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Showing posts from January, 2024

Prolonged Screen Time May Be Making Your Child More Autistic-Like

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 Recent research has demonstrated that excessive screen time in young children can have significant negative impacts on their physical, emotional, and cognitive health. Studies have revealed that prolonged screen time can lead to decreased cognitive ability, impaired language development, mood problems, and even autistic-like behavior, such as hyperactivity, short attention span, and irritability. The negative effects of screen time on cognitive ability and language development can be attributed to the fact that screen time often involves passive consumption of information, as opposed to active engagement, which is crucial for learning and development. Moreover, excessive screen time can interfere with children's sleep patterns, resulting in mood and behavioral problems. ==> Join Online Parent Support   Over the past few decades, there has been a significant and steady increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This trend has raised co...

How Parents Can Tell When Their Teen Is Lying

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In this article, we will discuss some valuable insights and techniques that can help you recognize when your teenager is being less than honest. So let's get started! Before diving into the signs of lying, it's crucial to highlight the role of open communication in building trust with your teenager. By fostering a safe and non-judgmental environment, you create a space where they feel comfortable being honest with you. Make it clear that honesty is valued and that you are there to support them unconditionally. One of the key indicators of lying is body language. Pay attention to any sudden shifts in posture or excessive fidgeting. Avoiding eye contact, crossing arms, or touching the face are also common signs of discomfort and potential dishonesty. However, it's essential to remember that these cues are not foolproof evidence but rather potential red flags that deserve further investigation. ==> Join Online Parent Support   Besides body language, there are verbal indicat...

My Child Became a Teenager Who Became a Substance Abuser

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The issue of teen drug use is a complex and evolving problem that has been a major concern for many years. While some drugs, such as marijuana and alcohol, have been traditionally associated with teen drug use, there has been a significant shift in recent years towards the use of other substances, such as e-cigarettes and prescription drugs. This changing landscape has created new challenges for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals, who must stay informed and adapt their strategies to effectively address the ever-evolving nature of teen drug use. It is crucial to understand the underlying reasons behind this shift and to develop innovative approaches that can help prevent and address the harms of drug use among teenagers. It can be difficult for parents to recognize the signs of substance abuse in their teenagers, but early identification and intervention can greatly improve their chances of recovery.  ==> Join Online Parent Support   Some signs that your teen m...

Managing Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Help for Distraught Parents

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a behavioral disorder characterized by a pattern of disobedient, hostile, and defiant behavior toward authority figures. It is a common disorder among children and adolescents, and it can cause significant distress and dysfunction in the affected individuals and their families. The Power of Positive Reinforcement— Managing ODD can be a challenging task for parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals. While there are many different approaches to managing ODD, positive reinforcement has emerged as a powerful tool for promoting positive behavior and reducing negative behavior in children and adolescents with ODD. Positive reinforcement is a behavioral technique that involves rewarding desired behavior. The reward can be anything that the child or adolescent finds reinforcing, such as praise, attention, privileges, or tangible rewards. The goal of positive reinforcement is to increase the frequency and intensity of desired behavior and reduce the ...