Bullied teenager gets the spotlight as a homecoming princess.
Are ADHD medications overprescribed?
Two experts debate this question in a Wall Street Journal article. You decide.
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 using marijuana before the age of 18 suffered a significant drop in IQ.
The bottom line is that teenagers who smoke pot run the risk of suffering significant and irreversible declines in their intelligence.
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 academic rigor and success above all else when this study clearly points out we need to change our priorities
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 around, mentally and physically.”
-Professor Marilyn Strawbridge
Homeless to Harvard
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 out other children exhibiting a desired behavior. ‘See how nicely that boy is sharing.’ Don’t add, ‘Why can’t you?’
- Firmly phrase instructions in terms of what to do, instead of what not to do.
- In case of a temper tantrum, remain calm. Describe the behavior. ‘You are pretending you don’t hear me when I say it’s time to go.
- Praise reasonable reactions, muted tantrums or any efforts at self-control.
- State which behavior is being praised. ‘I asked you to pick up the toys, and you did.’
- As much as possible, ignore negative behaviors. Don’t communicate desperation or beg.
- Model the behavior you want your child to exhibit.
- Don’t give up. Some behaviors can take months for a child to master.
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. That number rises to 11% if dad is depressed and 19% if mom is depressed. If both parents have Depression it means one fourth of these children will have significant emotional and behavioral problems. So while we understandably worry about our kids’ mental health we would best serve them by taking care of ourselves first.