Koy Roberts, Ph.D. Blog

Unraveling Teenage Weirdness

2012-01-29T19:26:44Z

What happens when children reach puberty earlier and adulthood later? Teenage weirdness. Alison Gopnik in The Wall Street Journal writes how developmental psychologists and neuroscientists are starting to explain the foundations of that weirdness & readjust adolescence. Clue. It might just mean requiring our children to apprentice and have real responsibilities so we can actually shape and change the teenage brain for the better.

Want your child to do better in school?

2012-01-16T05:45:24Z

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

2011-12-30T16:48:13Z

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

2011-11-07T15:02:09Z

Sexting linked to psychological distress. Yet even more evidence for parents to monitor and supervise phones as if they were computers.

Oct 16-21

2011-10-20T17:54:12Z

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

2011-10-17T02:52:18Z

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

2011-09-23T15:16:27Z

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."

SpongeBob Deficit Disorder?

2011-09-16T13:36:04Z

New study suggests fast-paced cartoons cause short-term attention and learning problems.

9/11/01

2011-09-10T01:58:56Z

A parent's struggle with explaining this event to his children.

Start strong

2011-09-05T15:40:20Z

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

2011-08-29T00:10:41Z

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.

First day of school

2011-08-22T18:51:57Z

Hope everyone has a great first day! Here is my 3rd Grader.

ADHD on the rise

2011-08-20T04:35:11Z

The CDC just released new data that indicates ADHD prevalence rose from 7% in 1998-2000 to 9% in 2007-2009. In the south and midwest prevalence increased to 10%. Critics and skeptics will argue it's over diagnosis and misdiagnosis due to our search for easy answers to behavioral or attention problems along with an increasingly pill happy society. I would argue that while some of that may be true most of the increase is due to better awareness and detection, less stigmatization and improved access to mental health care.

What happened to creativity?

2011-08-15T02:01:47Z

Over the past 20 years creativity in American children has been on the decline according to a large study published in 2010. Blame the obsession with test taking in our schools, television, technology and our over scheduled lives which limits divergent thinking, novel ideas and imaginative and creative playtime for kids. Learn why time for play matters.

vacation

2011-08-12T02:40:59Z

I appreciate everyone's understanding and patience while I am on vacation with my family. If you need anything please do not hesitate to call my office mgr, Catherine, directly at 972.313.0505.

August resolutions

2011-08-02T17:43:43Z

Kids and teens lamenting the end of summer often admit they look forward to a new school year. It's their opportunity for a fresh start, new goals, organization and a blank slate. A "do-over" if need be. The new school year also presents an opportunity for us parents to do the same. Here are some habits I am going to work on. We don't have to wait till New Year's.

What not to say to your child

2011-07-22T16:20:34Z

Writer and mom shares 9 things you should not say to your children.

D Magazine

2011-07-22T15:45:15Z

I was interviewed for articles in this month's D Magazine along with their summer medical edition. The annual medical edition is print only and not available online but it's a separate, longer article where I suggested they also talk with Ian Kinsler of the Texas Rangers. They contacted me in the spring looking for a mental health topic for the medical edition to come out this summer and I suggested ADHD in adults knowing their target audience. I diagnose, evaluate and counsel many children and teenagers with ADHD but adults with it rarely get a mention. I told them many famous and successful athletes such as Michael Phelps and our own Ian Kinsler have opened up about their condition...not to mention scores of successful business people and celebrities. They told me they were going to publish a photo of me to go with the stories but I guess after seeing the proofs they wised up. Hard to sell magazines using my mug.

Put down the phone

2011-06-16T14:29:00Z

Tips for all of us technology-addicted parents.

Building your child's self-compassion

2011-06-16T14:25:55Z

Principles for developing self-compassion in your child.