ADHD is notoriously difficult to differentiate from typical childhood behaviour. Small children are often hyperactive, impulsive, and moody because their executive functioning skills haven’t developed fully, which mimics the deficits seen in those with ADHD. For this reason, most experts recommend waiting until a child is five or six years old before pursuing ADHD screening (unless the child’s ...
Establishing clear, consistent rules is fundamental to good parenting. Kids need structure to feel secure in their environment, learn the importance of boundaries, and understand which behaviors are appropriate. When applied in excess, however, rules can be counterproductive; while authoritative parenting is associated with a range of developmental benefits, controlling parenting can cause emotional and psychological harm. Knowing the difference ...
Praise has long been extolled for its virtues as a positive parenting tool. When used correctly, praise is a great way to let kids know which behaviours are appropriate, help them rebound from setbacks, and build their self-esteem. Unfortunately, praise also has a dark side: Excessive, nonspecific admiration from parents has the potential to encourage narcissistic traits – while actually harming ...
All relationships go through ups and downs, including parent-child relationships. Today’s parents and children face numerous external pressures that can strain their bond, including economic concerns that keep parents working long or irregular hours, children facing historically high levels of homework, and the influence of mass media and the Internet. These obstacles often prevent parents and children from spending ...
As children grow older, their behaviours change dramatically. While a hysterical tantrum over something minor is completely normal at two ...
As a psychologist living and working in Toronto, where 51% of residents were born outside Canada, I deal with immigration related ...
For the parents of overweight children, every day is a balancing act; on one hand, there is the natural desire ...
Research shows that kids who do chores grow up to be happier, more successful adults. When kids pitch in around the house, they feel competent and valuable, which facilitates the development of healthy self-esteem, confidence, and resilience. Kids also learn practical skills by doing chores, including organizational skills, time management skills, and the ability to complete tasks independently. Unfortunately, getting ...
Occasionally testing limits and boundaries through acts of defiance is a normal part of child development. Most kids break the rules to define their social role and express their desire for autonomy, which is why rebellious behaviour occurs most frequently from ages 2-3 and during early adolescence. For kids with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), however, being hostile and uncooperative isn't ...
Depression has become an all-too-common experience for adolescents. Rates of depression are also rising faster among people aged 13-19 than in any other age group: Between 2010-2023, teenage depression increased by 145% in girls and by 161% in boys - nearly 5 times the 33% increase experienced by adults during the same period. As of 2023, nearly 20% of U.S. teens experienced clinical depression, with 18.1% ...
When we think of the type of parental conflict that psychologically damages children, we envision screaming fights and physical violence. However, research shows that ongoing, poorly-resolved ongoing conflict between parents is often equally harmful. Simple everyday arguments, parents giving each other the “silent treatment,” and acts of passive aggression can significantly impact kids’ social and emotional well-being. Chronic parental conflict ...
