I have been really vocal on twitter lately…questioning why we must “train” our children for active shooter drills in response to a tweet on twitter after the latest shooting in Denver where a student lost his life and 8 more injured. I know that we often start talking tougher gun laws and reforming the mental …
Navigating Childhood Adversity: Ella’s Story
As a behavioral pediatrician, I have forged many relationships with my families. I have had the honor of helping guide families through some of their worst crisis points. One patient named Ella* (name changed for confidentiality) was 9 years old and brought in by her grandmother because she was acting out at school, and as …
A new way for family-doctor communication about parenting stresses & challenges: The IMPACT 1.0 Scale
Parenting a child with ADHD can be challenging. ADHD can affect how the child does at home and school, affects relationships in the family and with friends. Parents often express worry about how their child does at school and their general wellbeing, or “quality of life. ” Related: ADHD Impact on Quality of Life (ADHD …
Tired of nagging your child to get off screens?
If you are a parent, chances are you have a love-hate relationship with screens. Especially if your child is into Fortnite, Roblox or Minecraft. Or maybe they are watching the newest toy reveal on YouTube Kids? Or watching a famous YouTuber play their favorite video game? I know. I’m there with you. It’s hard raising …
It’s Time to Acknowledge the Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Workforce
There are roughly 15% of the nation’s children who suffer from a developmental-behavioral condition or about 1 in 6 children. Unfortunately, many of those children often do not get the help they need. Children with developmental and behavioral challenges can easily be missed, especially when the behaviors are more subtle or impacts on function are …
Why Are You So Sad? A Child’s Book About Parental Depression by Beth Andrews
Depression hurts. It can make you feel so many emotions or none at all. It can affect one’s energy level and engagement with others. When a parent has depression, it definitely can impact the family. If you suffer from depression, please know that this is not intended to call you out or make you feel …
The Way I Feel by Janan Cain
One of the many things young children need to master in early childhood is how to handle their emotions or what we call, self-regulate. Emotions are a psychological state that is often accompanied by physical sensations or reactions that allow us to express ourselves. These emotions can be beautiful and messy, big and strong, sometimes …
Self-reflections on a new year and new course
Like many of you, the new year inspires us to self-reflect and set new intentions. This is what it would be like…I would start a new habit, like working out for 30 minutes a day, and will stick to it a few weeks or months even…but life happens and sometimes those behaviors just don’t stick. …
Was It The Chocolate Pudding?: A Children’s Book about Divorce
When parents face divorce or separation, it can be very stressful to break the news to children. Last month I had developed a parent-friendly handout on talking tips for parents to help them stay child-focused when facing this particular life change. For readers of my blog, you know I love finding children’s books that help …
What in the World to Do When Divorce Happens: Stay Child-Focused
Sometimes relationships end. It is one of the more common “adverse childhood experiences” that can occur over the course of a child’s lifetime. Almost 50% of all first time marriages will end in divorce within 15 years, according to the CDC . The Truth About ACEs Infographic by RWJF on RWJF.org It is never an …
