Sleep, nutrition, and exercise are the three lifestyle factors that are most associated with mental health. Teens need between eight and ten hours of sleep per night, with most teens needing about nine hours of sleep. Unfortunately, studies have shown that most teens are not getting the sleep they need. In fact, the average teen … Read more
How can I raise my child to be a person who behaves responsibly, kindly, and generously? This question has led to seemingly endless discussions, disagreements, and disputes among parents, and among experts. One of the central points of disagreement has been whether to use rewards: are the short-term gains in good behavior real, or are … Read more
Living in our fast-paced often self-involved society, one might think the adage “it’s a dog-eat-dog world” holds true. Such a belief, however, would not be confirmed by research. Charles Darwin taught us that survival belongs to the fittest, and social psychologist, Dacher Keltner, in his book, Born to Be Good: The Science of a Meaningful … Read more
I recently returned home from a trip to the eclectic city of New Orleans. While warming in the sun watching talented street performers, listening to a mixture of musical styles, and smelling the scent of freshly-made pralines, I began to think about the lives of those around me. I wondered what it would be like … Read more
It is September, and we all know what that means! Time to sharpen those pencils and head back to school. For many kids (and their parents), the return to school is faced with anxiety and dread. This is especially the case for children who struggle with organization and time management – the ones who take … Read more
I recently saw an Internet meme that questioned whether a tolerant society should or can tolerate intolerance. After all, to be fully tolerant, you must accept (or at least hear and allow to exist) all points of view, even if they differ from your own, even if that viewpoint is based in total intolerance of … Read more
Research continues to indicate the multiple benefits of mindfulness and meditation practices for reducing stress, increasing resilience, improving emotional regulation, strengthen the immune system, fostering a greater sense of connection, and other health benefits. Mindfulness refers to an intentional and effortful awareness and focus on the present moment without judgment. Adding brief mindful moments to … Read more
Even for toddlers and preschool children, friendships are key. Research suggests that early social development and peer relationships are critical for later academic success, social adjustment, and the ability to handle challenges and adversity. Friendships in early childhood also provide opportunities for children to develop the skills that they will need for social interactions in … Read more
It is no secret that depression is an issue facing many teens, particularly teen girls. But a large new study published in May has provided some alarming data suggesting that depression among teen girls is much more common than we previously thought. The study found that by the age of 17, 13.6 percent of boys … Read more
As a therapist, I frequently hear my child and adolescent clients talk about cyberbullying and the effect it has on their lives. In a survey conducted last year, 33 percent of middle and high school students reported that they have been cyberbullied, and 17 percent of students reported that they had been cyberbullied within the … Read more
