Is my teenager being bullied? Nearly half of all children are bullied at some time during their school years and 10% are bullied on a regular basis. Bullies often choose children who are passive, easily intimidated, or have few friends. Victims are often smaller or younger and have a hard time defending themselves. Bullying interferes … Read more
Does my child have symptoms of a brain tumor? A brain tumor is any growth of abnormal cells or the uncontrolled growth of cells in the brain. The tumor may originate in the brain (primary brain tumor) or spread to the brain from another part of the body. Tumors can directly destroy brain cells or … Read more
Is this child a victim of physical abuse? Any nonaccidental physical injury caused by a child’s caretaker is, by definition, physical abuse (even if the injury was not intentional). Physical abuse may result from extreme discipline or from overly harsh punishment by a parent or other caretaker who lacks self-control during stress or while using … Read more
Is this child a victim of sexual abuse? Unlike physical abuse, there are often no obvious outward signs of child sexual abuse. However, the long-term emotional and psychological damage of sexual abuse can be devastating to the child. A sexually abused child can develop a number of disturbing feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Some sexually abused … Read more
Does my teenager have a hangover from using alcohol? Your teenager seems tired and sick a lot on the weekends. You’re beginning to wonder if they’re drinking the night before, but they tell you it’s just from staying up too late. Frequent hangovers are a sign of alcohol abuse or alcoholism. (See our Teen Binge … Read more
Is my teenager using steroids? Anabolic steroids (also known as roids, juice, hype, or pump) are man-made substances used to build muscle. They are legally available only by prescription and would be prescribed for low testerone production or loss of lean muscle mass. People are abusing steroids to enhance performance, especially for sports, and to … Read more
How can I tell if I, my child, or someone I know might have anorexia? Messages are all around us of the benefits of a healthy diet and regular exercise. Advice on how to do that is also readily available. However, an obsession with losing weight and exercising can lead to anorexia. The emotional and … Read more
Is my teenager addicted to a cell phone? Addiction is evident when an obsession with something disrupts the more important things in life, like personal relationships, schooling, or jobs. People can become addicted to pretty much anything, and teens are especially vulnerable to addictions, whether behavior or substance addictions. Teenagers who are shy and have … Read more
Is my teenager using drugs? Some typical teenage behaviors (spending a lot of time in their room, moody, loses interest in hobbies or sports) are also warning signs of drug abuse. Take this quick assessment to learn more about the warning signs of teenage drug abuse and help you determine whether or not your child … Read more
Does my teenager have symptoms of stress? Teenagers face stress for different reasons than adults. Teens may be stressed about things at home, like blended family issues, divorced parents, siblings, an alcoholic parent, an abusive home, or pressures from home. Teens also experience stress from school, like pressure from teachers, parents, or friends to to … Read more