Cara Natterson's Blog, page 24

Girls (and boys, too!) , do you need some conversation starters?

When it is just you and your mom or dad and there’s something on your mind, how do you start a conversation? Here are some icebreakers that might just do the trick:“Can we go out this weekend somewhere? There’s something I want to talk about, and I’d like to have privacy.” READ MORE

GIRLS (AND BOYS, TOO!), DO YOU NEED SOME CONVERSATION STARTERS?

When it is just you and your mom or dad and there’s something on your mind, how do you start a conversation? Here are some icebreakers that might just do the trick: READ MORE

Newsletter Announcement

Worried About the Wrong Things?

Ten years ago, I sent a letter to the families in my pediatric practice telling them that I was retiring. I hadn’t yet turned 40. The reasons for my retreat would fill their own blog post –possibly their own entire book –but for the sake of this story, I will keep things simple. One day, in 2008, I left clinical and set out to become a full-time writer.

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It All Comes Down to Common Sense

Worry Proofing is all about sharing the wealth when it comes to good information. Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you have probably heard about Common Sense Media. Most parents think of it as the trusty website that rates shows, films, video games, and websites for age-appropriate (and other-appropriateness) content. But ratings are just the tip of the Common Sense iceberg. ...READ MORE

The Naked Truth

When I asked my 14-year old daughter if I should post this article, she said, “Ugh. Yes. Please!” That’s the same daughter who stunned me last year with her strategy for handling a sext request. Her closest friend had taken a picture of a nude eyeshadow palate and said, “Send them this – they’ll never ask for another nude.” Genius. Sexting is a thing. And solicitations to sext, possibly an even bigger one. READ MORE

 

HAIR SCARES

Kids, have you ever had a bad hair day? Does it sometimes feel like every day is a bad hair day? Well, that’s kind of life – it happens. Here is what you do when you’re trying to tame hair-raising horrors.

Greasy Hair: Do you have oily-looking hair, especially near the scalp? During puberty, oil glands get more active. This extra oil in the scalp makes hair greasy. The solution is to change how often you shampoo. You will probably need to do it more frequently, but all heads are different. Just don’t ignore it and think it’ll go away.

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GOOD HABITS

Kids, you will use this advice forever, so . . . you’re welcome.



























There are some general “rules” about how to be safe and healthy that apply to everyone. Yep, that’s right—the “rules” that follow apply to you, your parents, and your grandparents, too. These are skills you will use for the rest of your life. The most important thing is to get into healthy habits now so that you’re in a good routine by the time your body has gone through all its big changes. Habits are a lot easier to remember than rules. Take all the following information and turn it into stuff you do automatically. If you do that, you are set up for a healthy life. Here are the five most important basics for taking care of your body Read More

Guy Stuff Is a 2017 Moonbeam Award Winner

I'm very proud to announce that Guy Stuff has taken home Gold in the Health Issues category at this year's Moonbeam Spirit Awards.

MOONBEAM SPIRIT AWARDS



























Jenkins Group is proud to announce the winners of the 2017 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards. Launched in 2007, the awards are intended to bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books and their creators. READ MORE

The Effect of Media on Gun Use Among Kids

This is a terrifying 3 minute video, not because it shows gun violence (it doesn't), but rather because it explains the results of a new study looking at the impact of gun violence in the media upon kids. It's enormous. And aggressive. 

The Endless Cell Phone Debate

I Practice What I Preach. Which Often Doesn’t Thrill My Kids.



























So this month, when my son started middle school, he was pretty sure he was getting a phone. But he’s 12. And in sixth grade. And my rule – which my husband and I agreed upon years ago and which I speak about fairly publicly given the data about screen use among kids – is that you don’t get a phone before you are 13.  READ MORE