All parents want to raise a happy, successful child, but there is little agreement about how best to reach this goal. Over the years, parents have tried dramatically different recipes. They have put their baby on a schedule, or they have fed on demand; they have let their baby cry herself to sleep, or they have picked her up as soon as she cried; they have stayed home with their child, or they have entrusted her to day care and gone to work; they have taught their baby letters and numbers, or they have left her mind a clean slate for her teachers to write on; they have given their child whatever she wants, or they have made her earn what she gets; they have made their child do chores, or they have asked little of her around the house; they have demanded good grades, or they have let their child find her own level in school.
These contrasting parenting strategies arise from quite different views of the nature of children and childhood and the roles of parents. Some parents view their child as naturally social and their job as allowing her the space to thrive, while others think that their child is by nature out of control. Some parents are convinced that their child is morally innocent, while others believe she is wily and manipulative. Some parents see their child as inclined to be dependent and needing help to leave the nest, while others are convinced their child needs constant attention and guidance.
Whether you are the parent of a newborn or an adolescent, the parent of one child or five you may worry about making the correct response to your child when she cries, makes demands, is frightened, wants constant cuddling and other attention, or won't do what is good for her (for example, she refuses to eat her vegetables, go to sleep, do her homework, or come in at curfew). [Article Continued]
Introduction to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Child Psychiatrists are specialists in treating child and adolescent mental illness. They often work as part of a collaborative team to help children and families benefit from treatment. There is a common misconception that a trip to a child psychiatrist will result in a prescription for psychotropic mediation. Dr Gail Fernandez, the new editor of the child psychology and mental health section of this website explains the role of a child psychiatrist in providing comprehensive diagnosis and treatment which rely on both medical and non-medical interventions.
Learn what to expect from a visit to a child psychiatrist and hear how the diagnostic process works and how treatment options are reviewed and selected. (Dr Fernandez is Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the UC Irvine School of Medicine and Director of the Child Psychiatry Training Program).
Evidence - Based Psychological Treatment for Children with ADHD Scientific and medical research shows that children and teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - ADHD do best when the receive a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral interventions with or with out medication.
Helping Your Child Develop Self-Esteem Self-esteem is a major key to success in life. The development of a positive self-concept or healthy self-esteem is extremely important to the happiness and success of children and teenagers. This page will share the basics for helping kids and teens to improve their self-esteem.
Help For Bedwetters Expert information on bedwetting including causes and treatment. Provides detailed instructions along with proven self-help materials on how to end bed wetting includng medication and alarms.
The Shy Child Information on shy children and shyness including tips for parents on how to help the shy child cope and change behavior.
Tourette Syndrome Comprehensive information on Tourette Disorder including causes, diagnosis and treatment. Links to research, support groups and books are included.
