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THIS WEEK'S
HEADLINES
NEWS IMPACTING CHILDREN 0-5 AND THEIR FAMILIES
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Here is a quick look at some headlines from this week impacting the lives of kids 0-5 and their families. The purpose of these stories is simply to share information, and do not necessarily reflect First 5 Kern's areas of support, opinions or efforts towards these issues.
Follow First 5 Kern on social media (@First5Kern) for more kids news, as well as information about our funded programs and initiatives.
Now for the headlines...
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Antipsychotic drugs often inappropriately prescribed to young children |
The use of antipsychotics in young children is declining but doctors continue to prescribe these medications off-label for conditions not approved by the FDA and without the recommended psychiatric consultation, a Rutgers study found.
The study looked at 301,311 antipsychotic prescriptions filled by privately insured children ages 2 to 7 in the United States from 2007 to 2017, and the researchers noted that they continued to be prescribed for conditions lacking safety and effectiveness data such as conduct disorder, ADHD, anxiety and depression. (MedicalXpress)
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When should my child see the dentist?
Childhood tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease—more common than asthma, diabetes and obesity.
Even if you can't see them in your baby yet, those tiny teeth are there—hiding just beneath the gums. For newborns and infants, wipe the gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth after the first feeding in the morning and right before bed. This helps rid your baby’s mouth of bacteria and sugars that can cause cavities. (KMTR)
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Are Children gaining weight during the pandemic?
In July, one researcher estimated projections of how the coronavirus pandemic could affect childhood obesity and found that it could increase by 2.4 percent by the end of the year if schools remained closed through December. Anecdotally, some parents are seeing that happen in their children.
“If your kid is going to have free access to the kitchen all day, stock it with carrots and apples,” said one health education director. (The Hill)
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EARLY CHILDCARE & EDUCATION
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The business case for child care |
The coronavirus pandemic has exposed the inextricable link between child care and the economy — and it's pushing businesses to confront the cost of working parents' unpaid side gig.
Child care is denting the workforce, preventing a huge swath of Americans from contributing to their firms and to the economy at large. To chip away at the problem, and protect their bottom lines, employers are bulking up child care benefits for workers.
"COVID has brutally revealed that child care is not just a family issue," says Alyssa Johnson, a VP at Care.com. "It's a business issue." (Axios)
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Study find surprising diversity in early child care
A new study of kindergarteners in one Midwestern state identified seven different pathways the children took in their early education and care before arriving at school.
The researchers found that the largest group of children -- 44% -- received care only in the home over the first five years of life. (Science Daily)
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What this Oregon county’s “preschool for all” victory means for America
Preschool is a crucial source of child care for working parents, and high-quality early education has documented benefits for kids. But the cost puts preschool out of reach for many parents.
So a growing number of cities have launched their own universal preschool programs in recent years. (VOX)
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The American Government once offered affordable child care... 77 years ago |
The pandemic-induced child care crisis has revealed the fragility of the system and ignited a debate about why it can't be better. Why do parents in the world's wealthiest nation pay such a high price to have both children and jobs?
"I wish more Americans knew what parents are living like in other countries," one woman who used to live in Germany says. "I'm jealous, and I'm angry."
A system of highly subsidized child care is the norm across Europe. It might sound like a utopian option for many American parents today, but the United States government offered its own version 77 years ago. (NPR)
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New campaign strives to help more mothers survive pregnancy complications |
Every year, tens of thousands of mothers suffer life-threatening complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Surprisingly, mothers are increasingly dying from infection, hemorrhaging and pre-eclampsia. Yet, two-thirds of the deaths are preventable. But a new CDC campaign hopes to encourage mothers and those around them to know the warning signs. (CBS NY)
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Postpartum depression may affect new mothers for at least three years
The "baby blues" that women can experience after giving birth usually go away within a week or two, but it now appears that more severe depressive symptoms may affect some new mothers for at least three years.
Research found that about 25% of the women reported moderate to high levels of depressive symptoms at some point and that the remaining 75% experience low-level depressive symptoms throughout the study. (The Washington Post)
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Breastfed babies develop fewer behavioral problems when older
Babies who are breastfed for three months or more have fewer behavioural problems as children, a new study in the United Kingdom reveals.
Those breastfed for three months or more were found to be less prone to issues forming friendships or problems with concentration, as well as less prone to social and emotional setbacks such as bouts of anxiety. (Daily Mail)
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How much does it cost to care for a child with special needs? |
Raising a child supposedly costs you a quarter of a million dollars, but it can honestly be more daunting to face the idea of spending $80 on bottle nipples in a single month.
When you're responsible for a child with special needs, the bills can total up quickly, and families are oftentimes hit with unexpected — and really big — expenses. One parent shares what those costs look like for their family over the course of a typical year. (Romper)
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New "Dad Hoodie" is a walking diaper bag for dads
If you ever wished there was a diaper bag equivalent for men like there is for women, we've got some great news for you. Now there is, and the best part is that it is wearable!
The "Dad Hoodie" is a multi-functional hoodie that you can wear and carry your baby's essential items all at the same time. We're talking bottles, binkies, diapers, wipes, the whole shebang here.
(moms.com)
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The season for gratitude: Getting kids to share
Tis the season of giving. Being grateful is something that comes easy for some of us, and not so easy for others.
What’s absolutely certain, however, is that giving to others really, really doesn’t come easy for young children. In fact, children under the age of 5 can be notoriously selfish, neglecting to share toys, and coveting all of the holiday sweets for themselves. How do we get them into the spirit of giving this holiday season? (Psychology Today)
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First 5 Kern was established in 1998 when California voters passed Proposition 10, which levied a 50-cent tax on tobacco products. Revenues generated from the tobacco tax are used to fund local programs in the areas of health and wellness, early childcare and education, and parent education and support services that promote early childhood development for children ages zero to five.
For more information on First 5 Kern and the agencies we support, please visit www.First5Kern.org and follow us on social media.
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Special thanks to Vecteezy for assistance on graphics
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