What stood out most this year was not a rise in rare diseases among children, but a continual increase in lifestyle-related health issues and delayed presentation of common problems before doctors. As we step into 2026, these patterns offer important lessons for families and caregivers. Dr Nehal Shah, Consultant, Paediatric Medicine, Narayana Health SRCC Children's Hospital, Mumbai, shares what parents need to know: Childhood Wellness Trends in 2025 1) Rise in Preventable Illnesses Due to Lifestyle Changes One of the most evident observations this year was the rise in preventable health complications among young children. Reduced physical activity and outdoor play, increased screen time, irregular and late-night snacking, along with poor dietary habits, were among the leading causes of health issues such as childhood obesity, constipation, and early metabolic concerns. Many of these children had no underlying medical conditions; however, their symptoms clearly reflected unhealthy daily routines. 2) Increased Focus on Mental and Emotional Health In 2025, paediatric clinics observed a clear increase in children presenting with sleep disturbances, anxiety, and school-related stress, often accompanied by behavioural changes. These concerns were frequently subtle and expressed through common physical symptoms such as headaches, poor appetite, or stomach aches. While more parents are now open to discussing their child's mental and emotional wellbeing, early recognition continues to remain a challenge. 3) Increased Screen Exposure and Its Health Impact Prolonged screen exposure continued to negatively impact sleep cycles, attention spans, and physical activity levels among children, with no significant reduction in gadget usage. Parents faced increasing difficulty in setting boundaries, affecting overall wellness more than anticipated. Key Takeaways for Parents and Caregivers Many symptoms do not require medical treatment and can be managed with changes in routine and lifestyle Preventive check-ups help detect concerns related to growth, nutrition, and behaviour early, allowing timely intervention Mental and emotional wellbeing is as critical as physical health A regulated sleep cycle and balanced diet are far more effective in the long term than short-term fixes What to Look Forward to in 2026 1) Stronger Focus on Preventive Paediatrics The coming year is expected to see greater emphasis on preventive care rather than reactive treatment. Regular wellness visits, growth monitoring, and developmental assessments will play a key role in identifying potential concerns before they progress into clinical issues. 2) Nutrition as a Core Pillar of Child Health Balanced diets, age-appropriate nutrition, and early correction of micronutrient deficiencies will become central to paediatric care. Parents will be encouraged to focus on sustainable food habits tailored to their child's specific nutritional needs. 3) Early Integration of Mental Health Screening Mental wellbeing will no longer be addressed retrospectively. Simple screening tools and open conversations will help identify stress, anxiety, and emotional difficulties at an earlier stage. A Message for Parents One of the most important lessons from 2025 is that small, structured, and consistent preventive measures during childhood can significantly reduce the risk of health complications later in life. Children thrive with the right care, awareness, and prevention not just medical treatment.