Alix McLaughlin, PhD, Jennie David, PhD, and Anne Dawson, PhD Since the 1980s, there has been more talk of the “obesity epidemic.” Doctors often discuss children’s body size during appointments. It can often feel like the larger the child’s body, the longer the doctor’s lecture. Keep reading to … [Read more...]

Talking about sex with children can be difficult for parents. Yet, having these discussions at an early age can make it easier to talk about sex as children grow into adolescents. Although we often think about the “sex talk” with kids to prevent negative outcomes, it’s helpful to also focus on … [Read more...]

It can be challenging and confusing to know how to support grieving children in school– especially because every child grieves differently. This article provides tips for school staff, parents, community members, and others involved in the lives of grieving children. What can grief look like in … [Read more...]

Chronic illness is defined as a medical or mental health condition, which lasts more than 12 months and is significant enough to limit a child’s normal activities. The latest research tells us that 10-30% of children have a chronic illness such as Diabetes, Asthma, or a heart condition. Being … [Read more...]

When a parent or caregiver learns that their child is self-harming or has friends who do, they are likely to feel scared, helpless, or confused. They may not know what to say to their child or how to best support them. This blog post contains information about self-harm, strategies to guide … [Read more...]

What is pain? Our brains are the key body part to feeling pain. There are nerve fibers that are connected all over our bodies and these fibers carry signals to and from the brain. These signals can be more or less intense. When there are fewer pain signals or less intense signals, we feel less … [Read more...]

What is Functional Neurological Disorder? Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is diagnosed when a child has a neurological symptom or symptoms without an organic neurological disease or damage. This means that the symptoms exist even though there is not a diagnosed problem in the brain or the … [Read more...]

Your child likes to dump out their M&M’s and sort them by color before eating them. Your teenager has the same breakfast, listens to the same playlist, and wears the same socks the morning before algebra tests. Should you be worried? Probably not. Kids, and adults for that matter, sometimes do … [Read more...]

Few activities are more refreshing than swimming on a hot summer day. Whether a small backyard “kiddie pool” or a trip to the beach, both parents and children alike enjoy time at the water. And not only that, swimming is good for us. Exercise science experts list swimming as one of the best forms … [Read more...]

What is Grief? Grief is the emotional and physical response to a major loss. Children experience grief differently based on their age, developmental level, cultural background, personality, environment, past experiences with death and trauma, as well as their relationship to the loved one who … [Read more...]