POSTED BY:
Leah Orchinik, PhD

With the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine approved for ages 5-11, there are going to be a lot more young and brave individuals stepping up to receive their shots. But what about those who have trouble with the thought of coming face to face with a needle? Even though it may seem scary, the more people that receive the vaccine, the closer we get to herd immunity. Here are some tips and tricks to ease the fear of needles. Distract yourself while you’re waiting. Bring along a game, book, music, or movie — something you’ll get completely caught up in so you’re not sitting in the waiting room thinking about the shot. Some doctors’ offices schedule “shot clinics” where they do nothing but give shots so the wait time is shorter. Concentrate on taking slow, deep breaths. Breathe all the way down into your belly. Deep breathing can help people relax — and concentrating on […]

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the lives of our children in many ways:  adapting to online learning, navigating the “new normal” when heading back to school, rescheduling and cancelling of school events, and creating feelings of social isolation. These restrictions have negatively influenced some of our kids’ mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the second leading cause of death among school-age youth. But often it can be prevented, and by knowing the risk factors and signs, it can be a lifesaver. Youth Suicide Statistics: Cause for Concern According to the CDC, during 2020, mental health–related emergency room (ER) visits among adolescents ages 12–17 increased 31% compared to 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, suicide attempts also increased for adolescents, especially girls. Children with mental illness are at a higher risk for suicide. In fact, 9 in 10 teens who take their own lives […]

While back to school season is usually an exciting time for most students, many kids and teens may also be feeling anxious or worried about what this school year might have in store. For many students, this is the first time they will return to in person learning since the COVID-19 pandemic began. While some may be looking forward to getting back to their normal schedules, there are those who are struggling with returning to school under new conditions.  A lot of kids and teens have struggled with stress and uncertainty over the last year because of the disruptions to “normal” life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While returning to in person learning has many benefits for mental health and well-being, especially increased socializing that is crucial for kids and teens, your child may also have some concerns about heading back to school this year, including: Being behind other classmates […]

Teen Dating Violence, also known as TDV, is a type of intimate partner violence that happens between two teens in a close relationship. But TDV doesn’t just affect teenagers, though; it impacts families, teachers, friends and whole communities. That’s why it’s essential that parents, educators and health professionals talk to young people about the risks and consequences of the issue. Teen Dating Violence Statistics Teen Dating Violence is probably more common than you think. It affects millions of teens in the U.S. each year. Data from CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey provide some alarming statistics: Youth age 12 to 19 experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault. Nearly 1 in 11 female and approximately 1 in 15 male high school students have experienced physical dating violence in the last year. About 1 in 9 female and 1 in 36 […]

With the flood of news available through social media on a daily basis, most kids and teens have probably had exposure to events surrounding the #MeToo movement and recent high profile sexual harassment cases. Parents can use this as an opportunity to talk to kids about these topics, in an age appropriate way. Understandably, this can be challenging and overwhelming, especially with tweens and young children. Parents can start by asking what their child has heard and help sort through their questions and ideas in a safe environment. This should not be a single conversation, but rather an ongoing dialogue that develops and can be revisited as kids get older. Below are tips on how to navigate the conversation. Keep it developmentally appropriate The foundation of appropriate and prosocial behavior can be taught at any age. Respect, empathy, and understanding are ideas that even young kids can start to grasp, […]

The school year is well underway, and many students are facing nightly homework assignments. With after school activities and other commitments, getting it all done can be stressful. Here are some tips to make getting homework get done stress-free and manageable for everyone. Set up a Routine and Good Space Whether your child likes to take a break after school before starting homework or wants to get right to work and have downtime later, try to stick to the same daily routine. Make sure your child works in an organized, quiet space that’s free from electronics or noisy family activities that can be distracting. Be Involved Helping your kids plan and organize their homework is a great way to be involved without actually doing the work for them. If they have questions, help them figure out how to look for solutions. Some kids like to start with easy tasks first, […]