For Cohen Pierce, it was triggered by the transition to middle school. For his younger sister Lila, it was most apparent the morning of test days. The “its” in both cases were mental health concerns. Cohen’s depression manifested as changes in his personality. He went from his normal happy-go-lucky self to feeling down and negative […]
Experts agree minors are more likely to seek care with MyChart teen access
Safeguarding your child’s health is one of your most important duties as a parent. From the minute she enters this world, there are immunizations to track, well visits to schedule, milestones to monitor and illnesses to pamper. But as she grows up and enters adolescence, the way you and your child manage her health will […]
Give your kids the tools to navigate negative peer pressure
“Come on. Let’s cut math class to go grab an iced mocha instead. You in? The girls and I are doing it.” Naomi knows there’s a math quiz today and doesn’t want to get a failing grade, but she also doesn’t want to disappoint her friends. She’s feeling peer pressure. As kids grow, they will […]
Know the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder in kids
Unfortunately, everybody knows somebody. It’s estimated 30 million Americans will struggle with an eating disorder in their lifetime, according to National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). At the earliest warning signs, it’s important to seek treatment immediately for better outcomes. Dr. Jessica Castonguay, medical director of the Eating Disorders Program at Akron Children’s, offers some guidance. […]
Is it normal for my teenager’s emotions to change like the weather?
Teenagers. It’s a sentiment many parents use when they can’t explain new moods or behaviors their kids display as they grow more independent. One minute your teen may be overjoyed about a good grade on a test, and the very next minute crying about relationship drama. “Teenage moodiness is common and a normal part of […]
3 questions to ask kids about their social media accounts
As parents, it’s important to keep an open, honest and nonjudgmental dialogue about important aspects of your teen’s life — and that should include social media. But Laura Markley, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and pediatrician in Akron Children’s Lois and John Orr Family Behavioral Health Center, reminds parents to keep the conversation light […]
