Doctors are concerned about our newborns
A growing number of parents are declining routine newborn treatments, and pediatricians are increasingly concerned. One example is the vitamin K shot, a standard practice since 1961 that prevents dangerous, sometimes fatal bleeding. Refusal rates have nearly doubled, rising from 2.9% to 5.2% between 2017 and 2024.

Dr. Tom Patterson, who works at a hospital in Idaho, says during a recent shift, half the parents refused a vitamin K shot for their newborn.

Doctors say this trend is tied to rising medical mistrust and the belief that “natural” is safer. But the risks are real. Babies who don’t receive vitamin K are 81 times more likely to develop severe bleeding. In Idaho alone, doctors reported multiple recent deaths linked to deficiency.

Refusing vitamin K is also often linked to skipping other protections, like something as simple as eye ointment that prevents gonorrhea, which can cause blindness if left untreated.

Still concerned about vitamin K? Read more about it here to make an informed decision.

🦐 Shrimp on the barbie
According to data based on cost of living, safety, happiness, family benefits, parental leave, green spaces, and much more, Brisbane, Australia, is the best place in the world to raise a family. Australia actually has five cities in the top ten, including Auckland, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne. London was determined to be the second best city. You won't find a U.S. city on the list until #28, which is occupied by New York City. Chicago and Dallas come in at #33 and #34, respectively. See the full list here.

🤖 Could AI "slop" be ruining childhood?
Some “educational” kids videos online aren’t as harmless as they seem. Experts warn that AI-generated content is flooding platforms like YouTube, often filled with errors or even unsafe messages, like kids riding without seat belts or learning incorrect facts. One report found about 21% of YouTube content may be low-quality AI videos. Researchers say this kind of content can confuse young children and even impact development. If you're wondering what this slop looks like, check out this horrifying video.

💊 Children's ibuprofen being recalled nationwide
Nearly 90,000 bottles of children’s ibuprofen have been recalled after reports of contamination, including “gel-like masses” and black particles. The FDA classified it as a Class II recall, meaning the product could cause temporary or medically reversible harm. The affected medication was distributed nationwide. More info.

🍎 It's gonna take more than an apple to fix this problem
Classroom behavior is getting worse, and teachers say parents play a key role in fixing it. A recent survey found 64% of educators report declining behavior, with many calling for more parental support at home. Experts say parental support can make or break student behavior in the classroom, and teachers believe kids need stricter consequences.

🛠️ Can't afford the water park?
Take your kids to Home Depot this summer. Yes, we're serious.

Cheesy Asparagus Orzzoto
I am always on the lookout for a new pasta recipe because my kids cannot get enough. This one is not only easy, but also delicious.

Kids don’t like peas? That’s OK, leave them out. Or Substitute with lima beans, and watch your kids ask for peas! 😉

Not interested in using wine? Just use broth there too.

Ingredients:

Directions:
Step 1
In a large Dutch oven (this one is a favorite and on sale) or heavy pot over medium-high heat, heat 2 Tbsp. oil until very hot. Arrange asparagus in pot in an even layer, cover, and cook, turning halfway through, until crisp-tender and charred in spots, about 4 minutes. Transfer asparagus to a cutting board; season with salt. (Alternatively, broil on a sheet pan until cooked through.)

Step 2
Wipe out pot. In same pot over medium-high heat, heat remaining 1/4 cup oil. Add leeks; season with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until just softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in orzo and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until orzo is toasted and garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add wine and cook, scraping up any browned bits, until wine is absorbed, 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 3
Stir in broth, 1/2 tsp. salt, and a few grinds of pepper and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until orzo is tender, 12 to 15 minutes.

Step 4
Meanwhile, cut asparagus crosswise into 1" pieces.

Step 5
Add peas to orzo mixture, cover, and cook until peas are warmed through, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add Parmesan, cream, and butter and stir until butter is melted. Stir in asparagus and basil; season with salt and pepper. Top with more basil.

Last week, we asked you what the most believable “symptom” for expecting dads was, and over 60% of you said, "Fatigue" while "Mood swings" came in a close second. No one said "swollen feet" and, for that, we're grateful.