Aunts and uncles can be like a second set of parents. Lots of kids have that cool aunt or fun-loving uncle who spoils you, takes you on outings, or loves telling stories about when you were in diapers. And lots of kids can think of a favorite aunt or uncle they feel comfortable confiding in. Which is why, today, we’ll issue an important reminder for teens. If you ever feel
You know those safety speeches flight attendants give before takeoff? “In case of a loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks above your seat will deploy. Put your mask on first and then assist your child or other passengers” The reason is simple: you can’t take care of your child – or anyone else – if you can’t breathe. The message of this metaphor? To be a good parent, you have
Communication is Essential Taking the time to have conversations about tough or uncomfortable subjects with your teen can go a long way to helping them stay safe, happy, and healthy beyond their teenage years. Creating an environment of open communication is an ongoing challenge for any parent, but for parents of LGBTQ teens, there are extra topics to cover when it comes to personal safety, relationships, and carving out their
If you worry your teen is getting off track this fall, you’re not alone. Parents across the country understand that the stress and disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic can have a wide range of negative consequences for their teens. Shelter-in-place orders, social distancing guidelines, and virtual school all mean things teens previously took for granted no longer happen the way they did. If they’re happening at all. Depending on
Most parents understand teenagers will display the symptoms of depression – and possibly additional mental health disorders – at some point during adolescence, which child development experts define as the time between ages twelve and eighteen. Parents know and understand emotions may fluctuate dramatically during this time because they were teens once, themselves. They also know that for most people, emotional ups and downs are part of the process. And
Mental Health Support For Teens One of the most difficult things about parenting a teenager is watching them struggle with things you can’t control. If your teen has a mental health disorder, you may feel helpless, sad, anxious, or angry about what they go through every day. You do everything you can to support them. You work with teachers, therapists, tutors, and school administrators. However, some teenagers require substantial intervention,
As a parent, you may be faced with an impending move to a new house. Or perhaps you’ve already moved. You may have made the decision to move because of finances, career, schools, location, family, or other factors. Now you wonder about the effect moving can have on adolescents and teens. Perhaps you notice some changes in your teen, or maybe there are no changes. In any case, it’s still
“It’s my fault mom gets sad.” Even if you don’t say they’re at fault or give your children a reason to have thoughts like this, they may blame themselves for your depression. And if they do, they’re more likely to suffer from their own depression and anxiety, say researchers from Southern Methodist University (SMU). Moms with depression may have difficulty getting out of bed, playing with their kids, keeping up
If your teen is experiencing hallucinations or delusions, you might hear certain terms being thrown around by mental health professionals. Like “psychosis.” “Prodromal symptoms.” “Schizophrenia.” What exactly do these terms mean? And how are they different? What is Psychosis? First, let’s talk about psychosis. When someone is experiencing psychosis, they are experiencing “a break from reality,” says Lauren Cona, LCSW, Clinical Program Director for Evolve Treatment Centers in Woodland Hills.
This year, Suicide Prevention Month – as well as Suicide Prevention Week and World Suicide Prevention Day – feels different than in years past. That’s because it’s taking place during a pandemic. With COVID-19 now being our new normal, many new things have become commonplace. Masks are as essential as our keys. Social distancing is expected. In many cities, virtual school is the rule rather than the exception. Most states
