Dr. Koy Roberts' Blog
The Family Hub
Sisters are Good for You
Now I know why I always longed for a sister growing up rather than being stuck in the middle of two brothers. Recent research out of Brigham Young University suggests that having a sister provides a child with a form of psychological immunity. Having a sister tends to protect one from a host of emotional problems. Sibling relationships matter. In fact, they go a long way in forming the kinds of pro social behaviors we want to see develop in our kids such as kindness and generosity. Conflictual sibling relationships can be troubling. While most of us chalk up all sibling conflict as normal or developmental these researchers suggest that siblings who are hostile toward one another tend to portray hostility and aggressiveness in other relationships.
Homesick
Whether it's your five year old starting Kindergarten or your 18 year old shipping off to college homesickness is a normal, adaptive process. Being homesick is really just a deep need for love, protection and security. The cure is allowing your child the psychological space to go through these experiences. Rescuing them or hovering is more about alleviating our own parental anxieties. We should love our children enough to let them experience this so they mature and grow up which produces healthy, psychological independence. CNN has a great article about homesickness.
Internet Addiction linked to Teen Depression
In an August report by the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine teenagers run a 2.5 times greater risk of becoming depressed if they engage in addictive Internet use. Uncontrolled and unreasonable Internet use is similar to other problematic and scary addictions like pornography or gambling. Previous research into pathological Internet behavior has discovered a link to relationship and health problems, aggressive behavior and other psychological issues. This is due to the isolating and alienating nature of Internet addiction. It also tends to contract a teen's circle of friends. The bottom line is that parents must be on their toes monitoring and limiting their child's online activities. The key as always is ensuring your child is well-rounded, has plenty of social and interpersonal activities, gets adequate physical exercise, maintains their academics and remains plugged into his or her family. When these behaviors deteriorate as a result of Internet usage it's time to take drastic action.
Difficult children
Sometimes it's not a parent's fault. I most definitely agree that parents cannot take all the credit nor all the blame for everything their children become.
Plugged in Parents
Thought-provoking NY Times article about the effects and potential risks of parenting while constantly connected to technology. Most of the recent research and scholarly articles have focused on risks associated with children and teens use or abuse of electronics and gadgets. However, one researcher indicates feelings of hurt, jealousy, and competition are pervasive when parents stay continuously plugged in.
Exercise improves GPA
I'm fascinated by the continued string of well-controlled, scientific studies on the benefits of exercise. It just keeps getting better. We now know that vigorous exercise has proven just as effective as antidepressant medication in the treatment of anxiety, stress and depression. It improves self-esteem and controls weight not to mention the plethora of physiological and other health benefits. Now it is linked to better academic grades. Get your kids and teens moving!
Good idea
A New Jersey middle school principal speaks out about social networking. He garnered national attention for his call to action imploring parents to take their middle school age children off of FaceBook and other social networking sites. I think it's a good idea. Most middle school age kids are ill equipped psychologically to deal with social networking sites.
Technology. Friend or Foe?
While it may be too early to make any firm conclusions...battle lines are certainly being drawn about the impact of technology on our kids' relationships and relationship building skills. An interesting article in the New York Times discusses both sides of the debate. There are scores of experts who believe kids' today have great tech skills but weak face-to-face human relationship skills. However, some parents interviewed believed it allowed their teen to strengthen relationships, broaden their social network and facilitate an active social life.
Today
Today, May 6th is National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. Visit www.samhsa.gov/children/ for details.
Speaking of exercise...
Since my wife ran the Boston Marathon I have had exercise on the top of my mind lately. Researchers believe they may have found the magic pill for depression and anxiety.
