Parents, have you talked to your kids about vaping nicotine yet?
If you have an older kid or a teenager, it’s likely they will encounter e-cigarettes at some point. They often contain more nicotine than regular cigarettes, which makes them highly addictive (and harmful to health). And with fruit and candy flavors, they’re marketed in a way that’s appealing to teens. Read more »
What does an appropriate and reassuring conversation with children about a cancer diagnosis look like?
Elizabeth Farrell, a clinical social worker with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, says that a lot of caregivers’ first instinct may be to choose not to tell their children, hoping to protect them. Read more »
COVID-19 taught most people that the line between tolerable and toxic stress – defined as persistent demands that lead to disease – varies widely. But some people will age faster and die younger from toxic stressors than others.
So how much stress is too much, and what can you do about it? Read more »
At a time when rates of loneliness are rising among young adults and researchers report that 15- to 24-year-olds spend nearly 70% less time socializing in-person with friends than they did two decades ago, boys face some distinct challenges. Read more »
Forgiving and moving on is just as important in repairing a relationship as apologizing and making up for a mistake. As adults, we know the importance of forgiveness in our relationships, but what about for our children? How do they learn to forgive others and move on? And is there anything we can do to teach them to be more forgiving? Read more »
Teens’ focus is interrupted, on average, every 90 seconds. Something as simple as an audible notification can draw focus away from a task. In schools, multiple distractions across the classroom create an almost impossible task of staying on topic and focused
These distractions aren’t only frustrating for educators, research shows they reduce cognitive efficiency. School psychologist Rebecca Branstetter offered 10 tips and hacks to help boost teen’s executive function skills and manage screen time. Read more »
Puberty can be a challenging time, but with guidance, parents can help their children navigate it with resilience and strength. Drawing on insights and the expertise of CHC Doctoral Psychology intern, Emma Lecarie, this Voices of Compassion podcast episode provides practical advice for parents navigating this transitional period with their children. Read more »
What if a therapy room felt more like a playground? What if there were soft mats covering the floor, colorful walls, climbing spaces, and swinging trapezes? And what if, upon entering this special space, you were greeted by a friendly mini Aussiedoodle? This magical space you’re envisioning isn’t a mere fantasy—it’s the occupational therapy gym at CHC. Read more »
A safety plan is a set of steps you can take when you feel suicidal. It includes your warning signs, coping strategies, and people to ask for support. You can write your own safety plan or use a free phone app. But it’s best to work with a therapist to make your plan. Read more »
Being socially withdrawn and experiencing physical discomforts as a preteen is associated with a higher risk of having suicidal thoughts at age 16, according to a study published in the journal JAMA Network Open. Read more »
