Losing a parent changes a child’s life in unfathomable ways. Unfortunately, it usually happens more than people realize. It is estimated that about 1 in 11 children will lose a parent or sibling before their 18th birthday in the US. There is no perfect book or program that adults can use to help kids process …
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How Trauma Impacts Brain Development
A teenager who suddenly snaps or freezes may be reacting to past trauma. Adolescent trauma often affects executive functions. It can severely impact brain development if left unaddressed. Teen trauma is quite widespread. Approximately two-thirds of adults have experienced at least one Adverse Childhood Experience in the US during adolescence. While these statistics might be …
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Substance Abuse and the Developing Brain
Adolescence is a delicate phase that ushers in growth and self-discovery. However, issues like substance abuse can change a teenager’s life trajectory forever. Most brain development happens during puberty, making teenagers more vulnerable to the effects of brain-altering substances. Youth drinking may have dropped over the years, but it is still an issue. Adolescents have …
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How Parent Behavior Influences Teen Behavior
Somewhere at the back of your mind, you are stressed about your teenager’s behavior. Is it your fault? It is a difficult question to answer – but asking it is actually a sign of healthy parenting instincts. According to the CDC, 86% of youth report that their parents usually or always know who they are with and …
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Differences Between Normal Sadness vs Teen Depression
Navigating teen emotional changes can leave parents feeling completely overwhelmed, helpless, or anxious. It is normal to wonder whether your teen’s sadness is just a challenging phase of growing up or maybe it signals something more. It helps to know the differences between normal teen sadness and teen depression. Most adolescents face unprecedented mental health …
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