Parenting can be much like the old Peace Corps slogan, “The toughest job you’ll ever love.” It can also be natural, easy and seamless, except for when it is not. Consistency serves as one of the most crucial and useful parenting tools and can be one of most elusive as well. Consistency can be difficult…
Month: July 2017
Eating Disorders: More than Skin Deep
At this point, most people are able to agree that social media, photoshop, fad diets, and the traditional gaunt runway model’s body type contribute to unrealistic expectations of how our bodies “should” look and what it means to be beautiful. And as more and more celebrities, adults, parents, and teenagers discuss their struggles with eating…
KCUR Up to Date: Teens & Anxiety
According to the National Institute of Mental Health 25% of teenagers will at one point or another be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and 6% will be considered severe. Research over the last 80 years suggests either an increase in anxiety among teens or better recognition of a condition that’s existed all along. Either way, over…
When Summer Social Life Collapses for Teens
Our kids are excited to hit the doors on the last day of school, but if there’s not structured social life waiting, some teens may fall out of contact with peers. On the other hand, some parents worry too much about a teen or older child who seems isolate. That child may just be an…
Can a School Require My Child to Take Medication?
Dear Dr. Wes: I heard you on Up to Date with Steve Kraske talking about IEPs, 504s, and student improvement plans and medication management with psychotherapy. The school told us that if my child didn’t take medication, he’d be kicked out of elementary school. Can they do that? Dear Listener: The short answer is “no.” No school…