700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts About Behavioral Health

Posted by: Natalie Powell, LPCC-S, LICDC-CS , Jessica Glover on Apr 06, 2026

First published March 2018 Updated April 2026 During the teenage years, the areas in the brain responsible for decision making, impulse control, and emotion regulation are still developing. At the same time, the brain’s reward system is highly active which can increase risk-taking behaviors.

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Teaching Your Kids About Kindness: Don't Miss the Mark
Ask your kids this question – “Am I teaching you to be kind?” Parents may be surprised to hear their children may not think so. And with the current news and world landscape, kindness is more important than ever.
Mom holding her son
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Self-Care for Parents of Children with Mental Health Needs
Supporting a child’s mental health also means supporting the caregiver. Learn how letting go of guilt, using evidence-based care, and building simple, consistent self-care and support systems can help you stay steady—and help your child grow, cope, and thrive.

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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

flu season

How Can I Talk to My Child About Wearing a Mask During Flu and COVID Season?

Oct 24, 2024

With flu season upon us and COVID still around, masks can be a helpful tool to keep germs at bay, even though they're no longer required in many places. If you’re wondering how to talk to your child about why some people still choose to wear masks, here are a few tips. Read More

child sitting at a table with her headphones on while looking at an ipad

Screen Apnea in Kids and Finding Balance with Technology

Oct 22, 2024

While technology isn’t starving our kids of oxygen, it does have an impact on the way they act, think, and sleep. Being aware is the first step. Take a deep breath and plan to take a screen-free break with your kids today. Read More

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The Mental Load of Moms

Oct 17, 2024

Who is in charge of “remembering,” otherwise known as “the mental load?” Historically, mothers have mostly been the ones to take care of all the details. Read More

girl with down syndrome

Down Syndrome Regression Disorder: Not One-Size-Fits-All

Oct 10, 2024

For as much as we think we know about Down syndrome, there is still more and more that we are learning. In fact, we are sometimes explaining things to families at the same time we are learning them. Read More

rainbow fentanyl color

Rainbow Fentanyl: A Dangerous Trend

Sep 10, 2024

Although these substances may resemble candy, don’t be fooled—they are deadly. It is important for parents to be aware of this new fentanyl disguise and to keep it away from children. Read More

Mother hugging child

Weight Bias and Stigma Remains a Problem for Our Kids

Sep 05, 2024

Research has shown that children who experience weight-based bullying and teasing are more likely to have diagnoses of depression, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation.  Read More

Mom and Teen

Helping Your Teen Help a Friend with Suicidal Thoughts

Sep 03, 2024

Teens are becoming more comfortable with discussing their mental health with friends. However, this also means that parents might find themselves supporting their child as they try to help a friend who is struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Read More

emoji drug code

Emoji Drug Code: Parents, Beware!

Aug 22, 2024

Teens are using emojis on social media to describe to others what types of drugs they have available or what drugs they are looking for. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) decoded these drug codes. Read More