We often hear about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but whether explicit or not, there tends to be an association between this disorder and boys who just can’t seem to sit still or pay attention in class. According to studies, boys are much more likely to be diagnosed than girls with ADHD. But this doesn’t mean that girls have this disorder at lower rates, rather that doctors, parents, and teachers are not trained to look for the specific signs of ADHD that…
In my previous post, I stressed the importance of teaching empathy to children in school and at home in an effort to prevent bullying. Empathy, as opposed to sympathy or compassion, is a starting point for understanding both ourselves and other people from the inside out. In that vein, here are some wonderful books that can help teach your child about empathy. Wonder by R.J. Palacio. August Pullman was born with a facial difference that,…
Bullying is such a prevalent part of life that almost everyone can say that at some point in their lives, they have either been bullied, bullied someone else, or witnessed bullying. According to our government, bullying is defined as “unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.” One out of every five children report being…
Since books are such a great way to help those affected with mental illness to feel like they are not alone, here are some more examples of young adult novels that deal with issues of mental health especially well. To view our previous post on this topic, click here. Wintergirls Author: Laurie Halse Anderson Reading level: ages 14 and up Issues discussed: depression, eating disorders, self-harm Laurie Halse Anderson is known for writing powerfully moving books…
Mental illness among teenagers and young adults has become an increasingly prevalent problem in recent years, and 1 in 5 American youth ages 13-18 are currently living with a mental health condition. Since these types of illnesses can feel incredibly isolating, it’s especially important for those affected to feel like they are not alone. Books are a great way to do this, so here are some examples of young adult novels that deal with issues…
Studies show that anxiety disorders among children are on the rise, and they are quickly becoming some of the most common child psychiatric conditions. As many as 10% of children suffer from them and require medical treatment. Experts believe that school anxiety in particular is becoming more prevalent among younger kids, including preschoolers, perhaps because of societal expectations and changes in standards of education. Our society expects more and more from children at increasingly younger ages,…
