Dr. Koy Roberts' Blog
Koy Roberts, Ph.D. Blog
Want your child to do better in school?
Make sure they get plenty of physical exercise. Just as more schools are decreasing Physical Education class in order to increase academic preparation here is some new research that suggests this is not such a great idea. I know my daughter gets P.E. about once every three school days whereas I remember getting both recess and P.E. every single day. Not to mention playing soccer or football in the school yard with my friends every day after school. Needless to say we weren't prepping for TAKS or STAAR.
Worst Parents of 2011
Just in case you are beating yourself up for mistakes made this past year...here is a list to make you realize you're doing a pretty good job.
Adolescents and their phones
Sexting linked to psychological distress. Yet even more evidence for parents to monitor and supervise phones as if they were computers.
Oct 16-21
October 16-21 is ADHD Awareness Week. Get the facts, take a survey and read what over 2000 people have had to say about ADHD.
Bully to elevate social status
The stereotype of the school bully preying upon the weak student isn't much of a reality among today's youth according to new research. In a CNN study researchers surprisingly discovered there isn't much difference between bullies and victims. Most bullying reflects what they call "social combat". The prime motivation behind bullying appears to be social status. The higher students rise on the social ladder, the more they bully other students, and the more other students bully them.
What teachers really want to tell parents
Ron Clark writes one of the best editorials I have ever read. I agree that a parent should consider a teacher's advice as they would a doctor or attorney. They are professional educators and have the objectivity, training, experience and knowledge we do not possess. Plus, they really do care for and love our children. They have their best interest in mind. Most will tell you "I'm sure not in it for the money."
Start strong
A slew of resources, advice and tips to ensure your child with ADD, ADHD or Learning Disabilities has a great school year.
http://www.additudemag.com/channel/adhd-learning-disabilities/index.html
College professor's video game addiction
An honest and eye-opening account of a man's struggle with video game addiction. I was especially interested in how this problem manifested itself during his teenage and college years. He and his parents apparently normalized the behavior. We do that...don't we? I agree that gaming can be a poor substitute for legitimate social relationships. Social needs and self-esteem are met in a virtual world where one feels important and powerful. His story is an important lesson on managing our children's electronic habits.
