Ishita Roy

Signs You May Be A Co-dependent Parent

Are you a co-dependent parent? Do you often get this doubt? Let's see what it really means? Codependency is not just a term tied to addiction; it has expanded to describe relationships, and can exist even between a child and the parent. Understanding what codependent <span>parenting</span> is vital because it has the potential to harm a child’s development and identity.

<h4>What Is a <span rel="noindex">Codependent Parent</span>?</h4>

If you have to go by the definition, a codependent parent has an unhealthy attachment to their child and often tries to control their life excessively. This behavior can stem from the parent’s emotional dependence on the child’s well-being for their self-esteem or stability. While it is true that a parent always cares about the child's well-being, in a co-depended relationship, the <span>parents</span>' emotions depends on the child and often becomes a restriction for the child's growth. So, even though, it may appear to be a sign of a close family bond, it often reflects underlying dysfunction.

Codependency is not always easy to recognize. It’s influenced by various biological, psychological, and social factors. Look out for these signs in you or your partner to see whether you are a codependent parent:

Codependent parents often feel their identity hinges on their relationship with their child. This can lead to over-involvement. For instance, stepping in to solve every problem in the child’s life, regardless of their age or capability.

It can also result in inappropriate caretaking, which means the parent is doing things for the child that they should manage themselves, like choosing clothes for an older child or overseeing a teenager’s schedule. Furthermore, the parents may be shouldering responsibilities and maybe taking blame for the child’s emotions or mood swings.

Codependent parents may neglect their romantic relationships or friendships to focus solely on their child. For instance, they might cancel plans to attend to a non-urgent need of their child, leading to isolation and strained personal connections.

Manipulation isn’t always intentional but can still harm the child. Common behaviors include:

<ul><li>Passive-aggressive tendencies: Using indirect aggression to influence the child.</li><li>Projection: Transferring unresolved feelings onto the child.</li><li>Guilt-tripping: Inducing guilt to elicit a desired response, such as expecting daily school updates by framing it as an emotional need.</li></ul>

A codependent parent often resists criticism or alternative viewpoints. They may interpret disagreements as rebellion, threatening their sense of control and authority.

Some parents share negative personal experiences to gain sympathy from their child, unintentionally shifting emotional support responsibilities onto them. This dynamic, known as parentification, places undue pressure on the child to care for the parent’s emotional needs.

Codependent parents often fail to enforce boundaries out of fear of rejection. They might:

<ul><li>Avoid disciplining their child to prevent conflict.</li><li>Resent their partner for setting rules that the child doesn’t like.</li></ul>

Parents with low self-esteem may depend on their child’s achievements or happiness for validation. They might push the child to fulfill dreams they couldn’t achieve themselves.

If the idea of being a codependent parent makes you defensive, it could be a sign. Denial is a defense mechanism that can prevent you from addressing underlying issues and seeking help.

Parent-child codependency can hinder a child’s emotional growth. It may:

<ul><li>Suppress their ability to form their own identity.</li><li>Teach them controlling behaviors, perpetuating a cycle of codependency.</li><li>Prevent them from developing independence and self-confidence.</li></ul>

<h4>How to Break Free From Codependency</h4>

Acknowledging the issue is the first step. Here’s how to start healing:

<ul><li>Practice self-care: Fulfill your own needs without relying on your child.</li><li>Encourage independence: Allow your child to face age-appropriate challenges.</li><li>Listen actively: Pay full attention and validate their thoughts without projecting your own feelings.</li></ul>

If you suspect codependency, consider professional counseling or therapy. Online support groups and resources like books can also provide guidance. Remember, progress takes time and patience, so be kind to yourself as you navigate healthier parenting dynamics.

By addressing codependency, you can create a healthier relationship with your child, fostering their growth and your well-being.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

parenting

signs you may be a codependent parent

codependent parent

are you a codependent parent

parents

Rare Heart Side Effect Prompts FDA to Revise COVID Vaccine Labels

World Drug Day 2025: Why Is It Important For Us To Observe This Day?

15 Minute Yoga Practice Can Help You Relieve Gas And Bloating

Parenting

Ways to Manage Sugar Cravings

Your Body Doesn’t Want You To Lose Weight – Here's It Resists

High-Protein No Cook Dishes You Should Try

Yoga Poses That Aid In Digestion

Low Calorie Dinner Options For Weight Loss

Cardiac Arrest Vs. Heart Attack: Difference Explained Under 60 Seconds

High Protein Low-Carb Snacks To Have On The Go

Knee Exercises Desk Workers Should Do For Joint Health

Why Do I Feel Sleepy During The Day?

High Protein Early Morning Meals To Keep You Full Till Lunch

International Yoga Day 2025: Benefits of Doing Tadasana Every Morning

High-Carb Foods That Are Really Healthy

Dementia Vs Alzheimer’s: Difference Explained Under 60 Seconds

Healthy Staple Foods To Make Eating Healthy Easier

Are You Dealing With Abandonment Issues? Signs And Risk Factors

Mid-Work Healthy Snacks You Can Eat Throughout The Day

Common Mistakes You May Be Making In The Gym

Strengthen Your Legs Muscles With These Exercises

Beat Anxiety With Books: How Reading Helps With Stress

Ghee For Health: Ayurvedic Health Benefits Of Clarified Butter

Common Mistakes You Are Making While Walking

Exercises You Should Do At Home When You Skip Gym

Common Mistakes You May Be Making While Working Out

Ways You Are Runing Your Weight Loss Journey

Beyond Fruits – How To Retain Hydration And Stay Safe In Summers

Can This Extremely Hot Weather Trigger Our Mental Health?

You Are Hurting Your Gut Health With These Habits

Avoid The Heat With These Indoor Exercises

Stay Sharp! Activities That Keep Cognitive Diseases At Bay

Protect Your Cardiovascular Health With These Heart Healthy Foods

Ways To Ease Nighttime Anxiety

Smoothie Ideas That Can Help With Weight Loss

Low Fat Foods That Are Actually Unhealthy

All Suryanamaskar Poses And How To Do Them

Do Changing Seasons Affect Your Weight?

Can Heatwave Affect Your Diet?

Heatwave To Monsoon: Health Concerns With Seasonal Changes

Standing Exercises That Help You Burn Calories

Reasons To Do Dancing As A Workout

Why Summer Fruits Are A Great Addition To Your Diet?

Are you a co-dependent parent? Do you often get this doubt? Let's see what it really means? Codependency is not just a term tied to addiction; it has expanded to describe relationships, and can exist even between a child and the parent. Understanding what codependent parenting is vital because it has the potential to harm a child’s development and identity.What Is a Codependent Parent?If you have to go by the definition, a codependent parent has an unhealthy attachment to their child and often tries to control their life excessively. This behavior can stem from the parent’s emotional dependence on the child’s well-being for their self-esteem or stability. While it is true that a parent always cares about the child's well-being, in a co-depended relationship, the parents' emotions depends on the child and often becomes a restriction for the child's growth. So, even though, it may appear to be a sign of a close family bond, it often reflects underlying dysfunction.Codependency is not always easy to recognize. It’s influenced by various biological, psychological, and social factors. Look out for these signs in you or your partner to see whether you are a codependent parent:You Love To ControlCodependent parents often feel their identity hinges on their relationship with their child. This can lead to over-involvement. For instance, stepping in to solve every problem in the child’s life, regardless of their age or capability.It can also result in inappropriate caretaking, which means the parent is doing things for the child that they should manage themselves, like choosing clothes for an older child or overseeing a teenager’s schedule. Furthermore, the parents may be shouldering responsibilities and maybe taking blame for the child’s emotions or mood swings.Sacrificing Other RelationshipsCodependent parents may neglect their romantic relationships or friendships to focus solely on their child. For instance, they might cancel plans to attend to a non-urgent need of their child, leading to isolation and strained personal connections.Manipulating EmotionsManipulation isn’t always intentional but can still harm the child. Common behaviors include:Passive-aggressive tendencies: Using indirect aggression to influence the child.Projection: Transferring unresolved feelings onto the child.Guilt-tripping: Inducing guilt to elicit a desired response, such as expecting daily school updates by framing it as an emotional need.Exhibiting Dogmatic BehaviorA codependent parent often resists criticism or alternative viewpoints. They may interpret disagreements as rebellion, threatening their sense of control and authority.Playing the VictimSome parents share negative personal experiences to gain sympathy from their child, unintentionally shifting emotional support responsibilities onto them. This dynamic, known as parentification, places undue pressure on the child to care for the parent’s emotional needs.Struggling With BoundariesCodependent parents often fail to enforce boundaries out of fear of rejection. They might:Avoid disciplining their child to prevent conflict.Resent their partner for setting rules that the child doesn’t like.Tying Self-Esteem to the ChildParents with low self-esteem may depend on their child’s achievements or happiness for validation. They might push the child to fulfill dreams they couldn’t achieve themselves.Reacting With DenialIf the idea of being a codependent parent makes you defensive, it could be a sign. Denial is a defense mechanism that can prevent you from addressing underlying issues and seeking help.How Codependency Hurts ChildrenParent-child codependency can hinder a child’s emotional growth. It may:Suppress their ability to form their own identity.Teach them controlling behaviors, perpetuating a cycle of codependency.Prevent them from developing independence and self-confidence.How to Break Free From CodependencyAcknowledging the issue is the first step. Here’s how to start healing:Practice self-care: Fulfill your own needs without relying on your child.Encourage independence: Allow your child to face age-appropriate challenges.Listen actively: Pay full attention and validate their thoughts without projecting your own feelings.Seeking HelpIf you suspect codependency, consider professional counseling or therapy. Online support groups and resources like books can also provide guidance. Remember, progress takes time and patience, so be kind to yourself as you navigate healthier parenting dynamics.By addressing codependency, you can create a healthier relationship with your child, fostering their growth and your well-being.

signs you may be a co-dependent parent

Health and Me

With Less than 1% Survival Chance, The Baby Born At 21 Weeks Survives, Breaks World Record

Health News

15-Pound Newborn Shocks Hospital Staff, Doctors Say It's a 1 in 10,000 Birth

15-pound newborn shocks hospital staff, doctors say it's a 1 in 10,000 birth

world drug day 2025: why is it important for us to observe this day?

Health & Wellness

Nearly 30 People in England Get Rare Illness After Botox; How Safe Are Cosmetic Procedures, Really?

nearly 30 people in england get rare illness after botox; how safe are cosmetic procedures, really?

Antibiotics Are Not The Answer! NHS Doctor Explains Why Viral Infections Do Not Need Such Medication

antibiotics are not the answer! nhs doctor explains why viral infections do not need such medication

A baby is considered fully developed and full-term at 39 weeks of gestation. A baby can be born anywhere between 37 and 42 weeks and can still be considered full-term. This period helps in baby's organ development like brain, lungs, and liver. It also reduces baby's health risks, promotes a better brain development and helps with other cognitive activities. 

However, under certain circumstances, premature babies are also born. However, when a baby is born at 24 weeks or later, the baby has chance to survival and this chance increases with each additional week of gestation. However, babies who are born before 24 weeks face a high risk of mortality and potential long-term health issues. 

A baby born before 22 weeks has a survival rate of 6%. So if a baby born in 21 weeks survives, it is no less than a miracle. 

This is the story of one such miracle that happened where a baby, who had less than 1% chance of survival is now thriving and has broken the world record. 

This is from the year 2020 when at 21 weeks, in Alabama, the most <span>premature baby</span> in the world, as per the Guinness World Records, was born.

Curtis Means and his twin sister, C'Asya Means, were born on July 5, 2020, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital. Delivered at just 21 weeks and 1 day of gestation—132 days premature—the twins faced overwhelming odds, with UAB estimating their chance of survival at less than 1%. According to Guinness World Records, they were born nearly 19 weeks early.

"Numbers show that babies born so young have little to no chances of survival," said Dr. Brian Sims, a professor of pediatrics at the UAB who was the on-call physician when the twins' mother, Michelle Butler. The doctor's statement is part of UAB's official statement. 

However, C'Asya did not respond to treatment and died the day after birth, but Curtis' heart rate and oxygen levels started to improve.

"We have never been able to bring a baby that young to the <span>neonatal intensive care unit</span>, so [Curtis] was literally the first of his kind," Sims told Guinness World Records. We were in uncharted territory." 

Curtis received constant medical care that helped him breathe. His body temperature was also regulated and other care, including enough nutrition intakes were maintained. It was in about three months, when the doctors were finally able to take him off a ventilator. 

Dr Colm Travers, an assistant professor in the Division of Neonatology said in a statement, "Curtis defied all scientific odds." Indeed he did. Age and birth weight are two of the most important factors in determining a newborn’s chances of survival, he explained. The odds are also higher if the baby is female, not part of a multiple birth, and if the mother received steroids before delivery to aid lung development—none of which applied in Curtis’s case. Yet, Curtis survived. 

At birth, Curtis weighed just 14.8 ounces (420 grams)—roughly one-seventh the weight of an average full-term newborn, according to Guinness World Records. Despite the odds, he grew stronger each day and was discharged from the hospital around nine months later, supported by medication, a feeding tube, and bottled oxygen.

After celebrating his first birthday, Curtis—affectionately nicknamed "Poodie" by his family—was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the most premature surviving baby.

Six months after his discharge, Curtis’ medical team gathered outside the University of Alabama at Birmingham hospital to surprise his mother with the Guinness World Record certificate. The previous record holder, Richard Hutchinson, had been born just a month earlier, on June 5, 2020, at 21 weeks and 2 days. 

premature baby survives breaks world record

premature baby

neonatal intensive care unit

tiniest baby

A baby is considered fully developed and full-term at 39 weeks of gestation. A baby can be born anywhere between 37 and 42 weeks and can still be considered full-term. This period helps in baby's organ development like brain, lungs, and liver. It also reduces baby's health risks, promotes a better brain development and helps with other cognitive activities. However, under certain circumstances, premature babies are also born. However, when a baby is born at 24 weeks or later, the baby has chance to survival and this chance increases with each additional week of gestation. However, babies who are born before 24 weeks face a high risk of mortality and potential long-term health issues. A baby born before 22 weeks has a survival rate of 6%. So if a baby born in 21 weeks survives, it is no less than a miracle. This is the story of one such miracle that happened where a baby, who had less than 1% chance of survival is now thriving and has broken the world record. "Defied All Scientific Odds"This is from the year 2020 when at 21 weeks, in Alabama, the most premature baby in the world, as per the Guinness World Records, was born.Curtis Means and his twin sister, C'Asya Means, were born on July 5, 2020, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital. Delivered at just 21 weeks and 1 day of gestation—132 days premature—the twins faced overwhelming odds, with UAB estimating their chance of survival at less than 1%. According to Guinness World Records, they were born nearly 19 weeks early."Numbers show that babies born so young have little to no chances of survival," said Dr. Brian Sims, a professor of pediatrics at the UAB who was the on-call physician when the twins' mother, Michelle Butler. The doctor's statement is part of UAB's official statement. However, C'Asya did not respond to treatment and died the day after birth, but Curtis' heart rate and oxygen levels started to improve."We have never been able to bring a baby that young to the neonatal intensive care unit, so [Curtis] was literally the first of his kind," Sims told Guinness World Records. We were in uncharted territory." Curtis received constant medical care that helped him breathe. His body temperature was also regulated and other care, including enough nutrition intakes were maintained. It was in about three months, when the doctors were finally able to take him off a ventilator. Dr Colm Travers, an assistant professor in the Division of Neonatology said in a statement, "Curtis defied all scientific odds." Indeed he did. Age and birth weight are two of the most important factors in determining a newborn’s chances of survival, he explained. The odds are also higher if the baby is female, not part of a multiple birth, and if the mother received steroids before delivery to aid lung development—none of which applied in Curtis’s case. Yet, Curtis survived. How The Baby SurvivedAt birth, Curtis weighed just 14.8 ounces (420 grams)—roughly one-seventh the weight of an average full-term newborn, according to Guinness World Records. Despite the odds, he grew stronger each day and was discharged from the hospital around nine months later, supported by medication, a feeding tube, and bottled oxygen.After celebrating his first birthday, Curtis—affectionately nicknamed "Poodie" by his family—was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the most premature surviving baby.Six months after his discharge, Curtis’ medical team gathered outside the University of Alabama at Birmingham hospital to surprise his mother with the Guinness World Record certificate. The previous record holder, Richard Hutchinson, had been born just a month earlier, on June 5, 2020, at 21 weeks and 2 days. 

with less than 1% survival chance, the baby born at 21 weeks survives, breaks world record

Expecting? Here's What The New Gestational Diabetes Testing Rules Mean For You

Nutrition

Food & Medicine? Nutritionist Shares Tips That Could Help You Manage PCOS, Lower Blood Sugar And High BP Naturally

food & medicine? nutritionist shares tips that could help you manage pcos, lower blood sugar and high bp naturally

Type 1 Diabetes Patients May Not Need Insulin To Survive With New Cell Treatment: Study

type 1 diabetes patients may not need insulin to survive with new cell treatment: study

Wegovy vs. Mounjaro: Which Weight-Loss Jab Works Best?

wegovy vs. mounjaro: which weight-loss jab works best?

In a significant update to <span>maternal health</span> care, Australia is introducing new national guidelines on how pregnant women are tested for <span>gestational diabetes</span>. 

The changes, released by the <em>Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society</em> and published in the M<em>edical Journal of Australia</em>, mark the first major update to gestational diabetes screening in over a decade. These revised guidelines are expected to impact more than 280,000 pregnant women annually, streamlining care, reducing overdiagnosis, and focusing medical resources where they are most needed.

<h4>What Is Gestational Diabetes and Why Is Testing Important?</h4>

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a temporary form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It’s defined by high blood glucose (sugar) levels that are first detected while a woman is pregnant. In Australia, GDM affects nearly one in five pregnancies and has short- and long-term health implications for both mother and baby.

Though GDM usually resolves after delivery, women who develop it are seven times more likely to later develop type 2 diabetes. Identifying and managing GDM is essential because untreated cases increase the risk of:

Macrosomia (a baby born significantly larger than average), which can lead to birth complications and higher rates of caesarean sections

Pre-eclampsia, a dangerous condition involving high blood pressure and potential organ damage

Premature birth and other serious outcomes

Moreover, the screening process offers a gateway for introducing long-term health interventions like dietary advice, physical activity plans, and future diabetes prevention programs.

<h4>Why Are the Guidelines Changing?</h4>

While GDM screening and treatment are beneficial for many women, a one-size-fits-all approach has downsides. The new guidelines aim to balance the benefits of early detection with the potential harms of overdiagnosis. Studies and patient feedback have highlighted several concerns with the current system:

Women report stress, shame, and stigma after diagnosis

Limited access to specialist care and nutrition support

Some women adopt overly restrictive diets without professional guidance

Others are forced to change their maternity care provider or place of delivery due to a high-risk classification

The aim is to reduce unnecessary interventions for women at low risk, while enhancing care for those who truly need it.

The revised recommendations result from a broad review of current research and expert input from medical professionals and consumers. Here are the key updates:

<h5>Universal Screening Remains – But With Adjustments</h5>

All pregnant women without a prior diabetes diagnosis will still undergo routine screening between 24 and 28 weeks using the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). This test involves:

<ul><li>Fasting overnight</li><li>A baseline blood test</li><li>Drinking a sugary solution</li><li>Two follow-up blood tests over two hours</li></ul>

However, fewer women will undergo multiple OGTTs during pregnancy. Early testing will be more targeted based on risk.

<h5>Early Testing for High-Risk Women</h5>

Women with risk factors will be screened earlier in pregnancy, ideally between 10 and 14 weeks. The approach includes:

An HbA1c test (a non-fasting blood test that gives an average of blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months) in the first trimester for women with risk factors such as:

<ul><li>High body mass index (BMI)</li><li>Previous large baby</li><li>History of gestational diabetes</li></ul>

If results show high HbA1c or there’s a history of GDM, women may undergo an OGTT early in pregnancy.

The cut-off values for diagnosing GDM using the OGTT have been adjusted upward. This means only women with more clearly elevated glucose levels will be diagnosed. The goal is to avoid labeling borderline cases as diabetic when the risks and outcomes are minimal.

<h4>What Do These Changes Mean for Women?</h4>

The updated guidelines aim to make gestational diabetes care more precise and patient-centered:

<ul><li>Fewer unnecessary diagnoses for women with mild or borderline glucose levels</li><li>Improved access to services for those at higher risk</li><li>Reduced stress and confusion from unclear diagnosis or overtreatment</li><li>Stronger support systems for managing diet and physical activity safely</li></ul>

Importantly, women are encouraged to maintain open communication with their health care providers, especially if they have risk factors or symptoms like fatigue, excessive thirst, or frequent urination during pregnancy.

gestational diabetes australia

australia health news

australia news

maternal health

australia maternal health guidelines

gestational diabetes

diabetic mothers

In a significant update to maternal health care, Australia is introducing new national guidelines on how pregnant women are tested for gestational diabetes. The changes, released by the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society and published in the Medical Journal of Australia, mark the first major update to gestational diabetes screening in over a decade. These revised guidelines are expected to impact more than 280,000 pregnant women annually, streamlining care, reducing overdiagnosis, and focusing medical resources where they are most needed.What Is Gestational Diabetes and Why Is Testing Important?Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a temporary form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It’s defined by high blood glucose (sugar) levels that are first detected while a woman is pregnant. In Australia, GDM affects nearly one in five pregnancies and has short- and long-term health implications for both mother and baby.Though GDM usually resolves after delivery, women who develop it are seven times more likely to later develop type 2 diabetes. Identifying and managing GDM is essential because untreated cases increase the risk of:Macrosomia (a baby born significantly larger than average), which can lead to birth complications and higher rates of caesarean sectionsPre-eclampsia, a dangerous condition involving high blood pressure and potential organ damagePremature birth and other serious outcomesMoreover, the screening process offers a gateway for introducing long-term health interventions like dietary advice, physical activity plans, and future diabetes prevention programs.Why Are the Guidelines Changing?While GDM screening and treatment are beneficial for many women, a one-size-fits-all approach has downsides. The new guidelines aim to balance the benefits of early detection with the potential harms of overdiagnosis. Studies and patient feedback have highlighted several concerns with the current system:Women report stress, shame, and stigma after diagnosisLimited access to specialist care and nutrition supportSome women adopt overly restrictive diets without professional guidanceOthers are forced to change their maternity care provider or place of delivery due to a high-risk classificationThe aim is to reduce unnecessary interventions for women at low risk, while enhancing care for those who truly need it.What Exactly Is Changing?The revised recommendations result from a broad review of current research and expert input from medical professionals and consumers. Here are the key updates:Universal Screening Remains – But With AdjustmentsAll pregnant women without a prior diabetes diagnosis will still undergo routine screening between 24 and 28 weeks using the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). This test involves:Fasting overnightA baseline blood testDrinking a sugary solutionTwo follow-up blood tests over two hoursHowever, fewer women will undergo multiple OGTTs during pregnancy. Early testing will be more targeted based on risk.Early Testing for High-Risk WomenWomen with risk factors will be screened earlier in pregnancy, ideally between 10 and 14 weeks. The approach includes:An HbA1c test (a non-fasting blood test that gives an average of blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months) in the first trimester for women with risk factors such as:High body mass index (BMI)Previous large babyHistory of gestational diabetesIf results show high HbA1c or there’s a history of GDM, women may undergo an OGTT early in pregnancy.Stricter Diagnostic ThresholdsThe cut-off values for diagnosing GDM using the OGTT have been adjusted upward. This means only women with more clearly elevated glucose levels will be diagnosed. The goal is to avoid labeling borderline cases as diabetic when the risks and outcomes are minimal.What Do These Changes Mean for Women?The updated guidelines aim to make gestational diabetes care more precise and patient-centered:Fewer unnecessary diagnoses for women with mild or borderline glucose levelsImproved access to services for those at higher riskReduced stress and confusion from unclear diagnosis or overtreatmentStronger support systems for managing diet and physical activity safelyImportantly, women are encouraged to maintain open communication with their health care providers, especially if they have risk factors or symptoms like fatigue, excessive thirst, or frequent urination during pregnancy.

expecting? here's what the new gestational diabetes testing rules mean for you

Screens, Genes, and First Steps: What Shapes Your Baby’s Mind

The Tell-Tale Early Sign Of Dementia That You Spot On Paper

the tell-tale early sign of dementia that you spot on paper

Heatwave Can Affect Dementia Patients Much More Severely Than We Realize

heatwave can affect dementia patients much more severely than we realize

Teen Girl Guide To Menstrual Health: Why You Still Might Be Confusing Your Vulva With Your Vagina

teen girl guide to menstrual health: why you still might be confusing your vulva with your vagina

<strong>"What's Going On Inside The <span rel="noindex">Baby's Brain</span>?" </strong>

If you area a regular social media user, you have definitely come across a meme that reads the exact line and then is followed by clips of babies making a fuss. But, what if we tell you that you could actually know what is going on. Not just that, but these developmental milestone is what shapes their future. 

The first two years of a baby’s life are nothing short of magical — and not just because of the first smiles or tiny giggles. It’s also the time when the brain is growing at lightning speed, forming the building blocks for everything from movement to memory, emotions to education. According to researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, this early brain development doesn’t just shape how a baby acts now, but how they’ll learn, behave, and stay healthy for the rest of their lives.

Let’s unpack what’s happening inside those rapidly growing baby brains — and why every cuddle, word, and interaction matters.

<h4>Brain Growth: Fast, Focused, and Full of Potential</h4>

In those first two years, a baby’s brain doesn’t just grow — it wires itself. Dr. Wei Gao, a neuroscientist leading brain imaging research at Cedars-Sinai, explains that the brain first develops the areas responsible for movement and senses (like seeing and touching). But very soon after, it’s the emotional and social areas that take center stage.

This is why the first year is so important for bonding. “You want to provide sensitive support to the baby so the baby can develop a secure attachment,” Gao explains. That attachment — those quiet moments of eye contact, soothing, and play — builds the emotional foundation for confidence, learning, and even future relationships.

Gao’s team has even mapped how parts of a child’s brain connect during early childhood. In a massive ongoing study, they’re tracking over 7,000 children from birth through age 10 to understand how environment and genetics shape brain wiring.

<h4>Too Much Screen, Too Little Growth?</h4>

Dr. Jane Tavyev Asher, director of Pediatric Neurology at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, warns about one major disruptor in the early years: screens. While the glow of a phone or tablet may keep a baby distracted, it can actually confuse the brain.

“When you expose that developing brain to rapidly changing images, it learns to focus on that — not on the real world,” Asher explains. That means less attention to slower, natural patterns like human speech, eye contact, and physical play — all key to learning to read, write, and think clearly later in life.

It’s not just nurture — nature plays a big role too. Dr. David Rowitch, deputy director of research at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, points out that nearly 80% of babies with a genetic condition show some neurological signs early on — whether it’s seizures, muscle weakness, or a brain structure difference visible on scans.

Modern genetic testing can now read a baby’s entire DNA — all 3 billion base pairs — offering clues not only about physical health, but also mental development. Combining this information with brain scans could help doctors catch problems early, intervene sooner, and even improve a child’s future school readiness.

The ultimate goal? To make sure no child falls behind. As Rowitch says, understanding how brain connections, genes, and environment come together helps us support each child — especially those at higher risk — to reach their full potential.

child psychology

baby's brain

brain health

what does baby brain tell you

baby's development

toddlers

"What's Going On Inside The Baby's Brain?" If you area a regular social media user, you have definitely come across a meme that reads the exact line and then is followed by clips of babies making a fuss. But, what if we tell you that you could actually know what is going on. Not just that, but these developmental milestone is what shapes their future. The first two years of a baby’s life are nothing short of magical — and not just because of the first smiles or tiny giggles. It’s also the time when the brain is growing at lightning speed, forming the building blocks for everything from movement to memory, emotions to education. According to researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, this early brain development doesn’t just shape how a baby acts now, but how they’ll learn, behave, and stay healthy for the rest of their lives.Let’s unpack what’s happening inside those rapidly growing baby brains — and why every cuddle, word, and interaction matters.Brain Growth: Fast, Focused, and Full of PotentialIn those first two years, a baby’s brain doesn’t just grow — it wires itself. Dr. Wei Gao, a neuroscientist leading brain imaging research at Cedars-Sinai, explains that the brain first develops the areas responsible for movement and senses (like seeing and touching). But very soon after, it’s the emotional and social areas that take center stage.This is why the first year is so important for bonding. “You want to provide sensitive support to the baby so the baby can develop a secure attachment,” Gao explains. That attachment — those quiet moments of eye contact, soothing, and play — builds the emotional foundation for confidence, learning, and even future relationships.Gao’s team has even mapped how parts of a child’s brain connect during early childhood. In a massive ongoing study, they’re tracking over 7,000 children from birth through age 10 to understand how environment and genetics shape brain wiring.Too Much Screen, Too Little Growth?Dr. Jane Tavyev Asher, director of Pediatric Neurology at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, warns about one major disruptor in the early years: screens. While the glow of a phone or tablet may keep a baby distracted, it can actually confuse the brain.“When you expose that developing brain to rapidly changing images, it learns to focus on that — not on the real world,” Asher explains. That means less attention to slower, natural patterns like human speech, eye contact, and physical play — all key to learning to read, write, and think clearly later in life.Genes and BrainsIt’s not just nurture — nature plays a big role too. Dr. David Rowitch, deputy director of research at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, points out that nearly 80% of babies with a genetic condition show some neurological signs early on — whether it’s seizures, muscle weakness, or a brain structure difference visible on scans.Modern genetic testing can now read a baby’s entire DNA — all 3 billion base pairs — offering clues not only about physical health, but also mental development. Combining this information with brain scans could help doctors catch problems early, intervene sooner, and even improve a child’s future school readiness.Why Early Intervention MattersThe ultimate goal? To make sure no child falls behind. As Rowitch says, understanding how brain connections, genes, and environment come together helps us support each child — especially those at higher risk — to reach their full potential.

screens, genes, and first steps: what shapes your baby’s mind

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.