This ‘New Normal’ for Our Kids? It’s Anything But Normal.

Let’s just say it: our kids are not okay.
 

We’ve normalized way too much—chronic illness, behavioral issues, and mental health struggles—as if this is just the way childhood looks now. But here's the thing: it doesn't have to be this way. And honestly? It shouldn't be.

The Stats That Should Make Us All Stop in Our Tracks:

• 1 in 5 kids has eczema
  
  
• 1 in 10 has asthma (and 1 in 5 if they’re living in poverty)
  
  
• 1 in 10 has ADHD
  
  
• Nearly 1 in 10 has behavior problems
  
  
• 1 in 10 kids has already been diagnosed with anxiety—and that number jumps to 1 in 3 by the teen years
  
  
• 1 in 3 teen girls has seriously thought about suicide.
  
  
• 1 in 36 kids has autism
  
  
• Autoimmunity is rising 3–9% every year—with teens leading the charge
  
  

And nearly 1 in 2 kids has at least one persistent health concern. Half. That’s not rare. That’s the new baseline.

But Let’s Be Clear: “Normal” Doesn’t Mean Healthy.

Somewhere along the way, we got so used to this stuff—eczema, meltdowns, bellyaches, hyperactivity, sleep issues, behavioral diagnoses—that we stopped questioning it.

We’re told it’s genetic. We’re told it’s just how modern childhood works. We’re told to manage it with meds, therapy, and patience.

But you know what? That’s not the whole story. Not even close.

Back in 2005, the New England Journal of Medicine Sounded the Alarm

They predicted our kids would be the first generation to live shorter lives than their parents… not because of war, or famine, or trauma—but because of diet- and lifestyle-related disease.

And here we are. That prediction? It's happening.

We didn’t change course. We just learned to tolerate the symptoms.

So, What Is Driving All of This?

Gut issues. Food quality. Early and frequent use of antibiotics, antacids, and fever reducers. Environmental toxins. Stress. Screens. Ultra-processed everything. A culture that rewards busyness over nourishment.

It’s not just one thing—it’s the whole system. And it’s catching up with our kids.

The Good News? You’re Not Powerless.

You actually have more influence than you think. Every choice we make around food, sleep, movement, environment, and stress has the potential to either support healing or pile on more dysfunction.

Start small. Ask questions. Get curious about root causes.

Because masking symptoms isn’t healing—and our kids deserve actual healing.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight.

But you do need to stop believing this is just “how it is now.” It’s not.

If you’re ready to dig deeper, challenge the status quo, and help your kids actually feel better—not just manage better—you’re not alone. You’re the parent this generation needs.

To help you get started, I’ve created a PDF with a simple checklist so you can start taking the small steps towards creating incredible health for you and your family. Click this link to download.