“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 […]
How to talk politics with your child
As a parent, talking to kids about politics can often feel like tricky waters to navigate. In our discomfort, it may seem easiest to avoid it altogether and pretend our kids are unaware of what is taking place in the world around them. But, discussing politics with your child can help address their anxiety, as […]
Help your child build a healthy relationship with social media
Social media is a big part of just about every teenager’s social life. It’s estimated 92 percent of teens in this country are active on at least one social media platform, such as YouTube, TikTok or SnapChat, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Social media influences youth in a variety of ways — for […]
