As adolescents spend increasing amounts of time on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, the effects on their sleep patterns are becoming more apparent and concerning.
How to Help Your High Schooler Develop Essential Executive Functioning Skills
High school can be a time of intense growth and transition for teens and executive functioning skills are essential to helping them thrive. For some high schoolers, however, executive functioning skills may need to be actively supported. As parents, we can play a crucial role in helping our teens build these skills, setting them up for greater success in high school and beyond.
The Science Behind Middle School Mood Swings
Middle school children face a host of physical, social, and emotional changes as they transition from childhood to adolescence. Understanding why they struggle with emotion regulation and knowing how to support them can help parents, teachers, and caregivers navigate these challenging years with greater empathy and effectiveness.
7 Important Reasons Middle Schoolers Should Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities
What is an Extracurricular Activity? An extracurricular activity is any organized program or pursuit that takes place outside the standard academic curriculum of a school. These activities are typically voluntary and can include a wide range of options such as sports teams, music and arts programs, clubs, volunteer work, and special interest groups. Extracurricular activities …
Helping Kids with Perspective-Taking and Empathy
Teaching kids empathy and perspective-taking is a gradual process that requires patience, consistency, and intentionality. These skills not only improve their relationships but also shape them into compassionate, thoughtful individuals who can navigate the complexities of the world with kindness and understanding.
Understanding and Treating Pediatric Bipolar Disorder
Pediatric bipolar disorder is a mental health condition in children and adolescents. While less common than in adults, pediatric bipolar disorder can have a significant impact on a child's emotional, social, and academic functioning.
Empowering Kids to Handle Anger: Strategies for Effective Anger Management
Anger management is essential for children as it contributes to their emotional, social, and academic development, while also promoting their overall well-being and safety. Learning to regulate emotions such as anger equips children with valuable life skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Here are some strategies to assist children in managing their anger: …
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Bullying: A Mental Health Crisis
Bullying is a repetitive and harmful behavior that involves the use of power, aggression, or intimidation to deliberately hurt, threaten, or dominate another person. Bullying can occur in various settings, including schools. It often involves a power imbalance, where the perpetrator has more power or influence over the victim. The consequences of bullying can be …
Navigating the Spectrum: Understanding Autism and the Importance of Early Diagnosis
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals across a wide spectrum, presenting unique challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior. Early diagnosis is a critical factor in empowering individuals with autism to thrive by facilitating timely interventions and support. The Complexity of AutismAutism is a complex spectrum, encompassing a diverse range …
Navigating Back-to-School Stress: Tips for a Smooth Transition
Now that we’re in the middle of the back-to-school season, students of all ages often find themselves grappling with a mixture of excitement and stress. Whether you're a student returning to the classroom or a parent helping your child prepare, understanding and managing back-to-school stress is crucial for a successful transition. Keep in mind there …
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Understanding Abandonment: What Adoptees Want You to Know
Adoptions provide valuable insights into the complexities of abandonment. Understanding the nuanced dynamics surrounding abandonment in adoption helps foster empathy, creating a space for individuals to navigate their unique paths toward healing, connection, and a sense of belonging in their adoptive families.
Understanding and Addressing the Alarming Rise in Suicide Rates Among Black Children and Adolescents
The statistics have painted a somber picture - a significant rise in suicide rates among Black children and adolescents. Suicide rates among Black youth in the United States are growing at an alarming rate. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rates among those ages 10 to 24 rose 36.6% from 2018 …
What is ADHD and How Does it Impact Learning?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person's ability to focus, control impulses, and regulate their energy levels. ADHD is considered a chronic disorder that may negatively impact many aspects of an individual’s life including academic functioning. With consistent treatment, you will find that ADHD symptoms will be more manageable and not as impactful on learning.
Understanding the Mental Health Landscape of High School Seniors
High school seniors often find themselves facing a myriad of challenges that can significantly impact their mental well-being. By encouraging strategies such as self-care, open communication, time management, and other lifestyle changes, high school seniors are better equipped to manage their mental wellness in a holistic way.
