Good news: the world is officially less terrifying for tiny humans. Since 1990, global child mortality has been cut in half. That’s right—half! Parents everywhere can finally unclench a little, because medicine, vaccines, and the miraculous discovery of “clean water not laced with mystery bacteria” are doing their jobs.

Think about it: a kid born today has a way better shot at surviving long enough to hate broccoli, refuse bedtime, and one day loudly blame their parents in therapy for making them wear socks with sandals. And honestly? That’s progress worth celebrating.

Of course, there’s still work to do. Some countries lag behind, and no parent should lose sleep over something preventable. But the trajectory is undeniable: we’re proving, as a species, that we can learn, invest, and care our way into a future where childhood means Play-Doh, not peril.

Humanity: still flawed, still weird—but definitely getting better at keeping kids alive.