Two experts debate this question in a Wall Street Journal article. You decide.
Author Archives: koyrob
Marijuana use reduces IQ permanently
An exhaustive and extensive study of approximately 1000 individuals over 20 years recently published by an international team of researchers in New Zealand proves that prolonged use of marijuana is associated with significant cognitive declines. Additionally, adolescents are especially at risk for cognitive deficits due to their changing and growing brains. Specifically, those who started …
It’s time for school!
I hope everyone had a great first day of school! My 4th Grader and new Kindergartner.
It’s not about academics
A team led by Psychologist Craig Olsson studied over 1000 people beginning in 1972-73 when they were three years of age. They determined that social connectedness as a child and teen was related to future adult well-being or positive emotional functioning in their thirties. Academic achievement was not. We live in a culture that pushes …
Girls
Just another reason why I encourage my daughter to play sports. The transfer of life skills. “Women in sports are better equipped to view themselves as equals; they know how to compete and put themselves out there, and take risks for something better,” she explained. “They live with consequence and are healthier individuals all the way …
Homeless to Harvard
A story about a girl with every excuse imaginable.
The ABC’s of parenting
Researchers and clinicians at 2 leading universities are helping parents learn the most effective behavioral management methods. It focuses on the the antecedents or what sets the stage for undesirable behavior, the behavior itself or how parents can help a child learn new behavior and consequences, reinforcing positive behaviors or discouraging negative ones. Point …
Self-harm more common than you think
Researchers in Australia report eight percent of 14-19 year olds deliberately injure themselves. Girls more than boys. Thankfully, these numbers decline as they age and 90% of cases resolve on their own. But teenagers often engage in this behavior to block out painful emotions unable to find healthy ways of coping or get support.
Mom or Dad depressed?
There is few that would argue the high burden a mother’s depression and anxiety places upon her children and teenagers because it is associated with a host of behavioral and emotional problems. However, the situation is considerably worse if dad is also depressed. Just 6% of kids with two mentally healthy parents have psychological problems. …
Exercise is good for your brain and body
Gretchen Reynolds’ New York Times article shares new research behind the process of how exercise improves cognition while Denene Miller encourages parents to fight for the fourth “R” because among other things 42% of kids get most of their exercise from recess.