Teens often turn to self-harming behaviors to cope with difficult and painful emotions. Average statistics indicate that one in 12 teens deliberately cut or harm themselves.
It has been hard to miss all the attention being given to the legalization of marijuana for adults – even in Super Bowl coverage. Many adults are understandably concerned about the increased availability of pot and its effect on our kids.
All of our kids experience pain and trauma at some point in their life. Try to name a family that hasn’t gone through a difficult stretch – I can’t. Sometimes, though, life’s bumps and curves rise to a level that can cause lasting impacts on a child’s health and wellbeing, well into adulthood.
Most of us have been bullied at some point, whether we endured teasing, name-calling, or even physical aggression. Although the initial sting may go away, the memories of the experience haunt some people for the rest of their lives.
It’s that time of year again when change is in the air. Whether it’s beginning kindergarten, changing grades, entering middle school, starting high school or going off to college, our kids go through a lot of transitions and change in their lives.
Summer vacation is a time for fun and relaxation, but it can also be a dangerous time for kids and teens. A break from school means more freedom and many homes with little or no supervision. This can create situations ripe for experimentation and risk taking.
You may have heard of a cyberbullying case in Issaquah that made national news. Two middle school students are potentially facing felony charges for bullying a classmate on Facebook. You might dismiss this as extreme, but in fact, it is much more common than most parents know.
The holidays are here, and with them come the upset of family routines. Schools out, parties abound and there are new gifts to play with. No wonder kids ask for leniency on family rules. So how do you know where to draw your boundaries?
