Teenagers and Sleep in the Digital Age
New research helps us better understand the links between cell phones, sleep, and anxiety.
Parenting Blog
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 →
Three Apps That Will Help You Put Your Phone Down
When it comes to digital devices, “proximity is destiny.” Of course in an ideal world we would all have the internal impulse control to make good choices about when to scroll and when to look up towards a family member or friend. Yet we know these internal skills are still developing in children’s growing brains… Read More →
Helping Kids Cope With Tragedy
Age-by-age advice from early childhood through adolescence
Unfortunately, mass shootings, school shootings, racialized violence, and political violence are not uncommon. Even if they don’t happen in their communities, children and teens hear about them from friends, see images on social media, and read about them in the news. These events may cause children to fear that an event like this could happen… 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 →
Diverse Books for Kids – Nine Essential Questions
No matter your child’s racial or cultural identity, you can take a look at your bookshelf, tablet, or library loans to see where you can diversify your child’s story world and start important conversations about commonalities and differences.