Middle school is about lunch

Lydia Denworth’s excellent article synthesizing her book on our kids’ friendships and their neurobiology. Friendship is a more influential force for our kids than most of us realize. Brain research is proving friendships dramatic effects on such things as peer pressure, social buffering and the prevention or exacerbation of stress and mental health disorders.

Here’s an idea

China has implemented an online video game curfew for minors in order to prevent addiction to gaming and to protect their physical and mental health. Game companies cannot let minors younger than age 18 play on their online game networks between 10:00PM and 8:00AM. What are all these kids supposed to do now? Sleep?

Talking to your kids about mass shootings

Unfortunately, these appear to be increasing just as we start a new school year. Understandably, there can be additional stress and anxiety your children and teens could be experiencing about mass shootings. The American Psychological Association released a statement for parents with guidelines. Listening to them more than talking at them, avoiding or minimizing news …

Mental Health Awareness Month celebrates 70 years

This month marks the 70th year May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. One in five people will suffer from a clinical mental health disorder in their lifetime. The National Alliance on Mental Illness created a phenomenal campaign “Why Care?” where anyone can help spread the word, bring awareness, partner and participate. Please …

Adolescent mental health deteriorates dramatically

Depression rates among kids ages 14-17 increased by more than 60% between 2009 and 2017 and Suicidality doubled. The report is based on the annual U.S. Department of Health and Human survey of more than 600,000 people. Even to researchers and experts who closely monitor these numbers indicate it’s a major wake up call and …