Aarushi Bhadury

Signs You Might Be An Overprotective Parent

Overprotective Parent (Credit-Canva)

Parenting is a complex and rewarding journey that requires a delicate balance between providing care and support while allowing your child to grow and develop independently. While it's natural for parents to want to protect their children from harm, overprotectiveness can have negative consequences. 

For example, an <span>overprotective parent</span> might constantly hover over their child, even when they are old enough to be independent. They may also be overly cautious about letting their child try new things or take risks, even if they are age-appropriate. This can hinder a child's development, as it prevents them from building resilience and confidence. It's important to empower your child to make their own decisions, even in small matters, to help them develop critical thinking skills and a sense of responsibility. 

Here are signs that you might be an overprotective parent. By recognizing these signs, you can take steps to foster a healthy and supportive relationship with your child while allowing them to thrive. 

Overprotective parents often have a strong urge to be constantly present in their child's life, hovering over them and monitoring their every move. This can be detrimental to a child's development, as it limits their independence and ability to learn from their experiences. 

Overprotective parents may be overly cautious about letting their child try new things or take risks, even if they are age-appropriate. This can hinder a child's development, as it prevents them from building resilience and confidence. By doing so, they can learn valuable life lessons and develop a sense of independence. 

Overprotective parents often worry excessively about their child's safety, even in situations where there is little to no danger. This can create a sense of anxiety and fear in the child, limiting their ability to explore and learn. By doing so, you can help them develop a sense of self-reliance and confidence. 

Overprotective parents may have a strong need to control their child's choices, from their clothing to their friends. This can stifle a child's individuality and prevent them from developing a sense of autonomy. It's important to empower your child to make their own decisions, even in small matters. 

Overprotective parents may struggle to let their child make decisions for themselves, even in small matters. This can hinder a child's development of independence and self-reliance. It's important to gradually increase your child's independence, starting with small tasks and gradually allowing them to take on more responsibility. 

Overprotective parents may prioritize safety above all else, even if it means limiting their child's opportunities for growth and development. While safety is important, it's also essential to allow your child to explore and take risks. By doing so, they can learn valuable life lessons and develop resilience. 

<h4><span rel="noindex">Difficulty Delegating</span> Tasks</h4>

Overprotective parents may find it difficult to let their child take on responsibilities, even if they are capable. This can hinder a child's development of responsibility and independence. It's important to encourage your child to take on age-appropriate tasks and responsibilities. 

Overprotective parents may frequently compare their child to others, often in a negative way. This can damage a child's self-esteem and self-confidence. It's important to focus on your child's strengths and celebrate their accomplishments. 

Overprotective parents may often cross boundaries and interfere in their child's personal life, even when they need privacy. This can damage the parent-child relationship and hinder a child's development of independence. It's important to respect your child's privacy and allow them to have their own space. 

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Overprotective Parent

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Parenting is a complex and rewarding journey that requires a delicate balance between providing care and support while allowing your child to grow and develop independently. While it's natural for parents to want to protect their children from harm, overprotectiveness can have negative consequences. For example, an overprotective parent might constantly hover over their child, even when they are old enough to be independent. They may also be overly cautious about letting their child try new things or take risks, even if they are age-appropriate. This can hinder a child's development, as it prevents them from building resilience and confidence. It's important to empower your child to make their own decisions, even in small matters, to help them develop critical thinking skills and a sense of responsibility. Signs You Are OverprotectiveHere are signs that you might be an overprotective parent. By recognizing these signs, you can take steps to foster a healthy and supportive relationship with your child while allowing them to thrive. Constantly HoveringOverprotective parents often have a strong urge to be constantly present in their child's life, hovering over them and monitoring their every move. This can be detrimental to a child's development, as it limits their independence and ability to learn from their experiences. Fear of RisksOverprotective parents may be overly cautious about letting their child try new things or take risks, even if they are age-appropriate. This can hinder a child's development, as it prevents them from building resilience and confidence. By doing so, they can learn valuable life lessons and develop a sense of independence. Excessive WorryingOverprotective parents often worry excessively about their child's safety, even in situations where there is little to no danger. This can create a sense of anxiety and fear in the child, limiting their ability to explore and learn. By doing so, you can help them develop a sense of self-reliance and confidence. Controlling BehaviourOverprotective parents may have a strong need to control their child's choices, from their clothing to their friends. This can stifle a child's individuality and prevent them from developing a sense of autonomy. It's important to empower your child to make their own decisions, even in small matters. Limited IndependenceOverprotective parents may struggle to let their child make decisions for themselves, even in small matters. This can hinder a child's development of independence and self-reliance. It's important to gradually increase your child's independence, starting with small tasks and gradually allowing them to take on more responsibility. Overemphasis on SafetyOverprotective parents may prioritize safety above all else, even if it means limiting their child's opportunities for growth and development. While safety is important, it's also essential to allow your child to explore and take risks. By doing so, they can learn valuable life lessons and develop resilience. Difficulty Delegating TasksOverprotective parents may find it difficult to let their child take on responsibilities, even if they are capable. This can hinder a child's development of responsibility and independence. It's important to encourage your child to take on age-appropriate tasks and responsibilities. Negative ComparisonsOverprotective parents may frequently compare their child to others, often in a negative way. This can damage a child's self-esteem and self-confidence. It's important to focus on your child's strengths and celebrate their accomplishments. Intrusive BehaviourOverprotective parents may often cross boundaries and interfere in their child's personal life, even when they need privacy. This can damage the parent-child relationship and hinder a child's development of independence. It's important to respect your child's privacy and allow them to have their own space. 

signs you might be an overprotective parent

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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

parenting

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

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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.

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<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

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