Parenting Concerns

Gaming Disorder: Is It a Real Illness?

Hear a conversation about gaming disorder below, or search for “Shrinking It Down” wherever you stream.

Este artículo está disponible en español.

“He is playing games all the time. Every chance he gets! From the time he gets home until bedtime, he’s in his room on that computer.

Q+A: My child was diagnosed with ADHD and I don’t see problems at home. Why is school so tough for him?

My child was diagnosed with ADHD.  He’s taking medication and I don’t see many problems at home, but his teacher constantly complains about issues at school.

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?

How can you tell if your 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.

What Is Autism Spectrum?

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Children with autism have significant challenges with social interactions and communication and a very restricted repertoire of activities and interests.  Issues with social reciprocity are very severe (it’s not just being shy or a bit detached).

What Is Conduct Disorder?

Mark, age 13, was referred to my office for an evaluation because of conduct issues. He had just set his third fire in the house, and this time the fire led to thousands of dollars of damaged furniture.

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

Order your copy of Dr. Beresin’s guide on youth loneliness.

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.

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?

Question: 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  

Dr. Braaten’s Answer:

This is a great question and one that I hear frequently.

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.