US Surgeon General releases advisory on teens and social media warning of “profound risks” to kids
Science often trails common sense, and the government often trails science. When technology explodes in the private sector with unprecedented…
What is your teen daughter’s view of romance?
Last week my friend’s daughter said, “When I get married, if my fiancé doesn’t cry when I start walking down the aisle, I’m going to turn around and…
Four ways to care for your teens’ mental health during the holidays
Christmastime. It’s the most wonderful time of the year—unless it’s not. Then the holidays can be really hard. Whether it’s missing a loved one, the…
Creating a haven at home for teens in a noisy world
I set down four alarm clocks next to the cash register. The young cashier squinted at my purchases, as if to say, “You know nobody uses these…
Responding to teen parenting challenges with courage and grace
As a pediatric nurse practitioner, I often meet families behind closed doors at a point of crisis they never saw coming. No parent walks into my…
Helping your teen identify their feelings
Cotton Candy is what I call her. She is full of sweetness, marvel, and loves big crowds. Her role, she feels, is to bring joy to all who are in her…
Six things not to say to someone struggling with suicidal thoughts
I was flying home on a small commuter jet with two seats on either side of the aisle. I was by the window. A mother sat next to me and her two sons…
What parents should know about senior year
“This is the beginning of the end.” I remember thinking this thought the entire summer before my senior year. I was terrified and did not feel ready…
5 things to tell your kids going back to school
As adults, we largely get to choose our environments. We can spend our time with people we like, people who help us thrive. Our children, on the…
