Parenting Concerns

Are ER Visits the Answer to Mental Health Issues at School?

Anyone who works in a school can tell you that mental health concerns are an integral part of their job. After all, students need to be at their emotional best in order to perform at their scholastic best. There may be exceptions, but the general rule of thumb is that healthy kids are the best students.

Q+A: What Is Separation Anxiety Disorder?

Este artículo está disponible en español.

My 4-year-old was just diagnosed with Separation Anxiety Disorder. What is it?

You may already have guessed from the name of the diagnosis that separation anxiety disorder has something to do with the anxiety a child feels when separated from parents or caregivers.

What Is Family Therapy?

Family therapy emphasizes the idea that a child lives and grows in relationship to others, particularly in relationship to members of his or her own family. There are many different family therapy approaches.

Helping Kids Fit In At School

For a good part of third grade, I sat by myself in the school cafeteria during lunch.

I don’t exactly recall feeling lonely during those isolating moments with my peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich, but I certainly feel sad as I look back today.

I just didn’t fit in—and that’s a truly awful feeling.

Q+A: Should I be nervous? My preschooler’s teacher recommended I have him evaluated for an anxiety disorder..

My 3-year-old son Justin has been in preschool for five months and he won’t stay unless I sit in the classroom with him. His teacher told me today that this isn’t fair to the other children and that I need to get him evaluated for an anxiety disorder.

Why Chores Are Important for Kids

Chores.

We all remember them.

Some were associated with allowance, others simply mandatory. For many kids, and I bet for most of us, they were often an intrusion on other more important things to do.

Q+A: How Do I Find a Therapist for My Child?

Este artículo está disponible en español.

My child has anxiety and I need to find a therapist.

Trastorno de Ansiedad Generalizada

Joyce de diez años siempre fue una niña un poco preocupada. Incluso a los dos años, ella parecía ansiosa devez en cuando, especialmente cuando su vida era un poco estresante.

Q+A: What Are the Best Treatments for ADHD?

Question: What are the best treatments for ADHD?

Dr. Braaten’s Answer:

Download our PDF – ADHD: Ways to Support Your Child at Home

ADHD is a disorder (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) that affects the brain and behaviors.

Q+A: Is ADHD Overdiagnosed?

I’m often asked if ADHD is “overdiagnosed.” Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common – and some might argue one of the more impairing – childhood disorders.  Approximately one out of 20 school-aged kids meet criteria for ADHD.