Articles by Bianca Tora on ArticleSnatch.com

How Music Benefits the Child's Brain

Sat, 22 May 2010 22:18:49 -0400

Music is an inherent ability in children. Even babies under two are able to respond to music. Babies can move rhythmically to music as one youtube sensation has demonstrated. In fact, babies seem to respond to rhythm and tempo more easily than they do to speech. Scientists have also shown that music can influence human heartbeat; it can calm the heart down or it can speed it up. Now research shows as well that music can produce positive effects on the child's brain. Music Improves the Brain Studies reveal that music has the power to develop the brain. Children taking Suzuki music lessons have been shown to have high IQ scores, reading and mathematical skills. Music also trains areas in the brain involved with focus and attention. Listening to music, especially the pauses between movements, activates the brain's capacity for attention and anticipation. Musical training at an early age helps form minds that are cognitively strong and this strength seems to be sustained throughout the child's life. Music Produces Better Readers Can music improve a child's reading skills? Definitely. According to research, music training is directly linked to verbal skills. **End Summary** Topics: music and the brain]]> benefits of music]]> how music benefits the child's brain]]> suzuki music lessons]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

Helping Your Kids with School Stress

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:42:51 -0400

School can be a place of stress, even for the little ones who seem excited about the first day of school. That's because school has become a setting where all kinds of issues come into play: Am I smart enough? Do kids like me? Does the teacher like me? Why am I being singled out? What is School Stress? A child in kindergarten may be anxious about wetting herself in school. A first grader may fear riding the bus and a third grader may have nightmares about the teacher calling home. These are all genuine fears that can manifest in different ways like irritability, sleep problems, headaches, stomach aches, moodiness, depression, even bed wetting. How Can You Help? Because stress is a reality of life, it is necessary that you allow your child to see it as an opportunity for growth, for developing "life" muscles. Help your child understand that stress should not be avoided; stress can teach him new things about herself because stress can be managed. Allow your child to understand the distinction between avoiding stress and managing stress. Give your child opportunities to learn what managing stress means. 1. **End Summary** Topics: helping your kids with school stress]]> managing stress]]> irritability]]> sleep disorders]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

How to Deal With Teen Tantrums

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:21:40 -0400

You are familiar with the teen tantrum. One minute your teens are sane and logical; a minute later, they're all over you for "not understanding them." Don't get yourself too worked up over this: there is a physiological reason for their behavior. Take a deep breath because even this will pass. Raging Hormones There are two reasons why adolescent years are rocky. First, raging hormones are getting the better of teens' thinking abilities. At puberty, estrogen and testosterone are released into the bloodstream, creating havoc in the emotional center of the body, the limbic system. This is one reason why your teenagers love explosive situations that allow their emotions and hormones to run wild. Undeveloped Prefrontal Cortex The second reason for teen tantrums is that the prefrontal cortex, the seat of their executive functions, their rational thinking skills, is not fully developed. Most teenagers think with the amygdale rather than the prefrontal cortex; the amygdale is the reptilian part of the brain associated with memory and emotions. This is the part of the brain that is tumultuous and defensive. **End Summary** Topics: how to deal with teen tantrums]]> raging hormones]]> prefrontal cortex]]> anterior cingulate cortex]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

How Neurofeedback Can Help Hyperactive Kids

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:21:46 -0400

Neurofeedback is a form of treatment that manages behavior by controlling the brain's electrical activity. Because hyperactivity is mainly a problem with the proper functioning of the frontal lobes, proponents of neurofeedback claim that by monitoring and training the executive functions of the brain, this self-regulating therapy can bring about changes in the child's behavior. How does Neurofeedback Work? A child is hooked up to an EEG brainwave monitor. One electrode measures the heart's electrocardiogram; another monitors the muscle activity or EMG. The monitor "translates" the EEG into 4 brain wave patterns - delta, theta, alpha, low beta, high beta. The purpose is to locate the SMR or the sensorimotor rhythm which is at 12 to 15 hertz or the low beta frequency. What is SMR? SMR is an inhibition wave that is associated with calmness and alertness; its rhythm is very distinct in its "controlling" function; it inhibits impulses. A child who cannot tune out distractions is often fidgety and restless. Such a child has low SMR. An increase in his experience of SMR frequencies can change the dynamics of his behavior. **End Summary** Topics: Neurofeedback]]> SMR]]> EEG brainwave monitor]]> electrocardiogram]]> EMG]]> ADHD]]> hyperactive kids]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

Art Therapy: A Form of Anger Management

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Art therapy has long been seen as a form of therapeutic process for emotional disorders and anxiety. Van Gogh kept some of his demons at bay through art. More recently, therapists have reported a high success rate with the use of creative expression to deal with anger, depression and pain. Take for example Carla P., who was saved from her 15 year severe depression by art therapy. She claimed that taking creative expression sessions saved her life. Although medication provided some relief, it also brought on a 35 lb weight gain that made her feel old and dumpy. Then she started searching for alternate treatment avenues. On the advice of a friend, Carla signed up for an art therapy class, even though she did not believe initially that the session could help her. She enjoyed the session so much she returned the second week. Within 6 weeks, Carla noticed significant improvement in her sleep. She did not toss and turn as much at night; she also noticed a more positive sense of well being. Little things did not bother her as much because her mind was absorbed by planning her next art project. She reported feeling optimistic. **End Summary** Topics: art therapy]]> anger management]]> anger management class]]> anger in children]]> van gogh]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

Art Therapy: Healing the Heart

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

We know that art therapy can help children with anger, stress and depression. Do you know that it can also help children with heart disease? One such patient is an 18 year old girl profiled in the July 1 2009 issue of the Wall Street Journal. At age 9, she had her second heart transplant. Her body was determined to reject the first heart. She went into cardiac arrest six times in 2 hours. She recalled being "awake" when the doctors were frantically trying to revive her. Fearing that they would pull the plug on her, she tried desperately to tell the people in the hospital room that she was alive.Recuperating at home was no easy matter; she kept having recurring nightmares in which she watched herself suffering cardiac arrest. Things, however, began to change when she took up the pen. She began writing down her thoughts about being helpless and scared. She turned these details into poems and stories. Eventually, the nightmares disappeared. Now 18, she has successfully completed high school and is looking forward to nursing school in the fall.She credits her writing for helping her deal with her heart and surgery. **End Summary** Topics: art therapy]]> heart disease]]> depression]]> music therapy]]> Washington University School of Medicine]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

Anxiety Disorder in Children: Why Treatment is Necessary

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Thirty years ago, children who balked at going to school were assumed to be unmotivated and lazy. Most parents assumed that their children had a "bad attitude" about school and that they would somehow grow out of it. Psychologists are now re-evaluating school phobia as an anxiety disorder that warrants early treatment and intervention. Why Treatment is Necessary Experts are urging parents to be aware of anxiety symptoms in children so that the disorder can be treated early. Studies suggest that failure to identify the disorder and begin treatment leads to poor performance in schools, increased anxiety, depression and substance abuse later in life. Anxiety disorder may prevent children from "bonding" with school life; it may also prevent children from participating in activities that are developmental milestones for their age group. Avoiding social situations in school and elsewhere may lead to fewer opportunities for children to develop social skills necessary for success in adult life. What Kinds of Treatment Options are Available A major research on treatment options for anxiety in children has been conducted at seven medical institutions across USA. **End Summary** Topics: anxiety disorder in children]]> cognitive behavior therapy]]> antidepressant medication]]> Zoloft]]> SSRI]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

What is the Connection between Nutrition and Child Behavior?

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

We are what we eat. Moreover we need to be more careful about what we put in our children's mouths. Studies have shown that we have reason to be concerned about the relationship between food and behavior. Our food is depleted of nutrients because of changes in agricultural practices adopted in the seventies. What we eat is contaminated by additives. We also tend to over process our food, thus further depleting it of nutrients. First, changes in agricultural practices have changed the nature of our food. In his book, "Anticancer: A New Way of Life," Dr. Servan-Schreiber locates the paucity of omega fatty 3 acids in our modern diet in the dietary changes of our modern cows. Grass pastures are naturally rich in omega 3's. The replacement of grass pastures with battery farming in the seventies has changed our cattle feed from grass to a mixture of corn, soy and wheat which are wholly devoid of omega 3 fatty acids. Battery farming has literally taken omega 3 out of the human food chain. **End Summary** Topics: Nutrition]]> child behavior]]> ADHD diet]]> Dr. Janet Starr Hull]]> David Servan- Schreiber]]> Anticancer: A N]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

ADHD: A Problem in Time Perception

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

What is most encouraging about the scientific world we live in today is its inexhaustible exploration of different approaches to the same problem. ADHD is a case in point. Research has demonstrated that the causes of hyperactivity and impulsiveness run the gamut from nutritional deficiencies to delay in brain maturation. Now new research proposes another reason for the problem: faulty time perception may be the culprit behind hyperactivity. What is Time Perception? Time perception is the ability of our brain to perceive the passage of time so that we can carry on with critical decisions in our daily lives. These critical decisions include knowing when to stop at a red light or when to catch a ball. The brain has its own time-keeping system that keeps our reflexes and responses in rhythm. When this area of the brain is compromised, lower levels of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, are released. What happens when Time Perception is flawed? Stroke patients with damage to certain areas in the brain experience impaired time perception. What seems fast to us becomes incredibly slow for those with faulty time keeping processes. **End Summary** Topics: ADHD]]> time perception]]> Dr.Katya Rubia]]> Institute of Psychiatry at Kings College in London]]> Ritalin]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

Why Forgiveness is Important to Your Health

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

It is easier to bear a grudge against an enemy, easier to build walls than to let them go. Far easier it is to bask in righteous indignation than to admit that perhaps in the larger scheme of things, we are not all that right; perhaps we might even be wrong. Sam Keen once said,"Our problem lies not in our technology, but in our minds, in our ancient tendency to create enemies in our imagination." This is the function of our ancient reptilian brain, the stalker and enemy maker that lies curled up in our amygdala. Our ancient brain builds fortresses and moats, dredging reptilian memories from mud and walling them within our cerebellum as conditioned reflexes, unthinking, unconscious and primitive. But thanks to our prefrontal cortex, we have the ability to reign in our emotions, view the situation with equanimity and perhaps even go as far as forgiving our enemy. According to the Mayo Clinic, forgiveness is good for our health. Studies show that anger creates a whole host of nasty effects on our bodies. It suppresses the immune system; it suppresses thyroid function, slowing down the body's metabolism; **End Summary** Topics: forgiveness]]> sam keen]]> prefrontal cortex]]> mayo clinic]]> meditation]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

Is the Warrior Gene Responsible for Youth Violence?

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Youth violence is a growing concern of our society. The question that has most often been asked is whether it is caused by nature (genes) or nurture (environment). While many studies point to youth violence as a nurturing issue, new research points to heredity as a genetic component that cannot be entirely taken out of the picture. Gangs have traditionally been regarded as a sociological phenomenon. Poverty, lack of education and poor parenting skills have all played a role in developing gang culture. However, a new study completed at Florida State University shows that boys who carry the "warrior gene" are more likely to join gangs, use weapons and be among the most violent members. Boys with this gene show high levels of aggression in response to provocation.This violent variant, also called the MAOA gene, affects levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin associated with mood and behavior. Variants associated with violence are hereditary, remnants of a warrior gene prevalent in cultures that are marked by aggression and warfare. According to the study, this variant is most prominent in boys because it is located in the X chromosome. **End Summary** Topics: youth violence]]> warrior gene]]> chromosome X]]> MAOA gene]]> Bruce Lipton]]> The biology of Belief]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

Kids' Art: Anger Management That is Transformative and Fun

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

One form of anger management training takes into consideration a basic law of nature: energy can be changed from one form to another. Fossil fuels, for example, can be converted into electrical energy forms. Potential energy becomes kinetic energy when we move. The key is finding a fun and accessible way to make this conversion possible. Helping your child move excess energy, stress or anger into something positive can easily be done through art. Children are naturally attuned to creative expression. Many simply need to be given the space, time and materials needed for creative transformation to take place. There are several ways the caregiver or parent can help the child with this form of anger management. 1. Make choice the primary focus in this activity. Giving the reluctant child choice is the best way to elicit his or her cooperation. Get out as many tools and materials as possible such as craft dough, paper mache, paint, crayons, pencils, brushes, plastic spoons forks, potatoes, paper, strips of newsprint and Bristol board. 2. Allow the child room and space for his or her creative impulses. **End Summary** Topics: kids art]]> anger management]]> anger management in children]]> anger management tips]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks: How to Renew An Aging Brain

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

We know that care of the brain is essential for the grandkids. What about us--the almost or over sixtysomethings? What goes for the little ones goes for us as well! My mother used to say that her brain was stuck in cement. She could never learn as quickly as we (the children) did because her brain had hardened with age. This assumption about the brain has been tossed aside as another urban legend down the dust. New research shows that neuroplasticity is a feature of all brains, young and old. What this means is that whether you are 90 or 2, you are capable of learning new tricks. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to adapt to its environment. It can generate new neuronal circuitry, new cells, compensate for weakness by replacing malfunctioning connections and cells with new ones. In fact, nothing in the brain is hardwired. Like the salamander that can regenerate its tail, the brain can re-grow new neurons. It is this compensating mechanism that points the way to brain longevity. We need not consign ourselves to the fate of slow and palsied years. Aging is not synonymous with the loss of memory and cognitive skills. **End Summary** Topics: neuroplasticity]]> running]]> mediation]]> prefrontal cortex]]> botox]]> how to renew an aging brain]]> teaching]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

Television Violence and Children: How to Tame the Media Beast

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Television is so much a part of our lives we need to be concerned about its effect on our children. The problem is that violence in verbal and physical form appears on screen daily. Do you know that there are a)6 violent acts per hour on prime time television 6 violent acts per hour on children's programs c)50,000 TV commercials exposed to children per year? Studies show that violence in media does have an impact on children and adolescent behavior. Daily viewing of television in childhood can lead to behavior and social problems. What can you as parents do about this situation? 1. Monitor very closely what your children watch on TV. Even cartoons like Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers are filled with violent acts. 2. If possible, watch TV with your children and talk with them about what they have seen. Young children are often unable to separate reality from TV shows. Have a discussion with your child about what is real or not real on TV. 3. Encourage your children to look at ways TV characters handle problems. How do they resolve disagreements or issues? Do they use violence or verbal abuse? **End Summary** Topics: television violence and children]]> media literacy]]> effects of media violence]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

Nature Deficit Disorder: The Connection between Nature and Behavior Problems

Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Years ago, we walked a mile to school without batting an eye. Then we walked back home, stopping often at the park to play unattended, unsupervised. After all, it was a park and kids were supposed to play there. These were assumptions we took so placidly in those safer days before Madeleine McCann and Tori Stafford. The stories of these girls' terrible abductions remind us that the situation confronting parents and caregivers is totally different in this day and age. Our kids are driven to school in buses and cars. We would think twice about letting them walk home alone, unsupervised. Allowing them to play alone in the park or woods behind the house is unthinkable. The result is that our children are growing up with less personal contact with the natural world. As Richard Louv says in his book Last Child Out of the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder, "Today, kids are aware of the global threats to the environment--but their physical contact, their intimacy with nature, is fading." Are We Depriving Our children of a Connection with Nature that is Essential for Positive Growth and Development? **End Summary** Topics: children and nature]]> investing in children]]> nature deficit disorder]]> nature and children]]> ecotherapy]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

Separation Anxiety in Children: What's Normal and What's Not

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Many children go through a phase in which they show anxiety and restlessness in the presence of unfamiliar people or situations. A baby may be unsettled by a new babysitter. A four year old may cry persistently during the first few days at kindergarten. These are perfectly normal situations and reactions. One in every 25 children experiences some form of separation anxiety which can often be allayed by allowing the child to have a period of adjustment to his new situation. However, a child five or older who demonstrates unremitting resistance to camp, school or daycare for an extended period of time (3 weeks or more) may be suffering from separation anxiety disorder. What is Separation Anxiety Disorder? This is a condition in which the child becomes physically agitated over the thought of being separated from his primary caregiver or home. It is not confined to children. Adults can experience separation anxiety as well; it is known as "agoraphobia," or fear of being separated from a safe person or home. "Agora" in Greek means marketplace and the word "agoraphobic" refers to people who are terrified of leaving home for the market. What are the Symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorder? **End Summary** Topics: separation anxiety disorder]]> cognitive behavior therapy]]> agoraphobia]]> separation anxiety in children]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

Teen Suicide: What are the Risk Factors and Warning Signs?

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

In the last 45 years, suicide rates have increased by 60% worldwide. Now, suicide is among the 3 leading causes of death for youths aged 15- 24. Suicide attempts are up to 20 times more frequent than completed suicides. While girls tend to make more attempts, boys succeed more often. The reason is that boys have a tendency to use guns which are far more irrevocable than overdosing with sleeping pills. As parents and teachers, we need to be more aware about the threat suicide is to our adolescent population. Teen suicide is a problem that requires our vigilance and attention. The problem is that teens often go through periods of moodiness and anxiety; there is a tendency on our parts to dismiss warning signs as "just puberty." Emotional disturbance or depression can be a catalyst for suicide. What are some signs of depression in your teen? -Behavior problems at school. Any kind of unusual behavior is a red flag. Consult teachers about your child's situation at school. -withdrawing from family and friends. This is especially important when the behavior is not typical or your teen. Encourage him or her to discuss negative or fearful feelings. **End Summary** Topics: teen suicide]]> adolescent suicide]]> effects of stress]]> anger turned inward]]> stress in children]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

Turning Stress in Children into Resilience

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Stress has become a dirty word in our fast-paced culture. It has been blamed for almost everything - from heart attacks to violence in society. We hear often enough about those who have succumbed to stress like the father who kills his family and himself in a fit of despair over financial problems, like the children who gunned down teachers and schoolmates in a fit of hatred and despair. We do not hear often enough about those who have blossomed from stress like the world class athlete or entrepreneur who turned their violent childhood into resolutions for change. The truth is that our emotional infrastructure works like a muscle. The more we stress our muscles during a workout, the stronger we get. With this in mind, we should think of problems as opportunities for growth. We should dwell not on how problems can hurt us, but how they can make us stronger, more resilient. If we can imbue our children with this kind of attitude, we will be building kids who can make a difference in this world. We will be building kids who can turn adversity inside out and reveal the blessing it hides. **End Summary** Topics: stress in children]]> stress and resilience]]> anger management]]> managing stress]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

School Violence: A Case of Empathy Deficit

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

According to Dr. Venus Nicolini, society is suffering from a bad case of empathy deficit. This, she states, is the reason for the increasing incidents of family assaults and school violence. The whole emphasis on competition, self-serving materialism, the ME generation of the past forty years has taken its toll. What value does western culture place on empathy? Consider these factors. a) The Internet has lessened social interaction. Social networking sites have made possible online interaction which by its very nature is only skin deep. How deep can conversations be when they are published for all to see? Social networking sites are geared more towards sharing recent photos and the latest downloads - activities that reinforce the self indulgent mindset of the Me generation. b) Until the recent economic crisis, western culture has been immersed in the cult of the material things. The "good life" in western society is making money (tons of it) and buying things (toys). Compare this to many eastern cultures where the community itself is a social value. The good life is living in balance with oneself, others and all life-forms. **End Summary** Topics: School violence]]> empathy deficit]]> anger management tips]]> anger management for teenagers]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

Cyberbullying: The New Online Threat

Sat, 09 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Cyberbullying is fast becoming a serious threat to young people because it can kill. Cases of adolescents committing suicide because of nameless, faceless online threats are becoming a growing concern. A case in point is that involving a male teenager who was bullied because of his sexual orientation. Another case involved a thirteen year old girl whose suicide was the result of a malicious hoax perpetrated by the mother of the victim's friend. According to the National Crime Prevention Center, cases of cyberbullying are on the rise. What Do Statistics Tell Us about Cyberbullying? Over 40% of all teenagers with internet access have reported being bullied online. However, only 10% of children bullied reported the incident to their parents. Only 18% of the cases were reported to a local or national law enforcement agency. While only 9% of children ages 10-17 experienced online threats in 2000, the percentage has risen to 50% by 2008. One possible reason is the increase in use of the internet as a vehicle for socializing and the increased technical dexterity of teenagers who do use the internet. The most common virtual sites for cyberbullying are chat rooms, social networking sites and instant messaging systems. **End Summary** Topics: Cyberbullying]]> cyber-bullying]]> online bullying]]> social networking]]> cyberbullying suicide]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

Sleep Disorders: The Link to ADHD

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

According to current research, 25 to 50 % of children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD have clinically reported sleep problems. Half of parents with ADHD children report that these children have difficulty sleeping because of breathing difficulties or Restless Leg Syndrome. Studies also suggest that Restless Leg Syndrome and ADHD are genetically linked. Both are related to low levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine affects brain processes that regulate movement and emotional response. How Can Sleep Disorders Be Related to Hyperactive Behavior? According to a new research study published in the journal SLEEP, lead author and director of the Attention, Behavior and Sleep Lab at the Douglas Mental Health Institute, Reut Gruber Ph.D. claims the study reveals that children with ADHD have a shorter total sleep time than that of control groups. Average sleep time in ADHD children is shorter by 33 minutes; REM sleep time is reduced by 16 minutes. While these numbers might not sound like much, their impact on behavior and cognitive functions cannot be overlooked. How do Sleep Problems Compromise the ADHD Child? For one thing, sleep deprivation leads to poor attention and behavior problems in the classroom. **End Summary** Topics: Sleep disorders]]> ADHD]]> Restless Leg Syndrome]]> REM sleep deprivation]]> Reut Gruber Ph.D.]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

Signs of Depression in Children

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Thirty or forty years ago, depression in children was considered almost nonexistent. The prevailing thought then was that children were too young to be stressed out. What could a child be depressed about? Things have changed. Nowadays, depression is not only considered a clinical issue, more children are being diagnosed with the problem than previously. According to the Harvard Mental Health Newsletter, depression in children has increased by 23% per year in the United States. What is even more frightening is that a study published in the April 2004 issue of Psychiatric Services claims that more preschoolers are being prescribed antidepressants than ever before. What are the signs of depression in children? Young children (2-5) usually manifest depression through physical symptoms. They may complain of headaches, stomach aches or nightmares. Often, they wet their beds. They may become unusually aggressive, hitting and biting others or throwing temper tantrums. Some may be quiet or unusually withdrawn. Depression is anger turned inward and this "inwardness" can take the form of passivity. The most important advice for parents is to be alert to their child's behavior so that they can recognize unusual symptoms, especially if these go beyond 10 days. **End Summary** Topics: depression in children]]> sleep disorder in children]]> depression and anger]]> stress in children]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

Helping the Child with Oppositional Defiant Disorder: New Behavior Rewires the Brain

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Oppositional children can often make parents feel like failures. Their resistance to "flowing with life" makes them testy and defiant. An oppositional child may exhibit some or all of the following signs and symptoms. The child may a)purposely irritate others; b)have numerous arguments with adults; c)be constantly blaming others when it is actually the child's fault; d)seem overly emotional, becoming irritated very easily; e)refuse to follow through when adults make a request ; f)frequently act in a manner that is angry and resentful; g)speak very hateful and spiteful words when upset ; h)demand the final say and will seek out vengeance; i)act as a bully to other people including starting physical fights; j)may cause bodily harm to people and animals. You know that most children do argue with their parents and may argue from time to time with other adults. When a child has Oppositional Defiant Disorder, however, the symptoms are much more frequent and severe. While many children can move beyond tantrums, the O.D.D. child seems "stuck" in the tantrum stage. Daily events become frustrating to you as a parent because your child has a very difficult time getting "unstuck" from his oppositional response. **End Summary** Topics: oppositional defiant disorder]]> O.D.D.]]> anger disorder]]> tantrums]]> anger management in children]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

Teen Anger: Tips to Help Curb the Rage

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Teen anger can be more difficult to deal with than child anger. Teen anger stems from more complex stimuli than fighting over a toy, yet the basics remain the same with the exception of raging hormones. Anger management is more intense with teenagers because they have already developed their own coping responses. Some of these responses are probably not very effective and need to be reworked. Rewiring these responses can take a lot of patience, consistency, and time; sadly, however, many parents will resort to medicating their teens for a quick fix. Although medication is a viable option, it does not change ingrained behaviors. Medication should only be used to lessen the severity of anxiety issues so that you, as parents, can more easily reinforce proper anger management techniques either through your own efforts of those of a trained professional. Angry teens can provoke anger in adults; this, in turn, can reinforce already ingrained, negative responses. Teen anger can manifest in several ways. It can appear verbally as abusive and foul language, rude comments, degrading remarks; physically as punches and strikes at others around them or destruction of property; **End Summary** Topics: teen anger]]> anger management techniques]]> intermittent anger disorder]]> bipolar disorder]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger

Anger Management in Children Promotes Healthy Relationships

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The ability to deal with anger is challenging at best. Some people seem to deal with anger issues better than others. Anger management in children is very important for helping them develop a sense of well-being. Anger management skills provide an enormous advantage to a person's social and personal life. Successful adult relationships, in both professional and personal circles, thrive in a low-anger atmosphere. Teaching anger management in children encourages successful and healthy relationships later in life. One of the most important things a child needs to understand is that anger is a perfectly normal emotion. Any time your child displays anger, take the time to explain that it's acceptable to be angry, but emphasize as well that he or she needs to find creative ways to cope with those feelings. Constructively teach your child that outbursts are frowned upon because they are a very negative approach to a naturally occurring emotion. Never counteract anger with anger. As the parent or caregiver, your job is to help your child develop ways to become a properly functioning adult. Some anger issues, however,are disorders that need professional help.Bipolar disorder is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed behavioral disorders. **End Summary** Topics: bipolar disorder]]> anger management tips]]> anger management in children]]> deal with anger]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has written a book on anger management for children. Visit her help-your-child-with-anger