ParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.comParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.com/media/feedlogo.gifParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.comen-usCopyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/The Most Dangerous Game: Young Athletes Taking Energy Boostershttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/06/sports-energy-boosters/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/06/sports-energy-boosters/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/06/sports-energy-boosters/#commentsFiled under: ,

sports drinks

Boost or bust? Credit: Getty Images

When an 11-year-old patient developed an irregular heartbeat after eating what he told me was "candy" before a soccer game, it occurred to me that there might be something else at play here.

This intelligent and astute patient said his soccer coach had distributed "candy" to the team to give them a boost of energy and help them play better.

Considering that this particular patient had undergone open-heart surgery just months before coming to my office with an arrhythmia, I knew I had to investigate further.

It turns out the "candy" my patient was referring to are Black Cherry CLIF SHOT BLOKS, made by CLIF Bar & Company, and marketed as a nutritional supplement to replace carbohydrates and electrolytes during activity.

One serving contains 50 mg of caffeine, which is about the equivalent of half a cup of coffee or one shot of espresso.

Yes, it is true that this patient was at increased risk because of his heart surgery to close a hole in the wall of the lower heart chamber -- a common heart defect that only occasionally requires surgical repair.

But children with a history of heart disease are not the only ones at risk for the occurrence of a cardiac event while taking stimulants. Some children have undiagnosed heart conditions, making them more vulnerable to the effects of exercise and stimulants.

CLIF SHOT BLOKS are targeted towards endurance athletes, like cyclists and marathon runners that need to replace nutrients lost during physical activity and get a little boost of energy to keep them going. The small amount of caffeine they contain may seem safe, but in the wrong hands, these chewy treats can be confused with candy -- as evident with my young patient.

What concerns me most about this kind of confusion is the potential for children to unknowingly consume multiple servings. Exposure to excessive amounts of caffeine can be toxic, and can result in arrhythmias, seizures and even death.

CLIF SHOT BLOKS not only deliver the stimulant, they also contain undiluted sugar, salt and potassium, so the manufacturer suggests taking them with enough water to prevent dehydration.

A healthier alternative for kids, such as Gatorade or Powerade, contains salt, sugar and potassium in safe concentrations. But these drinks should be consumed only to replenish fluid lost during physical activity.

Sports drinks contain large amounts of sugar, so using them in place of daily water consumption can increase the risk of dental problems and help fuel the obesity epidemic.

According to a recent report published in the journal Pediatrics, experts are urging kids and teens to avoid energy drinks and only consume sports drinks in limited amounts.

The researchers from the American Academy of Pediatrics say that children should never drink energy drinks because they contain caffeine and other stimulants that put stress on the body.

Most energy drinks and supplements also contain vitamins and herbal extracts that are not well researched or regulated, and we just don't know enough about the potential side effects.

From soda to energy drinks to caffeine-laced chews, our children are being exposed to exceptionally high levels of stimulants, all in an attempt to improve performance.

The reality is, when these products are consumed during physical activity, they can be extremely dangerous. The combination of a stimulant in the face of dehydration is a recipe for disaster.

I thought I was asking all the right questions when a child presents with palpitations: Are you on any prescription stimulants, any weight-loss medications, protein or supplement drinks? Do you drink coffee, soda or energy drinks?

It never occurred to me that my interview must now include seemingly innocent "candy."

This article was originally published by FoxNews.com by Dr. Robert J. Tozzi. Dr. Robert J. Tozzi is the chief of pediatric cardiology and founder of the Pediatric Center for Heart Disease at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, New Jersey. He is also the director of the Gregory M. Hirsch Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center and a Fox News contributor.

More from FoxNews:

School Allegedly Said Diabetic Kid Couldn't Attend

Vision Problems in Preschoolers Need Treatment

Should Babies Be Screened for Untreatable Diseases?

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Energyenergy drinkssports drinkssports energy foodyoung athletesthe editors at FoxNews.comMon, 06 Jun 2011 18:00:00 ESTWhy Is My Teenage Son Overeating? From Dr. Drewhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/20/why-is-my-teenage-son-overeating-from-dr-drew/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/20/why-is-my-teenage-son-overeating-from-dr-drew/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/20/why-is-my-teenage-son-overeating-from-dr-drew/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sex and addiction expert Dr. Drew responds to a concerned mother's question about her teenage son's unhealthy eating habits.



Don't miss on MarloThomas.com:

Forget the Hook-Ups!
Dr. Drew strongly encourages young people to "cultivate dating" and to abandon the "hook-up culture" that is so prevalent today.
See the clip

Shopping: Is It an Addiction?
A lot of my friends wonder about whether you can be addicted to shopping. Dr. Drew says yes.
See the clip

Planning an Intervention
Dr. Drew offers specific guidelines on how to plan an intervention for a friend or family member suffering from chemical dependence.
See the clip

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>childdr drewmarlo thomasovereatingthe editors at MarloThomas.comFri, 20 May 2011 09:00:00 ESTTeens on Facebook More Likely to Drink Than Their Non-Social Networking Peershttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/12/teens-on-facebook-more-likely-to-drink-than-their-non-social-net/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/12/teens-on-facebook-more-likely-to-drink-than-their-non-social-net/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/12/teens-on-facebook-more-likely-to-drink-than-their-non-social-net/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

teens facebook

Teens who drink alcohol spend more time on the computer for fun -- listening to music and updating their online profiles -- than their non-drinking peers. Credit: Getty Images

Some teens on Facebook are really putting the "social" in social networking -- boozing it up while they check in on their friends online.

New research finds teens who drink alcohol spend more time on the computer for fun -- listening to music and updating their online profiles -- than their non-drinking peers.

The study, published in the online edition of the journal Addictive Behaviors and authored by Weill Cornell Medical College public health researcher Dr. Jennifer Epstein, looked at anonymous surveys from 264 teens, a university press release reports.

"While the specific factors linking teenage drinking and computer use are not yet established, it seems likely that adolescents are experimenting with drinking and activities on the Internet," she says in the release. "In turn, exposure to online material such as alcohol advertising or alcohol-using peers on social networking sites could reinforce teens' drinking."

Epstein, an assistant professor of public health at Weill Cornell Medical College, says kids are getting online at younger ages, and parents need to monitor their computer and alcohol use.

"According to a national study conducted by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, more than half of parents of teenagers had filters installed on the computers their child uses to block content parents find objectionable, yet many parents do not use any form of parental monitoring, particularly for older teens," Epstein adds in the release.

The Weill Cornell survey found that teens who said they drank alcohol in the last month used a computer more hours per week -- not counting homework -- than those who did not, the release states.

The researchers also discovered drinking was linked to more social networking and listening to and downloading music. No strong link was found between drinking and online shopping or playing video games, however, according to the release.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>alcoholsocial networkingteen alcohol abuseteen drinkingteens facebookLesley KennedyThu, 12 May 2011 10:30:00 ESTParenting an ADHD Child, Age by Agehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/21/adhd-child/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/21/adhd-child/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/21/adhd-child/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Watch a video on treating ADHD.

The benefits of following some tried-and-true parenting techniques can provide you with even greater rewards. Credit: Getty Images

Establishing good parenting skills, educating yourself and advocating for your child are the most important tools for successfully raising your ADHD child.

While the challenges you face may be more intense than those of most parents, the benefits of following some tried-and-true parenting techniques can provide you with even greater rewards. Your ADHD child will learn appropriate behaviors when you create clear routines and expectations, as well as set and enforce limits. Don't make things too complicated. Just establish some straight-forward rules and time lines, and your child will be better able to navigate at every stage.

Preschoolers
Because the brain is still developing and few medications are approved for children at this age, this is the period in which parents are most "on their own." Most helpful at this stage is behavior modification and environmental adjustments. In our world of super stimulation, it may be best to minimize your child's surroundings -- a smaller classroom, with less activity, and a definite routine can help improve preschoolers' ADHD symptoms.

The National Institute of Mental Health conducted a Preschool ADHD Treatment Study and found that when parents consistently used techniques such as offering consistent praise, ignoring negative behavior and using time-outs, they were successful in helping their ADHD children adjust to the preschool setting.

School-age
Most children are diagnosed with ADHD once they start grade school because their difficulties with focus and lack of control become more apparent (and problematic) when faced with more formal learning and social situations. For parents, this can actually be helpful because while your child may face greater challenges, it's also possible you'll receive more support. Be sure to talk to teachers, administrators and counselors to see what resources are available to you and your child within the school community.

Children at this stage need to know exactly what others expect of them. Since they can't "read between the lines," they don't do well in ambiguous situations. Behavioral parent training programs can be very effective here. They will help you narrow your focus to a few specific behaviors and help you to set limits, and follow through in a consistent manner.

Tweens
In middle school, a more challenging curriculum and the onset of adolescence can certainly intensify the lives of ADHD kids and their parents. Parents may need to try new approaches, from adjusting medications to developing new strategies to help cope with more complex schedules.

Parents should steer their middle schoolers to take more responsibility for their overall well being. Behavioral therapy should also focus on strategies that kids, rather than parents, can use to get their work done.

At this stage it's also important to reassure your tween that having ADHD is not a fault or a punishment. Remind your child that ADHD is a medical condition, like asthma or nearsightedness, and that, with treatment, she can prevent it from limiting her success.

Teens
Although symptoms may seem less severe in the teen years, it's important for parents to continue to advocate for their children. ADHD students may qualify for accommodations such as being issued extra time on standardized tests in school.

Issues that prove challenging for all teens -- identity, independence, drugs and alcohol, sexuality -- can be magnified for teens with ADHD. If you've been dealing with the disorder since childhood, you may have an advantage over non-ADHD parents in that your child is comfortable with all-important limits and boundaries.

Probably the best thing you can do for your ADHD teen is to help him find his strengths and give him opportunities to experience success. Reinforce some of the positive or "surplus" aspects of ADHD symptoms. Remind your child that impulsiveness can lead to creativity; intrusiveness can be interpreted as eagerness, while sincerity is just plan heartwarming, and sincere.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>adhdtreating adhdtreatment for adhdCarolyn RogalskyThu, 21 Apr 2011 16:30:00 ESTGirl-On-Girl Video Violence A Troubling Teen Trendhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/01/girl-on-girl-video-violence-a-troubling-teen-trend/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/01/girl-on-girl-video-violence-a-troubling-teen-trend/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/01/girl-on-girl-video-violence-a-troubling-teen-trend/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Watch Video Related to This Article

Physical fighting is a growing trend among girls. Credit: Getty Images

If your teen daughter aspires for a career in the limelight, the road to rock-star fame has gone viral, and there's a role for you, too: Goad her on as she stages a girl-on-girl fight and capture it on video.

Prosecutors across the country are seeing a dangerous trend of increased girl-on-girl violence posted on YouTube, and some fear that the cause may be rooted in reality TV shows like MTV's "Teen Mom 2," NBC's Kerry Sanders reports.

Earlier this week "Teen Mom 2" star Jenelle Evans was charged in North Carolina along with two others for fighting in public, according to CBS News. A videotape of the fight was released online, showing with her friends goading on the smack down.

Videos posted on YouTube are showing a violent, disturbing trend, Sanders reports. He says in the NBC report that reality TV shows are partly responsible for leading girls to believe that outrageous and violent behavior in front of the cameras is somewhat acceptable.

"We're watching these programs and thinking, 'Nobody would behave like that,' and assuming our children feel the same way - horrified to see it, not excited," prosecutor Wendy Murphy tells the Today Show's The Clicker. "But I think the line for kids between entertainment and warning signs, they're not always clear the way adults are. ... Kids are seeing it in a celebratory way on television. This is how you become famous. They feel this is normal - not just acceptable, but normal. The way they should be."

Psychiatrist Janet Taylor tells Today she agrees and feels the link between reality TV and teen violence comes in part from the lack of consequences shown on such programming.

"I mean being reckless, trying new things, and not worrying about consequences is part of being a teenager," Taylor tells Today. "So what happens on these shows is you see no consequences. You see 'Teen Mom' and people think they're getting paid, but they don't look at what's so hard - 24/7 raising a child. Nor do they see the consequences of assault, which is what we're visualizing with these videos."

The growing trend in girls fighting on video has anti-bullying campaigners calling for tighter federal controls on YouTube after a video of a violent fight between a bullied schoolgirl and her classmate was posted on the website, according to the Daily Mirror.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>girls fightingyoutubeMary Beth SammonsFri, 01 Apr 2011 17:30:00 ESTThe Hero Next Door: Kim Tschirrethttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/25/the-hero-next-door-kim-tschirret/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/25/the-hero-next-door-kim-tschirret/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/25/the-hero-next-door-kim-tschirret/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Kim Tschirret, a mother in Raleigh, N.C., started Hope Reins, a program that puts together troubled children and rescued horses.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>the editors at MarloThomas.comFri, 25 Mar 2011 17:00:00 ESTNumber of Depressed College Students On the Rise, Study Sayshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/11/number-of-depressed-college-students-on-the-rise-study-says/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/11/number-of-depressed-college-students-on-the-rise-study-says/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/11/number-of-depressed-college-students-on-the-rise-study-says/#commentsFiled under: , ,

depressed college students

A breeding ground for depressed students. Credit: AP

Parents hear a lot of buzz about the stress college students face today, regardless of whether or not their coed is exaggerating when she says she is homesick. New research suggests parents should pay attention to these cues because they may have something serious to worry about: depression.

A recent study of college students suggests that their declining emotional condition is a critical situation schools have failed to fully address, according to The Chicago Tribune.

The results are discouraging, says Michael Fleming, one of the study's lead authors and a professor at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.

"I think the stress of academic performance has helped cause an increase in the rate of depression among students," Fleming tells the Tribune. "That's why it's important to take the opportunity to screen at every visit."

If colleges boost their depression screening efforts for all students, that would be the first step toward better emotional health, Fleming tells the Tribune. About 25 percent of all students who visited on-campus health centers were diagnosed as depressed, according to the report published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry.

The researchers recommend that university health centers should conduct comprehensive screenings of all student visitors to more accurately assess how many may be at risk of depression.

Researchers spent two years surveying more than 1,600 college students who visited health centers on the campuses of the University of British Columbia, the University of Washington and the University of Wisconsin.

The study, "Depression and Suicide Ideation among Students Accessing Campus Healthcare," was the first of its kind to screen for depression among a large pool of students who were visiting a campus health center to seek treatment for ailment or injury, according to the report.

By screening more students, Fleming says, the research team found the rates of depression and suicidal thoughts were nearly twice as high as those found in previous studies. Those studies were based on students' answers on general college surveys and data collected from those who visited counseling centers, he tells the Tribune.

"Depression screening is easy to do," Fleming says. "We know it works, and it can save lives."

A growing number of studies are focusing on the rising number of college students diagnosed with depression and other emotional conditions.

According to the International Association of Counseling Services' 2010 National Survey of Counseling Center Directors, 91 percent of the more than 300 counseling center directors surveyed reported seeing an increase in numbers of students with psychological problems over the past year, reports the Tribune.

Another recently published study that surveyed incoming college freshmen found the number of students who ranked their emotional health as "below average" was the highest in more than 20 years.

"It's really hard to know why our numbers are going up," Dianna Stencel, a licensed clinical social worker at Loyola University Chicago's campus health center, tells the Tribune. "Some speculate that our medications are so much better now that people who traditionally wouldn't have been able to go to school away from home are able to do that now."

Want to get the latest ParentDish news and advice? Sign up for our newsletter!

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Mary Beth SammonsFri, 11 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST'Teenage as a Second Language': Q&A With Author Barbara Greenberg, PhDhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/14/teenage-as-a-second-language/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/14/teenage-as-a-second-language/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/14/teenage-as-a-second-language/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Your teen will talk, but you have to wait until she's ready. Credit: Adams Media

Fine. Whatever. I don't care. That's the opening to "Teenage as a Second Language: A Parent's Guide to Becoming Bilingual," a how-to guide for frustrated parents everywhere.

In the book, psychologists Barbara Greenberg and Jennifer Powell-Lunder posit that teens "make healthier decisions, cope better with peer pressure and have higher self-esteem" when parents talk to them about sensitive subjects like sex and drugs. Kind of hard to do when your children don't want to talk to you. ParentDish spoke with co-author Greenberg who says, "There are a lot of secrets that teens won't tell you, which is why we wrote the book." An edited version of the interview follows.

ParentDish: Teenagers seem to be getting younger every year. Does this mean we have to have those dreaded talks earlier?
Barbara Greenberg: As a parent, you can't suddenly start having good dialogue with your kids when they become teens. You have to start talking to them when they're very young so you set the tone of what the relationship is going to be like and so you set a high quality of trust. It's really a myth to think that once they become teenagers you can change everything.

PD: What about parents who didn't start young?
BG: There are a lot of misconceptions. First is that they don't want to talk to you. The fact is that they do want to talk to you; they just want to control the timing and style of the dialogue. The second misconception is that they don't care what you think. The fact is they care very much what you think, even more now than when they were younger. The third thing is the reason that they lie and withhold information is not because they're bad kids but because they don't want to be embarrassed or disappoint parents.

PD: Any advice on how to get teens to talk?
BG: Teenagers don't like direct requests for information. "How was your day?" goes over like a lead balloon because it's too direct, and also, because it's not a precise question. Their day's not over because they're probably on Facebook and texting until about 9 or 10 o'clock.

"How was the party?" is too direct because the kids know [what you're really asking]. I remember with my teenagers when I said "How was the party?" what I really meant was, "Were you guys smoking pot there?"

PD: Can you give an example of an indirect question?
BG: When my daughter would go out to the movies with a guy I wouldn't say, "How was the date?" I would say, "How was the movie?" It was indirect and she could control how much information she would give me. But then she'd start spilling, "I'm not sure I like him ..." They have to control the kind and the amount of disclosure.

PD: What if the parent doesn't like what he or she is hearing?
BG: Kids are most likely to talk if parents are not emotionally over-reactive. If you say you're not going to become angry and you really stick to that, they will disclose. But if you want them not to talk to you, become emotional.

PD: How involved should parents be in their teenager's life?
BG: You want to know about their safety -- where they are, what they're up to, if they're hanging out with the right group of kids, if they're making good choices. But you really don't need to know who they have crushes on, who they think is hot or who's dating who.

PD: Why not?
BG: That's another well-kept secret: Kids don't want parents to be their friends. They're humiliated if you pick them up from a party wearing really low-rise jeans and some top that shows your tummy. I know because I did it once. I got into deep trouble.

PD: What about parents who try to speak the current teen slang?
BG: Part of being a teenager is establishing your own identity, so these are words that let them be teenagers. When the parents start [speaking teen slang] it's like they're competing [with their teen]. It's embarrassing to the kids. Parents should not engage in this because that's being a friend and kids want parents.


PD: Can you talk about body language?
BG: Eighty percent of communication is nonverbal. Anything a teen says can mean something different based on the accompanying nonverbal behavior. You know the whole scenario where a kid doesn't want to talk and the parent follows the kid to his room [and] tries to go into the bedroom? The kid just needs some space. They will talk to you, but it has to be at the right time.

PD: Any other nonverbal examples?
BG: We always point our body in the direction we want our conversation to go. So if we're having a conversation with our teens and their body is pointing toward the door, it means they want to be someplace else. Pay attention to where their focus is. Say, "It seems like you don't want to talk now but later, if you're in the mood, I'll be available."

Want to get the latest ParentDish news and advice? Sign up for our newsletter!

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>talking to teensTalkingToTeensJulie Z. RosenbergMon, 14 Feb 2011 11:00:00 ESTTry This: How Do You Keep Your Kids Away From the Wrong Crowd?http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/07/try-this-how-do-you-keep-your-kids-away-from-the-wrong-crowd/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/07/try-this-how-do-you-keep-your-kids-away-from-the-wrong-crowd/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/07/try-this-how-do-you-keep-your-kids-away-from-the-wrong-crowd/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



You can only make your child's play dates for so long until the time comes when they become their own social coordinators. It's out of your hands and you hope that they choose to play with the nice kids on the playground.

But, if you do find that you don't exactly approve of your kid's friends, our resident AdviceMama lends a hand:

"Stop criticizing her friendships, which she could easily take as an unfavorable judgment about her, since she's chosen them," she advises.

Instead, look for ways to connect with her friends because if they feel comfortable with you, you can positively influence them as well. After all, your teen does value your guidance but will not respond well to being told how to think or what to feel.

How do you get your kids to hang with the right crowd?

Looking for family meal ideas? Get tips from other parents at KitchenDaily.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>AdvertiserMon, 07 Feb 2011 00:01:00 ESTTry This: How Do You Punish a Teenager?http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/01/try-this-how-do-you-punish-a-teenager/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/01/try-this-how-do-you-punish-a-teenager/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/01/try-this-how-do-you-punish-a-teenager/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Your rebellious teenager is acting up and you know that banning dessert or giving timeouts won't work anymore.

So, now what?

When it comes to disciplining teens, taking away electronics, like cell phones and iPods, seems to be a growing trend.

But, is banning Facebook really an effective punishment method as well? Healthguidance.com recommends implementing related punishments so that the punishment does, in fact, fit the crime.

Also, punishments should be practical so that your teen knows you are serious. Threatening to never let her out of the house again just isn't going to fly, and your teenage daughter knows it. Choose a punishment that you can follow through on and your budding adult will be more likely to follow your rules.

What have you done that works?

Looking for family meal ideas? Get tips from other parents at KitchenDaily.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>AdvertiserTue, 01 Feb 2011 14:02:00 ESTSexting: A Primerhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/13/sexting-a-primer/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/13/sexting-a-primer/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/13/sexting-a-primer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

secting

We hope our children's photos are this innocent. Credit: Getty Images

Most teens today are comfortable with documenting their lives online. Posting photos, updating their status messages, sharing rapid-fire texts, and being a click away from friends are the new normal for teens. But this "always on" culture also creates an environment where teens can make impulsive decisions that can come back to haunt them. One example of this has been in the news a lot lately: sexting.

When people take and send sexually revealing picture of themselves or send sexually explicit messages via text message, it's called "sexting." While experts differ on statistics, a 2010 study conducted by Pew Internet & American Life Project confirms sexting is a teen reality that's here to stay. Kids "sext" to show off, to entice someone, to show interest in someone, or to prove commitment.

Sending these pictures or messages is problematic enough, but the real challenge comes when this content is shared broadly. As far too many teens have found out, the recipient of these messages is in possession of a highly compromising image or message that can be easily posted on a social networking site or sent to others via email or text.

Why sexting matters

In a technology world where anything can be copied, sent, posted, and seen by huge audiences, there's no such thing as being able to control information. The intention doesn't matter -- even if a photo was taken and sent as a token of love, for example, the technology makes it possible for everyone to see your child's most intimate self. In the hands of teens, when revealing photos are made public, the subject almost always ends up feeling humiliated. Furthermore, sending sexual images to minors is against the law, and some states have begun prosecuting kids for child pornography or felony obscenity.

There have been some high profile cases of sexting. In July 2008, Cincinnati teen Jesse Logan committed suicide after a nude photo she'd sent to a boyfriend was circulated widely around her high school, resulting in harassment from her classmates.

Fortunately, networks with large teen audiences -- MTV, for example -- are using their platforms to warn teens against the dangers of sexting. And the website ThatsNotCool.com uses teen-speak to help resist cyber peer pressure. Hopefully, these messages will get through.

Sexting Stats

* 22% of teen girls and 20% of teen boys have sent nude or semi-nude photos of themselves over the Internet or their phones.

* 22% of teens admit that technology makes them personally more forward and aggressive.

* 38% of teens say exchanging sexy content makes dating or hooking up with others more likely.

* 29% of teens believe those exchanging sexy content are "expected" to date or hook up.

(All of the above are from CosmoGirl and the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, 2009.)

Advice for Parents

* Don't wait for an incident to happen to your child or your child's friend before you talk about the consequences of sexting. Sure, talking about sex or dating with teens can be uncomfortable, but it's better to have the talk before something happens.

* Remind your kids that once an image is sent, it can never be retrieved -- and they will lose control of it. Ask teens how they would feel if their teachers, parents, or the entire school saw the picture, because that happens all the time.

* Talk about pressures to send revealing photos. Let teens know that you understand how they can be pushed or dared into sending something. Tell them that no matter how big the social pressure is, the potential social humiliation can be hundreds of times worse.

* Teach your children that the buck stops with them. If someone sends them a photo, they should delete it immediately. It's better to be part of the solution than the problem. Besides, if they do send it on, they're distributing pornography -- and that's against the law.

* Check out ThatsNotCool.com. It's a fabulous site that gives kids the language and support to take texting and cell phone power back into their own hands. It's also a great resource for parents who are uncomfortable dealing directly with this issue.

Get more information for parents on media and technology by checking out Common Sense Media.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>sextingthe editors at Common Sense MediaThu, 13 Jan 2011 17:17:00 ESTNew Car Technology Does the Parenting for Youhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/30/new-car-technology-does-the-parenting-for-you/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/30/new-car-technology-does-the-parenting-for-you/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/30/new-car-technology-does-the-parenting-for-you/#commentsFiled under: , ,

car keys picture

Your trust your teen to drive, but can they really make their own music choices? Credit: Getty Images


It is an all-too-common scenario on our nation's highways.

An 8-year-old wants to hear dirty sex talk on the car radio. He leaps from the backseat and takes control of the dial. A scuffle ensues. The car careens into a busy IHOP. Countless breakfasts are destroyed.

Better just to give the kid what he wants in the first place. Ultimately, there is no way for an adult to control what is heard on a car radio.

Really? No way?

You might not think it's a real problem, but the Detroit News reports Ford executives have a solution anyway. The automaker now offers technology that enables you to block nasty satellite radio content.

"Ford wants to give parents peace of mind that their kids are following practical household rules in the car," Graydon Reitz, Ford's director of Electrical and Electronic Systems Engineering, tells the Detroit News.

Wait a minute. This means the technology is aimed at kids in the car without their parents, kids who are at least 16 years old. And they can't be trusted to be alone with the radio?

Maybe Ford engineers need to come out with an automated family counselor.

Give them time. Existing technology can already turn your car into a virtual nanny. The same tech used to censor the radio can already be used to control the radio's volume. It can also be programmed to mute the radio until everyone is safely buckled in.

Still no peace of mind? You can even limit how fast the car can go. It's like some sort of bizarre crossover between "Knight Rider" and "My Mother, the Car." (It was a real TV show, kids. Google it.)

The Detroit News reports the latest version of Ford's MyKey technology will be standard next year on the new Ford Explorer as well as the Taurus. It will eventually be available on a number of Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

(Yeah, as if these young hooligans can be trusted with a new car.)

"Parents obviously like this type of feature, and many teens are OK with it when they hear parents may give them the keys more often if the car comes with a technology such as Ford's MyKey," Reitz tells the paper.

And he has the poll numbers to back it up. Ford commissioned a survey, where 60 percent of parents said they liked the idea of being able to censor the car radio. No numbers are available on how many cackled fiendishly when they said it.

Some 45 percent of teens said they the were cool with restrictions, provided they could use the car more. Again, no hard numbers available, but it's a safe guess that at least 80 percent of them rolled their eyes and said, "Whatever!"

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Ford MyKey Satellite Radio Parent Control CensorFordMykeySatelliteRadioParentControlCensorTom HendersonThu, 30 Dec 2010 15:00:00 ESTThis Holiday Season, Let Them Be Kidshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/23/this-holiday-season-let-them-be-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/23/this-holiday-season-let-them-be-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/23/this-holiday-season-let-them-be-kids/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

A woman who attended my workshop took me aside to tell me about her son and his friend. They are 15, and the friend was dealing with some really upsetting issues at home. He felt comfortable and safe at her house and she and her son had taken this boy under their wings. What she found remarkable was that in his overly stressed state, he found refuge in the simplest video games from his youth.

She explored this further and began to closely observe more of her son's friends. She noticed that all of them, when they were relaxed and comfortable, loved to revert to playing the games they enjoyed when they were 10. Her theory is that these boys are under so much pressure to behave older than they feel that it is a complete relief when they can allow themselves to let their hair down and really relax with their friends. And sometimes it makes them feel happy and comfortable to play like kids.

This is true whether your teen is a boy or girl, in middle school or high school, in the "popular" crowd or not ... teens often feel as though they are on a stage performing when they go to school. They feel evaluated and judged, and if they don't measure up they feel worse.

One of the greatest gifts you can give your teen this Christmas vacation is the opportunity to relax and be a kid. When the snow comes, encourage sledding, skating and have the hot chocolate ready. Rent old movies from when they were little. Get out old fashioned games -- even board games. And if they get silly and act like they did when they were 10 -- all the better. To be able to relax that much, to feel that comfortable with family or a few chosen friends is a great gift. Not just this vacation, but anytime.

Your teens have a lifetime in front of them to learn to be an adult. And these days of their youth are fading fast. Help them make a few more memories.

Reprinted with permission from Sue Blaney. Read more of her two-minute parenting tips on PleaseStopTheRollerCoaster.com.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Sue Blaney From Please Stop The Roller CoasterThu, 23 Dec 2010 18:35:00 ESTThe Brat Pack: Kids Are Simply Angels in Disguise, Parents Thinkhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/14/the-brat-pack-kids-are-simply-angels-in-disguise-parents-think/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/14/the-brat-pack-kids-are-simply-angels-in-disguise-parents-think/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/14/the-brat-pack-kids-are-simply-angels-in-disguise-parents-think/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

brat pack

Your perfect baby isn't so flawless. Credit: Jerome Tisne, Getty Images

Hey parents, next time you're at the mall shopping for "Santa's" gifts (like tomorrow) and your find your patience flaring up at a bunch of unruly kids (not yours of course), just roll your eyes and chalk it up to their clueless parents.

Temper tantrums, mall meltdowns and badly behaved kids aren't necessarily the result of purposefully careless parenting; they're the result of the more than 95 percent of parents who think their little brats are angels, according to a study in Today Moms.

So, basically the study finds that there's a nation of parents in denial.

Certainly, there are plenty of exceptions to the rule, but these days other people's children (never our own), that act up, whine or say "I want," or "gimme," instead of "please" and "thank you," do so because only four percent of the nation's parents admit their kids aren't well-behaved, according to a government study on family health reported Today Moms. Instead, they think they're all little angles, the online news says.

Officials at the National Center for Health Statistics officials interviewed the parents of nearly 84,000 children between 2001 and 2007 about everything from stepparents to hay fever about their health. The main finding was that families are more diverse, and that kids in more stable homes are healthier, the site reports.

But a surprising nugget that emerged in one line of questioning of families with kids ages 4 to 17 found that 96 percent of parents felt their kids were well-behaved and did exactly what they were told to do, the report says.

Turns out boys parents fessed up to misbehavior a tad more -- 4.2 percent of parents of boys said their sons were not well-behaved. Only three percent of the girls' parents felt that way, according to Today Moms.

Are these parents clueless?

Experts at the National Center for Health Statistics tell Today Moms they don't think that parents are lying, that face-to-face interviews usually lead to pretty accurate answers.

But study author Debra Blackwell reviewed a single year, 2007, and says that about 20 percent of parents actually said their kids were "somewhat" well-behaved, a category not included in the published study.

Still, that leaves more than three-quarters of parents who said their kids "certainly" were little angels.

Blackwell kindly suggests in the online magazine that perhaps parents simply don't remember the details of kids' bad behavior over six months.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>behaviorChildrens disciplineChildrensDisciplineMary Beth SammonsTue, 14 Dec 2010 17:10:00 ESTMy Teenage Daughter Was My Best Friend, and Now She's a Terror!http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/06/my-teenage-daughter-was-my-best-friend-and-now-shes-a-terror/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/06/my-teenage-daughter-was-my-best-friend-and-now-shes-a-terror/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/06/my-teenage-daughter-was-my-best-friend-and-now-shes-a-terror/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dear AdviceMama,

It seems like overnight my only child and best friend can't stand me. How is it that my 16-year-old girl can treat me so poorly when I have done nothing to provoke her? She doesn't share anything about her life. She is very rude and disrespectful to her father and me, and she can even come off like a big bully at times. I get hurt and angry and I almost can't stand her. Help!

Signed,
Terrorized by Teen

Dear Terrorized,

Many parents of teenage girls would tell you that your daughter's behavior is normal, and they wouldn't be wrong. It's fair to say that, in many respects, your daughter is "on schedule" with her belligerent and disrespectful attitude.

But that doesn't mean you and your daughter have to be at war in the ways you've described. The good news is that even if it seems like the only person capable of changing what's going on between the two of you is your daughter, you can make changes in your relationship with or without her cooperation.

First, let me say in big, bold letters: Your daughter cannot be your best friend. Perhaps the two of you have been very close, but it is not appropriate for a child to be perceived as her parent's closest friend. You are her mother. While the two of you may become like best friends as she moves further into adulthood, you have to create boundaries with your teenage daughter that clearly establish that you are her parent, not her friend. Pleading with her to be nice, or lecturing her on how you've done nothing to deserve her mistreatment will only come across as needy and weak, fueling her contempt.

As you step into the role of being a caring parent who is able to support your daughter without needing her friendship, you will begin earning her respect. Until you do so, she will push you away with her disrespectful behavior in an attempt to differentiate. This is why she withholds information about what's going on in her life; she is trying to claim more independence and separation, and she believes you'll force unwanted advice upon her if she tells you what she's going through, rather than making yourself available for what she needs you to do: Be a calm, caring sounding board to help her learn to work through her problems.

If your daughter speaks rudely to you, simply look at her with "that look" and ask her if she'd like to try a do-over. Don't get emotional or list the things you do for her that she doesn't appreciate. Simply state that she will need to try speaking to you more politely. If she rolls her eyes or walks away, don't follow her; let her begin to get a sense that your standards have shifted. The clearer and stronger you are -- without being wordy or whiny -- the sooner she'll get the message that she needs to clean up her act.

In addition, don't overlook the fact that hormones cause some teens to have awful mood swings. The less reactive you are to your daughter's rudeness, the better you'll be able to help her identify when she's "not herself" so she can start taking responsibility for her actions and apologize when she's "possessed" and unleashes her dark side onto you and your husband.

Be clear, strong and most of all, parental. Teenagers still need their parents as guides and advisers -- not friends.The more you define yourself as her parent, and show her what is and isn't acceptable, the sooner things between you and your daughter will improve. Best of luck! It's a wild ride, the teen years, but it will get better.

Yours in parenting support,
AdviceMama

AdviceMama, Susan Stiffelman, is a licensed and practicing psychotherapist and marriage and family therapist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in developmental psychology and a Master of Arts in clinical psychology. Her book, Parenting Without Power Struggles, is available on Amazon. Sign up to get Susan's free parenting newsletter.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Susan Stiffelman, MFTMon, 06 Dec 2010 11:00:00 ESTReport Looks at Internet as Influence in Suicideshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/02/internet-studied-as-influence-in-suicides/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/02/internet-studied-as-influence-in-suicides/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/02/internet-studied-as-influence-in-suicides/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

suicide photo

Rutgers students attend a candlelight vigil for suicide victim Tyler Clementi. Credit: Reena Rose Sibayan, AP


The increase in the number of reports about online suicide pacts, often between people who have never even met, suggests the possibility of a growing phenomenon, according to a report released today by British medical journal The Lancet.

Suicide prevention organizations, like National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the U.S. and Samaritans in the UK, have already started taking steps to combat this in a number of ways -- such as purchasing Google ads so their helpline phone numbers appear at the top of the page any time someone searches for terms related to suicide.

A similar mechanism can also be found on Facebook, MySpace and YouTube; in addition, Samaritans is said to be in talks with social networking sites to create a system, by which friends or family can raise concerns about a specific individual, says The Lancet.

In the current report, Lancet Senior Editor Niall Boyce says the Internet can be a positive tool for those experiencing emotional distress, however, the balance between risks and benefits can be hard to quantify.

On one hand, the Internet can help develop social connections and provide an anonymous, confidential space for people to express themselves and find sympathetic ears. An example of this is the "It Gets Better" project, a website targeted to LGBT youth that recently came into focus after the tragic suicide of Rutgers student Tyler Clementi. The site shows the power of the Internet to reach out to individuals facing social isolation and adversity, Boyce says.

On the other hand, the Internet can also be used in less constructive ways. It can be used as a way to bully others and can provide free, immediate access to potentially harmful information and interactions for those who are vulnerable, says Boyce.

But concerns about media romanticizing suicide, presenting self harm as a solution or explicitly detailing methods are not new, with reports of copycat suicides occurring as far back as the 18th century, after a description of a ritualistic suicide was published in the Goethe novel, "The Sorrow of Young Werther," Boyce notes. In fact, the term Werther Effect was coined in 1974 by American sociologist Dave Phillips to describe the phenomenon of suicidal behavior modeled on media portrayals.

The Lancet cites two recent reports from the Australian Mindframe National Media Initiative, which examine the current evidence linking the portrayal of suicide and mental illness. One concluded that "there is a need to err on the side of caution." The other concluded that "presentations of suicide in news and information media can influence copycat acts in particular circumstances."

But, with regard to the Internet, it is "much harder to research than traditional media because it's such a changing medium -- so the evidence base surrounding its potential for positive or negative impacts is much weaker than that for media like newspapers and television," according to Professor Jane Pirkis of the University of Melbourne, coauthor of these reports.

However, the rapid, global spread of news over the Internet highlights the need for reporters to consider their responsibilities when covering stories about suicide, Boyce says, as there's a definite distinction between raising awareness in a positive way and acting as a "vector for dangerous patterns of behavior."

Suicide expert David Gunnell, Professor of Epidemiology at Bristol University, tells The Lancet he believes there is an increasing degree of shared understanding and concern over the issue between suicide prevention experts and the media, yet he emphasizes that the speed and volume of information turnover on the Internet means "regular reminders" are necessary.

Clare Wyllie, The Lancet's Head of Policy and Research, suggests researchers need to study how vulnerable people use the Internet, whey they use it, what helps them and what is destructive.

To this end, Boyce suggests that suicide researchers now need to study the path that people with suicidal thoughts travel online and to work out when and how to intervene.

"It might help if we think of online space not as a separate, virtual world, but as an extension of this one, albeit with different modes and styles of interaction," Boyce concludes.

If you're concerned that someone you care about may be having suicidal thoughts, or you would like more information, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>internetinternet suicideInternetSuicideLancetreportstudysuicidethe lancetTheLancettyler clementiTylerClementiHoney BerkThu, 02 Dec 2010 18:30:00 ESTStudy: Half of Teens Admit Bullying in Last Yearhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/27/study-half-of-teens-admit-bullying-in-last-year/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/27/study-half-of-teens-admit-bullying-in-last-year/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/27/study-half-of-teens-admit-bullying-in-last-year/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


bullying picture

Half of teens admit bullying in past year. Credit: AP




LOS ANGELES (AP) - Half of high school students say they've bullied someone in the past year, and nearly half say they've been the victim of bullying, according to a national study released Tuesday.

The survey by the Los Angeles-based Josephson Institute of Ethics asked more than 43,000 high school students whether they'd been physically abused, teased or taunted in a way that seriously upset them. Forty-three percent said yes, and 50 percent admitted to being the bully.

The institute's president, Michael Josephson, said the study shows more bullying goes on at later ages than previously thought, and remains extremely prevalent through high school.

"Previous to this, the evidence was bullying really peaks in middle school," Josephson told The Associated Press.

He said the Internet has intensified the effect of taunting and intimidation because of its reach and its permanence.

"It's the difference between punching someone and stabbing him. The wounds are so much deeper," Josephson said.

Josephson added the survey's results don't surprise him because his group has conducted similar studies without publishing the results. But he said he still finds the numbers "alarming."

In the survey, 10 percent of teens admitted bringing a weapon to school at least once, and 16 percent admitted being drunk at school.

Josephson said that means victims of bullying are in danger of striking back violently.

"You have a combination that is a toxic cocktail," Josephson said.

The study reported responses from 43,321 high school students from around the country, and the margin of error was less than 1 percent.

Rick Hesse, a professor of decision sciences at Pepperdine University, said the survey involved voluntary self-reporting and was therefore not a random, stratified sample of the U.S. population. But he said the large number of people surveyed and the lack of corrupting factors mean certain valid conclusions can be drawn from the results.

The study's release comes in a year of several high-profile suicides related to bullying, including that of 15-year-old Phoebe Prince of Massachusetts, who prosecutors say was relentlessly bullied by the six girls charged in her death.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Education sent letters to schools, colleges and universities around the country warning them that failing to adequately address ethnic, sexual or gender-based harassment could put them in violation of federal anti-discrimination laws.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL. This article was written by ANDREW DALTON, Associated Press Writer.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bullyingAssociated PressWed, 27 Oct 2010 10:05:00 ESTOrganizing Tip: 10 Minutes and Donehttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/25/organizing-tip-10-minutes-and-done/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/25/organizing-tip-10-minutes-and-done/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/25/organizing-tip-10-minutes-and-done/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Once again, organizing guru Erica Ecker, also known as The Spacialist, has a solid tip for getting on top of the disorganized mess we call home.

"When it's time to put your things back into place, it's time to race the clock," she says. "Pull out your kitchen timer and set it for 10 minutes. Then go, go, go!"

Ecker says when her clients only have 10 minutes a day to resynchronize their systems and get everything squared away, they accomplish much, much more, than had they tried to get it all done without a set time.

And for the procrastinators out there, it's so much easier to start the (dreaded) act of straightening up when you know there's a clear-cut time to stop. When she first started doing this, she says, she was amazed at how much she herself could accomplish in 10 minutes.

Until next time, may your home be organized and hassle-free. Or at least 10 minutes neater.

Click here for more tips from The Spacialist.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>the editors at ParentDishMon, 25 Oct 2010 11:10:00 ESTTyra Banks Sued by Mother of Teen Sex Addicthttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/19/tyra-banks-teen-sex-addict/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/19/tyra-banks-teen-sex-addict/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/19/tyra-banks-teen-sex-addict/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

tyra banks picture

This Sept. 20, 2010 photo shows television personality Tyra Banks at the premiere of 'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps' at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York. Credit: Evan Agostini/AP

A Georgia woman is suing Tyra Banks for $3 million after she said her 15-year-old daughter appeared without her permission on an episode of Banks' talk show about teen sex addicts.

In a lawsuit filed Oct. 8 in federal court in Atlanta, Beverly McClendon claims the show contacted the teen on her cell phone after she responded to a request on the show's website seeking "sex addicts."

The girl was then picked up from her home in Georgia in a limo and flown to New York, where she was put up in a hotel, all without her mother's knowledge, the lawsuit says.

McClendon filed a missing person report with local police when she realized her daughter was gone. The teen has never been diagnosed as a sex addict, the lawsuit says. The lawsuit also names Warner Bros. Entertainment and the executive producers of the show as defendants.

McClendon says her daughter suffered damages because the 2009 show "was undoubtedly watched by sexual deviants, perverts and pedophiles." The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and asks for $1 million in compensatory damages and $2 million in punitive damages. It also asks the court to bar the episode from ever being aired again on television or online.

The show violated McClendon's right to privacy by putting her daughter, who was a minor, on television without McClendon's permission, the lawsuit claims.

The lawsuit also claims negligence, saying the teen was paid for her appearance but that the show didn't get permission from the labor commissioner to employ her and didn't get McClendon's permission before paying the girl to fly to New York, stay in a hotel alone and appear on the show.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Tyra BanksTyraBanksthe editors at PopEaterTue, 19 Oct 2010 11:17:00 ESTYour Kid Crazy? Don't Worry, It's a Big Clubhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/14/your-kid-crazy-dont-worry-its-a-big-club/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/14/your-kid-crazy-dont-worry-its-a-big-club/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/14/your-kid-crazy-dont-worry-its-a-big-club/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

crazy child picture

Is moodiness in teens a medical condition? Credit: Getty Images

Teenagers are nuts.

Tell you something you don't know? Very well. Let's get clinical.

At least one in five adolescents in the United States has some kind of mental disorder that makes day-to-day life a pain in the butt for themselves, those around them or both.

That's not exactly how the National Institute of Mental Health put it. But that's the gist.

And if your kid has asthma or diabetes, watch out. Researchers for the institute claim in the October issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry that those kids are more likely to have more intense emotional and behavior disorders.

But not to worry. Researchers say a high percentage of kids experience some kind of mental disorder in puberty in various shades and degrees.

Kathleen Ries Merikangas and her colleagues at the institute looked at psychological statistics from 10,123 teens ages 13 to 18 across the United States.

One of five teens suffered from disorders such as panic attacks and anxiety disorders (especially in social situations), as well as attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, depression and general moodiness.

Moody, depressed and hyperactive teens with short attention spans who don't handle themselves well in social situations? Sounds like a nasty case of puberty. Who knows were it will lead. Left untreated they could become ... [just like the rest of the human race.]

And ask anyone in the universe. That species is really crazy.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>mental disordersMentalDisordersteen depressionTeenDepressionteens and depressionTeensAndDepressionTom HendersonThu, 14 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST