Does Penmanship Matter?
When teens have something to write, that message is likely to be composed at a computer keyboard or maybe even a cell phone. Pens, pencils and paper? Some argue that handwriting is becoming obsolete. Maybe someday... but there are still assignments and essay questions on tests, midterms, finals and even college entrance exams that someone has to be able to decipher. More…
Bad Habits...Bad Headaches
Headaches are a common complaint among teenagers, with 5% of teenage boys and almost 8% of teenage girls in one nationwide study reporting frequent migraines. A new study from researchers at the University of Oslo reveals that of 6,000 kids studied, those who were overweight, smoked or didn't exercise were the most likely to experience migraines. But researchers have also found a way to ease the pain. More…
Homework First
A new school year: new teachers, new classmates – and plenty of new homework assignments. New research from the University of Michigan reports that students who understand how adult earnings are related to education spend more time on schoolwork – that homework is an investment in their future. If the new school year means homework battles, here's some ammunition for parents – and kids. More…
High Tech Cheating
We see it walking down the street, in the mall, at the dinner table – kids today seem to be constantly sending text messages. A new survey of young people from Textplus shows teens are texting in school, as well. And what they're sending might be considered by some as high-tech cheating. More…
Walk to School
As we get in gear for another school year, we'll soon see lots of big yellow school buses in neighborhoods nationwide. But researchers at the University of Buffalo recently released their findings: a simple morning walk to school can reduce stress in kids throughout the school day – along with other lifelong benefits. More…
Tongue Piercings
Dentists agree: Tongue piercing remains a popular teen trend, but not always a healthy choice. New research published in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics reports that many kids with pierced tongues form a habit of pushing against their front teeth -- pushing them apart and causing an unsightly gap. Not to mention the risks of infection. More…
Sisterly (and Brotherly) Love
Sisters and brothers: you matter! Researchers from Brigham Young University's Flourishing Families Project report that siblings not only influence good behavior choices but can even boost better mental health. And when it comes to messages about saying no to drugs and alcohol, siblings may send a message even more powerful than their parents. More…
College Myths...Part I
As a new school year begins, some students are off to college while many high schoolers are figuring out just how they can get there. Teens have many perceptions about college: that, as senioritis sets in, grades senior year in high school don't matter anyway or that community college isn't really college. Just what is myth and what is reality? More…
College Myths...Part II
When it comes to getting into college, do grades from freshman year in high school really matter? When's the best time to consider financial aid? And once you're in college, do you get to take just the classes you want? What is the truth surrounding these questions and more? Experts say teens and their parents shouldn't rely upon rumors. More…
Can Teens Be Over-Parented?
The term helicopter parents was originally coined by college admissions personnel who noticed that parents were calling their office more than prospective students to intervene in the admissions process. A new study presented at a recent meeting of the Association of Psychological Science suggests that over-parenting may make kids more anxious and vulnerable. The motivation may be love...but the result may be a child who never learns independence. More…
