
The Gift of a Good Influence
We all intuitively recognize relationships at home form the basis of successful and positive outcomes in life. Of course, there are some who defy the odds, and in spite of incredibly negative early experiences become positive influences in this world. Alina Baltazar and colleagues from Andrews University examined the dynamics of relationships between adolescents and their parents…
Read MoreSocial Media and Kids
Keep the computer in a public part of your home, such as the family room or kitchen, so that you can check on what your kids are doing online and how much time they are spending there.
Read MoreImportance of Modeling Healthy Eating
Researchers in Australia analyzed longitudinal questionnaire data completed by mothers of 2-4 year olds. After controlling for age, gender, maternal age, education and BMI, parental pressure to eat predicted decreased interest in new foods up to 12 months later. However, parental modeling of healthy eating predicted more interest in new foods and less picky eating.…
Read MoreWhat Parents Want Doctors to Talk to Their Teenagers About
In a national survey, parents of children 9-17 years old were asked to indicate from a list of 18 topics which ones were "very important for the doctor to discuss" during preventive care visits. Here is how the parents responded:Diet and nutrition (75%)Exercise and sports (67%)Physical changes of puberty (60%)Drug use (55%)Tobacco (52%)Depression and suicide (51%)Obesity (51%)Parents of 16-17 year…
Read MoreTalk to Your Kids about the Hard Things
CDC has surveyed the sexual health of young people--and the report is disturbing. Among the findings: Approximately 14% reported having had sexual intercourse before age 15.Twenty-five percent of females between 15 and 19, and nearly half of those between 20 and 24, had evidence of HPV infection.Only two thirds reported using condoms during their first intercourse.PositiveTip:…
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