Here’s the gist: around 2010, childhood got hijacked. Smartphones and social media went from “new shiny gadgets” to “appendages permanently glued to every teen’s hand.” At the same time, free play, independence, and responsibility got shoved to the sidelines (Haidt, 2024).

So now we have a generation growing up with less real-world practice in, you know, life… but way more practice in curating a TikTok persona.

Shocking twist: it’s not going well.

According to a recent survey, about 72% of U.S. teens have used AI companions, and more than half are regular users (Benton Institute, 2024). Even more striking, 31% of teens say conversations with AI companions feel just as satisfying—or even more satisfying—than talking with real friends (CBS News, 2024).

Let’s just rip the Band-Aid off: not everything that looks like ADHD is ADHD. I know, wild concept. But I’m seeing way too many kids in my office whose “symptoms” aren’t about brain chemistry — they’re about screen time. Yep. The glowing rectangles are wreaking havoc on your kid’s attention span, memory, emotional regulation, and yes — even their behavior.

You’ve probably heard that “mean girls” are usually just insecure. Well, science actually backs that up. (Shocking, I know.) Studies show that confidence isn’t just about feeling good in your own skin—it also affects how you treat others. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals with higher self-esteem are more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors, like kindness and cooperation (Baumeister et al., 2003).

New Year — New YOU

Like adding just the right amount of seasoning to a holiday stew, active listening can enhance the flavor of any conversation. As you engage with loved ones this Thanksgiving, approach each discussion with curiosity and openness.

Fearful decisions are rarely good decisions. When you’re in a state of panic, your brain’s “fight or flight” mode kicks in, and that higher-level thinking you normally rely on? Yeah, it’s on a coffee break.