700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts About Kids & Teens

Posted by: John Ackerman, PhD on Feb 05, 2026

As a parent or caregiver, you know your children – you’ve seen them grow up and are familiar with their strengths and challenges. It can be surprising and worrying to realize they won’t always share their lives with you.

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What Are Signs of OCD in Children and Teens?
All kids have worries and doubts. But kids with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often can’t stop worrying, no matter how much they want to. And those worries frequently compel them to behave in certain ways over and over again.
Teen girl leaning against wall outside wearing a coat, group of kids in the background talking without her
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Deadly Substances Teens Use to Get High
First published May 2015 Updated January 2026 When I was teenager, parents only had a few substances to really worry about: cigarettes, alcohol and, for those whose children were a little more daring, maybe marijuana. But times have changed.

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Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

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Latest Posts

When Kids Draw Violent Pictures, Should You Worry?

Oct 21, 2024

A single picture in isolation is generally not a cause for concern. The accompanying conversation you have with your child should be a guiding tool to help you identify whether this is a reflection of their worry about a particular situation and/or can necessitate getting more detailed information. Read More

Concussion Myths

Oct 08, 2024

As an Athletic Trainer, I’m frequently asked about injury recognition, treatment, and return-to-play criteria. While these topics are far too expansive for one post, I’d like to address several, common misconceptions surrounding concussions. Read More

mom and daughter talking

How to Teach Your Child About Differences

Sep 24, 2024

Understanding and appreciating differences is essential for your child's development and their perception of the world. As they grow, they'll meet people with various abilities, backgrounds and perspectives. Teaching them about this fosters empathy, respect and inclusiveness. Read More

When Your Daughter Wants Plastic Surgery: What Parents Need to Know About Labial Hypertrophy

Aug 01, 2024

As more teens are seeking elective labial surgery, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology through the Committee on Adolescent Health Care has developed guidelines to educate gynecologists about the limited role of surgical interventions for this group of patients.  Read More

women and girl talking

The "Period" Talk! What's Normal?

Jul 25, 2024

Girls tend to drive themselves crazy about their periods. Is it normal? Am I okay? Let’s be honest, these are questions all of us girls ask over the arc of our lives, from first periods to periods long gone. Read More

man and boy at skatepark

How to Talk with Your Kids About Puberty

Jul 24, 2024

When kids are toddlers or preschoolers, they start asking questions about their bodies – and even yours. If you start early and talk to them often, then talking about puberty when they get older will be a lot easier. Read More

Child reaching a book with ear buds in.

Turn It Down: Ear Buds and Hearing Loss

Jul 23, 2024

Listen up! The exposure and use of mobile devices has increased significantly over the last decade and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. On average, children receive their first phone around 11 years of age, but their exposure to a device can come as early as their first year. Read More

Smart Phone Safety: Helping Your Teen Navigate a Digital World

Jun 27, 2024

If you have a teenager, chances are technology – particularly a cell phone – plays a major role in his or her life. Because smart phones are essentially mini computers, your teen has access to much more than just calling and texting. Read More