‘One father threatened to stab the referee’: why does kids’ football bring out the worst in parents?

When they’re not shouting at their own children, many of Britain’s soccer dads like nothing more than swearing at the officials, or even trading blows on the touchline. Isn’t this supposed to be fun?

Put your baby down to nap near a washing machine, expert says

Researcher warns that dark daytime naps can disrupt babies’ sleep when they properly go to bed at night

Want your kids to be caring and sharing? Feed them fish

A new study shows that children who eat seafood are more likely to share their toys and help their friends. But why?

It’s the age of regret: gen Z grew up glued to their screens, and missed the joy of being human

A generation who came of age online now feel deprived of real connections. The upside is they are doing something about it, says Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff

‘I couldn’t be left alone with the kids’: when parental exhaustion tips into burnout

Most people with small children are worn out – but for some, the pressure of striving to be perfect parents can drive them to the edge

Soft spaces out, stick-fighting in: Dutch call for the return of risky play

Encouraging kids to play with fire? Hear us out, says party worried by the Netherlands’ increasingly sedentary ways

Stuck in the middle: advice on bringing up babies and caring for your parents

Believe it or not, you know more about babies than you think – and try to have fun with your mum and dad. Advice from the experts for the ‘sandwich generation’

My daughter could have died. I blame US insurance companies

I asked my doctor for a shot to protect my premature daughter against RSV. Then we realized we didn’t qualify for insurance

‘Fear of missing out’ keeping girls and young women online despite sexism

Almost half of girls aged 11 to 21 in Girlguiding survey say sexism and misogyny makes them feel less safe

I’ve pushed it up hills, on to trams and around possum poo – but now I must farewell our faithful pram

I’ve been preparing my daughter for the fact she’ll have to use an alternate mode of transport: her legs

Do you strive to be in control of your life? It might be holding you back …

Beyond being in or out of control, there is an alternative – and it’s one of the building blocks to living well

Breakfast clubs must be for all children in England, say disability charities

Campaigners want Labour’s key education policy to provide food for primary aged pupils rather than just in schools

My report on the NHS diagnosed its dire condition. Now here’s the cure

Making healthy life expectancy central to all government policy is the surest way of stemming demand on the health service, says surgeon and former health minister Lord Darzi

The Guardian view on children and smartphones: setting some limits is a good idea

Editorial: Mobile phone use is not the biggest issue facing schools – or society. But device-free time is important

‘It felt shameful’: the profound loneliness of modern motherhood

The mothers of babies and young children often experience extreme isolation – and all the health problems that accompany it