700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts About Child Development

Posted by: Laura Cook, PhD , Jenny Phan, PhD on Jun 04, 2025

Typically, imaginary friends appear in preschool and early childhood and most times come and go without concern. Here are a few guiding principles in embracing this fun expression of your child’s imagination.

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Toxic Stress: How the Body's Response Can Harm a Child's Development
Toxic stress that children suffer not only shapes their emotional lives as adults, but also affects their physical health and longevity.
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Breakfast on the Brain: Why It Matters

As a parent, prioritizing breakfast in your household can help set your child up for success.

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About this Blog

Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

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Latest Posts

When Kids Draw Violent Pictures, Should you Worry?

Oct 21, 2024

A single picture in isolation is generally not a cause for concern. The accompanying conversation you have with your child should be a guiding tool to help you identify whether this is a reflection of their worry about a particular situation and/or can necessitate getting more detailed information. Read More

When Your Daughter Wants Plastic Surgery: What Parents Need to Know About Labial Hypertrophy

Aug 01, 2024

As more teens are seeking elective labial surgery, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology through the Committee on Adolescent Health Care has developed guidelines to educate gynecologists about the limited role of surgical interventions for this group of patients.  Read More

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How to Talk with Your Kids About Puberty

Jul 24, 2024

When kids are toddlers or preschoolers, they start asking questions about their bodies – and even yours. If you start early and talk to them often, then talking about puberty when they get older will be a lot easier. Read More

Child reaching a book with ear buds in.

Turn It Down: Ear Buds and Hearing Loss

Jul 23, 2024

Listen up! The exposure and use of mobile devices has increased significantly over the last decade and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. On average, children receive their first phone around 11 years of age, but their exposure to a device can come as early as their first year. Read More

Preventing Child Abuse in Your Community: How You Can Help

Jun 27, 2024

Every child deserves the right to grow up in a safe and healthy environment. However, this is not the case for many children. Five children die every day in this country due to abuse and neglect. Read More

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How Exposure to Domestic Violence Impacts Child Development

Jun 27, 2024

Domestic violence in the home affects more than just the immediate victim. If children are present to see and/or hear it, it takes a toll on their healthy, natural development unless they receive support to help them cope and heal. Read More

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Talking to Your Kids About Depression and Suicide

Mar 19, 2024

Talking to your child about suicide may be the toughest conversation you ever have, but it may also be the most important. Read More

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Practicing Positive Discipline

Feb 28, 2024

It is important to fully understand the risks of hitting as a form of discipline as well as the lack of efficacy when compared to other strategies. We encourage parents to seek out positive forms of discipline whenever possible. Read More