a 63.6% relative improvement in mothers with the worst mental health status over seven years.

Physical health, though less affected dramatically, was also in decline. The proportion of mothers reporting "excellent" physical health fell from 28% to 23.9%, and while the "fair/poor" physical health category remained fairly stable, incremental declines in well-being were apparent. Importantly, the research identified that minoritized racial groups reported significantly higher levels of poor physical health than non-Hispanic White mothers, highlighting the additive impact of racial inequalities on health.

Who is Most Impacted?

The evidence revealed stark inequalities among the population of mothers. Mothers with lower levels of education, uninsured or publicly insured children, U.S.-born mothers, and single parents reported poorer physical and mental health outcomes compared to their peers. These indicators point towards socioeconomic issues and institutional hindrances being intricately linked with the mental illness epidemic in American mothers.

Single mothers, in particular, shoulder a disproportionate burden, frequently balancing economic pressures, child caregiving responsibilities, and meager social support. The precipitous decline in mental health within this population is staggering, with far-reaching consequences not only for the mothers but also for children and families.

Fathers' Mental and Physical Health

In a marked contrast with mothers, fathers indicated improved overall mental and physical health across the duration of the study. Although there were modest declines among male parents too, their self-ratings of "excellent" health were still significantly higher. For instance, just 4.5% of fathers rated "fair/poor" mental health in 2023, as opposed to 8.5% of mothers. This difference seriously questions the social and cultural expectations put upon mothers and the resources at their disposal.

Why Moms Are Struggling The Most?

Experts say a variety of factors are behind the decline in mental health of mothers. The demands of juggling work, parenting, and domestic duties have grown more onerous in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic especially amplified these stressors, with added childcare demands, home-schooling, and employment insecurity falling most heavily on women.

Additionally, expectations from society continue to put many of the caregiving and emotional labor responsibilities on mothers. Without systemic support in the forms of paid parental leave, affordable childcare, and accessible mental health services, these pressures are exacerbated.

Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General through 2023, has characterized parental mental health as "a serious public health concern" and urged concrete assistance for parents who were "pushed to the brink." His words demonstrate increased agreement among health officials that more than awareness is needed to address this crisis—action is demanded.

The research results struck a chord on social media platforms such as Reddit, where several mothers recounted their own experiences. One of the commenters bemoaned the absence of care from society for the mental health of women, providing examples of strict policy measures that affect reproductive choices and healthcare provision. Another noted the glaring correlation between the lack of mother support in a nation and the consequent deterioration in mental health.

These responses underscore a shared sense of frustration and draw attention to the urgent need for policy reforms and systems of support within communities that acknowledge and reduce the singular burdens of mothers.

5 Ways To Enhance Mental Health Among Mothers

While systematic change is necessary, personal methods to enhance mental health can provide momentary relief for numerous mothers. Evidence-based practices include:

1. Prioritize Sleep

Sufficient, quality sleep—preferably 7-9 hours per night—is essential for mood stabilization, cognitive functioning, and stress reduction. Consistent sleep habits should be prioritized by mothers even in hectic lifestyles.

2. Establish Strong Social Connections

Friend and family support decreases isolation and promotes emotional resilience. Peer groups or parenting networks can be a vital source of experience-sharing coping.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Reduction

Mindfulness strategies, such as meditation, slow breathing, and physical journals, keep mothers centered and calm by concentrating on the here and now instead of anxious thoughts about their future.

4. Be Active Routinely

Exercise increases endorphins, which enhance mood and minimize symptoms of depression and anxiety. Even just moderate daily movement can be beneficial.

5. Get Professional Help

Therapy, counseling, or psychiatric treatment can provide individualized interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication when necessary, to stabilize mental health.

The study’s authors emphasize the urgent need for targeted investments to identify and tackle the root causes of mental health decline among U.S. mothers, especially those in low socioeconomic groups. Policies promoting paid parental leave, expanded childcare services, affordable healthcare, and mental health coverage are critical steps toward reversing this trend.

Additionally, workplace flexibility, stigma reduction, and community-based support programs can create environments where mothers feel supported rather than overwhelmed. The mental health crisis for U.S. mothers is not a short-term problem, it is an enduring public health crisis with far-reaching consequences that cascade through families and society.

As a kid, the first day at school could be really anxiety-inducing, an emotional rollercoaster, of course. From saying goodbye to a parent to navigating the unfamiliar sights and sounds, it could altogether be an overwhelming experience. However, could something as subtle as a ceiling design help?

A recent study suggests that improving acoustics in preschool classrooms—specifically by reducing noise—can have a calming effect on children and improve their ability to speak and listen.

The Impact of Sound on Preschoolers

The study, led by Ikuri Matsuoka, a master’s student at Kumamoto University in Japan, focused on how sound-absorbing ceilings influenced young children during indoor activities. The research was presented at a meeting of the Acoustical Society of America held in New Orleans.

According to Matsuoka, most classrooms in Japan lack any kind of sound-absorbing materials. “My motivation was to make people aware of the importance of acoustics in classrooms,” Matsuoka said. “In Japan, there are no standards or guidelines for acoustic design of preschool and school classrooms.”

This lack of attention to classroom acoustics can have a significant impact. Many preschoolers are still developing their language skills, and noisy or echo-filled environments can make it difficult for them to communicate effectively. Such conditions can also increase stress levels, leading to more frequent crying or even louder talking as children try to be heard.

A Sound Experiment

To explore the impact of soundproofing, Matsuoka and the research team installed polyester fiberboard—a sound-absorbing material—on the ceiling of one preschool classroom. They then compared this classroom with another that had no such acoustic enhancements.

Over six months, the team used video and audio recordings to track how loudly children spoke and how often they cried. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools helped analyze the data without the need for constant manual observation.

The results were clear: children in the classroom without soundproofing were significantly louder. Teachers were also interviewed four times during the study. Three out of four noted a noticeable difference in sound quality. One veteran teacher with 25 years of experience even remarked that she felt more comfortable talking to children in the treated classroom.

A Call to Action

“Our research shows that reduced reverberation can mitigate noisy environments and promote clearer communication for children,” Matsuoka said.

The study offers a compelling case for educators, architects, and policymakers to consider acoustic design when planning learning environments for young children. While findings presented at conferences are considered preliminary until published in peer-reviewed journals, the research highlights an often-overlooked factor that could significantly improve preschool experiences.

In a world where early learning is increasingly emphasized, something as simple as a quieter classroom may play a key role in helping children thrive.

For generations, “baby brain” has been a punchline—a casual explanation for forgetfulness, misplaced items, or that elusive word hanging just out of reach for new mothers. But what if there’s more truth to this phenomenon than we’ve ever acknowledged? Gratefully, with the aid of contemporary neuroscience and increasing scientific research, scientists are affirming what mothers have always intuited: "baby brain" isn't merely real, but is also a reflection of deep brain changes that start during pregnancy and extend after giving birth.

Science has long proven that the human brain is not fixed. By a process known as neuroplasticity, it reshapes itself constantly in response to great life events. For women, three such stages—puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause—signal particularly dramatic episodes of brain transformation. But among all these life changes, none appears to produce more far-reaching rewiring than motherhood.

A new National Institute of Mental Health study by neuroscientist Dr. Pilyoung Kim employed MRI scans to take a close look at the brains of recently delivered mothers within days of giving birth and again several months later. In the resulting study published in Behavioral Neuroscience, measurable increases in gray matter volume in various brain regions seldom observed in adult neurodevelopment were found, including:

The hypothalamus, which is responsible for motivation in mothers.

• The amygdala and substantia nigra, which control emotion and reward processing.
• The parietal lobe, which manages sensory integration.
• The prefrontal cortex, the center of reason, decision-making, and judgment.

What's even more intriguing is that these changes were more intense in mothers who exhibited more enthusiasm and affection for their infants. Emotional bonding, in other words, may not only feel good—it could literally make a mother's brain better.

Three Unexpected Effects of "Mom Brain" on New Moms

1. Enhanced Emotional Sensitivity and Social Awareness

Forgetfulness aside, perhaps the most underestiamted phenomenon affecting "baby brain" is its possible positive side. According to new research, the shifts new mothers go through may actually increase their ability for emotional sensitivity, empathy, and social responsiveness.

Hormones such as oxytocin and prolactin—also referred to as the "bonding hormones"—increase during and following pregnancy, encouraging maternal behaviors and increasing attunement with the infant. This ensures mothers are better attuned to detecting subtleties such as a change in facial expression or voice tone—vital for caregiving and early infant maintenance.

Effectively, new mothers can potentially forgo multitasking skills in the short run in exchange for cultivating laser-sharp attention to their baby's needs. What constitutes perceived brain fog can actually be an adjustment in priorities and focus toward caregiving activities essential to a newborn's survival and emotional growth.

2. Structural Brain Development Associated with Learning and Attachment

The idea that a woman's brain "shrinks" following childbirth is a discredited and misleading concept. Actually, according to the study's implication, the maternal brain experiences beneficial structural development, specifically in gray matter—a concentrated form of brain tissue associated with learning, memory, and decision-making.

This expansion is thought to be driven not only by hormones, but by the intense sensory and emotional input of being with an infant. Each diaper change, feeding, cuddle, and lullaby provides input that remodels and strengthens maternal brain circuits.

It's also interesting to mention that all study participants were lactating mothers and none had postpartum depression. Researchers now investigate whether these two mechanisms—hormonal release and emotional management—are linked with neuroplastic modifications in the mother's brain.

3. Memory Failures Could Be Transient but Significant

Yes, "mom brain" will bring about genuine memory loss—such as tossing dirty laundry in the trash or forgetting where you parked the car—but these are fleeting and part of a greater neurological transformation. New mothers have a redirection of information prioritization, such that certain short-term memory processes are relegated to a secondary position while other cognitive processes become enhanced.

Experts believe such lapses may be a result of the brain reordering resources in order to pay attention to emotional management, caregiving actions, and heightened watchfulness over the safety of the baby. Consider it as a functional trade-off and not a decline in intellect.

Can You Prevent "Baby Brain"?

Though you can't stop the changes in your mother's brain—after all, they're engineered to accommodate the new mom role—you can do some things to cope with some of the more annoying side effects:

• Blaming self for memory lapses only creates more stress and mental haze.
• Keep lists, write reminders, and use phone reminders to assist with day-to-day tasks.
• Talk to other moms, that way, the isolation decreases and emotional support increases.
• Lack of sleep is a major contributor that can magnify memory problems.
• Rather than bemoan what you forgot, mark the small milestones your baby achieves daily.

Scientists are now gearing up to examine adoptive mothers to see if they can differentiate changes triggered by hormones from those triggered by the mere stimulation of caregiving. The question that remains the ultimate one is: Does the brain alter behavior—or does behavior alter the brain?

What is increasingly apparent, however, is that motherhood is not an intellectual dumbing-down. It's a cognitive transformation—a restructuring of the brain's circuitry to accommodate one of life's most challenging and rewarding jobs.