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

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Sexting: What Parents Need to Know

Jun 06, 2024

By fostering open communication, setting clear boundaries, and providing guidance, you can help your teen navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. Read More

young child sitting in a car seat on a plane

Traveling with Kids: Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Mar 08, 2024

Going on trips with small children requires a lot of packing and A LOT of planning, but it is totally worth it. Take lots of pictures, make lots of memories and have fun! Read More

13 Reasons Why: Should Parents Be Concerned About This Netflix Series?

Feb 23, 2024

The mini-series 13 Reasons Why (13RW), adapted from a young adult novel, was released on Netflix this past week. 13RW relays the fictional story of a high schooler, Hannah Baker, who has died by suicide before the story even begins. Read More

Myths About Suicide: Ending Mental Health Stigma

Feb 20, 2024

Stigma is defined as a mark of disgrace that sets a person apart. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental illness creates shame, distress, and reluctance to get help. Read More

Myths About Suicide: Depression is a Sign of Weakness

Feb 13, 2024

Depression is a real and serious condition. It is not much different than a chronic health condition in its ability to impact someone’s life. It can have both emotional and physical symptoms and make life very difficult for those who have it. Read More

young girl eating a big plate of spaghetti

How Much Food is Just Right? A Handy Guide to Portions

Jan 25, 2024

Are you trying to figure out what and how much to feed your child or adolescent? How much food they need will vary as they grow and depending on their activity level. Read More

lady pushing a little girl in a cardboard wagon

Is Your Child Ready to Be a Babysitter?

Nov 20, 2023

Having your child become a babysitter can be exciting and helpful! Make sure they are equipped with all the right tools before taking on this task. Read More

Cough Talk: What Does All That Hacking Mean?

Nov 01, 2023

Coughs are often associated with the common cold and there’s little you can do, other than try to ease the symptoms. However, a lot of coughing, especially in babies under four months old, could be a sign of a serious illness. Read More