The world now has more obese children than underweight
The United Nations’ children’s agency, UNICEF, released a pretty shocking report last week, revealing obesity now exceeds underweight in all regions of the world except sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Researchers studied data from 190+ countries and found the number of overweight children doubled in 25 years, from 194 million to 391 million, with many classified as obese. The highest rates are in Pacific Island nations: 38% in Niue, 37% in the Cook Islands, and 33% in Nauru.

Don't worry, the United States isn't too far behind. 21% of 5 to 19-years-olds in the US are obese.

The important bits
While obesity has risen, the percentage of underweight children has been on a steady decline from 13% in 2000 to 9.2% in 2025.

According to the report, by 2035, overweight and obesity could cost the global economy over US$4 trillion a year. The report calls on governments to take action, including tighter rules on food labelling and marketing, but as we know, counting on the government to come together on anything is usually a fruitless endeavor.

What's it all mean?
It's up to us as parents to make sure our kids are at a healthy weight, and whether you want to believe it or not, our own lifestyles have a major influence on them.

In a recent weeklong study of 182 children and their parents, researchers found kids were less active when moms and dads were sedentary, and more active when parents were active too.

This informative article breaks down the key steps to raising a healthy eater.

🙄 Stop asking your kids, "How was school?"
Tired of getting one word answers from your kids? Well, maybe you're just asking the wrong questions. According to the experts, you should stop asking your kid how school was, and instead, try one of these 10 questions instead. One of our favorites on the list? "If you could switch places with someone in your class, who would it be?"

👑 Top baby names inspired by TikTok influencers
Influencers already shape trends in décor and fashion, and now they're taking over baby names as well! A recent study has shown parents now look to Instagram and TikTok for baby name ideas. You can find the top 10 TikTok-inspired baby names here. Included on the list? Nova, Kai, Rowan and Addison. Thankfully, no one has named their baby Mr. Beast... at least not yet!

😭 It’s the end of an era!
Tween mall staple Claire's, famous for every young girl’s traumatic first ear piercing, is in serious trouble these days. They just announced they're closing nearly 300 stores across the country after filing for bankruptcy earlier this month. If the company doesn't find a buyer in the next few months, the additional 800 stores that remain will close as well. Here's where they went wrong.

🧀 Not the Mac and Cheese!
Goodles mac and cheese is recalling several of its products due to risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction. According to the report, the products might have undeclared milk. Read more here.

🏥 Is your family on Obamacare?
You'll want to read this article, as your monthly premium could more than triple starting next year when enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expire.

📚 50 great board books for your toddler
Check 'em out here.

Last week, we asked you if schools should continue to require children be vaccinated against preventable diseases, and nearly 100% of you said, "Yes!"

This week, we’re exploring the power of creativity!

Simon Adams, a middle school art teacher and gifted artist, joins Dr. Kiyah Duffey to share how we can nurture creativity in our kids (hint: it often starts with letting them be bored). Simon and Dr. Duffey break down the difference between Big-C and little-c creativity, and show how practice, constraints, and the “magical yet” can turn “I can’t” into “I can’t… yet.”

They tackle fear of failure, explain why specific praise matters more than empty compliments, and compare screens to junk food that fills time without fueling imagination.

Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube