Teenagers

A Closer Look at Anorexia Nervosa

For more information about eating disorders, and ways you can help to make a difference for a young person in your life, please visit the National Eating Disorder Association website. #NEDAwareness

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Anorexia Nervosa deeply affects everyone.

Why Activism Is Good For Teens — And The Country

When I was a ninth grader in 1964, I was suspended from school for selling peace buttons for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.

I was a tad anxious about how my mom would react, but when I came home that morning, she was beaming.

What is a Math Disorder?

Brenda was a typical sixth grader in every way but one: she faced incredible difficulty in math class.  She was a very good reader and writer, and in fact a very good student in every way – except when she entered Mr. Barnard’s classroom.

The Intense Power Of Love On Our Kids

There was this song that came out when I was 13 years old.  It was by Dan Folgelberg, and I played it over and over again on my Pioneer turntable.  It went like this:

“Longer than there’s been fishes in the ocean.  Higher than any bird every flew.  Longer than there’s been stars up in the heavens.  I’ve been in love with you.

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.

“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.

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.

Older Not Wiser: Senior High School Drivers Take More Risks Than Younger Teens According to New Study

Back to school.

For seniors, it’s often a stressful time as they prepare for a new era in life after high school, but also one of enthusiasm as they feel a greater sense of confidence and autonomy.

It’s also a time parents worry more – about their teens’ future and about risky behaviors.

Would You Allow Your Child To Play Football?

Here in New England, it’s getting just a little bit cooler. The shadows are growing longer, and there’s the tiniest sting to the morning breeze. I know that in other parts of the country it’s still pretty hot, but I bet folks are realizing some kind of change in the air.

After all, fall is just around the corner.

Managing Back-To-School Stress

Hans Selye, a Hungarian scientist who was a pioneer in modern stress research, was quoted as saying:

“It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.”

Today, 75 years after he made that statement, it rings as true as ever.