The U.S. Census Bureau stated that in 2012, 46.5 million Americans were living at or below the poverty line. The conditions associated with living in poverty can be detrimental to people of all ages, but especially children.

Kids who grow up in poverty may not have the same educational experiences as children their age who are more well-off. Still, it may be possible for kids to ward off some of the brain changes linked to growing up in poverty, according to a recent study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Researchers believe that the presence of nurturing parents could make a difference.

In the study, the researchers found that parenting and life stressors had an impact on how poverty affects a child's developing brain. Parents who had to wrestle with these conditions were found to have less time to nurture their children. Mothers and fathers who made time had kids who were less likely to experience anatomical brain changes.

Of course, all children could benefit from a nurturing parent, not just those living in poverty. Parents may be able to see how their behavior toward their kids affects their cognitive skills through the results of an IQ test for kids.