What Parents Need to Know from the MAHA Report - NACD International | The National Association for Child Development

by Bob Doman

The recently released ‘Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) report, spearheaded by Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., presented a critical examination of the factors contributing to the decline in the health of American children. The report identifies several key areas of concern that align closely with the mission of the National Association for Child Development (NACD).

One of our ongoing efforts for almost half a century has been to educate parents and assist them in their children’s development and education, part of which has included guiding and assisting them in addressing dietary and health issues. Every year our experience and data underscore the significance of diet, nutrition, and exercise for general health, as well as the correlation between these pieces and brain function and development. The correlation between these basic physiological pieces and development, mental receptivity, behavior, energy, awareness, sleep, and on and on is unquestionable. In addition, the tremendous number of children we have worked with internationally has strongly indicated a causative relationship between environmental toxins, immunizations, and neurodevelopmental issues such as autism, ADHD, and global developmental delay being high on the list. Research is indicating that there are multigenerational and transgenerational effects of toxins in our environment and foods that can produce developmental issues in our children, but also disorders such as asthma, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases.

One of our roles is helping parents understand that they are responsible for their child’s diet and exercise and providing them with the expertise and support to make the needed changes. Some children come to us with absolutely horrendous diets. Many decades ago I was puzzled by the number of low functioning children who would eat nothing other than McDonald’s fries, chicken nuggets, or burgers. Most of these children would not have known Ronald McDonald from the president and would not or could not attend to TV and be influenced by advertising or peers. We assumed there was something in this food that had the children hooked. It turned out it was sugar. Between addiction to things from gluten to sugar and the tendency of children to get stuck in behavior patterns, many parents were unwilling or able to modify their child’s diet. Working with the whole child and the family, we were able to guide and coach the parents so that they could break addictions and patterns, as well as modify the child’s senses of taste and smell and even increase their cognitive function to increase the child’s reasoning ability. Without comprehensive help many parents are lost as to how to make the necessary changes. Changing a stubborn or addicted child’s diet, getting them away from screens and moving is often perceived by parents to be a futile task. And truth be known, many parents have neither the expertise nor support to make these changes, and as a result they do their best to try to convince themselves that it’s neither possible nor important. Creating healing healthy diets and exercise is not only possible, it’s vital not only to the child’s function and behavior today, but to their future development, health and even their longevity.

Changing addictions and behavior patterns may not be simple, but it’s often a lot easier than many parents believe. But parents need a lot of guidance and support to do it. It can be done, and it is not only important, but often required if we are going to help the children become what they can and should be.

Children are not responsible for creating good diets and exercise programs, their parents are.

We have prepared a summary of the Make America Health Again report, and we encourage everyone to review it. It’s important!

Our Summary

On May 22, 2025, the MAHA (“Make America Healthy Again”) Commission—led by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—released its Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment, spotlighting four main drivers behind the rise in chronic health conditions among American children:

1. Ultra‑Processed Foods

Nearly 70 percent of children’s daily calories now come from ultra‑processed foods—high in sugars, refined grains, industrial fats, additives, and dyes.
These diets are tied to obesity, diabetes, learning and behavior challenges, sleep issues, and weakened cognitive abilities.
The report urges reconsideration of dietary guidelines and federal food programs to reduce processed food consumption. org+14whitehouse.gov+14fabbs.org+14 mofo.com+1adhdevidence.org+1

2. Environmental Chemicals

Children face daily exposure to tens of thousands of synthetic chemicals—PFAS, pesticides, microplastics, heavy metals, and even electromagnetic radiation.
The report links these exposures to developmental delays, endocrine disruption, and metabolic problems, calling for stronger oversight, cumulative-impact studies, and stricter regulation.org+2whitehouse.gov+2wlj.net+2

3. Sedentary Lifestyles, Screen Time & Chronic Stress

The increase in screen time—up to nine hours a day—is coupled with reduced physical activity, poor sleep, and increasing stress and anxiety.
These factors contribute significantly to obesity, mental health issues, and behavioral problems. MAHA places equal emphasis on lifestyle and dietary concerns.org+2americanactionforum.org+2fabbs.org+2 adhdevidence.org+7mofo.com+7americanactionforum.org+7

4. Over‑Medicalization

The assessment warns against excessive prescribing of psychiatric medications, antibiotics, acid suppressants, and emerging weight-loss drugs for children.
It flags insufficient long-term safety data, lax oversight, and undue influence from pharmaceutical interests, advocating for enhanced informed consent and post-market monitoring.

✅ What NACD Families Can Do Now

Opt for whole foods—eliminate processed snacks, dyes, and excess sugars from meals.
Reduce toxin exposure—choose cleaner produce, limit plastic use, filter water, and avoid pesticides.
Promote movement & healthy routines—encourage outdoor activity, limit screen time, establish consistent sleep patterns, and manage stress.
Vet medical interventions thoughtfully—research prescriptions and vaccines, seek second opinions, and engage in informed decision-making.
Stay engaged and advocate—keep track of MAHA’s next moves and support measures that promote healthier schools, cleaner environments, and safer food.

Bottom Line

MAHA confirms what NACD has always emphasized: the profound impact of diet, environment, lifestyle, and prudent healthcare choices on child development. Though not without flaws, the report offers a compelling framework to shift national policy toward prevention and family empowerment. NACD stands ready to guide families in turning these insights into real-world, healthy practices.