Depression In Teens – What You Need To Know

  In a recent post, I talked about ways to help a friend or loved one who may be suffering from depression. When that loved one is a teenager or young adult, however, the warning signs, diagnosis and treatment options are often different. It is estimated that depression affects roughly 11 percent of teenagers. Although […]

New School Year, New Problems

In a recent interview, I discussed some of the issues associated with back-to-school anxiety. Now that the new school year is upon us, many parents are witnessing this anxiety as their children adjust to new surroundings. It’s not uncommon for any child, regardless of his grade level, academic ability or social demeanor, to experience challenges […]

How To Help When Someone You Love Is Depressed

  In the wake of the sudden and tragic death of comedian and actor Robin Williams, the topic of depression once again rises to the surface. And rightfully so. It is a disease that affects millions of people each year. Yet while the sheer number of people who suffer from depression is alarming, the amount […]

Talking To Your Child About Tragedy

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are […]

Eating Disorders 101 – What To Look For and When To Seek Help

  According to a recent study, nearly 25 million Americans suffer from eating disorders. While it’s tempting to place all the blame on our society’s infatuation with celebrities, super models and fad diets, there are many other factors, such as depression and mental illness, that can play a role in the development and furthering of […]

Fantasy or Reality: Do Teens Always Know the Difference?

  In a recent interview about the Slenderman controversy, I talked about how the media can impact teens. In case you’re not familiar with this scenario, Slenderman is a fictitious character that was created in 2009 as part of an online contest seeking paranormal images. The original creator of Slenderman submitted a black-and-white picture that […]

9 Tips for Nurturing the Father-Son Relationship

Earlier this month I shared a blog post with my favorite tips for dads raising daughters. As Father’s Day approaches, it’s only right to make sure I give fathers of sons equal billing—although as the father of girls, this territory is a bit foreign to me. Truth is, much of what I shared in my […]

7 Tips for Nurturing the Dad-Daughter Relationship

Father’s Day is June 15, so it seems like a good time to talk about the relationship between dads and daughters. It’s one I’m keenly familiar with as my wife and I have two daughters of our own. A little bit later this month I’ll share my thoughts on raising sons and the importance of […]

Life After the Diploma

Graduation arrived early in Central Ohio this year, with most ceremonies taking place in May rather than June. Our family had the pleasure of celebrating two graduations as our older daughter graduated from college and her younger sister graduated from high school. Both were momentous occasions, and we are understandably proud of their accomplishments. Now […]

The Negative Effects of Internet Addiction

  In a recent radio interview on 610 WTVN, I talked with Joel Riley about the negative effects of Internet addiction. It’s a fascinating topic, especially since it has gained rapid momentum in recent years. Although Internet addiction is not technically considered a clinical addiction, that may soon change. The American Psychiatric Association may be […]