It is impossible to determine family relationships by looking at a family. Primary caregivers may or may not be biologically related to their children. It is important that child care and early education professionals learn about the family structure from the child’s caregivers rather than make assumptions

All children display some aggressive behaviors throughout their development. For example, some biting and hitting is normal for toddlers before they develop language skills.

One of the most abused drugs in our society is alcohol. It's also a drug that many people start using at very young ages. Though it's illegal for people younger than 21 years to drink, many children are introduced to alcohol well before they reach that age. The earlier they begin using alcohol, the higher

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have higher levels of impulsivity and hyperactivity and/or inattention than other children their age. Not every child who has disorganized or impulsive behaviors has ADHD. The most important step is to look for other causes, especially exposure

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have challenges with social interactions, language development, and sensory experiences, and they can engage in repetitive patterns of behavior or have highly focused interests. Research estimates indicate that at least 1 in 59 children (1.7%) have ASD, with

Did you know that there are about 5 million children in the United States who wet the bed? If your child wets the bed, he or she is not alone.

As a parent, you can learn to be more confident and consistent in your interactions with your child. This can help your child with a personal understanding of—and strategies for managing—his or her behaviors, at home and beyond. Here are some evidence-based parent training programs that have been

Children who engage in biting are usually identified after a bite has happened. Biting is common among young toddlers, can begin in late infancy, and, at times, can continue until preschool age. Biting can continue throughout childhood (and adulthood) in some individuals with certain diagnoses (eg, sensory

CONNECTED KIDS: Bullying is when one child picks on another child again and again. Usually children who are being bullied are either weaker or smaller, are shy, and generally feel helpless. Bullying most commonly takes place at school, when adults are not watching, or through email or instant messages.

About 9 in every 1,000 children have at least one legally confirmed child maltreatment experience, with most being neglect.

Sexual abuse of children is more common than most people think. About 1 out of 5 girls and 1 out of 10 boys will be sexually abused during their childhood. Parents can take steps to help prevent and recognize sexual abuse in children.

Young people are surrounded by pro-drug messages in the media and on the Internet. They may try cocaine for the excitement or the experience without realizing the very real risks and consequences that come with cocaine use.

When a child continues to cry excessively after caregivers have attempted to meet his or her needs and/or crying continues for a longer period than is usual for that particular child, it is a concern.

No matter what you've heard, read, or seen, not everyone your age is having sex, including oral sex and intercourse. In fact, more than half of all teens choose to wait until they're older to have sex. If you have already had sex but are unsure if you should again, then wait before having sex again.

Depression in preschool-aged and young children can manifest in a number of ways. It is important to recognize that the mood symptoms young children with depression have do not mean that they can never be happy—just that they show these symptoms more easily and/or more intensely than other children

Children with developmental delays can be identified by families, pediatricians and other primary care clinicians, and child care and early education professionals by noting when children do not meet developmental milestones at expected ages with respect to speech and communication, gross-motor skills,