700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

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

The good news is that having an imaginary friend is usually a normal and healthy party of child development. Research shows that imaginary friends can be a sign of creativity, emotional growth, and strong problem-solving skills.

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Black and white photo of a happy family swimming in a pool. A mother and young child smile at each other in the foreground while a father holds another child in the background.
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5 Tips for Swimming Pool Safety

Planning a pool day with the kids? Before you dive in, brush up on these 5 essential tips to help prevent drowning and keep your little ones safe while they splash and play.

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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 life expectancy.

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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

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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

teen reading book

Teen Mental Health Issues and the "Not My Kid" Phenomenon

Feb 27, 2024

As a parent or caregiver, you know your children – you’ve seen them grow up and are familiar with their strengths and challenges. It can be surprising and worrying to realize they won’t always share their lives with you. Read More

young lady smiling and crossing the finish line in a race

Ferritin Testing: What Parents of Young Athletes Need to Know

Feb 26, 2024

Iron deficiency is a common problem; athletes need more iron than non-athletes and when they don’t get it, performance can decline. Some parents are using ferritin testing to make sure their young athletes are on the right track. Read More

Child sitting at desk with teacher

ADHD and Youth Suicide: Is There a Link?

Feb 26, 2024

Unfortunately, children with ADHD are at an increased risk of experiencing depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviors throughout their lifetime, which suggests emotional and social factors should be a focus of care for these children. Read More

microscopic picture of X chromosomes

Klinefelter Syndrome: An Extra X Makes the Diagnosis

Feb 23, 2024

Klinefelter syndrome is very common, affecting approximately 1 in 600 males, although many individuals may go undiagnosed. Read More

13 Reasons Why: Should Parents Be Concerned About This Netflix Series?

Feb 23, 2024

The mini-series 13 Reasons Why (13RW), adapted from a young adult novel, was released on Netflix this past week. 13RW relays the fictional story of a high schooler, Hannah Baker, who has died by suicide before the story even begins. Read More

Bullies

Bullying Affects Everyone Involved – Even the Bullies

Feb 22, 2024

While steps are rightfully taken to support the child who was bullied, the bully’s behavior is usually met with anger and punishment. However, the presence of bullying behaviors may actually be a sign that help is needed. Read More

a father talking to his son about suicide

Suicide: The Conversation We Should Have With Our Kids

Feb 22, 2024

One of the best things we can do is give our young people the power to talk about mental health issues and topics as challenging as suicide without shutting the door. Even if your child is doing well, this is a powerful opportunity to help your child see it is okay to be emotionally open and could help them talk openly with friends. Read More