Extreme heat adds more stress for families struggling with illness, financial strain, or limited resources.

Emerging research links climate-related stressors, extreme temperatures, and the risk of child abuse.

Climate change may act as a “threat multiplier,” increasing pressures on families and weakening supports.

Understanding how climate change affects family life offers new opportunities to prevent child maltreatment.

This post is part 1 of a two-part series.

On one of the hottest days of the summer, I went to Target. It seemed as if every parent in town had had the same idea. Outside, it was miserable. Inside there was air-conditioning, cold drinks, bathrooms, and enough space to wander around for a while. I remember wondering how many families actually needed something and how many were there because Target was cool.

There was a mother shopping with four children, all of them, I guessed, under ten. The kids were restless. One complained. Another wandered off. Someone wanted something. She called them back and asked them to please, please just let her finish shopping.

Then I heard her say, "Shut up."

Not "please be quiet." Not "inside voices." Just a sharp "shut up."

I looked over at her. I wasn't trying to correct her. I was hoping to catch her eye and give her that look parents sometimes give each other. This heat. These kids. I get it.

She looked right back at me, and her face said: Don't you dare.

I knew that look. I'd worn it myself.........

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