Teenagers and Sleep in the Digital Age
New research helps us better understand the links between cell phones, sleep, and anxiety.
Teenagers
Anger Management is a Big Part of Parenting, So How Do We Do It?
From Calm to Chaos The sun rises, your alarm rings, you roll out of bed and find your way to your first mug of coffee (Not a coffee person? Imagine tea instead). The birds are singing. The world feels full of possibility. You take a deep breath, committed to starting your parenting day with smooth… Read More →
Teen Mental Health
14 Ways to Support Your Child
I received a phone call this past winter from a parent who had attended one of my workshops a few weeks before. “Dr. Walsh, I definitely feel like I know a lot more about what is going on inside my daughter’s brain after your workshop. But I have to say that it feels like my… Read More →
When Are Video Games Good for Kids?
“Yeeessss! There’s going to be another Fortnite Day!” I heard a child exclaim in the hallway of my kids’ school last month. Confused, I turned to a teacher for an explanation. He responded “I think they mean snow day…” The kids were eagerly anticipating yet another giant storm (yes, we live in Minnesota and yes,… Read More →
Here’s Why You Should Thank Your School Librarian
The fire crackles and flickers onto the surrounding birch trees. Hanging lanterns transform the tents in front of me into glowing nests. Two signs point towards the nearest outhouses and children’s voices ring out through the air. As I describe this scene, you are likely picturing an adventure deep in the wilderness. But this past… Read More →
Teenage Relationships
The Talk 70% of Teens Wish Adults Would Have with Them
Perhaps in your house, your teen is eager to talk to you about all the things. Perhaps your teen turns to you bright eyed and engaged with a simple and clear request “Mom, I cannot wait to talk to you about ______!” (insert emotionally vulnerable topic here). But for those of you who are lobbing… Read More →
Do You Recognize the Warning Signs of Video Game Addiction?
“I feel like he is addicted to video games!” This worry is becoming more and more common among parents. For most, it just means that their child loves technology and has a difficult time unplugging. For some, it means that their child is choosing technology over most everything else and is struggling to cope. What’s… Read More →
The Teenage Brain: Risky or Ready to Learn?
“What is wrong with me?” This was not an infrequent refrain when I was a teenager. I am sure that some of my behavior (e.g. So. Much. Crying.) wasn’t easy to understand. The transition from happiness to complete despair during my adolescence sometimes clocked in at about 2 seconds, abrupt to say the least. No… Read More →
Teens, Social Media and Mental Health
Depressing, Uplifting or Complicated?
“I know there is a lot to be excited about, but I can’t help but feel depressed about all the time that kids are spending online,” a father of a middle schooler said at a workshop recently. Another parent added, “Well, you aren’t alone. I am not sure that social media isn’t making my daughter… Read More →
How to Talk to Teenagers Without Yelling
Does it seem like every conversation with your teenager ends in a power struggle or argument ? There are no guaranteed strategies to eliminate all parent-teen miscommunication but learning some tips for how to talk to teenagers can improve the odds! Be very clear about your emotions instead of leaving it to your teenager to… Read More →