ParentsKids

Leading OBGYN Association Issues Updated Guidelines on Cannabis Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

A national organization of obstetricians and gynecologists has recently issued comprehensive guidelines for both medical professionals and the general public concerning the use of cannabis during pregnancy and lactation. These recommendations emphasize complete avoidance of the substance, including all forms of medical cannabis and edibles, throughout these critical periods. The advice is grounded in a growing body of scientific research that indicates potential negative health outcomes for infants exposed to cannabis prenatally or postnatally. This updated guidance arrives at a time when cannabis legalization is expanding, and public perceptions are evolving, underscoring the importance of clear medical directives to protect maternal and infant health.

National OBGYN Group Updates Cannabis Recommendations for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Individuals

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has recently disseminated new recommendations concerning cannabis use for expectant and nursing mothers, urging total abstinence from the drug, encompassing both recreational and medical forms, as well as edibles. These updated guidelines stem from various scientific investigations that have correlated cannabis exposure during pregnancy with adverse effects such as diminished birth weight, infants small for their gestational age, admissions to neonatal intensive care units, and increased perinatal mortality. Furthermore, cannabis consumption has been linked to impaired judgment, which can elevate the risk of accidents and injuries.

Beyond advising parents, ACOG has implored healthcare providers to conduct routine screenings for cannabis use in all patients—before, during, and after pregnancy. The objective of these screenings is to mitigate risks to both parent and child by enabling doctors to educate patients effectively. This is particularly crucial given the increasing normalization and legalization of cannabis, which has led to a decline in associated stigma. Medical professionals are encouraged to approach these discussions with empathy and without judgment, offering information and exploring alternative therapies for common pregnancy discomforts like nausea and pain. Despite established warnings regarding cannabis use by pregnant individuals and nursing infants, the use of cannabis and THC has surged, with a 2019 study indicating a doubling of cannabis use among pregnant individuals between 2002 and 2017. Experts also highlight persistent misunderstandings about the substance, partly due to its natural origin. While these new guidelines are advisory, pregnant individuals should anticipate discussions about cannabis during prenatal visits and receive encouragement to familiarize themselves with the reasons for its avoidance.

These updated recommendations serve as a crucial reminder for both healthcare providers and the public about the importance of evidence-based practices, particularly concerning substances like cannabis that are gaining wider acceptance. They highlight the enduring responsibility of medical organizations to safeguard public health amidst evolving social norms and legal landscapes. The emphasis on non-judgmental counseling also underscores the need for compassionate care, ensuring that patients receive accurate information and support rather than stigma. Ultimately, these guidelines advocate for informed decisions that prioritize the health and well-being of the most vulnerable members of society—newborns and expectant mothers.

Blippi's Job Show Returns: Inspiring Kids' Career Aspirations

The popular children's program, \"Blippi's Job Show,\" is launching its much-anticipated second season on Netflix, scheduled for September 22, 2025. This new season continues its mission to introduce young viewers to a variety of professions, emphasizing not only the excitement of different jobs but also the crucial soft skills, such as empathy, critical thinking, and collaborative efforts, that underpin success in any career path. Through engaging narratives and real-world examples, the show aims to broaden children's understanding of work and its contribution to society, encouraging them to envision their future roles with confidence and curiosity.

Season 2 of \"Blippi's Job Show\" builds upon the foundation laid by its inaugural season, which successfully introduced children to various community-serving careers. According to Lizzy Easterday, an executive producer at Moonbug Entertainment, the new season delves deeper into themes that resonate strongly with children, such as caring for animals and operating large machinery. This approach ensures that the content remains highly engaging while delivering valuable educational insights.

The upcoming season will feature an array of fascinating professions, including zookeepers, veterinarians, paleontologists, mechanics, and pilots. Easterday highlights that these roles are not merely aspirational but also demonstrate how real-world jobs require dedication, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork. For instance, an exclusive preview from the show reveals Blippi and Meekah collaborating with a zookeeper, learning about animal behaviors, feeding routines, and the essential responsibilities involved in animal care.

A core message of \"Blippi's Job Show\" is that a career encompasses more than just its functional tasks; it also demands a range of interpersonal and behavioral attributes. Easterday explains that episodes focusing on animal-related jobs are designed to cultivate children's innate empathy and inquisitiveness. By observing characters caring for and safeguarding animals, young viewers learn how compassion and responsibility converge, fostering skills that extend beyond professional boundaries to enhance personal relationships and exploratory endeavors.

Each episode dedicated to a specific job underscores the idea that triumph in a career relies significantly on acquired skills, enthusiasm, and a positive mindset. Easterday notes that mechanics exemplify the value of hands-on problem-solving, while pilots demonstrate how concentration and consistent practice can lead to remarkable achievements. The show intricately weaves these lessons into its storytelling, making learning an enjoyable and intuitive process for children.

At its heart, \"Blippi's Job Show\" champions the spirit of curiosity. By posing questions such as, \"Why do giraffes have such long necks?\" or \"How does a car engine operate?\" the show aims to ignite children's interest in their surroundings. This approach encourages kids to explore their local communities and engage in imaginative play even when not watching the show. Easterday emphasizes that the ultimate goal is to instill in children a lifelong sense of wonder and the belief that with self-assurance, passion, and exploration, they can achieve anything they aspire to be.

Moreover, the program offers a unique opportunity for parents to engage in meaningful conversations with their children. By discussing what they have learned, what sparked their interest, and what they wish to discover further, parents can foster deeper bonds and potentially ignite enduring passions in their children, whether for wildlife, aviation, or any other field. Easterday concludes by stating that while career aspirations may evolve over time, the dialogue and encouragement provided by parents are invaluable, giving children the freedom to dream, articulate their interests, and feel that their pursuits are respected and celebrated.

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Understanding and Addressing Childhood Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

This article explores the phenomenon of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) in children, examining its manifestations and offering parents actionable strategies to help their kids navigate these complex emotions. It delves into the pervasive influence of social media on childhood FOMO and provides guidance on fostering resilience, media literacy, and a healthy sense of self-worth.

Empowering Children to Thrive Beyond the Fear of Missing Out

Recognizing the Manifestations of FOMO in Young Individuals

The sensation of "Fear of Missing Out," or FOMO, describes the apprehension that others are consistently engaged in fulfilling and significant experiences from which one is excluded. While adults are familiar with this feeling, it profoundly affects children across various age groups, whether through observing peers' social events, missing playdates, or browsing digital platforms. Social media significantly intensifies FOMO for children, as noted by parenting expert Irin Rubin. Children frequently encounter curated images of their peers appearing cool, attending gatherings, or showcasing new gadgets. However, they typically don't see that these are carefully selected portrayals, not representative of daily reality.

The Impact of Digital Platforms and Subtle Indicators of FOMO

For young minds, what they encounter on digital platforms often feels entirely authentic, making it challenging to differentiate between reality and presentation. This is why social media frequently triggers feelings of insufficiency, envy, and diminished self-perception in youth. Nevertheless, children who are not actively online can also experience FOMO. Identifying the indicators is crucial: Rubin explains that in children, FOMO often appears as an urgent need, pressure, and distress concerning their friends' possessions or activities. Children might excessively focus on what their peers are doing and what they believe they are not part of. This disappointment can lead to feelings of exclusion, sadness, or even anger due to the fear of social isolation. Yet, the signs can sometimes be less apparent, as clinical psychologist Kanchi Wijesekera points out. While some children might openly express feeling left out, it more commonly presents in subtle ways. Parents might observe their child frequently checking on friends' activities, becoming anxious or moody after online engagement, struggling to appreciate the present moment due to preoccupation with other events, experiencing sleep disturbances from replaying social situations, or overemphasizing popularity and invitations.

Nurturing Emotional Well-being Through Dialogue

When you observe your child experiencing significant FOMO, providing a secure emotional environment for them to verbalize their sentiments is paramount. Dr. Wijesekera advises parents to maintain an open and non-judgmental attitude. Sharing your own experiences of feeling excluded can help normalize their emotions. Encourage children to articulate and name their feelings. This process of identifying and validating emotions can create a distance between the child and the feeling itself, thereby diminishing its power over them.

Cultivating Critical Thinking in the Digital Age

Addressing social media-induced FOMO begins by revealing the true nature of online content. This involves highlighting that digital platforms present a filtered reality, showcasing only the positive aspects of individuals' lives while concealing struggles and imperfections. Dr. Wijesekera recommends encouraging children to recognize when they are comparing themselves to online portrayals and to understand that these often do not reflect actual situations. Educating them to think critically about what they see on social media can help them distinguish between a curated online persona and genuine life experiences.

Fostering Identity Beyond Peer Influence

Children encounter FOMO across various facets of life. Missing out on real-world activities such as clubs, sports, or social events can impact their self-perception and confidence. Therefore, managing FOMO involves assisting your child in developing a robust identity independent of social media and peer groups. Leah Jacobs, LMHC, founder of the Digital Wellness Project, notes that children often lack offline pursuits that reinforce their self-identity. Helping your child rekindle their interest in offline activities can be an excellent starting point.

Establishing Healthy Digital Boundaries

It is crucial to discuss the importance of setting boundaries for screen time with children and to prioritize routines that emphasize human connection within your family life. Dr. Wijesekera suggests working collaboratively as a family to implement these changes. Beneficial routines might include keeping devices out of bedrooms at night, allocating phone-free family time, and experimenting with "tech-light weekends." Most importantly, involve children in these decisions, as their participation increases their likelihood of respecting the boundaries. Furthermore, parents should model balanced behavior. If a child observes a parent putting their phone away to be present, it reinforces the idea that constant scrolling is not essential for maintaining connection.

Embracing the Value of "Missing Out"

Guiding your child through FOMO involves fostering perspective and resilience. One effective approach is to normalize the concept of missing out. Rubin suggests that parents emphasize that it is simply not possible to have or do everything, even for adults. Highlight that not participating does not diminish one's worth; instead, it signifies making choices that align with personal values. This cultivates resilience and helps children understand that belonging is not synonymous with "having it all." Another valuable concept is JOMO, the "joy of missing out." Jacobs explains that JOMO, rooted in social boundaries, can help young people appreciate the value of slowing down and finding contentment in choosing rest, solitude, or personal time over continuous social engagement. Introducing JOMO into a child's vocabulary can help reframe "missing out" as an opportunity for peace and self-connection.

Recognizing When FOMO Signals Deeper Concerns

While FOMO is a common and often manageable experience for most children, sometimes it indicates more profound underlying issues. Dr. Wijesekera suggests that if FOMO is persistent and overwhelming, it might be more than just a passing phase. If your child is constantly worried, experiences increasing sadness or anxiety, or shows changes in sleep, appetite, or school performance, there may be deeper struggles at play. Additionally, any sudden decline in confidence or self-esteem, or repeated expressions of not belonging, are crucial indicators. When these patterns are consistent and negatively impact daily life, they could point to underlying concerns such as anxiety, depression, or low self-worth. If you observe these signs in your child, seek assistance from their pediatrician or a mental health professional to gain support and tools for managing these challenges in a healthier manner.

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