Parenting Concerns

There Are All Sorts of Ways of Making Things Better

Things might seem kind of awful lately.

Every news headline, from every corner of American ideology, feels pretty depressing.  We are subjected to nihilistic rants or apocalyptic predictions.  When do we smile? When our late-night talk-show hosts use our negativity for comedic material.  I’ll admit it.

In Memory Of Martin Luther King Jr.: The Providence Of Hope For A New Generation

“We haven’t learned how to be just and honest and kind and true and loving. And that is the basis of our problem….if we are to go forward today, we’ve got to go back and rediscover some mighty precious values that we’ve left behind.” ~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 28 February 1954, Detroit, Mich.

Living in Fear of Criticism and Humiliation: The Problem of Social Anxiety Disorder

Most kids and young adults look forward to going back to school. But for those with social anxiety, school and all that comes with it can literally provoke dread.

I’m going to show you what I mean. Let’s consider Sally.

Sally is a sweet, sensitive, likeable 16-year-old girl.

Shrinking It Down: The Importance of Pets (Season 1, Episode 4)

You can also listen to this podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, SoundCloud, and most podcast apps – just search for “Shrinking It Down.”

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Whether they have fur, scales, tail or no tail, pets can improve the mental and emotional health of children and teens.

Processing Speed in Social Relationships

This post is one in a multi-part series from Dr. Braaten entitled Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up.

“You would do it if you loved me.” Teens, Coercive Relationships, and Digital Media

You would have to be completely unplugged to have missed the heightened reports of sexually coercive behavior among celebrities, prominent media figures, and politicians. Indeed, the seemingly sudden explosion of public knowledge of these deplorable actions might lead you to believe that we are encountering a new phenomenon.

The Psychological Gift Of Giving A Gift

Intro music written and performed by Dr. Gene Beresin.
Outro music performed by Dr. Gene Beresin.

The holidays are, alas, upon us.

Dyslexia, Part 2: Understanding Treatment

This blog is the second in a series on dyslexia. Topics to be addressed further in include accommodation options available, and the transition of a child to life, school, etc. following diagnosis.

The Importance of Stories for Child Health

Stories matter.

That’s not just an opinion.  That’s not an axiom or a homily or a saying or even a pithy bumper sticker slogan.

That’s a genuine biological imperative.

What Is An Adjustment Disorder?

My friend Samantha called me in a panic.  Her 8-year-old daughter, Lindsey, was struggling with the fact that her parents were getting divorced.  There had been a lot of conflict in the marriage.  Samantha’s ex-husband was an alcoholic and, though he was receiving treatment, he had been frequently unemployed.