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 Hospital, reminds parents that if […]
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 manage toddler tantrums
Many parents of toddlers face the same behavioral issues day in and day out. From mealtime meltdowns to bedtime battles to toileting troubles, it seems as if there’s no end in sight for the dreaded T word: tantrums. “The reality is when anyone acquires a new skill or a new routine, it’s always going to […]
Do’s and don’ts when talking to kids about weight
No doubt, the pandemic has set us back in the fight against weight gain. Many children — like adults — packed on extra pounds this past year. Organized sports, extracurriculars and play dates were cancelled, playgrounds closed, daily routines relaxed and kids home with more time for screens. Combine these factors and you end up […]
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 Hospital. “But it’s torturous.” Harassment of […]
