The war and invasion of Ukraine has raised concerns for people of all ages and children can be very receptive to what's going on around them. The crisis can be a lot to take in, mentally and emotionally.“Children are searching for their own understan...
One in a series. One year into COVID-19, it’s clear the pandemic is taking a toll on the mental wellbeing of children and teens.In March, a record 43 patients were admitted to Cook Children’s Medical Center after attempting suicide. This staggering f...
The events that unfolded at our nation’s Capitol on Jan. 6 have left many of us hurting, confused, and anxious about the state of our country. For parents, knowing what to say to their children about the violence can be difficult. Sam McCage, Ph.D., ...
It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year but, for many, the holidays can be a difficult season when feelings of depression, anxiety, stress, loss and grief are at an all-time high—and that’s in a normal year. But 2020 has been anything...
Two Cook Children’s experts are warning parents nationwide about the potential dangers of social media challenges.Hospitalist nurse practitioner Amber Jewison and psychiatrist Kia Carter, M.D. were featured on the nationally-syndicated show “The Doct...
An alarming rate of children are purposefully harming themselves and ending up at Cook Children’s Medical Center. In August, 29 patients were admitted to the hospital after attempting suicide. This marks the third worst month since at least 2015.“We'...
By Ashley ParrottWidespread change due to the COVID-19 pandemic has swept the nation, which has left many parents struggling to keep essential appointments with, not only their physicians, but with behavioral health specialists as well. Parents are n...
For children who experience racism, the health consequences can be lifelong. From mental health issues such as depression and anxiety to physical health problems like hypertension and chronic disease, those who experience discrimination based on the ...
By Lisa Elliott, licensed psychologist
With more kids at home and without a lot to do, it’s not surprising most of us have eased up on our screen-time restrictions during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
However, statistics show it’s now more imp...
All children, regardless of age, developmental level or health status, could be feeling stress due to the ways in which their routines and lives have changed in response to Covid-19. Here are a few tips for talking with your children during this time...
Suicide rates among young people rose at an alarming rate in the U.S. between 2007 and 2017, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC found:
That suicides increased by 56% during the 10-year sp...
You’re holding your child’s hand on your way to the first day of school. The squeeze on your hand is tighter than usual. Then suddenly your little one sees a friend, smiles, releases your grip and you watch them run to school together without a care ...
The number of children showing up in emergency rooms for suicidal thoughts and attempts is on the rise, especially during the school year.
According to a new study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids ages 5 to 17 were admitte...
Today’s students have greater demands than ever before, with homework and a greater emphasis on scoring high on standardized tests like the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR).
Parents can help by making sure that children pla...
So here we are again. Another school shooting. As adults, we are the ones kids look to for comfort. The ones they depend on to be strong. How many adults are feeling just a bit weak or overwhelmed with the news of yet another shooting? I’ll admit I a...
Former Texas A&M Heisman Trophy Winner Johnny Manziel has gone public with his recent diagnosis of bipolar disorder in hopes of explaining his behavior that helped him lose his job as an NFL quarterback.
“At the end of the day, I can’t help that m...
The holidays are a magical time for children. But what happens when your kids stop believing in the magic, especially in the jolly old man in the red suit?
Lena Zettler, MA, LPA, director of Psychology at Cook Children’s Medical Center, said that ...
As has been shown in the Cook Children’s NICU, skin-to-skin contact helps preemies thrive and develop. However, that need for touch and interaction doesn’t end when we move past infancy or even toddlerhood.
The need for closeness, kindness and tou...
Lisa Elliott, a licensed psychologist and clinic manager of Cook Children’s Psychology Department in Denton, has heard multiple reasons/explanations/excuses from parents as to why they have not sought mental health help for their child. Some of the m...
We mustache you a question.
Do you think developing your child's sense of humor is important?
It is. Lettuce explain.
We've all been told laughter is the best medicine, but have we really considered the social, emotional and health benefits ...
Teen suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-to-24-year-olds, and the sixth leading cause of dath for 5-14-year-olds.
Lisa Elliott, a licensed psychologist and clinic manager of Cook Children’s Behavioral Health in Denton, says some chi...
On the top floor of the brand new South Tower building at Cook Children’s Medical Center sits a facility most people will never see. The doors are locked from inside and out. The only access granted comes with the swipe of a badge. This is the Rees-J...
When children are very young, they may have difficulty eating for a number of reasons. Chewing and swallowing may be hard or painful. Certain foods may feel weird in their mouth; too slimy or too dry and crumbly for example. Other children have reflu...
Thanksgiving should be a time for families to come together and be thankful. After all, it’s the reason for the holiday, right?
But too many Thanksgivings end up with huge fights or arguments in front of the kids. The past few months have been esp...
Stay at home moms report feeling guilty because they are not contributing to the family’s income, while working moms feel guilty because they are not at home with their children.
Both can be a self-destructive losing battle.
Guilt is a negative...
It’s hard for most children to sit still even for a little while. But how do you tell the difference between normal and hyperactivity? Furthermore, parents may wonder, “If my child is hyperactive, does that also mean that he or she has Attention-Defi...
From prom to end of school celebrations, it’s party time. It may also be the time to talk to your kids about binge drinking.
A study published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse reports that about one in five underage people un...
The days of the schoolyard tough guy taking your lunch money may seem old-fashioned compared to the complex and often non-stop form of bullying that kids have to deal with today.
A report released this week by the National Academies of Sciences, E...
Studies show that smartphones are making us not as smart on the road.
In 2015, 463 people wre killed in distracted driving crashes in Texas and 3,000 more were seriously hurt
A study by AT&T states that nearly 4-in-10 smartphone users look at ...