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Emotions & Behavior

  • A Parent's Guide to Surviving the Teen Years

    You've lived through 2 AM feedings, toddler temper tantrums, and the back-to-school blues. So why is the word "teenager" causing you so much anxiety?

  • About Teen Suicide

    When a teen commits suicide, everyone is affected. The reasons behind a suicide or attempted suicide can be complex, but often there are warning signs.

  • ADHD

    ADHD is a common medical condition that can affect kids at school, at home, and in friendships. Learn more about ADHD and how to help kids get the best diagnosis and care.

  • ADHD and School

    ADHD can affect a child's ability to do well in school and even make friends. This article for parents has tips on working with teachers to help your child succeed.

  • ADHD Medicines

    Medicine doesn’t cure ADHD. But it does help boost a child's ability to pay attention, slow down, and have more self-control. This article for parents has details on how ADHD medicines help.

  • Binge Eating Disorder

    Kids who eat unusually large amounts of food - and feel guilty or secretive about it - could be struggling with binge eating disorder.

  • Biting

    There are ways to get to the bottom of your toddler's biting habit. These steps can help.

  • Breath-Holding Spells

    Kids who have these spells hold their breath until they pass out. Although upsetting to watch, the spells are not harmful and do not pose any serious, long-term health risks.

  • Compulsive Exercise

    Even though exercise has many positive benefits, too much can be harmful. Teens who exercise compulsively are at risk for both physical and psychological problems.

  • Cutting and Self-Harm

    Some teens and even pre-teens hurt themselves on purpose. Find out why some cut or do other types of self-injury and how to help.

  • Delayed Speech or Language Development

    Knowing how speech and language develop can help you figure out if you should be concerned or if your child is right on schedule.

  • Disciplining Your Child

    It's important to be consistent about discipline. If you don't stick to the rules and consequences, kids aren't likely to either. Find out how to vary your approach to fit your family.

  • Helping Kids Cope With Cliques

    With cliques prevalent in middle and high school, most kids encounter them at some point. Here's how parents can help kids maintain confidence and self-respect while negotiating cliques.

  • Helping Kids Deal With Bullies

    Unfortunately, bullying is a common part of childhood. But parents can help kids cope with it and lessen its lasting impact.

  • Helping Teens Who Self-Harm

    Cutting and other forms of self-injury among teens have become more common in recent years. Learn how to help a teen who self-harms.

  • Helping Your Child Heal After Trauma

    Kids can recover after trauma with help from therapy and extra support and comfort from parents.

  • Kids and Smoking

    The health risks of smoking are well known, many young people still do it. Here's how to help your kids avoid smoking, vaping, or using chewing tobacco - or quit, if they've already started.

  • Meal Support for Eating Disorders (Video)

    Help your child develop a healthier relationship with food by working with the care team and being supportive during mealtimes.

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

    OCD causes upsetting thoughts (obsessions) and the urge to do "ritual" behaviors (compulsions). Kids and teens get stuck in a stressful cycle of these thoughts, anxiety, and rituals. OCD can get better with the right attention and care.

  • Parenting a Child With ADHD

    Parenting is as important as any other part of ADHD treatment. The way parents respond can make ADHD better (or worse). This article has parenting tips to help kids improve and do well.

  • Parenting a Teen With ADHD

    Parenting is as important as any other part of ADHD treatment. The way parents respond can make ADHD better (or worse). This article has parenting tips to help teens improve and do well.

  • Pica

    Some young kids have the eating disorder pica, which is characterized by cravings to eat nonfood items.

  • Sexting: What Parents Need to Know

    Sexting could haunt a teen for the rest of his or her life. Here's what parents need to know.

  • Soiling (Encopresis)

    If your child has bowel movements in places other than the toilet, you know how frustrating it can be. Many kids who soil beyond the years of toilet teaching have a condition known as encopresis.

  • Sportsmanship

    One of the most important goals of kids' sports is helping children develop a sense of good sportsmanship. Here's how to set a good example for your kids.

  • Steroids

    Get the facts about steroids, their side effects, and what can drive kids and teens to try them.

  • Stuttering

    Many young kids go through a stage when they stutter. Stuttering usually goes away on its own but in some cases lasts longer.

  • Talking to Your Child About Drugs

    Help protect kids against drug use by giving them the facts before they're in a risky situation.

  • Talking to Your Kids About Alcohol

    As much as parents may not like to think about it, the truth is that many kids and teens try alcohol before it is legal for them to drink it. Here's an age-based guide on how to talk to them about it.

  • Taming Tempers

    Controlling outbursts can be hard for kids - and helping them learn to do so is a tough job for their parents. But just about every child can improve with the right coaching.

  • Teaching Kids Not to Bully

    Whether bullying is physical or verbal, if it's not stopped it can lead to more aggressive antisocial behavior - and interfere with a child's success in school and ability to form and sustain friendships.

  • Teaching Your Child Self-Control

    Tantrums and outbursts can rile even the most patient parents. Helping kids learn self-control teaches them how to respond to situations without just acting on impulse.

  • Temper Tantrums

    Temper tantrums range from whining and crying to screaming, kicking, hitting, and breath holding. Get the facts on managing - and preventing - temper tantrums.

  • Therapy for ADHD

    Therapy is part of the treatment for most kids and teens diagnosed with ADHD. This article helps parents learn what to expect and how therapy works.

  • Toilet Training

    Even before your child is ready to try the potty, you can prepare your little one by teaching about the process. Here are some tips.

  • Understanding Your Child’s Eating Disorder (Video)

    An eating disorder affects the way people think about food and eating. This leads to behaviors that harm physical and mental health. Anyone can develop an eating disorder. Learn more in this video.

  • Your Child's Habits

    Nail biting, hair twirling, thumb sucking, and nose picking - these childhood habits are common. Here's how to deal with them.

  • Answering Questions About Sex

    Answering kids' questions about sex is a responsibility many parents dread. But by answering these questions honestly, parents can help foster healthy feelings about sex.

  • Anxiety Disorders

    Anxiety is a normal part of growing up, and all kids experience it. But when it becomes extreme, it can interfere with a child's overall happiness.

  • Becoming a Stepparent

    Stepparenting can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Learn how to cultivate a healthy relationship with your stepkids.

  • Body Dysmorphic Disorder

    For teens, concerns about appearances often take center stage. But if these concerns are all-consuming, cause extreme distress, and keep them from doing and thinking about other things, it may be a sign of a condition called body dysmorphic disorder.

  • Childhood Depression: What Parents Need to Know

    When a sad or bad mood lasts for weeks or longer and there are other changes in a child’s behavior, it might be depression. Learn the signs of depression and what parents can do to help their child.

  • Childhood Stress: How Parents Can Help

    Stress is a normal response to changes and challenges. And life is full of those – even during childhood. Here are tips for parents on helping kids cope with normal stress and how to tell when stress is serious.

  • Competitive Sports: Helping Kids Play it Cool

    Sometimes the pressure to succeed on the field or in the court can be overwhelming. Learn what you can do to help your child keeps things in perspective.

  • Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health

    The COVID-19 pandemic continues to bring uncertainty for kids and teens. Here's how to help them.

  • Cutting and Self-Harm

    Some teens and even pre-teens hurt themselves on purpose. Find out why some cut or do other types of self-injury and how to help.

  • Cyberbullying

    Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass or target another person. Here are some suggestions on what to do if online bullying has become part of your child's life.

  • Depression in Teens: How Parents Can Help

    All teens feel sad or moody at times. But when a sad or bad mood lasts for weeks or longer, and when there are other changes in how a teen acts, it could be a sign of depression. Find out what to do.

  • Disasters: How Families Can Help

    When disasters strike, it's natural for people to want to help. Here are some ways to do that.

  • Eating Disorders

    Eating disorders are common among teens and kids, especially young women. Read about the warning signs, prevention strategies, and ways to help a child with an eating disorder.

  • Helping Kids Deal With Bullies

    Unfortunately, bullying is a common part of childhood. But parents can help kids cope with it and lessen its lasting impact.

  • Helping Kids When They Worry

    All kids worry at times, and some may do so more than others. But parents can help kids manage it and tackle everyday problems with ease. Find out how.

  • Helping Your Child During Treatment for Depression (Video)

    Treatment for depression may include therapy or a combination of therapy and medicine. One widely used therapy is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

  • Helping Your Child Heal After Trauma

    Kids can recover after trauma with help from therapy and extra support and comfort from parents.

  • Helping Your Child Manage Anxiety (Video)

    Feeling nervous, worried, or uneasy at times is a normal part of growing up. Here's how to help your child feel more in control and deal with stress.

  • I Love My New Baby. So, Why Am I Sad?

    Find out what the experts have to say.

  • I'm Pregnant and in an Abusive Relationship. How Can I Get Out?

    Find out what the experts have to say.

  • Is Your Child Depressed? (Video)

    How can you tell the difference between everyday moodiness and depression? Learn the signs of depression and discover ways to help your child feel better.

  • I’m Worried My Kids Will Start Drinking. What Can I Do?

    Many kids and teens try alcohol during their high school and college years. But parents are important role models in this area. Here's how to set a good example.

  • Normal Childhood Fears

    It's normal for children to feel afraid at times. Parents can help kids feel safe and learn to feel at ease.

  • Postpartum Depression

    It's important for new mothers – and those who love them – to understand the symptoms of postpartum depression and reach out to family, friends, and medical professionals for help.

  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    Kids and teens who live through a traumatic event can develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Healing is possible with the help of professional counseling and support from loved ones.

  • Preparing Your Child for a New Sibling

    The arrival of a new baby can cause lots of changes. But parents can prepare kids for an addition to the family.

  • Seasonal Affective Disorder

    A person with SAD typically experiences symptoms of depression as winter approaches and daylight hours become shorter.

  • Separation Anxiety

    Teary and tantrum-filled goodbyes are common with separation anxiety, which is a perfectly normal part of childhood development.

  • Sexual Orientation

    During the teen years, sexual feelings are awakened in new ways because of the hormonal and physical changes of puberty. It takes time for many kids to understand who they are and who they're becoming. Part of that understanding includes a person's sexual feelings and attractions.

  • Sibling Rivalry

    As upsetting as it can be for a parent, conflict between siblings is very common. Here's how to help your kids get along.

  • Taking Care of Your Mental Health During Pregnancy

    Pregnancy brings a mix of feelings, and not all of them are good. It can be even harder if you're dealing with depression or anxiety.

  • Taking Your Child to a Therapist

    Many children and teens have problems that affect how they feel, act, or learn. Going to therapy helps them cope better, feel better, and do better.

  • Teaching Kids About Their Bodies

    Teaching kids about their bodies and what is private can help them develop healthy feelings about their bodies in age-appropriate ways.

  • Tips for Divorcing Parents

    No guide can guarantee a way to steer kids unscathed through a divorce. Every situation - and every family - is different. But these commonsense guidelines might make the adjustment a bit easier.

  • When a Loved One Dies: How to Help Your Child

    When a loved one dies, children feel and show their grief in different ways. Here are some tips for parents on supporting kids through a loss.

  • When a Pet Dies

    For most kids, pets are more than just animals – they're members of the family. So it can be heartbreaking to lose one. Here's how to help kids cope.

  • Your Child's Self-Esteem

    Strong self-esteem is a child's armor against the challenges of the world. Here's how to build healthy self-esteem in your kids.

What next?

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And we have many more pediatric primary care providers in Northeast Ohio. You can meet some of them here.
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Need help finding a doctor, choosing a location or getting a general question about Akron Children's answered? Call us or fill out the form and we'll help in any way we can.
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With virtual visits, you can see our pediatric experts from the comfort of home or wherever you are.
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We offer many ways to get pediatric care all over Northeast Ohio. Use this page to find the right kind of care and the most convenient location for you.