How do I help my child grieve the loss of a loved one? There are several things you can do to help your child grieve the loss of a loved one. Perhaps the most important is to help them find ways to process the loss. Consider these ideas as you help your child grieve: Initiate …Read More
Gene Linked to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Dec 1, 2009
A new study published in the March 2008 Journal of the American Medical Association reports that early childhood trauma, such as child abuse, influences specific variations in a stress-related gene. Researchers at Emory University found that this interaction significantly increased the possibility that adult survivors of abuse would go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder …Read More
Helping Your Child to Grieve
Dec 1, 2009
There are several things you can do to help your child grieve the loss of a loved one. Perhaps the most important is to help them find ways to process the loss. Consider these ideas as you help your child grieve: Initiate conversations about the lost loved one. Tell your child gently about the loved …Read More
Why Teens Cut Themselves
Dec 1, 2009
Self-injurious behavior, such as cutting, is generally more than an attempt to get attention. Teens who cut themselves often report that they do it to stop or escape from intense, unpleasant emotions, such as anxiety or depression. For these teens, the pain of the moment provides a distraction to the overwhelming myriad of confusing thoughts …Read More
How to Tell If Your Teen Is Using Drugs
Dec 1, 2009
Look for changes in your teen’s or friend’s behavior, such as: Changes in personality, such as when an outgoing child starts appearing withdrawn or and active child becomes lethargic and unmotivated Changes in friends, such as dropping long-time friends for new ones that you don’t know Increased physical complaints, such as more frequent headaches, upset …Read More
Tips on How Parents Can Respond to an Angry Teen
Dec 1, 2009
When a teen is angry, he or she is trying to tell you something. Sometimes they are simply frustrated with your rules and limits. Other times their anger reflects underlying fear, sadness, confusion, or feelings of rejection. Whatever the reason for your child’s anger, don’t let it drive you apart. Your teen still needs you, …Read More
Teen Behavior: Emotional Problems or Just Hormones?
Dec 1, 2009
The changes that teens experience as they enter puberty affect them in many ways, including hormonal changes that can impact their mood and behavior. Increases in testosterone levels in boys can result in greater irritability and expressions of anger. Hormone changes in girls can have similar effects. However, when your teen’s emotional or behavior disruption …Read More
Some Appropriate Consequences for Teenage Misbehavior
Dec 1, 2009
As your child moves from childhood to the teen years, you must adjust your style of discipline. Two things to consider: As you child gets older, your relationship with him or her is your most important leverage. Make sure that you are making time to do fun things together, creating opportunities for conversations, recognizing their …Read More