In our recent reader survey, you said self-esteem was a top 3 concern in parenting your teenagers. We’re committed to bringing you more articles on this topic, starting with this one by teenage coach Ray Mathis, who explains the connection between shame and self-esteem, according to Rational emotive behavior therapy. What is shame? Shame is what.. Read more
“Kids are human beings, whose lives belong to them and no one else” Reader spotlight – Mimbles
February 8, 2013 9 Comments
This is the first post in our new feature where we profile one of our readers. We’re starting with someone who has been with us from the very early days. Mimbles is a wonderful contributor to The Kids Are All Right community in general and the forum in particular. When Mimbles gives advice, shares her.. Read more
Internet addiction and how to treat it
December 2, 2012 2 Comments
Internet addiction is the broad and more common term for what Dr Philip Tam has termed Problematic Internet Use, or PIU. In his first article for The Kids Are All Right, Is your teen addicted to the Internet?, Dr Tam explained what is Internet addiction. In this follow-up article, Dr Tam discusses the treatment options.. Read more
Grateful teens are happier teens
October 8, 2012 2 Comments
Growing up grateful gives teenagers multiple mental health benefits, new research shows. Grateful teens are more likely to be happy, less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol and less likely to have behavior problems at school. “Gratitude played an important role in many areas of positive mental health of the teens in our study,” said.. Read more
Mentoring for teens
September 27, 2012 8 Comments
By Ellen Laughton. Mentoring. It’s a word we usually associate with professional career development, but some families are discovering the benefits of youth mentoring for their teenagers. Mentors are being engaged to help teenagers at risk or experiencing personal difficulties, or simply to help young people set and achieve their goals. What is youth mentoring?.. Read more
Anxious kids not learning: the real effects of NAPLAN
September 17, 2012 2 Comments
By Greg Thompson, Murdoch University Australian teachers are not convinced that NAPLAN improves the reading and maths skills of students. Over the next week, NAPLAN results will be arriving at students’ homes around Australia. But new research released today shows some worrying effects from NAPLAN testing. Seven out of 10 teachers did not see that.. Read more
Explainer: what is an anxiety disorder?
August 27, 2012 Leave a Comment
By Lynne Harris, University of Sydney. Most of us are intimately familiar with anxiety. We experience it as we walk towards the room to where our job interview is held, when we stand up to give a speech at our best friend’s wedding, or when we find ourselves in conversation with someone we want to.. Read more
Blood test can diagnose major depression in teens
April 26, 2012 2 Comments
A scientist has developed the first blood test to diagnose major depression in teens, which could also lead to a more personalised course of treatment and reduce the stigma associated with depression. The estimated rates of major depressive disorder jump from 2 to 4 percent in pre-adolescent children to 10 to 20 percent by late.. Read more
Energy drink binge leaves teens with more than a hangover
April 23, 2012 Leave a Comment
Manufacturers of energy drinks are coming under pressure from governments and regulatory bodies following concerns about the health impacts of their products on teenagers and other at-risk groups. Typically, drinks such as Red Bull, Monster, Mother and Cocaine contain a cocktail of caffeine, taurine, glucuronolactone and sugar. And they are heavily promoted to shift workers,.. Read more
Parents: Don’t teach your child to fear people
April 16, 2012 1 Comment
During National Youth Week this year, we asked teenagers to tell us parents something we need to know. Jamie, 14, wrote the following. I feel like it is an unhealthy thing for parents to not trust their children or believe in them. I think it sends the wrong message to children that they should fear.. Read more
