Stress in children can show up as mood swings, acting out, changes in sleep patterns or bed-wetting. Some kids have physical reactions, including stomachaches and headaches. Others have trouble concentrating or completing schoolwork. Still others become withdrawn or spend a lot of time alone. “Changes in routine such as school closure, and isolation from friends…
For so many, this year has felt like a long haul with no end in sight. A global pandemic, racial injustice and economic insecurity have all contributed to surging rates of mental illness in families across our community. Young people, Black and Hispanic communities, essential workers and unpaid caregivers report the highest rates of anxiety,…
To guide a child’s understanding of difficult issues, parents can talk to kids by initiating discussions and welcoming their child’s questions, according to Katy Hopkins, Ph.D., pediatric psychologist with Norton Children’s Medical Group, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine. Avoiding talking to your kid may backfire if the child draws faulty conclusions on their…
Remember that little girl who bounded through the day wearing a bathing suit, a glitter-frosted tutu, a superhero cape, a fire chief helmet and rain boots— all at the same time? Has your brave young girl been replaced by a moody preteen or teen who isn’t so self-assured? What can parents do to help their…
Jay spent the start of summer glued to his Xbox. When his mom brought him to Healthy Living Workshops, a wellness series sponsored by Kohl’s Cares and held by Norton Children’s Prevention & Wellness at Shively Community Center in Louisville, he admitted that sometimes he would spend all day in front of the screen. Kids…
Taunting and teasing between siblings may seem like a rite of passage many adults experienced as children. Parents may have chalked it up to normal sibling rivalry. While siblings may fight like cats and dogs, the hurtful words and arm punches can have lasting effects. Studies indicate that bullying by siblings can have a greater…
There were more than twice as many suicides in the United States than homicides in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Suicide is one of the most devastating occurrences a family can experience, and it is happening in younger children. In youths ages 10 to 14, suicide is the second-leading…
Autumn anxiety is just as much a part of fall for some as pumpkin spice, apple cider and (hopefully) cooler weather. Autumn anxiety is the tendency for people to suffer from anxiety and low mood during the autumn months. It’s similar to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or the “winter blues.” Unlike SAD, there often isn’t an…
How did I not see the signs? What could I have done? These are questions no parent wants to ask. While suicide can be a dark and difficult subject to talk about, shining a light on it can help save a life. Suicide by the numbers More than 47,000 Americans die by suicide each year, making…
The pressures teens face today are enormous and much different than what most adults faced at their age. During these formative years, teens simply aren’t equipped to handle a lot of stress. As a result, more than ever teens are turning to suicide as a way out. In Kentucky alone, suicide is the second leading…
The Rev. Rick Forest, chaplain and bereavement care coordinator at Norton Children’s Hospital, and Bryan D. Carter, Ph.D., clinical pediatric psychologist at Norton Children’s Hospital and University of Louisville Physicians offer thoughts on how to talk to kids about mass shootings. For younger children especially, find out what they already know. That way you know where they’re…