Teenage Sexting: A Language All Its Own

Following my May 16 blog on Teenage Sexting, I have had numerous requests from parents for acronyms to BOLO—Be On the Lookout for. Your teens and tweens have a new language all their own, in the form of symbols and abbreviations that they are constantly texting to one another. As a parent, it’s important for you to become savvy to the kinds of messages that may be a cause for concern.  For... 

Read more ⇒

New Gun Law in Florida Might Land Me in Jail!

An anticipated new Gun Law in Florida might just land me in jail!  While it is presently setting its sights on medical doctors, particularly pediatricians, it’s only a matter of time before other child specialists, like myself, will be targeted, as well. A law passed by the Florida legislature and likely to be signed by Republican Governor Rick Scott would make it a crime for doctors to counsel... 

Read more ⇒

Teenage Sexting

What is Teenage Sexting? Teenage Sexting occurs when a teen takes a flirtatious, nude, semi-nude or otherwise sexually revealing picture of him or herself and sends it to others via cell phone or other means of texting device.  Commonsense.org has created a handout about this important topic.  This blog shares excerpts from that handout, “Common Sense on Talking About ‘Sexting.’” While... 

Read more ⇒

Etiquette for Children—Top 5 Tips

I recently read a blog about teaching Etiquette for Children that I would like to share. I feel that etiquette, or manners, has dwindled over the last many years by adults and kids, alike. However, I think that being polite, greeting people appropriately and making a good first impression are all still very important to not only teach our kids, but continue to model ourselves. “5 Simple Etiquette... 

Read more ⇒

Help! My ex has a new girlfriend and she’s trying to take my place!

 Dear Dr. Vicki: My ex has a new girlfriend and I need to know if she is crossing the line or if I’m overreacting.  There are truly no feelings left between my daughter’s father and I. His now live-in girlfriend goes out of her way to do little things to spite me– removing my daughter’s nail polish that I did and repainting it a new color, telling me she now understands motherly love,... 

Read more ⇒

Problems with ADHD

Kids experience a lot of problems with ADHD…some inadvertently caused by their parents. Now, don’t get me wrong…these are well-meaning parents. These are the ones who come into my office and immediately let me know in no uncertain terms, “I’m not putting my kid on drugs.” Well, that’s actually OK—because I don’t prescribe medication. But what I will do is thoroughly evaluate... 

Read more ⇒

Teach Kids to Read

In order to motivate and teach kids to read, the National Education Association has designated March 2, Dr. Seuss’ Birthday, as “Read Across America Day.” So, I thought it would be only fitting that I wrote my own little Seuss-like poem to illustrate my on-going support to all parents and teachers dedicated to teach kids to read: Want to teach kids to read… Whose books do you use? Try the... 

Read more ⇒

Life’s Most Embarrassing Moments

Do you remember your most embarrassing moments? I’m sure you do. Funny thing about embarrassing moments…they aren’t usually funny for the person experiencing them. And, they stay with you… not necessarily for the good. Upon recalling an embarrassing moment, many people will immediately get red in the face and feel as though they are reliving it all over again. Most of us remember our most embarrassing... 

Read more ⇒

Tired of your kids texting and gaming?

Are your kids texting, gaming and listening to music all the time? Well, a NY mom finally said, “Enough!” and actually unplugged her 3 teenagers for not a day, a week or a month…but for six months! She not only stopped her kids texting, video gaming and iPod listening, but also all Internet, TV and cell phones! Amazing thing started to happen. They started eating meals together, playing cards,... 

Read more ⇒

Peer Pressure Facts and Teenage Risks

There are many peer pressure facts that most parents think they know.  For instance, hanging around with the wrong crowd seems to have a negative effect on teenagers’ behaviors.  And, a positive effect can also occur when kids hang around peers with high academic, moral and religious standards.  But an effect on the brain? A recent study at Temple University revealed some interesting peer pressure... 

Read more ⇒