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.

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.

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.

Studies have shown that people who maintain these emotional connections with deceased parents often cope better with their grief . So no, you don’t have to toss out their stuff or stop thinking about them to heal. Keep the bond alive – it’s part of what makes us whole.

Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media platforms among teenagers. Its unique features, such as disappearing messages, creative filters, and Stories, have captivated young users, making it a dominant force in teen social media usage. However, with its rise in popularity, there are also significant concerns about the potential dangers associated with its use.

Hugging releases oxytocin, commonly known as the "love hormone." This hormone plays a crucial role in bonding and building trust between partners. Higher levels of oxytocin are associated with feelings of contentment and reduced stress (Gouin, J.P., & Carter, C.S., 2012, "Stress and the Social Neuroendocrinology of Relationships: A Marriage of the Fields," Hormones and Behavior).

One of the most impactful influences on a child, especially when it comes to body image and self-esteem, is the parent of the same sex. For daughters, this means that a mother’s relationship with her own body, food, and health often serves as the most significant model for how a young girl will approach these same issues.