It’s normal for young children to wake up four to six times during the night. But if they often want to crawl into bed with you, chances are no one is getting a peaceful night’s sleep. For most children, learning to sleep independently in their own bed is a skill that can be taught. “Parents […]
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 […]
Welcome Eva Szigethy, MD, PhD, Lois C. Orr Endowed Chair in Pediatric Psychiatry
This spring, Eva Szigethy, MD, PhD, joined Akron Children’s as the new Lois C. Orr Endowed Chair in Pediatric Psychiatry and director of Pediatric Psychiatry and Behavioral Health. Her arrival comes at a critical juncture as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Office of the U.S. Surgeon […]
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 […]
Teenage blues vs. depression: How to tell the difference
Being a kid isn’t easy business. Children and teens face new challenges and social pressures often. Not to mention, their growing bodies are changing rapidly, which may cause feelings of sadness or frustration due to the hormonal changes associated with puberty. With all of these stressors on your child’s life, it can be difficult to […]