Parenting Concerns

Managing Sibling Conflicts: The Obvious and Hidden Battles

A lot has been written on sibling rivalry, particularly about name calling, arguing, provoking, physical fighting, and other forms of overt hostility. Almost every article suggests that this is inevitable and normal.

What If My Child Has A Drinking Problem?

By far, the most commonly misused drug among teens is alcohol.  This makes sense, as alcohol is legally available throughout the United States, it’s heavily advertised and glorified in the media, and frequently used in celebratory activities.  The effects of alcohol in terms of reducing inhibition are quite real.

What Is Autism Spectrum?

Children with autism have significant challenges with social interactions and communication and a very restricted repertoire of activities and interests.

What Is Conduct Disorder?

Mark, age 13, was referred to my office for an evaluation because he had just set his third fire in the house, and this time the fire led to thousands of dollars of damaged furniture. He had been suspended from school for breaking windows and spray-painting graffiti on the outside of the school building.

9 Tips to Help Toddlers to Sleep On Their Own (and Enjoy Being Alone)

Recently, I was teaching a seminar for child psychiatry fellows on the topic of Donald Winnicott’s Theory of Emotional Development. About a third of the group had young children.

Winnicott is less known by many parents.

Food and Behavior – It’s Complicated

In the days leading up to Halloween or Christmas or Valentine’s Day, teachers and parents often wring their hands. Kids seem rambunctious and gleefully hyperactive. The amount of sugar these kids consume is remarkable.

Q+A: What’s the Difference Between Slow Processing and Other Disorders?

What is the difference between Slow Processing Speed, Auditory Processing, Sensory Integration, and Autism Spectrum Disorders? They all seem so similar. Is there a lot of misdiagnosis? – Patrice B., Facebook  

This is a great question and one that I hear frequently. There’s a good reason why you’re asking it.

Nutrition and Mental Health: It’s More Complicated Than You Think

The fact that March is National Nutrition Month makes me think of rats.

To be more specific, I think of two particular rats that lived in my first-grade classroom.

Q+A: My Daughter Was Diagnosed With Anorexia

My daughter was diagnosed with Anorexia and the therapist said we’d be getting homework assignments and using a “variety of techniques.

Digital Media and Body Image

Gene Beresin and I have worked with individuals struggling with eating disorders, largely girls and young women and their families for years. As the psychiatric director of an inpatient medical stabilization unit for malnutrition, I see the devastating consequences of disordered eating on a daily basis.