The holidays are supposed to be a time of unbridled joy for children. Sadly, if a child has experienced a loss, the holidays can be an extremely difficult period. Family traditions during the holiday season can be sad reminders to children as memories rush back. Holiday presents, Santa Claus visits and the "magic of the season" can sometimes do only little to ease the grief of a child during this hectic time of the year.

Contagious Behavior in Adolescents and Teens
By Dr. Laura Fadell

I’m sure most of you have heard to phrase “Birds of a feather flock together.” I became very familiar with it in my early teens, as this was something my mother would frequently say during my adolescence, particularly when she didn’t approve of my momentary group of friends. Come to find out, my mom was right. That old saying couldn’t be truer, especially when the ‘birds’ are adolescents trying to navigate their way through the often painful and confusing task of establishing their own identities and defining to themselves and to the world who they are.

A recent University of Michigan study found that childhood obesity has tied drug abuse as the number one overall health concern parents have for children.

WebMd and Stanford Health conducted a survey, Raising Fit Kids, to ask parents what the most awkward conversations are to have with kids. What they found is that weight ranks higher in awkward conversations than sex, drugs, alcohol, and smoking.

Dr. Susan Bartell, a nationally recognized psychologist, provided me with this interview that discusses a recent survey regarding parent/child discussions as they relate to childhood obesity.

Parents of introverted children may wonder if their child is merely shy or may have a social phobia that can be treated. A study performed by the AAP (American Association of Pediatrics) in the November 2011 edition of Pediatrics delves into the differences between shyness and a social phobia and the importance of a correct diagnosis for treatment if a child is showing behaviors beyond normal bashfulness.

Here is more info on social phobias from the AAP in the November 2011 edition of Pediatrics:

The AAP (American Association of Pediatrics) is expanding their age ranges for diagnosing children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This move should make it easier for parents who may have concerns their child may be exhibiting early symptoms of ADHD and allow them to approach their pediatrician about a diagnosis and early intervention procedures. The expansion of ages may also help parents of teenagers showing signs of ADHD that may have gone previously undiagnosed.

Children who were not even born yet are now old enough to hear about the tragedy that struck our nation 10 years ago. Just like many other "talks" that will arise as our children grow up, this is one that can't be avoided.

9/11 is a day that changed our nation and how we live. Many lives were lost and many heroes battled to save lives, and in turn sacrificed their own. The day, the people, and the events should all be honored and remembered. As parents, we may choose to convey these messages to our children, and also need to be prepared to answer questions.

Dr. Fadell's column this month focuses on Executive Function. Executive Functioning is thankfully becoming recognized by schools as important for learning. With back to school season upon us, this is a perfect time to learn more about executive function problem-solving and why it is important in school and at home. 

Executive Functions:  Relevance to Learning
By Dr. Laura Fadell

If you have kids and you know someone who has teen-aged kids, I'm sure you've heard the line "Just wait until they hit their teens." And, you know one specific they're referring to is the dating scene. Even though we've all been there and survived, it's hard knowing what our kids will go through with broken hearts and disappointments. Whether its "puppy love" or a long-term teenage relationship, parents want to be there for their teenage sons or daughters.

I turned to "Talking Teenage" experts Barbara R. Greenberg, Ph.D. and Jennifer A. Powell-Lunder, Psy.D. to discuss ways parents can be a support system rather than an avoided hindrance when it comes to teenage heartbreak. Barbara and Jennifer are clinical psychologists who specialize in the treatment of teens and their families.

I interviewed the experts and here is what we discussed:

Scrupulosity: The Little Known Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
By Dr. Laura Fadell

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that involves (a) persistent and unwanted anxiety-evoking thoughts, ideas, or images (obsessions) and (b) urges to reduce the anxiety via some other thought or behavior (compulsions). This disorder takes many forms, but those we are most familiar with include fear of contamination/germs and a need for orderliness/organization. The television show “Monk”, starring Tony Shaloub, is probably what comes to mind for many people when they think of OCD. In this show, Monk often entertains us with his idiosyncratic tics and endless need for hand wipes. Unfortunately, when dealing with OCD in real life, it is far from entertaining. Rather, it is extremely distressful and interferes frequently with a person’s daily functioning at home, at work, and in relationships. One type of OCD, which is especially difficult to live with as well as to treat, is called scrupulosity (“seeking sin where there is none”).