Some of the biggest challenges parents face are with LGBTQ teens. Despite significant progress made in society regarding sexual preferences and alternative genders, there continue to exist stigmas and judgments. Most are based on fear, ignorance and outright discrimination. If your teen grows to become part of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community, you need to be … [Read more...]
Boys and girls: A different way of thinking
Science tells us that boys and girls have marked distinctions and differences. Neither better nor worse. Neither good nor bad. Nonetheless these distinctions have significant impacts on how they walk in the world. For example, it often seems girls are more adept than boys at thoughtful communication. There are good reasons for this: Scientists and psychologists long have known that girls’ … [Read more...]
Children at risk: signs, signals, support
None of us wants our child to suffer from depression. No one wants their child to experience suicidal ideation, but unfortunately, some do. Since 2011, the number of children, teens and young adults committing suicide has doubled. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third leading cause of death in young people between the ages of 10 and 24, resulting in … [Read more...]
Ganging up on bullies
Bullying comes in all sorts of shapes, sizes and guises. There is no universal experience for its targets. At its core, bullying produces in victims some of the most debilitating and isolating of feelings. Those who suffer persistent bullying know profound feelings of low self-worth and self-doubt -- and often terror. In school, this abuse often leads students to withdraw and underachieve. … [Read more...]
Divorce and kids: How to help them
Even if a divorce is amicable and mutually agreed-upon, the children become particularly vulnerable. Seeing their parents break up brings major trauma. All children, somewhere deep inside, wish that everyone would stay together in a perfect world. When that doesn’t happen, there's a shattering that must be addressed. The pieces of valuable lives must put back together with sensitivity and … [Read more...]