Childhood obesity continues to be a growing problem in this country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the obesity prevalence is nearly 13% among 2 to 5 year olds; 20% among 6 to 11 year olds; and 22% among 12 to 19 year olds. These kids are at a greater risk for […]
Do’s and don’ts when talking to kids about weight
Weight can be a sensitive topic, but a necessary one, especially where your child’s health is concerned. Dr. Geoffrey Putt, a pediatric psychologist at Akron Children’s provides some tips on how to get a conversation with your kiddo started. Do’s for talking to kids about weight Do acknowledge your own biases, struggles and insecurities with […]
Why kids want the last word
Having the last word is a common desire for children and adults alike. For children, it’s often an effort to exert control in a situation where they feel they don’t have control. Parents, however, may see this behavior as defiance or disrespectful. Geoffrey Putt, PsyD, pediatric psychologist at Akron Children’s, reminds parents that if children […]
8 tips for a great start to the school year
After a summer of sleeping in and doing things on their own time, going back to school can be a rude awakening for your teen. Whether they’re an anxious freshman or a confident senior, heading back to school is a time of transition – from new teachers and classes to a new routine and social […]
How to talk to our kids about racism
Trying to navigate conversations with children about race and diversity can be tricky. But they are important conversations to have. “Kids need to be able to have frank conversations about the world we live in — period,” said Dr. Geoffrey Putt, a pediatric psychologist at Akron Children’s. “It’s not so much that now is any […]
Overweight Kids Take a Lot of Grief. Here’s How to Help.
They call it “bean dipping.” Kids come up to an overweight boy at school and pretend to dip a chip under his so-called “man boobs.” “They think that they are being funny,” said psychologist Geoffrey Putt, who works with obese children in the healthy weight clinic at Akron Children’s. “But it’s torturous.” Harassment of overweight […]
