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Is your child being bullied?

In this video you'll learn about the different types of bullying, warning signs to watch for in children, and how to prevent and address bullying. (play video below)
Most kids never speak up
One in three children experience some form of bullying and very few of them let an adult know that they are being bullied.

Signs that your child is being bullied

Avoiding activities or people that they used to enjoy

Complains of stomach aches, headaches, not wanting to go to school

More isolated, anxious, depression

They need to know who they can trust
70% of kids witness bullying. It is critical to let kids know who they can confide in when they need to report bullying. There should be someone at home and at school that they know they can talk to.
What can parents do?
Parents should talk openly about bullying to take the secrecy out of it. When kids hear that it is ok to talk about bullying out loud, they feel more comfortable coming to you when they have something to report.

Parents should also empower their children with what to say and do when they are being bullied.

Say "stop I don't like that"

Walk away

Go and tell an adult

If you found this information helpful and want to read more, this blog post has additional tips Bullying and Special Needs: Teaching Kids to Advocate for Themselves.

Subscribe to my Youtube channel and follow me on Instagram to learn more tips for achieving better behavior naturally.

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In this video you'll learn about the different types of bullying, warning signs to watch for in children, and how to prevent and address bullying. (play video below) Most kids never speak up One in three children experience some form of bullying and very few of them let an adult know that they are being bullied.

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Treat The Individual Not The Diagnosis

ADHD is not a one size fits all diagnosis. In fact, 25%-40% of ADHD diagnoses are actually sleep issues in disguise. Dr. Beurkens discusses how issues like A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. are often misdiagnosed or mistreated. ADHD symptoms can match the symptoms of many other problems so it is important to focus on treating the individual in front of you and not just the diagnosis.

What about medication?

If you are looking for an alternative to medication, natural treatment for ADHD does exist and can be successful. Often times medication either does not work or comes with an assortment of negative side effects. Many ADHD cases can benefit from natural treatment but it is also important to recognize that some children may need medication to resolve their ADHD symptoms.

If you found this information helpful and want to read more, this blog post is a great example of how easily ADHD can be misdiagnosed Is It ADHD Or Is It A Sleep Issue?

Subscribe to my Youtube channel and follow me on Instagram to learn more tips for achieving better behavior naturally.

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ADHD: Why It's Important To Treat The Individual Not The Diagnosis

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ADHD is not a one size fits all diagnosis. In fact, 25%-40% of ADHD diagnoses are actually sleep issues in disguise. Dr. Beurkens discusses how issues like A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. are often misdiagnosed or mistreated. ADHD symptoms can match the symptoms of many other problems so it is important to focus on treating the individual in front of you and not just the diagnosis.

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It may not be ADHD

12% of teens and kids are diagnosed with ADHD in the United States, almost double what the numbers were 9 years ago. Dr. Nicole Beurkens discusses 5 key issues that cause ADHD-like symptoms.

Different types of ADHD

ADHD can present itself in a few different ways. Here are a few examples.

One type may exhibit: inattentive behavior, struggle with focus and attention in school and at home, disorganized, trouble managing time.

There is a more impulsive hyperactive type as well where individuals are more impulsive with decision making and behavior. They may seem "all over the place physically and mentally."

And sometimes an individual suffers from a combination of the two types described here.

This is important...

Inattentiveness and hyperactivity CAN BE NORMAL depending on age and setting. When diagnosing a child, we look for behavior that would seem inappropriate for the individual's developmental level.

Here are 5 key issues to be aware of that can cause ADHD-like symptoms. Often once these are addressed, the ADHD diagnosis is dismissed.

5 Key Issues To Be Aware Of

1. Nutrition - heavily processed diet (sugar, artificial sweeteners, and dyes)

2. Sleep - 40% of kids diagnosed with ADHD are actually having sleep issues

3. Screen time - too much screen time can cause hyperactivity

4. Processing issues - this could be linked to issues with learning or sensory problems like eyesight

5. Relationships - kids could be struggling with relationships within their family or friend circle

If you found this information helpful and want to read more, this blog post is a great example of how easily ADHD can be misdiagnosed Is It ADHD Or Is It A Sleep Issue?

Subscribe to my Youtube channel and follow me on Instagram to learn more tips for achieving better behavior naturally.

What else would you like to learn about ADHD?

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5 Key Issues that Cause ADHD-like Symptoms in Kids

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12% of teens and kids are diagnosed with ADHD in the United States, almost double what the numbers were 9 years ago. Dr. Nicole Beurkens discusses 5 key issues that cause ADHD-like symptoms. ADHD can present itself in a few different ways. Here are a few examples.

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Parents know it's important to manage and monitor their child's screen time and devices, but it can feel overwhelming and time-consuming. In this video, Dr. Nicole shares some simple tips on how to easily and effectively manage kids' electronic devices in your home so your kids can be safe and healthy online.

Helpful steps to manage kids' electronic devices

One: Sit down with all of your kids' devices and set up parental controls

Two: Set controls for content and time limits

Three: Take a look at some of the 3rd party apps out there that make managing your kids' device safety easy

Four: Come up with a few device-free zones in the house. Set up a charging station for devices to be stored when not in use

Five: Consider establishing a rule for no devices at dinner and in the bedroom at night

Six: Start having conversations with kids about what is healthy, safe and appropriate when it comes to devices

Another concern that comes up is that some parents worry if this is too invasive and if they should allow their kids more privacy. To that I say, think about the child's age when it comes to privacy. Because of the nature of the internet, I do think it's important to use parental controls for children. It is perfectly reasonable to allow a little more privacy for your teenagers if they'd displayed responsible use of their devices.

If you found this information helpful on how to manage kids' electronic devices, this blog post gives some helpful and specific tips Screen Time - How Much is Too Much.

Subscribe to my Youtube channel and follow me on Instagram to learn more tips for achieving better behavior naturally.

What kind of questions do you have about managing screen time for your kids and teens?

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Manage Kids' Electronic Devices Easily and Effectively

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Parents know it's important to manage and monitor their child's screen time and devices, but it can feel overwhelming and time-consuming. In this video, Dr. Nicole shares some simple tips on how to easily and effectively manage kids' electronic devices in your home so your kids can be safe and healthy online.

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Screen time significantly impacts sleep depending on how and when devices are used.

There are easy guidelines that parents can implement that will help everyone at home get a restful nights sleep. Here's why screen time disrupts sleep in kids & teens.

Three reasons tech interrupts sleep

1. When we use devices later in the evening it tricks your brain into thinking its daytime, it stops producing melatonin making it harder for us to sleep. Kids are more susceptible to this

2. Overstimulation - playing action-packed games, mentally or emotionally stimulating makes it harder to wind down to fall asleep.

3. Preteens and teens having devices in their room at night can be very disruptive

What to do?

Set some house rules

Shut down devices 45-60 min before bed

Use apps that minimize blue light

No electronic devices in the room at night

If you found this information helpful on how to manage kids' electronic devices, this blog post gives some helpful and specific tips Screen Time - How Much is Too Much.

Subscribe to my Youtube channel and follow me on Instagram to learn more tips for achieving better behavior naturally.

What kind of questions do you have about managing screen time for your kids and teens?

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How Screen Time Disrupts Sleep In Kids & Teens and What To Do About It

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There are easy guidelines that parents can implement that will help everyone at home get a restful nights sleep. Here's why screen time disrupts sleep in kids & teens. 1. When we use devices later in the evening it tricks your brain into thinking its daytime, it stops producing melatonin making it harder for us to sleep.

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Coronavirus, more specifically this new type called COVID 19, has now been labeled a pandemic by the World Health Organization. It has spread throughout the world, and is now in the US where there is understandably a heightened and growing level of concern over the past several days. Schools, businesses, and organizations are closing both proactively and reactively to address this important health issue, and it is unclear how things will continue to unfold in the coming days.

During this time many parents, professionals, and media organizations have asked me for information and guidance about how best to address these concerns and issues with children. I want to share my thoughts about this issue in general, as well as address some specific questions and concerns that have some up.

The first and most important thing to remember when it comes to children is that they gauge how distressed they should be based on the reactions and behaviors of the adults around them. This means that parents and other adults need to stay calm and model concerned but not over reactive emotions and behavior.

Encourage communication about the issue by asking questions and providing appropriate information. Make sure you communicate at a level that is appropriate for their age and developmental level.

Ask what they know or have heard, and use that to start the conversation.

Answer only the questions they are asking when they come to you. Don't go overboard with information and details, especially with younger children.

Deliver the facts and be a source of accurate information. It's not helpful to lie to children by telling them nothing is going on. You also don't want to tell them they don't need to know anything about the situation. If you have older children you can use this as an opportunity to talk about where to get good quality information and how to spot false or misleading sources online and elsewhere.

Be honest about what you don't yet know. Tell them you will keep them aware of new information that is relevant to them so they don't have to wonder if people are hiding things from them.

Don't tell children not to worry, or that they shouldn't have thoughts or feelings about this. Acknowledge and empathize with their feelings, and let them know that whatever feelings they may have are okay.

Use facts to combat fear. Focus on communicating what do we know and the evidence that shows this illness is not something most people need to be overly anxious about. Reinforce that children aren't getting very sick, and that the vast majority of people aren't becoming seriously ill or dying.

The essence of anxiety is feeling like something is out of our control, and we feel uncertain and fearful about that. In anxiety-provoking situations like this is it very helpful to focus attention on all the things we CAN control.

Hand washing and hygiene (silver lining - kids all over the world are learning how to appropriately wash their hands!)

Drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods, reduce junk foods

Sleep well

Don't go to places where you know someone is sick; stay home when you are sick

Avoid over-exposure to screen time and media, particularly around anxiety-provoking issues

Continue doing activities that you enjoy and help reduce stress

Many of us are going to be dealing with school closures and having children home from school for days or weeks. Here are some tips on how to manage this, and even make it an opportunity for growth:

Keep routines in place as much as possible, as this reduces stress and anxiety and helps kids feel more secure.

Provide structure for the day in the form of a basic schedule or list of what will happen.

Give kids a menu or list of activities they can choose from to help them stay occupied, avoid complaints of boredom, and minimize sibling fights.

Avoid overuse of screen time, as this leads to worse mood, behavior, and sleep.

Get kids outside to move (weather permitting) and provide indoor movement options as well.

Engage kids in chores and household activities (silver lining - they can learn some new things and help out!)

If your child is exhibiting signs of more serious anxiety or panic, and you feel you have exhausted your own resources to support them, don't hesitate to reach out to their primary healthcare provider, school counselor, or a local mental health professional. These professionals can help you identify if additional support is needed, and can help your child learn healthy coping skills while providing you guidance with how best to support your child.
Remember: Keep communication open with your children - face fears with facts. Model calm, rationale, appropriately cautious behavior. Keep stress levels as low as possible, as this is one of the best strategies for supporting a strong health immune system!
I hope this information is helpful as we all seek to navigate this situation over the coming days and weeks. While there is much uncertainty, this is an opportunity to help our children develop positive coping skills and resilience that will serve them well now and into the future.
Do you have specific questions or concerns on this topic you'd like me to address? Leave them in the comments and I'll provide answers and resources!

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How to Talk to Children About Coronavirus - Without Causing Anxiety | Nicole Beurkens

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Coronavirus, more specifically this new type called COVID 19, has now been labeled a pandemic by the World Health Organization. It has spread throughout the world, and is now in the US where there is understandably a heightened and growing level of concern over the past several days.

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Parents Need Not Stress About School Work During Coronavirus School Closures

With schools closing around the world due to the coronavirus I'm seeing lots of parents stressing out about how to make sure their children are learning during this time. People are sharing schedules, websites, and resources for keeping kids focused on academics and "school" type activities during these weeks. Ads are popping up like crazy with all kinds of online learning apps, worksheet generators, and other academic resources. While these resources are helpful, I wanted to remind parents that so much valuable learning happens outside of school.

Here's a chance to teach what they WON'T learn in school

We need to remember that learning happens everywhere - not just in school. In fact, some of the most valuable things children and teens need to learn don't get addressed in school at all!

I'm not suggesting that academics or participation in other school-based activities aren't important. However, I am encouraging parents to put those things in their proper perspective alongside all the other types of learning that are necessary for kids. These weeks outside of school have the potential to provide opportunities for learning and growth that wouldn't happen if your child was attending school 5 days a week as usual.

Examples of "normal life" and "real world" activities that allow for important skill development:

Hygiene and self-care

Household and outdoor chores

Organizing activities

Food prep and cooking

Movement/exercise activities

Games (independent and with others)

Creative projects

Play

Sleep routines

Using unstructured time appropriately

And so much more learning happens outside of school!

In the normal busy-ness of life a lot of these kinds of activities, and the benefits that come along with them, get overlooked. Now that we are all forced to slow down with school and most extra-curricular activities canceled, we can focus on some of these other areas that are really important for our kids' development both now and as they grow up to be adults.

This is especially true for children and teens with developmental, learning, and/or behavioral disorders! They need opportunities for real-world learning even more than children who don't have challenges. These days at home can provide the exposure and practice they need, but that often doesn't happen with the stress of school.

Academics are infused in everyday life

Let's also not forget that academic skills are a part of just about every chore, self-care activity, game, or other tasks we might do with kids! More great examples of how valuable learning happens outside of school...

Reading - books, instructions, recipes, emails from family members

Writing - make a card for Grandparents, grocery list, schedule for the day, diary

Math - cooking, laundry, rolling loose coins, games

And the list goes on...

You don't need fancy schedules, apps, tutors, or online school programs to facilitate learning for your child during this time. Engage them in developmentally-appropriate everyday life activities and they'll be ahead of the game when school does reopen!

Good old fashioned playtime

I know this sounds crazy but you really can't underestimate the importance of playtime for kids. A chance for them to exercise creativity, exercise their bodies, problem solve and soak up some needed time in nature is so vital for kids. I hope you feel really good about swinging open the back door and letting them go and play for a good part of the day. It's actually pediatrician recommended, see my blog post " Pediatricians are Prescribing Playtime... Here's Why."

In terms of screentime

If you are looking for some guidance on how much screentime is too much for your kids while they're home during this extended period, the Qustodio blog is a great resource.

So ...

I hope this relieves a little of the pressure that parents are feeling right now. I'm happy to dive in deeper on suggestions in any of these areas. Leave questions or comments below.

I'd love to hear from you, what activities your kids are doing to stay engaged with learning.

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So Much Valuable Learning Happens OUTSIDE of School

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With schools closing around the world due to the coronavirus I'm seeing lots of parents stressing out about how to make sure their children are learning during this time. People are sharing schedules, websites, and resources for keeping kids focused on academics and "school" type activities during these weeks.

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What if this coronavirus pandemic is the best thing to happen to children with challenges?

Children with brains that struggle to keep pace with the whirlwind of activity and expectations we call "normal life".

Who give 200% to get half as far.

Who "act out" and "behave badly" due to feelings of overwhelm, frustration, fear, shame, hurt, loneliness, anger, insecurity, and embarrassment.

Children who likely often feel like shouting "Stop the world! I want to get off!"

Children whose responses to the overwhelm they experience are given any number of labels: ADHD, Autism, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Communication Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Behavior Disorder, Emotional Impairment, and so many more.

What if through slowing down, resting more, being bored, doing less, engaging in the mundane tasks of life, being together more, and staying in one place these children were able to...

relax more

move more

learn more

become more self-directed

strengthen family relationships

get comfortable being with their thoughts and feelings

discover new things

gain life skills

accept themselves more

become more grateful

cherish time outside

feel more successful

have the time and space to think and be

become more aware

feel more comfortable in their own skin?

What if this departure from "normal" that many consider a problem,

a step backwards,

a lack of opportunities,

a time when nothing productive will happen,

a halt to progress,

an unwelcome pause on the things that "need" to happen,

actually allowed these kids to feel and function better?

What if by not going to school,

not going to all kinds of therapies,

not constantly being around other people,

not being on the hamster wheel of constant information and activity,

not being talked at constantly,

not being told to sit still constantly,

not being told what to do constantly,

not constantly trying to meet someone else's expectations,

not feeling mentally and emotionally burned out all the time...

kids brains had the chance to really take things in and grow new neural connections to understand themselves, others, and the world more than ever before?
What if this "crisis" ended up providing exactly what these children need? What if they emerge from this better than before?
Additional Resources:
So Much Valuable Learning Happens Outside of School Ideas for what to do with kids while they're home

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Pandemic is the Best Thing to Happen to Children with Behavior Challenges

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Children with brains that struggle to keep pace with the whirlwind of activity and expectations we call "normal life". Who give 200% to get half as far. Who "act out" and "behave badly" due to feelings of overwhelm, frustration, fear, shame, hurt, loneliness, anger, insecurity, and embarrassment.

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Have you found that this time at home has caused a surge in screen time for you and your kids?

With news and updates coming at us from all angles, working at home, and keeping in touch with loved ones, it's pretty challenging not to be on your phone and laptop more than normal.

We have had to reevaluate and create some new guidelines in our home...⁣⁣ ⁣⁣

Here are a few tips on how to manage screen time during Coronavirus quarantine⁣⁣

Be intentional about setting times to be device-free with them.

Flexibility during this time is crucial, but this does not mean rules go out the window. Since kids are at home, they may want to have extra time on their phones to talk to their friends.

Create household guidelines for time spent online, whether it be academic or scheduled free time.⁣⁣

Try to maintain a healthy balance and ensure your children are not overloaded with screentime activities only or using them as a crutch to pass the time.

Use parental controls on devices to create clear restrictions on all of your children's devices. I explain the ins and outs of my favorite management app, Qustodio, for this in the video.

Follow @Qustodio to stay up-to-date on digital safety and wellness for your family.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Share with us what has worked for you and your family in the comments below.

We can all benefit from community ideas these days!

If you found this information useful on how to manage screen time during Coronavirus quarantine, this blog post also gives some helpful and specific tips on age-appropriate use Screen Time - How Much is Too Much.

Subscribe to my Youtube channel and follow me on Instagram to learn more tips for achieving better behavior naturally.

What kind of questions do you have about managing screen time for your kids and teens?

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How to Manage Screen Time During Coronavirus Quarantine

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With news and updates coming at us from all angles, working at home, and keeping in touch with loved ones, it's pretty challenging not to be on your phone and laptop more than normal. We have had to reevaluate and create some new guidelines in our home...⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Be intentional about setting times to be device-free with them.

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With schools closing and events being postponed or cancelled due to Coronavirus, how can parents break the news to their kids?

The disappointment around missed opportunities and fun experiences is one of the more challenging things for parents to navigate with children during this time. It's best to be calm and factual when breaking the news to kids that something will be postponed or canceled, and acknowledge how disappointing and frustrating that may feel to them. Parents can empathize and acknowledge how they are feeling about it as well, to let the kids know they are not alone in these feelings. They should provide all available information, and be truthful about what they don't yet know as many things are changing quickly. In terms of how to explain school closing to kids due to Coronavirus, this might sound like a bit of a bait and switch to them. They might think "yay longer summer" but what this means for most kids is that they will need to complete their school-work at home and that they won't get to see their friends for a while. This news may come harder to them.

How can parents respond to the emotions kids have surrounding this disappointment?

It's essential for parents to acknowledge and empathize with whatever emotions kids may have around the situation. They may feel sad, disappointed, angry, frustrated, or a combination of many of these feelings. Parents should be sure to tell children that however they are feeling is okay and appropriate, and empathize by sharing that they are feeling some of those same things as well. It's not helpful to immediately shift to trying to cheer them up, or telling them that they shouldn't feel whatever uncomfortable emotion they are experiencing. Telling a child "don't feel sad" or "cheer up it's not that big a deal" dismisses their feelings and is unhelpful. Encourage kids to share how they are feeling, and let them know that their emotions are acceptable. What they do with those emotions may require some discussion, especially if they are being disrespectful or acting out in inappropriate ways. However, the emotions themselves are okay and should be supported.

Are there ways to divert attention? Or, how can parents best support their kiddos with something that's so hard to understand?

Once you've given the child the news, acknowledged and accepted their feelings, and empathized with them it is then appropriate to move into a mode of what can be done to help the situation. Distraction with another activity or opportunity they can participate in may be appropriate. If an event has been postponed it may be helpful for younger kids to make a paper chain or chart they can use to track how many days until the event will take place. Older kids can be encouraged to write it on the calendar to look forward to it.

If something like vacation has been canceled it can be helpful to start looking together at other options for a trip later this year and include kids in looking at things online or researching possibilities. This helps shift them into a problem-solving mode as opposed to getting stuck in disappointment mode. Looking ahead to other things that they can look forward to is also helpful, even small things that you may be able to do from home during these days.

Ultimately, while handling disappointment with kids can be a challenge, it is also a necessary and important part of helping kids grow and develop resilience.

Children who experience and learn how to handle disappointments in life are much better able to handle the realities of life as they grow into adulthood. It's important for parents to realize that we can't shield our children from all of the disappointments and discomforts of life, nor should we be trying to do that.

Often dealing with child disappointment is harder for the adult than it is for the child, and we need to set aside our own uncomfortable emotions to support our child in being resilient in the face of things that feel difficult to manage. Doing this is one of the best gifts we can provide our children, even though it may not feel that way at the time. Allowing children to feel uncomfortable emotions, empathizing with them, and supporting them to move through those is the key to helping them be emotionally healthy and resilient as adults.

There have been and will continue to be many disappointments for kids and families now and in the coming weeks. Parents can use these ideas to respond in a way that supports growth for their kids, which ultimately is a silver lining in a challenging situation like what we are living through right now. I hope this has given you some tools on how to explain school closing to kids due to coronavirus.

A few more helpful resources

While canceled school and canceled events are going to be tough to deal with, I offer you the possibility of thinking about this time as advantageous for your children. Especially if they are dealing with any kind of behavior issues or have special needs. In this blog post, I talk about how this experience of slowing down the pace of life might really help kids " What If This Pandemic Is The Best Thing To Happen To Children With Challenges?" If you are looking for ideas on what to do with your kids to keep them engaged in physical, academic learning, mindfulness, and family activities I'm posting several ideas daily on my Instagram account.

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Talk to Kids About School Closing and Events Cancelled Due to Coronavirus

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The disappointment around missed opportunities and fun experiences is one of the more challenging things for parents to navigate with children during this time. It's best to be calm and factual when breaking the news to kids that something will be postponed or canceled, and acknowledge how disappointing and frustrating that may feel to them.

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Kids often act like boredom is the worst thing that can happen to them.

As parents, we learn to dread the cries of "But I'm sooooo bored!" when kids are home for extended periods of time. Trust me, it's good to be bored!

As adults, we look around and see all kinds of things to do, but even in the midst of a playroom full of toys and games, kids can somehow feel like there's nothing to do. A few things to keep in mind:
When kids say they are "bored" often what they mean is something else

They may not know how to choose something for themselves to do when they aren't directed to do something specific.

They may feel overwhelmed by all the options and don't know how to choose.

They may not want to put forth the effort to think about what they could do.

They might want access to something that they've been told they can't have (generally electronics) and believe that if they complain about being bored they will get access to what they want.

They may be looking for some interaction and connection with a parent or another person.

Try these tips the next time your kids complain that they are bored:

Do not get distressed or feel that it is your job to resolve their boredom! You can guide them to think through how they want to handle their feelings of boredom, but it is not something you need to take responsibility for, fix, or drop everything to manage.

Provide them with some ideas or options of things they can do. I like to have a list or menu of appropriate activity options available to direct kids to as needed. This helps when the issue is overwhelming from having too many things available or when they are struggling to figure out what the options are.

Stick to the rules and expectations you've set, and don't give in because of boredom complaints. This typically comes up around electronics, and it's really important to stick to the limits you've set despite their complaints. If you start allowing more device use every time they complain of being bored you can expect them to use that strategy each time they want something you've told them they can't have or do.

Ask your child if they'd like to do something together. If you can't or don't want to stop what you are doing, then simply let them know when you will be available to do something with them. If you're doing an activity you can involve your child in then go ahead and do that. Kids can help with lots of things you are getting done during the day like household chores and activities.

Remind them that it's okay to be bored. In fact, it's good to be bored it's actually good for their brain development. When we are truly bored it gives our minds room to think and wonder. This can lead to new ideas, creative endeavors, and exploration. It also can lead us to just be with ourselves and do nothing, which is beneficial as well.

If you've directed them to appropriate activity options, stuck to your rules, and offered to do something with them and they opt to continue with their boredom complaints then it's time to move on with your day and allow them to wallow in their boredom. Let them know that they are welcome to continue feeling bored, and you hope they find a way to manage it for themselves. You do not have to intervene or fix it for them, and should set a boundary for yourself by walking away, putting in earbuds to avoid hearing the whining or have them complain by themselves in their room so you don't have to hear it. At some point, they will find something for themselves to do, or at least stop complaining about it. Again I say to you, it's good to be bored.

Is "boredom" an issue in your home? What have you found helpful to address it?

Here's another blog post on boredom that I think you might like The Benefits of Boredom. And this is a fun list of outdoor toys, surely some boredom busters in here 28 Best Outdoor Toys for Kids, According to Experts.

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As parents, we learn to dread the cries of "But I'm sooooo bored!" when kids are home for extended periods of time. Trust me, it's good to be bored! As adults, we look around and see all kinds of things to do, but even in the midst of a playroom full of toys and games, kids can somehow feel like there's nothing to do.

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When children have a lot of schoolwork to do, whether at home or in school, one of the most important things that can get neglected is movement. Movement breaks not only help kids release some of the energy that builds up when sitting, it also allows them to sharpen their brain's ability to focus. While movement breaks tend to be more common with younger kids (if they are used at all), by the time kids hit middle school very few opportunities are provided for movement throughout the day. Movement breaks are very important for children of all ages, and even adults!

Right now many parents and children are spending their days at home for work and school. Movement-focused brain breaks are a great way to help everyone feel better and get their tasks done each day.

Research has demonstrated the many benefits of movement and exercise for preventing and treating a wide range of physical and mental health conditions. Physical activity helps to improve mood and focus, which is why it's so important to include in your daily routine. In addition, muscle movement develops the connections between different regions of the brain and nervous system which keeps the brain active and flexible. Movement is especially important for children, since it allows them to develop in many areas. Their motor skills, social skills, attention habits, and more are all greatly influenced by the amount of movement they get each day.

Taking a break from whatever you're working on for just a few minutes helps your brain refocus to the task at hand, allows you to better absorb new information, and reduces the physical effects of sitting for long periods of time. When we feel like we have too much work, we often forget to take care of ourselves. This can prove detrimental in the long run, because a healthy body means a healthy brain! Providing ourselves and our children with short "brain breaks" is one of the best ways to encourage happier, healthier learning habits. Plus, it can be a lot of fun!

I've compiled 25 of my favorite activities for kids to either do on their own or together with a parent to give their brains a break from the monotony of jobs, studying, and homework.

1. Bounce on a Ball: Bouncing around the house on an exercise ball or toy is a great way to have some fun and get out a lot of energy. Two kids could try racing each other, or complete a certain "track" around some obstacles.

2. Yoga Poses: Try out some yoga poses. Start simple and increase the challenge as you go. The best part is that you don't need any equipment and anyone can learn! Here are some links to get you started if you don't already know some basic poses: https://www.kidsyogastories.com/kids-yoga-poses/ and https://www.purewow.com/family/yoga-poses-for-kids

3. Trampoline Bounce:Kids will love to take a break from their work to bounce on a trampoline. If you don't own one, bouncing on the bed works great too.

It can be easy and fun to get plenty of movement on even the busiest days, while keeping everyone more productive. With these activities and your own creativity, you'll never be without a way to refocus while you work or study!

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25 Awesome Brain Breaks for Kids (and Adults!) While Stuck at Home | Nicole Beurkens

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It can be easy and fun to get plenty of movement on even the busiest days, while keeping everyone more productive. With these activities and your own creativity, you'll never be without a way to refocus while you work or study!

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There Is A Link Between Allergies And Mental Health Conditions

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There Is A Link Between Allergies And Mental Health Conditions

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Does your child struggle with allergies? Maybe they're stuffy and congested a lot or have eczema. They might get frequent ear infections, or show severe reactions to foods.

Allergies are connected to a host of problems in children-including their mood and behavior. This begs the question, is there a link between allergies and mental health conditions? In this article, we'll take a look at research that supports this correlation and recommendations on early stage preventative measures.

Allergies are a common child health issue. These itchy, sneezy, uncomfortable sensitivities in kids put their health at risk and interfere with their daily routines and nightly sleep. It might surprise you to learn that allergies also contribute to problems with kids' emotional and behavioral health and development.
Is anyone making the connection?
Parents and physicians often don't make the connection between allergies and emotional well-being in children. There's a growing body of research that makes a strong link between the most common allergies and conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD and autism. When we understand the relationship between these issues, we can treat conditions more effectively. That's one way we can minimize the harm, disruption, isolation, and developmental delays they may cause.
What's the connection between allergies and mental health?
In recent years, we've seen research showing different types of sensitivities are linked to a broad spectrum of psychological issues. Respiratory allergies (including asthma and hay fever), skin allergies (such as eczema) and food allergies or sensitivities have been linked to several emotional, behavioral and developmental issues in children, including:

A new study released this year found allergies associated with a higher risk of developing a range of psychiatric conditions. Scientists in Taiwan conducted a nationwide investigation of the relationship between respiratory and skin issues and psychiatric problems. They found people with some of the most common skin or respiratory sensitivities were much more likely to develop mental problems:
Over a 15-year period, more than 10% of people with at least one allergy developed a psychiatric condition, compared to 6.7% of people without any allergies. The autism-allergy connection
Scientists have established some strong connections between autism and allergies in children. Food, skin, and respiratory allergies all occur more frequently in children with autism. We've seen an increase in autism in recent decades. At the same time, several types of allergic reactions, including food sensitivities, also have been on the rise. Studies in mice have demonstrated that food allergies can trigger behaviors that are very similar to autism symptoms, including:

Increased repetitive behaviors

Diminished social interactions

Problems with spatial memory

To investigate the possible connections between allergies and autism, a recent study analyzed health data of more than 200,000 children. Researchers found children with autism were significantly more likely to have food, skin and respiratory allergies than children without autism.
Among the children in the study:

11.25 percent of children with autism had food allergies, compared to 4.25 percent of children without autism

18.73 percent of children with autism had respiratory allergies, compared to 12.08 percent of children without autism

16.81 percent of children with autism had skin allergies, compared to 9.84 percent of children without autism

Autism and diet are intertwined, and this study confirmed that connection. But it also shows us that other allergies may also be factors in the development of autism in children.
The underlying links between allergies and mental health
One thing these studies didn't do is tell us why allergies in children affect their behavior and emotional well-being.

One likely reason is the body's inflammatory response to the presence of allergens. Allergies cause a significant response from the body's immune system. That immune response creates inflammation in the body.

Studies have shown that the body's allergic inflammatory immune response is linked to several conditions, including depression and anxiety. And research has shown connections with psychiatric disorders and other types of chronic inflammatory disease, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Illnesses or conditions that involve immune problems and inflammation may put us at higher risk for psychological problems. Allergies are another form of an immune-related disease that can lead to excessive inflammation.
I can't stress this enough to parents ...
Introduce a variety of foods early on in your child's life. Exposing children to a broad spectrum of foods, especially in their first year of life, may help reduce the risk of food allergies and food sensitivities. That includes allergy-prone foods such as peanuts and eggs. Talk with your child's pediatrician about using a broad-spectrum diet to help minimize the risk of food allergies.

Maintain a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet. Focusing on whole, unprocessed foods, and limiting sugars, dyes and chemicals can help parents and children avoid the increased inflammation that comes from a typical American diet.

Get the right ratio of omega-3s and omega-6s in their diet. For children, healthy brain development and function depend on a plentiful supply of omega fatty acids. (Adults need these fatty acids, too!) The ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 is essential. Too often, a typical American diet is high in omega-6 and low in omega-3 fatty acids. This imbalance may trigger unhealthful inflammation.

Make sure to get plenty of omega-3 rich foods into your family's diet. Excellent sources include eggs, cold-water seafood such as salmon, and walnuts. And consider an omega-3 supplement. Avoiding processed foods can help your family avoid over-consuming omega-6 fatty acids.

I've written about this topic quite a bit on the blog. Here are 7 Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids - For Help with ADHD, Autism, Depression and Brain Function.

Include probiotics. We know gut health and mental health are deeply connected, via the constant communication between the gut and the brain. Probiotics for children can help maintain a healthy balance and diversity of microbial life in their gastrointestinal systems. In turn, that can benefit their emotional and behavioral lives.

Pay attention to your child's reaction to their diet and their environment. Changes to the skin, breathing, and elimination, as well as reactions to specific foods, are possible signs of allergy. Allergies often look like a cold or flu, with runny noses, watery eyes, and coughing or sneezing. If your child shows allergic reactions, bring these to the attention of your pediatrician.

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The Link Between Allergies And Mental Health Conditions

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Allergies are connected to a host of problems in children-including their mood and behavior. This begs the question, is there a link between allergies and mental health conditions? In this article, we'll take a look at research that supports this correlation and recommendations on early stage preventative measures.

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The Risks And Benefits Of Antidepressant Medications For Kids

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The Risks And Benefits Of Antidepressant Medications For Kids

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The decision to treat a child's mental health condition with medication is complicated, often agonizing one for parents. Your child is ill, hurting and struggling. As parents, we want only to relieve our children from suffering, to help them live peacefully so they can grow and thrive. So more often than not, the question is asked, should I give my child or teenager antidepressants?

Antidepressant medications are often prescribed for children and teenagers with a range of mental and behavioral health issues. In addition to depression and anxiety, antidepressant medications are also prescribed for children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Young people with ADHD and autism are given antidepressant medications for hyperactivity, aggression, repetitive behaviors, as well as anxiety and depression.

Antidepressants are often considered the first and best option for treating depression and other psychological issues in children and teens. Studies show rates of antidepressant prescriptions for young people have been on the rise for decades. A recent report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that nearly 13 percent of American teenagers are taking antidepressant medications. According to this study and others, girls are prescribed antidepressant medications more often than boys.
Are antidepressant medications the right therapeutic choice for your child?
The most important step parents can take in making this decision is to be fully informed. That means understanding the effects that science tells us these medications can have on children. Being fully informed also means becoming familiar with the range of treatment options available to children and teenagers with depression and other conditions. With this information, parents have an easier time weighing all the options.

That's a tall task! I hope this discussion can help. Let's spend some time reviewing what we know about the impact of antidepressants on our kids.

In making a decision whether to put your child on antidepressant drugs, it's essential to ask questions. The parents I see in my clinic typically have a lot of questions about antidepressant medications for children.
There are three questions I think are absolutely essential. Are antidepressant medications effective in treating child and adolescent depression?
I work with parents who come from a wide range of perspectives. Some parents feel comfortable and relieved at the idea of using medication for their child's depression or anxiety treatment. Other parents are deeply reluctant about the option. What every parent shares? A desire to find an effective therapy for their child's psychological issues. Parents also have a strong desire to avoid exposing their children to medications that don't work. Read on for how this question is answered with recent research.
Are antidepressant medications safe for children and teens?
As parents, we need to understand all the risks associated with antidepressant use in children. That's how we'll make a fully informed decision.
What other therapies exist?
It's important for parents to be familiar with all the therapeutic options. Parents understandably want to identify the right therapy for their child. There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to treating depression, anxiety or other emotional and behavioral problems in kids and teens.
Antidepressants for kids: tough to sort out the 'facts'
Getting all the information about the effects of antidepressant medications in children and teenagers isn't easy. One of the trickiest issues? A lack of transparency and clarity about scientific research on the topic.

To understand the benefits and risks of antidepressant medications, it's helpful to know a quick bit of history. In the 1980s and 1990s, a number of studies showed antidepressant medications were effective in improving depression. These studies also suggested these medications came with very few side effects. That strongly suggesting their benefits outweighed their risks.
In the wake of these studies, the use of antidepressant medications in children and teenagers began quickly to rise.
In recent years, much of this earlier research on antidepressant medication has been called into question. Many scientists have raised issues with the methods and the results.

One of the major issues raised? The funding sources for research into antidepressants. The pharmaceutical industry has provided funding for a large number of studies that have concluded antidepressant medications are safe and effective for young people. When companies have a financial stake in the drugs undergoing research, studies tend to be more positive. They overestimate the benefits of drugs and under-estimate the risks. That's what's known as systemic bias. And there's scientific evidence of systemic bias in industry-supported research of antidepressant medications.
Other issues about antidepressant medication research have been raised, including:
Problems with study methods. Scientists have raised questions about the methods employed in many earlier studies of antidepressant medications. Faulty methods could make the drugs appear more effective and less risky than they actually are.

Exaggerated placebo effects. Some studies of antidepressant use have seen large placebo effects alter the results in ways that may exaggerate the drugs' effectiveness. How does this happen? One way is when participants in a "blind" study come to think they know which version of the drug they're taking. (In blind studies, volunteers are not supposed to know whether they've been given the drug or a placebo.)

This is known as "unblinding" of a research study, and it can lead to skewed results. How? People who think they're taking the drug may experience a hope-related boost to their progress that's not a direct result of the medication. On the other hand, people who think they're taking the placebo might feel disappointed or discouraged. That might make their condition worse.

Selective reporting of results. Scientists point to a practice of "selective reporting" in antidepressant studies. This involves publishing only partial data and results, rather than sharing all data and results collected in a study. Selective reporting can mean the public only sees positive results, while negative information is withheld.

Scientists are now re-analyzing full data from earlier research studies on antidepressants. New research has found the benefits for children and teens of medications such as Paxil have been overstated. At the same time, their risks have been minimized.

We need to take into account the re-evaluation of these drugs that's underway. That's the only way to be well informed about their risks as well as possible benefits.

Let's take a look at how the latest scientific research answers those three essential questions I asked a moment ago.
Are antidepressants effective for kids and teens?
Many studies show a small, statistically significant benefit from antidepressant medications for some mental health disorders. SSRI and SNRI medications are two of the most commonly prescribed types of antidepressant drugs in children. A 2017 research analysis of SSRI and SNRI medications found these drugs may work best for child anxiety treatment. Other conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder do not respond to antidepressant medications, according to this research.

The benefits that are found in scientific studies may be so small that patients don't actually feel them. A research study may identify a statistical benefit-a number on a piece of paper. But it may be so modest that it doesn't translate into an actual, meaningful improvement of symptoms.

Recent studies show there is little difference between the effectiveness of SSRI medications and placebo drugs in reducing symptoms of depression in children and teenagers. Most of the improvements experienced by patients taking the medications-as much as 70-87 percent-is also experienced by patients taking a placebo.

And what about the effectiveness of antidepressant medications over the long-term? We know that among children with depression relapse is common. Somewhere between 40-70 percent of children experience a relapse of symptoms within 5 years. More than half experience a relapse during adulthood. There's a lack of long-term effectiveness of antidepressant medications, in children. But studies in adults show that SSRI antidepressant medications used over the long-term may increase the risk of relapse.

Why might this happen? One theory says that because SSRI elevates serotonin levels in the brain, over time the brain may respond by reducing its serotonin production. Lower serotonin production might leave people who use these drugs for long periods of time more vulnerable to depression, particularly after they stop using SSRI medication.
Are antidepressant medications safe for children and teens?
A greater vulnerability to depression relapse is one safety risk. What does the latest science have to say about other potential safety risks?

Earlier studies of antidepressant medications suggested they were largely safe for children and teenagers. More recent research has shown the risks in previous antidepressant studies were underestimated. We're learning there are a number of serious side effects and risks to consider when evaluating whether to use antidepressant medication for your child's condition.

Studies show the side effects of antidepressant medications include:

Nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues

Headaches and migraine

Sleep problems, ranging from insomnia to excessive sleepiness, as well as pronounced fatigue and drowsiness

Lack of energy

Cardiovascular issues, including irregular heartbeat, accelerated heart rate, and changes to blood pressure

Dizziness and feeling faint

Changes to appetite, including increased and decreased hunger, and a potentially increased risk for anorexia

Aggravated depression

Increased anxiousness

Another safety consideration for parents to consider is the long-term effects of antidepressant drug use. Once started, these medications can become difficult to stop taking. Research shows that an estimated 80 percent of antidepressant users (children and adults) have been taking these medications for more than a year.

Overall, there's a worrisome lack of research about the long-term impact of antidepressants in children. We know that long-term exposure to antidepressant medications is associated with increased risks for weight gain. That puts them at higher risk for type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions. There's also evidence indicating long-term antidepressant use may increase our vulnerability to substance use disorders such as alcoholism. In women of childbearing age, use of SSRI drugs has been linked to miscarriage, birth defects, and development of autism in children.

Risk of suicide is the most serious of the potential risks associated with antidepressant medications. Over the years, there's been a great deal of conflicting and confusing information about the link between suicide and these drugs. Many studies report an increase in suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and suicide attempts in children and teenagers who use antidepressant medications. A review of clinical trials studying antidepressants found sharply increased risks for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young people under the age of 25.

Can kids get worse on psych meds? In previous video blog posts, I go deeper on the subject of side effects and what you need to know about withdrawal.
What are the alternatives to antidepressant medications for children's mental health issues?
When a child is showing signs of depression, anxiety, or another mental health issue, medication may quickly become the first option on the table. There are many other options for depression and anxiety interventions for children. Parents should know: even in cases where antidepressant medication is beneficial, these medications can't address the root causes of depression or anxiety disorder in kids.

Mental and behavioral issues in children are complex. They often arise from several factors. The most effective therapeutic plans tend to combine treatments. That can include natural solutions for anxiety, depression and other conditions. When you're considering how to address your child's emotional and behavioral issues, keep all of these avenues in mind:

Cognitive and behavioral therapies. Studies have shown that different forms of non-drug therapy are effective in improving depression and other mental health issues in children and teenagers. Both cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy for Adolescents (ITA) can be effective in helping young people address mental, emotional, and behavioral struggles and trauma.

While there is no clear evidence that confirms combining behavioral therapy with antidepressants leads to better outcomes for children with anxiety or depression. Studies do show us that secure, nurturing therapeutic relationships are highly beneficial for children in improving their mental and behavioral health.

Healthy daily habits and routines. Plenty of exercise and physical activity. Abundant, consistent sleep routines. Meaningful time engaged in supportive relationships with peers and family. Time outdoors, and limited time with electronic devices. These are the daily foundations that help support a child who is coping with emotional or behavioral problems. Daily investments in physical activity and movement, in sleep, in social connections, and in growth-producing activities that don't involve digital devices can make a difference in children's mood and behavior.

Screening for other health conditions. It's important to evaluate a child's risk for other physical health conditions before opting to treat their symptoms with antidepressant medication. Conditions to look for include:

Sensory, visual, and auditory processing issues

Thyroid disorders

Abnormal blood sugar

Allergies (including skin and respiratory)

Food sensitivities

Head injury

A gut-and-mood friendly diet. We know there's a powerful relationship between the gut and the brain. This gut-brain connection affects mood, emotion, behavior, and development in children. A diet that relies on processed foods, dyes, artificial sugars, and other chemical additives can trigger and exacerbate depression, anxiety, and other emotional and behavioral problems. Eliminating these dietary ingredients can have a positive effect on your child's mood and behavior.

By exploring these options, parents and clinicians can identify the root causes of a child's emotional and behavioral health issues. That may help avoid altogether the need for antidepressant medication. As research increasingly tells us, the benefits of these medications are highly limited, and the risks they pose are considerable.

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Should I give my child or teenager antidepressants?

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Should I give my child or teenager antidepressants? The decision to treat a child's mental health condition with medication is a complicated, often agonizing one for parents. The best thing to do is become familiar with the risks vs the benefits.

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The Risks and Benefits of ADHD Medication

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The Risks and Benefits of ADHD Medication

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When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, parents often have a flurry of questions. What is the best ADHD therapy? Should I medicate my child? Should I try a non-drug option first? What are the risks and benefits of ADHD medication?

Medication for ADHD is the most common therapeutic choice. There are also non-drug options in treating ADHD. What's right for your child?

Sound familiar?

Your child struggles to pay attention in class. He fights with you over doing homework. She can't sit still and explodes with frantic energy. He's irritable and reactive, with big mood swings and bursts of aggressiveness. These are a few of the symptoms that can result in a child being diagnosed with ADHD. And that diagnosis sends parents in search of solutions. Overdiagnosis of ADHD is a real problem. So is overmedication.

Medication is far and away the most common form of ADHD treatment. There are more than 6 million children in the U.S. with an ADHD diagnosis, and most are prescribed drugs to treat their symptoms.

Understandably, parents want to know all their options when it comes to ADHD therapy. They want to identify the safest, effective, and successful solutions for ADHD, so their children can learn, grow, and thrive. Too often, a jump to medication shortchanges that education for parents.

I wrote recently about the benefits and risks of antidepressant medications for children. I thought we'd now take a similar look at the drugs used for ADHD treatment, and also examine alternatives to ADHD medication.

The most common ADHD medications

ADHD medications include both stimulants and non-stimulants. Simulant drugs are most often prescribed to treat ADHD. Both types of medications have risks and side effects. Commonly used stimulants are Ritalin, Focalin, Methylin, Concerta, Dexedrine, and Adderall. Less often, kids are prescribed non-stimulant ADHD medications such as Strattera, Tenex, and Intuniv.

The goal of these drugs is to reduce the symptoms of ADHD, including impulsivity, aggression, hyperactivity, inattention and emotional reactivity. There's also an expectation that once on these drugs, children will perform better academically.

Let's take a look at what the science says about how well attention deficit disorder medications work to address these issues.

Are ADHD meds effective?

One of the biggest challenges in determining the effectiveness of these medications? There's a lack of long-term research.

Studies show ADHD drugs can deliver some short-term relief for some symptoms of ADHD. In some children, hyperactivity and inattention may improve. These changes can provide short-term improvements to kids' behavior, including in the classroom. But over the long term, drugs used to treat ADHD don't have lasting, positive effects on their symptoms.

One recent study looked at more than two dozen clinical trials that led to FDA approval for many of the most common medications for ADHD. This study found that most of these trials were short. Many lasted as little as a few weeks. The majority lasted less than six months.

Why does the length of these studies matter?

They may be long enough to measure a short-term boost to some ADHD symptoms. But they're not long enough to assess whether those improvements translate into meaningful gains for kids over time.

There have been a handful of studies that have investigated the impact of ADHD medications over years, rather than weeks or months. These long-term investigations have concluded that commonly used drugs don't deliver lasting improvements to the social, emotional, or behavioral symptoms of ADHD.

What about improvements to academic performance?

Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity can make the classroom a challenging place for many kids with ADHD. Research shows ADHD affects some academic subjects more than others. Reading and math, for example, tend to be more negatively impacted than spelling. One of the goals of ADHD treatment is to help children and teens who struggle academically.
How well do medications for ADHD work to improve their performance in school?
We've seen a number of studies examine the effects of drugs on kids' academic success. This research overall has found that drugs used to treat ADHD don't improve kids' academic performance. Children may experience an increase in productivity toward their schoolwork when using medication. That may look to parents and clinicians like a positive shift on the academic front.

Productivity is important. But ultimately we don't only want our kids to be more productive in their attempts to learn. We want them to actually learn. And the science strongly indicates that kids don't make academic gains as a result of being treated with ADHD medication.

One recent study examined more than 30 years of research on the effects of the drug in Ritalin on academic performance. Their analysis showed some minor improvements to math, and some of the expected gains to kids' productivity. But overall, the research showed a lack of improvements to academic skill and success.

Are ADHD meds safe?

There are many safety issues concerning ADHD drugs that parents should know about. Let's start by looking at some of the most commonly reported side effects of ADHD medications. The side effects of stimulant medications include:

Insomnia and restless sleep

A lack of appetite

Weight loss

Dizziness

Increased blood pressure

Stomachache and nausea

Headache

Moodiness

Non-stimulant ADHD medications share many of the same side effects:

Loss of appetite

Weight loss

Nausea, stomachache

Headache

Moodiness

Sleepiness and daytime fatigue

Studies show ADHD stimulant medications negatively affect growth rates in children. Recent research followed children taking ADHD stimulant drugs over several years, through adolescence and into young adulthood. This study found that with continuous, long-term use, ADHD stimulant medications suppressed height by an inch or more.

Like other research, this study also found medications were not effective in reducing ADHD symptoms over the long term.

Risk of overdose

Another significant risk for kids and teens that parents should know? The risk of overexposure and overdose.

Overexposure to ADHD drugs is more common than you might think. Over the past couple of decades, poison control centers have taken an average of more than 10,000 calls a year for ADHD medication overexposure. Nearly one-quarter of these children needed medical treatment. Almost 10 percent resulted in serious health complications. And the rates of overexposure have soared in recent years.

Children who are prescribed these drugs can accidentally take too much. That happens most often when parents or caregivers forget they've already given a daily dose. When medications are poorly stored, children-often very young kids-find their ways to these drugs and can ingest them. And sometimes children (usually teenagers) intentionally take ADHD medications beyond what's been prescribed-or without a prescription.

It's important for parents to know the symptoms of overexposure. They include:

Agitation

Irritability

Vomiting

Lethargy or drowsiness

A rapid heart rate

Dilated pupils

Elevated body temperature

Tremors

Confusion

Hallucination

If you have ADHD medications in your home, it's important to store them safely, out of reach of young children and inaccessible to older children who might intentionally seek them out. And always seek immediate medical attention if you think a child might have ingested too much medication.

Risks to brain development

Children who take drugs for ADHD typically take these medications for years. Because kids are often diagnosed at a young age, they're exposed to these medications while their brains are still developing. There is evidence that the stimulant used in some of the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications has an adverse effect on brain development. This impact on the developing brain can have lasting effects.

This safety issue involves the stimulant methylphenidate, the drug used in popular ADHD medications such as Ritalin and Concerta. Exposure to this stimulant in children 16 and under is connected to changes in the production of an important brain chemical, known as GABA.

GABA

You might have heard of GABA. It's an incredibly active messenger in the brain. The brain's GABA system plays an enormous role in regulating mood and emotions. It also helps to regulate sleep. Throughout childhood and adolescence, the system in the brain that puts GABA to work is still developing.

Research has found that exposure to methylphenidate during childhood has lasting effects on GABA production. Scientists discovered that this ADHD stimulant boosted levels of GABA in the short term. But this stimulant was connected to a long-term drop in GABA. Why? Scientists think it is likely because that short-term GABA boost sends a message to a child's developing brain that it doesn't need to produce as much of this chemical. Over time, the brain slows its GABA production. That may create a long-term deficit in GABA.

Not having enough GABA raises risks for emotional, physical and behavioral health problems, including:

ADHD symptoms, such as impulsivity and trouble with concentration and memory

Substance use disorders

Sleep disorders

Chronic stress

Depression, anxiety and other psychological problems

This research suggests that by treating children under 16 with stimulant medication for ADHD, we are be exposing them to long-term risks for their emotional well being, behavioral and physical health. Among those risks? Some of the very symptoms the drugs are intended to treat.

Managing ADHD without medication

I hear from so many parents with questions about how to deal with ADHD without medication. The good news is, there are many useful options to consider for non-drug treatment for ADHD. These treatments often do what medication can't do: address the specific root causes of the symptoms that led to a child's ADHD diagnosis. And they do so without exposing children to harmful short- and long-term side effects. The symptoms of ADHD are complex. They often require a combination of strategies. Let's take a look at a few of the most effective ones.
Behavioral treatment for ADHD.
Helping children learn new behaviors and coping skills can have profound, lasting effects on their ADHD symptoms. Parents and children work with therapists on simple strategies to use in their daily lives. Unlike medications, these behavioral tools help children develop the skills they need to function successfully-at school and at home, with family and with friends. These are skills children can use for their lifetimes.

I've written about some of the most effective ADHD strategies parents can use with kids. They include giving kids plenty of time to process information, taking lots of breaks, and making sure to acknowledge kids' positive behaviors.

One fundamental (and often underused) behavioral strategy? Play! Giving kids a chance to move, create and explore stimulates their brain development and brain function. Playing offers kids an opportunity to process their emotions. It provides a space for them to solve problems constructively. Running around and being physically active channels their energy, giving them a sense of both freedom and control. These benefits are essential to all kids. But they're especially important to kids with an ADHD diagnosis.
Dietary support.
Treating ADHD with diet is another way to address the core issues underlying their symptoms. Research shows diet and nutrients can influence the behaviors connected to ADHD. I recommend that children who show symptoms be tested for four essential nutrients: Vitamin D, Zinc, Magnesium, and Iron. I encourage parents to identify and address nutrient deficiencies before jumping into medication as a first treatment option. (You can read more about why these nutrients are so vital, here.) This information can serve as a starting point for a dietary strategy to treat ADHD.

Other dietary practices that can help?

Avoiding processed and added sugars

Steering clear of preservatives, chemical additives, and dyes in food

Making sure kids drink plenty of water throughout the day

Focusing on fruits and vegetables

Feeding kids plenty of protein-especially at breakfast

Considering well-researched natural supplements, including omega-3 fatty acids, valerian and lemon balm to help support brain development and reduce symptoms

Neurofeedback.
This is an exciting, promising area of ADHD treatment that not enough people know about. Neurofeedback uses sound and audio cues to deliver positive feedback to the brain, under the guidance of a trained therapist. That feedback can shift brain activity toward better self-regulation, and more emotionally and behaviorally healthy patterns. Neurofeedback is used to treat depression and anxiety.
Some of the strongest scientific research relates to ADHD
Several studies show that neurofeedback improves many of the hallmark symptoms of ADHD. It can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It's been shown to increase attention. It also improves children's social and academic skills. New research shows the ADHD symptom reduction children receive from neurofeedback appears to be long-lasting.

Millions of children receive the same diagnosis: ADHD. But every child is different. Medication is largely a one-size-fits-all treatment. There may be limited benefits over the short term for some kids. But there's no evidence that ADHD drugs improve symptoms over the longer-term of children's lives. They do, however, expose them to serious and lasting risks. Because every child is different, non-drug treatments for ADHD can be used more sensitively to address the specific needs of each individual child.

And that's what every parent I know wants: to help their child develop the skills they need to be happy, engaged, and successful in the world around them.

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Medication for ADHD is the most common therapeutic choice. There are also non-drug options in treating ADHD. What's right for your child? Your child struggles to pay attention in class. He fights with you over doing homework. She can't sit still and explodes with frantic energy.

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In children, symptoms of ADHD and sleep problems are strikingly similar. Are we misdiagnosing children with ADHD when they really have a sleep issue?
Overdiagnosis of ADHD is a big problem, one with severe and lasting consequences for children.
An incorrect diagnosis exposes children to ADHD therapy-usually, medication- that fails to address the causes of their symptoms and puts them at risk of immediate and long-term health issues.

An ADHD diagnosis can stigmatize and isolate children who need community, acceptance, and support. And it delays the effective treatment of the root causes of the emotional, social and behavioral challenges that might have brought about the misdiagnosis in the first place, leaving children suffering and struggling.

Too often, we reach a diagnosis of ADHD quickly without considering other conditions that can lead to a similar set of symptoms.

One of the most common sources of misdiagnosis? When sleep problems are mistaken for ADHD.

Sleep deprivation in kids

Sleep deprivation isn't only an epidemic problem among adults. Millions of children aren't getting the nightly slumber they need. Recent research tells us more than a third of kids ages 6-9 aren't sleeping enough . By the time kids reach adolescence? It's estimated that a majority of them aren't getting enough rest. Children need more sleep than adults do. Their needs change throughout childhood, but at every developmental stage, children need no fewer than 9 hours of sleep a night-and often 10 or more.

What does sleep deprivation look like in children?

Do any of these sound familiar?

Hyperactivity, inattention, aggression, emotional outbursts and challenges at home or in the classroom: these are the hallmark symptoms physicians use to make a diagnosis of ADHD. And they're virtually indistinguishable from kids' symptoms of overtiredness.

Does this mean every ADHD misdiagnosis is really a sleep issue that's been overlooked?

How Sleep and ADHD Are Connected

Studies also show that children with ADHD are more likely to experience symptoms of insomnia, including trouble falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night. They're apt to wake up frequently during the night and unsurprisingly tend to be sleepy during the day.

Another possible cause? Sleep-disordered breathing

Research indicates children who have breathing issues during sleep are much more likely to be hyperactive, aggressive and defiant. They're more likely to have difficulty concentrating, and trouble communicating and socializing with peers . Sleep-disordered breathing refers to a cluster of conditions, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. We often think of sleep apnea as an adult sleep issue. But children can have sleep apnea, too. Like adults, when kids experience sleep apnea, their breathing is constricted or briefly stops altogether. These breathing pauses prevent kids from getting a sound night of rest. So can snoring.

What You Can Do

Prioritize healthy sleep from the start. Getting plenty of sleep is essential for kids' development from their very first weeks and months. Research shows that kids who don't get enough sleep during the first three years of life are more likely to have issues with hyperactivity and impulsivity by the time they reach school age . These same kids also tend to be behind their peers in brain development. The National Sleep Foundation offers recommendations for sleep amounts at every developmental stage . Parents use these as a starting point. But keep in mind: each child has individual needs for sleep.

Pay attention to signs of poor sleep

Children are much less likely than adults to vocalize their frustrations about their nightly rest-or the lack of it. That can easily lead to an overlooked or un-tended to sleep problem. Watch for signs in their behavior and temperament. Address these concerns directly with your child's pediatrician as a possible sleep issue.

Advocate for sleep as part of the diagnosis

I hear from many parents that they feel pressure to pursue and accept an ADHD diagnosis and medication, whether based on feedback they get from school or their pediatricians. I strongly recommend parents advocate for a full investigation of the root causes of their child's symptoms. That includes having kids screened for sleep problems, including sleep apnea. That also includes ruling out underlying conditions such as enlarged tonsils and adenoids, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, nutritional deficiencies and psychological issues that might be creating sleep problems and contributing to ADHD-like symptoms.

Promote physical activity

Being physically active every day can help to diminish the symptoms of ADHD. Regular exercise and activity can also significantly improve sleep. Giving kids the opportunity and encouragement to move their bodies is necessary for their brain development. It's an essential component of a child's regular routine.

Turn off the screens

All kids need healthy rest to function and grow at their best. When a child is showing signs of distress, agitation, and distractedness, remember that evaluating their sleeping habits is a key starting point to look for solutions.

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Symptoms Of ADHD and Sleep Issues Are Strikingly Similar

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Overdiagnosis of ADHD is a big problem, one with severe and lasting consequences for children. An incorrect diagnosis exposes children to ADHD therapy-usually, medication- that fails to address the causes of their symptoms and puts them at risk of immediate and long-term health issues.

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Parents hear a lot about how screen time isn't healthy for kids and teens. But how much is too much? And what's the connection between screen time and risk of mental health diagnosis or even suicide?

Today's kids and teenagers are part of what is sometimes called the iGeneration. They are the first generation to come of age in a world that is fully saturated by digital media, including smartphones. Our digital media-flooded world has had a significant transformation in how children and adolescents spend their time.

Kids today spend more of their free time with electronics than any previous generation. Think about the array of media that is available to them: TV (with unlimited on-demand streaming), video games, tablets, computers, and smartphones with constant access to the internet and social media.

Do kids still play?

All this screen time has created less time for more traditional childhood activities. Studies show that today's kids spend less time outside and less time engaged in physical activity. They do less socializing in-person and face-to-face. Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a recommendation to doctors, urging them to prescribe playtime to children. They cited screen time as one key reason children are playing less. (I wrote recently about the AAP's new recommendations on playtime for children, and why playtime is so essential for kids' healthy emotional development.)

Digital media has risen to occupy an enormous place in daily life over the past couple of decades. We're still just beginning to understand the impact of screens and new media on adults and children.

We know there are negative physical consequences for kids. Children who spend more time with electronics get less exercise. They're more likely to be overweight and obese.

What about the consequences for kids' mental health?

For scientists, that has been a complicated question to answer. New research is providing some much-needed clarity. Several studies draw strong connections between screen time and the risk of mental health problems in children and teenagers. Diagnoses of ADHD, anxiety, and depression are all more frequent in kids who spend more time with electronics.

Let's take a closer look at what we're learning about the effect of screens on the psychological well being of children-and their risks of being diagnosed with a mental health condition.

Screens increase kids' anxiety and depression

A new, large-scale study set out to answer a big, important question: how does screen time affect psychological well being throughout childhood?

To answer that, scientists gathered information from a nationally-representative sample of children ages 2-17.
There are a number of things I like about this study.
First, they included a full range of electronics in their measurement of screen time: cell phones, computers, electronic devices, games, and television. Scientists also looked at the effect of screens not only on symptoms of psychological issues but also on diagnoses of anxiety and depression.

What did they find?

Overall, children were using screens for an average of slightly more than three hours a day. Time with electronics rose with age: among high-schoolers, the average was more than four hours daily.

This study found kids who used electronics more than one hour a day experienced diminished well being and more psychological distress.

They were:

More likely to be agitated, to argue with their parents.

More distracted, and more likely to give up on tasks before completing them

Less curious about the world around them

They had less self-control and less emotional stability. And kids with screen habits beyond an hour a day had a harder time making friends.

How does screen time impact growth and development?

At different ages, kids showed distinct responses to regular doses of screen time. Among preschoolers, screen time had a significant impact on self-control. Preschoolers who were moderate and heavy users of screens had a tougher time sitting still, paying attention, and finishing tasks in front of them. They struggled with perseverance in ways that kids who had limited screen time (or none at all) did not.

These younger children were also more likely to lose their temper and to be anxious or angry when they needed to switch their focus from one activity to another.

The negative psychological effects of screen time were even more significant among older kids. Teens logged more daily screen time than younger children. Teens who were moderate electronics users (4 hours a day) and heavy users (7 or more hours a day) were much more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Among the heavy user group, teens were more than twice as likely to:

Be diagnosed with depression or anxiety

Be treated by a mental health professional

Be taking medication for behavioral or psychological issues

Medication is commonly the first option to treat depression and anxiety. I've spent some time writing about the shaky evidence of these drugs' effectiveness-and their risks and dangers for kids.

Why do effects escalate for teens? It's likely because their access to digital media expands, particularly after they have access to smartphones. (I'll talk more about teens and smartphones in a minute.)

It is important to note ...

Scientists in this study found a pretty clear cut off point in the amount of daily screen time kids could have before suffering negative consequences.

Children who used electronics for an hour or less per day had the same levels of well being and the same frequency of anxiety and depression as children who weren't exposed to screens at all.

Anything over an hour per day and the unhealthy psychological effects of electronic use began to increase.

This study on its own can't tell us everything we need to know about screens and psychological health in our kids. But it does represent a real step forward in measuring the impact of electronics on mental health. There is other research out there with similar conclusions ... when the frequency of screen time increases, a decrease in children's psychology takes place.

What about ADHD and screen time?

Think about the challenges that screens pose for you as an adult. The stimulation distracts our focus and pulls our attention away from tasks. When we're absorbed in screens, whether TVs, computers, or smartphones, we're less apt to engage with other people socially. The constant-and instant-delivery of information and entertainment can make us impatient, anxious and irritable.

Now imagine all that stimulation and distraction on a child, with a still-developing brain. Throughout childhood, our children are developing their capacity for attention, self-control, and emotional regulation.

Like other forces in a child's environment, screen time and media exposure can affect their brain development and behavior. Struggles with attention, impulsiveness, aggression, and hyperactivity, and difficulty managing social behavior are exacerbated by screens and digital media, according to research. Constant feedback from devices can interfere with the development of impulse control, organizational skills, and focus. When these behaviors pose issues in children, the result is often a diagnosis of ADHD. Medication is often the treatment plan for ADHD, along with the risks and side effects that those medications pose.

What symptoms arise with increased screen time?

New research found that digital media use among teens increases their risks of developing ADHD symptoms. This study focused on a group of 15 and 16-year-old high-school students in the Los Angeles area. At the start of the study, the kids showed no symptoms of ADHD. Researchers found that the more teens used digital media, the higher their chances were to develop trouble with focus, difficulty completing tasks, emotional outbursts, and other symptoms linked to ADHD. And, the more forms of media the teens used, the more their risk for the cluster of ADHD symptoms went up. The highest users of electronic media were more than twice as likely to develop ADHD symptoms over the next two years.

Digital media continues to transform itself quickly. There is a lack of research into how screens and their media content affect children's brains and behavior in ways that may put them at risk for a diagnosis of ADHD. This research strongly suggests digital media use is a contributing ADHD cause.

Teens, smartphones, depression, and suicide

Here's a fact that won't surprise parents of teenagers. Their most common digital media habit is regularly checking social media. Most teens these days have smartphones. That gives them largely unchecked exposure to screens and access to social media that can be difficult for parents to monitor.

Social media, in particular, is a powerful, pervasive force in adolescent life. It gives them the ability to "socialize" with their peers constantly-both one-on-one and in large groups- through instant, unfiltered communications. Teens' social lives provide a critical terrain for their emotional, behavioral, and intellectual growth.

Teen suicide

The addition of smartphones into kids' lives often happens right at the time when socializing becomes a huge deal. The combination of teens natural inclination to be social and access to digital media has brought two powerful forces together for today's teenagers, in a way no previous generation has experienced. That's causing significant changes to how teens spend their time. And it is exposing them to more significant mental health risks, including depression and suicide.

An important new study documents the effects of screens and social media on mental health and suicide in teenagers. Researchers have found an unprecedented rise in depression, suicidal thoughts, and death in teenagers that's occurred in the past decade. The study found a marked increase for these issues in girls. Between 2010 and 2015, an additional 33 percent of U.S. teens experienced symptoms of depression. More than 31 percent died by suicide than in previous years. During this time, more teens experienced feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts.

An alarming increase in depression and suicide

These alarming increases occurred during the same years when digital media use among teens exploded. By 2012, more than 90 percent of adolescents had their own smartphone. This study found teens' screen time rose during 2010-2015. At the same time, they spent significantly less time engaged in non-screen activities. Those "non-screen activities" include routines that teenagers have engaged in for many generations: homework, in-person socializing, volunteering, participating in religious communities, playing sports, reading books.

The study analyzed the possible relationship between the bump in digital media habits and the increase in depression and suicide. Researchers made some important discoveries:

Teens who spent more time with screens were more likely to be depressed, feel hopeless, and die by suicide

The more time they spent with digital devices, the higher their risks for mental health problems became. Teenagers who spent 3 hours a day or more with screens were 34 percent more likely to feel hopeless than kids who used screens for less than 2 hours a day.

Social media, in particular, was connected to more depression and suicide risk among teenagers. Like with general screen use, the effect was stronger for girls.

A combination of low in-person social contact and high social media use created especially significant risk for depression in teenagers

This isn't the only study to demonstrate the negative relationship of smartphones and social media to depression, suicide risk, and other mental health issues. Other research has drawn similar connections. Excessive phone use in teens is related to chronic stress and emotional upheaval. Lots of social media time leads to lower psychological well being. Limiting digital media increases feelings of well being.

What are we seeing here in this latest crop of research?

A pattern of screens and digital media disrupting traditional activities for kids and teens that have fostered their development. A connection between these newer, electronic-based habits and declines in teens' mental health. An increase in diagnoses of depression, anxiety, ADHD and other conditions. A clear picture that screen time really does matter. These are all important factors for parents to consider when thinking about the screen access they give their children.

The course of mental health and development during childhood will affect our kids today, and throughout their lives. Limiting and managing screen time is one powerful way to ease their risks, and help them grow to be healthy adults.

What can you do?

Manage your own screen time. Parents can be a model for their kids in how to live a full life apart from electronics. Minimize the time you spend on your phone or other screens when you're around your children.

Give kids non-screen options. It's not enough to tell kids they can't use electronic devices on demand, or outside specific windows of time, you designate. Limiting screens becomes a whole lot easier and more successful when parents provide access to engaging, non-screen activities. Don't just say no to screens and expect your child or teen to find their own substitute activity. Head to the park together. Sit down on the floor and play a game. Volunteer at a local animal shelter or food bank. Arrange regular times for kids to play in person with other kids.

Watch the middle school years. Research shows there can be a big jump in kids screen time and digital media use between elementary school and middle school. Kids are behaving more like older children. They're also likely putting the pressure on parents for more independence with their digital lives. That includes wanting their own phones. This transitional time is one for parents to monitor closely, to help keep kids' screen use in check.

Emphasize face-to-face social time. I can't stress enough how important this is for kids of all ages. At every developmental stage, socializing with peers in person provides a deep well of benefits for children. Socializing together is also protective-we know from studies (as well as our own lived experience) that in-person socializing helps to guard against loneliness.

Collaborate with teens. There is no getting around it. Negotiating with teens over their digital media habits is not easy. Try not to approach it as adversaries. Work together, on the same side, to come up with limits. And talk with your teens about why these limits matter to their health. The more they understand about the more profound consequences, the more likely they are to want to live within the boundaries you've set together.

For more on this topic, check out my article on Screen Time Can Be Dangerous for Kids' Mental & Physical Health.

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Screen Time - How Much Is Too Much? | Nicole Beurkens

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Parents hear a lot about how screen time isn't healthy for kids and teens. But how much is too much? And what's the connection between screen time and risk of mental health diagnosis or even suicide? Today's kids and teenagers are part of what is sometimes called the iGeneration.

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How Parents Tech Habits Affect Their Kids Behavior

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How Parents Tech Habits Affect Their Kids Behavior

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Is your smartphone your constant companion? Well, you've got plenty of company.

In our digitally saturated world, it's easy to overlook the impact our adult tech habits can have on our children. Parents need to know how their digital media use is affecting their children's emotional health and development.

We're living in an unprecedented technological age. Think about how our daily lives have changed in the past decade. That's the time in which smartphones have become a constant presence in our lives. These digital devices are powerful and addictive. We're still just beginning to learn how to manage them healthfully.

In the meantime, screens and social media are transforming our behavior and our relationships. I wrote recently about how kids' screen time can affect their mental health . A lot of parents know it's important to limit children's exposure to electronic devices, to protect their social, emotional, and behavioral development. But not enough parents understand how their own technology use can impact their children.

What is Technoference?

Technoference describes the interruptions to our in-person communication and interaction that comes from our attention being directed at our digital devices. When we meet a friend for coffee and miss the end of a funny story because we're distracted by a buzzing phone, that's technoference. When we forget to greet our co-workers with a "good morning" because we're absorbed in combing through our email inbox, that's technoference.

These constant disruptions from technology are affecting our parenting-and our children's behavior. In recent years, I observed this disturbing trend in my clinic. Watching families in our waiting area, my colleagues and I saw parents increasingly absorbed by their phones and less responsive to their children. (We've since instituted a ban on electronic devices in our waiting room).

What Does the Research Say?

Research shows parents spend an average of nine hours a day engaged with technology . That includes computers, smartphones, tablets, and other screens. About a third of that time-roughly three hours-is spent on smartphones alone.

Scientists are still just beginning to grasp how all this technology is affecting our relationships, including with our kids. But research is already showing us negative parenting consequences from the time we spend paying attention to our devices. Studies show parents talk and interact less with children when we're on our phones . We're more likely to show frustration and hostility toward our kids when they come looking for our attention . The more we use our devices while parenting, the less attuned we are to our children's emotional and mental states of mind .

A new study has measured the interference that technology causes in parent-child interactions . This research included more than 180 parent couples with young children under age five. Over a six-month period, researchers evaluated how technology affected contact and communication between parents and their kids, and changes to children's behavior.

They found that using technology when parenting led to more behavioral and emotional problems in children. Those behaviors included more anger, aggression, and hyperactivity as well as greater anxiety, sadness, and frustration. Among parents, more than half of mothers and slightly less than half of the fathers said that interactions with their kids were interrupted at least once every day by technology.

This study found that technology appears to fuel a negative cycle of behavior and interaction between parents and kids. Parents who felt stress when spending time with their children spent more time engaged with technology, as a coping mechanism for stress relief. When parents withdrew into their devices, children's negative behaviors increased. This caused even more stress for parents, perpetuating this cycle of poor parent-child interaction.

The Risks to Child Development

There is no more important relationship to children's healthy development than one with parents and caregivers as it is essential for every area of children's growth. From the first days of their lives, this relationship is the cornerstone of their social, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive learning. Parents facilitate that learning by being attuned to children's needs, to their behavior and the emotions behind it.

We are fundamentally social beings. We learn how to think, express emotion, manage behavior and form relationships from our in-person, face-to-face interaction. In talking, playing, giving attention and being fully present with our children, we provide them with emotional, social and behavioral cues. We can and should do this intentionally. But we also do it instinctively. We're biologically hard-wired to connect with our kids to help them learn and grow. The information and feedback our children get from us fuels their brain development and fosters healthy emotional growth. It enables children to learn to regulate their feelings and their behaviors. It gives them the security to become more independent. It teaches them the social skills they need to create positive relationships with others.

As parents, when our attunement to our children is weakened, all this critical learning is interrupted. The phones we carry with us, and the screens that fill our spaces create a uniquely modern danger for parents. We can be physically present with our kids, yet deeply distracted both mentally and emotionally. At the surface, it may seem and feel as though we're actively parenting and being attentive to our children, but a critical part of the attention our kids need is unavailable.

It's not my intention to make parents feel bad, or harshly judged. Digital devices are built to pull and hold our attention. They're a particularly aggressive form of distraction, one that can be difficult (but not impossible) to resist. And for all its deep rewards, parenting is hard, often stressful, and sometimes tedious. With our smartphones in reach, it's understandably easy and tempting to dip into the digital world for an escape or to connect with other adults.
What You Can Do
I want parents to be aware of the impact that their tech use can have on children and equip them to make thoughtful, informed choices about how to manage their technology habits alongside their parenting. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Establish tech-free times and tech-free zones. It's unrealistic and unnecessary for parents to stop using smartphones and digital media. Designating times of day and places in your home and routine where you stash your phone out of reach can help devices from taking over every moment of our lives. Daily play sessions, meals, and bedtime are times that often make sense for parents to go tech-free. Keeping devices out of bedrooms and away from areas where your family gathers can help you resist the drift toward screens.

Focus on being fully present. Our phones and devices divide our attention, to the point where it can be hard to remember what it feels like to focus on one thing. When you're engaged with your kids, take note of what it feels like to be present and focused on them. With awareness, you'll have an easier time returning to this state of attunement.

It is OK not to be available. I want to be clear: parents do not need to be always available to their children. That's not actually to our kids' benefit. Children do best when they have clear times when parents are unavailable and times when parents are fully present. Whenever possible, avoid the confusing mixture of being physically present but mentally and emotionally distracted.

Take steps to manage stress. The stress that accompanies parenting isn't new and tucking your smartphone in a drawer isn't going to make that stress disappear. Remember, that your well-being too is a priority. By practicing good exercise, sleep, and diet habits, you can help lower stress levels and prepare yourself to better weather the challenges of parenting. When in the midst of engaging with your child, even simple breathing exercises and mindful meditations can help you overcome the weight stress often brings.

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How Parents Tech Habits Affect Their Kids Behavior

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In our digitally saturated world, it's easy to overlook the impact our adult tech habits can have on our children. Parents need to know how their digital media use is affecting their children's emotional health and development. We're living in an unprecedented technological age. Think about how our daily lives have changed in the past decade.

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4 Natural Lifestyle Hacks To Fix Behavioral Issues And Mental Illness In Children

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4 Natural Lifestyle Hacks To Fix Behavioral Issues And Mental Illness In Children

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Interview with Ari Whitten on The Energy Blueprint Podcast.

Behavioral issues and mental illness in children is increasing at an alarming speed. More and more children end up on mood and behavior controlling medications (which often come with a slew of side effects). However, these medications often serve as bandaids and don't fix the root causes. This raises the question, what are the core reasons for many of the behavioral issues and mental illness in our children today? And, how can parents help their children overcome these issues?

Managing our own health , energy and self-care becomes significantly harder when we have children to care for. It gets even harder with kids with special needs, or who have psychological health challenges, or mood and behavior issues (things like ADHD, autism, bipolar, depression, anxiet y).

So how can you help your kids function optimally, while also taking care of your own health and energy levels in the process? And if you don't have kids, how can you better understand your own psychological health (and the factors that underlie so much of the depression, anxiety and other psychological health issues that are becoming so common today).

In this podcast, we'll cover:

What I have found to be the main causes of mental illness and behavioral issues in children

Why we have seen a drastic increase in mental illness in children over the past 20 years

The problem with most typical psychologists and psychiatrists

The questionable science behind so much of the paradigm of psychiatry

What does science really say about treating psychological health?

The connection between nutrition and mental health

What makes parents choose to medicate their children (even when they don't want to)?

For more on the topic of medications, I've written extensively about the risks and benefits of ADHD medications and antidepressants for children. Another good resource for learning more about how to manage behavioral issues and mental illness in children is my podcast The Better Behavior Show.

Are you a parent who is struggling with these issues? Have you found additional life hacks that you'd like to share with other parents? We'd love for you to share down below.

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4 Natural Lifestyle Hacks for Behavioral Issues & Mental Illness In Children

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Interview with Ari Whitten on The Energy Blueprint Podcast. Behavioral issues and mental illness in children is increasing at an alarming speed. More and more children end up on mood and behavior controlling medications (which often come with a slew of side effects). However, these medications often serve as bandaids and don't fix the root causes.

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Interview with Katie Wells on The Wellness Mama Podcast.

In this episode, I speak with Katie Wells about the rampant diagnoses of ADD and ADHD among other behavior challenges. Parents and caregivers need to know that medication is not the only answer and that much of the time the diagnosis itself is inaccurate. For instance, a large percentage of children are actually suffering from sleep issues not ADD/ADHD. And for those who truly suffer from symptoms of ADD and ADHD I have lots of tools to share rooted in natural therapies. The big take away ... DON'T GIVE UP ... there are so many things you can do to help your children.
In this podcast, we'll cover:

The combination of factors increasing ADD, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and learning and behavior problems in children

Why developmental issues are higher in some areas than others

Why medication is just a band-aid (and what to do instead)

The five main areas parents can address to help with behavior problems

The scary truth about psychiatric medication in children

How to use nutrition to help with behavior problems

The interesting research that shows 25-40% of kids diagnosed with ADHD actually have a sleep issue

Movement - what kids need and why (hint: brain development depends on it)

What the parent-child relationship and peer relationships have to do with ADHD and related disorders

Ways to improve thinking, resilience, and problem-solving skills in children

The big foods to avoid for any child with a behavioral challenge

The surprising way that water intake is tied to behavior issues

How zinc can help kids learn to love new foods

The benefits of outdoor time for kids and why this needs to be a priority

For more on the topic of ADD and ADHD, I've written extensively about the topic in these articles ...
Is It ADHD Or Is It A Sleep Issue ADHD medications
5 Facts Educators and Parents Need To Understand About ADHD

Valerian Improves Sleep - in Children with ADHD, Cognitive Impairment and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Another good resource for learning more about how to manage ADD, ADHD, and behavioral issues in children is my podcast The Better Behavior Show.

Are you a parent who is struggling with your child's ADD, ADHD or behavior challenges? Have you found additional life hacks that you'd like to share with other parents? We'd love for you to share in the comments down below.

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Interview with Katie Wells on The Wellness Mama Podcast. In this episode, I speak with Katie Wells about the rampant diagnoses of ADD and ADHD among other behavior challenges. Parents and caregivers need to know that medication is not the only answer and that much of the time the diagnosis itself is inaccurate.

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#LieLikeAParent: Kraft’s Newest Attempt to Sell Ranch Dressing is Just Wrong

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#LieLikeAParent: Kraft’s Newest Attempt to Sell Ranch Dressing is Just Wrong

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For those of you who haven't yet seen the campaign, Kraft is running a contest with the hashtag #LieLikeAParent aimed at getting parents to share the best lies they tell their kids. They have created a video showing a mother who gets her kids to enthusiastically eat their veggies by telling them Kraft ranch dressing is "frosting" for their salad. They've even gone so far as to make dressing pouches with a Salad "Frosting" label, and contest winners will receive a bottle of this "frosting" they can use to deceive their own children.

Oh Kraft - it's hard to even know where to begin with this one

This new "Lie Like a Parent" marketing gimmick is just so bad in so many ways. You seem to be attempting to show that you care about kids eating healthy food like salad, and that you are being so very helpful by giving parents an "easy button" to get kids eating healthier foods. But in reality all you are doing is promoting the damaging stereotypes that children can't or won't eat food that is good for them unless coerced, and that parents are so inept and desperate that the only tool they can resort to in shaping their child's eating habits is deception.

As a clinical psychologist and nutritionist specializing in children and families, I'm going to help you out by explaining all the ways you went wrong with this most recent promotion.

First of all, the implication that children inherently don't like vegetables (or healthy food in general) is flat out wrong

Children are as capable of eating lettuce and cauliflower as they are hot dogs and potato chips. The issue for many children is that they become conditioned by things like media, family modeling, and exposure to prefer cake over carrots. However, there is nothing about children's brains or bodies that inherently makes them unwilling to eat, or even prefer, healthy foods like veggies. Their tastes and preferences are shaped by the foods that are presented to them, the number of exposures they have to those foods, the eating behavior parents and other adults model for them (research shows that parents who eat more vegetables have children who eat more vegetables), and the food-related attitudes of the people around them.

Children are like little sponges; constantly soaking up the visual and auditory messages around them. They see what adults and other people in their lives are doing in regards to food, and they take in all the things that are said about food and eating as well. Media also plays a major role in shaping kids' thoughts and feelings about food in the form of commercials, billboards, story-lines in kid-focused shows, and more.

Ads play a big role in how kids learn about food

That's why marketing campaigns like this are so concerning and problematic. Kraft's video and ad campaign endorse the idea that children don't like nutritious foods, such as vegetables, and won't eat them when given the chance. Showing kids gleefully eating a salad drenched in sugary "frosting" sends kids the message that vegetables taste bad, aren't something they would want to eat, and need to be made into "dessert" in order to enjoy them.

This is exactly the message we don't want to send kids in an era where childhood obesity is skyrocketing, diabetes is on the rise, and over 50% of the population of children has some type of chronic health issue.

We have created a culture in the US where we believe kids can't or won't eat healthy foods if given the choice. This assumption leads to - you guessed it - kids who don't eat healthy foods on their own! In fact, this is so engrained in our culture that most restaurants have separate "kids menus" containing things like processed chicken nuggets, fries, pizza, and mac and cheese. We just assume that kids won't eat other kinds of foods, so we offer them what we've decided they will easily accept instead.

Kraft assumes that this negative bias toward nutritious foods is so firmly entrenched in children that it is beyond a parent's capacity to do anything about it. We have no choice but to lie. The only recourse a parent could possibly have to help their children eat healthier foods is to trick them into thinking they are eating junk food. It is exactly this kind of media messaging that causes children to become biased against the foods that are good for them, and parents to throw up their hands and not even try to encourage healthier food preferences!

Let me be clear...

The reality is that children, like adults, are fully capable of eating and enjoying things like lettuce, broccoli, carrots, and any other salad item without being bribed, forced, or lied to...and certainly without a drizzle of "frosting" on top. It may take some time, patience, exposure, and developing new habits. But it is entirely possible, and I would argue necessary, for children to learn how to eat and enjoy a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and other nutritious foods without the drama and deception.

The second major issue here concerns Kraft's recommended strategy of lying to children in order to get them to do something

The assumption they make in their ad is that all parents lie to kids, and that this is normal, appropriate, and expected. The undertone is that lying isn't a problem if it's a "little lie" and you have your child's best interests at heart - in this case eating more vegetables. They also insinuate that lying to kids about things like food makes life easier for parents, and that makes it okay. In other words, they believe parents are so inept and frustrated with their parenting role that they have no other options at their disposal to positively influence their children and reduce their own stress but to blatantly lie...about something like vegetables. Yikes!

While it's probably true that every parent lies to their children occasionally, and for a variety of reasons, it is not the case that most parents use lying as a primary strategy in their parenting arsenal. I've been a parent for 19 years, and worked with families for over 20, and can definitively say that lying is not the norm for parents when raising their children - and for good reason.

If we lie to our kids, even about things like eating vegetables, then we can't expect them to tell us the truth. Most parents want to raise children who value the truth, even when it's inconvenient. In order to do this, we need to model honesty, and not use "white lies" on a regular basis to coerce them into doing things we want them to do. Lying to children teaches them that being dishonest is an acceptable and beneficial way to get the outcome they desire. Yet one of the biggest concerns and complaints I hear from parents is related to their children lying! We simply can't have it both ways.

If we model lying as an appropriate way to avoid stress and get others to do things, we cannot be surprised or complain when our children display the same behavior.

A breakdown in trust

Lying to children is also problematic because at some point they find out the truth. This leads to a breakdown of trust - and what parent doesn't want their children to trust them? While we might not think that "little lies" cause trust to erode between parents and kids, they absolutely lead children to question what we tell them about both small and big things in life. This makes them more likely to wonder whether we are telling them the truth, makes them more wary of what we say, and can lead them to disregard what we tell them all together. These are definitely not the outcomes most parents are looking for.

Ads like this also promote the idea that parents are helpless in the face of resistance from their children, and that we have no options but to resort to things like deception in order to help our kids develop positive behaviors. Nothing could be further from the truth. While Kraft seems to believe that parents are incapable of learning or unwilling to use approaches other than lying to help their children engage in healthy behaviors, I don't agree.

In my experience it is absolutely the case that parents want to use supportive and appropriate parenting strategies, even when faced with the many challenges and frustrations kids throw at them. Modeling healthy eating behaviors, exposing kids to vegetables regularly, offering a variety of healthy food choices, and educating children about the nutrient quality of foods all go a long way to moving kids out of the realm of resistance and onto the path of eating and enjoying nutritious foods.

One more thing to note ...

The unintended consequences of lying to children - it sends them the message that we don't think they are capable of handling the truth. In the case of vegetables and healthy eating, Kraft is sending the message that kids can't understand the benefits of eating vegetables, can't handle trying new or non-preferred things, and are incapable of making healthy choices for themselves. Therefore, they need adults to trick them into doing these things. For so many reasons, this is absolutely not the message we want to send children.

The reality is that kids are smart and capable

They can understand information about how food impacts their brain and body. They are able to comprehend the difference between foods that provide quality nutrients versus junk foods that simply provide calories. Kids can grasp the idea of liking some things better than others, and also that preferences can shift over time the more they are exposed to something. I've worked with kids who have very rigid eating preferences (including feeding disorders), and they are all capable of shifting their eating behaviors when given developmentally-appropriate information, supportive exposure, and the consistent message that we know they can do it.

Finally, let's talk about what's actually in that dressing - or should I say "frosting" - pouch

Let me first say that putting dressing on vegetables or a salad is not a bad thing. It can add flavor and nutrients that increase the benefits and enjoyment we get from eating these foods. However, quality makes all the difference when it comes to any food - dressing included.

Take a look at what's on the ingredient label for a bottle of Kraft Classic Ranch Salad Dressing:

Soybean oil, water, vinegar, sugar, egg yolks, salt, buttermilk, contains less than 2% of modified food starch, garlic*, monosodium glutamate, xanthan gum, whey, natural flavor, onions*, phosphoric acid, spice, parsley*, disodium guanylate, disodium inosinate, yeast extract, potassium sorbate and calcium disodium edta (to protect freshness).

I don't know about you, but many of these ingredients aren't things I'd use to make salad dressing in my kitchen at home. While some items like eggs and vinegar are pretty standard for a creamy dressing, chemicals like monosodium glutamate (MSG) and potassium sorbate are not. This salad dressing is filled with chemicals that have been linked to various health problems, and sadly cancel out at least some of the nutrient value a child would get from eating vegetables in the first place.

While I appreciate that Kraft doesn't use high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors to make this product, the reality is that their ranch dressing does not constitute a health-supportive food.

Ranch dressing is a condiment many kids enjoy, including my own. I've even been known to use ranch on lots of foods besides salad! It is entirely possible to make and enjoy delicious ranch dressing without the questionable chemicals and poor quality ingredients. There are many tasty, high quality, nutritious ranch dressing options you can purchase or make yourself. Recipes abound online for just about any preference or dietary need A dressing like this can be made inexpensively, far healthier and with minimal effort. Here's a Kid-Friendly Paleo Ranch Dressing Recipe that I've posted on the blog before. Here's another Paleo Ranch Dressing Recipe that I like.

Basically it comes down to this...

After all the negative assumptions, deception, and bad messaging for kids and parents, we get an outcome of eating vegetables drenched in a dressing that doesn't support health or wellness in the first place!

Kraft, it's time to go back to the drawing board with this ad campaign.

Instead of promoting unhelpful assumptions and poor parenting strategies, how about you instead focus on cleaning up the ingredients in your ranch dressing so it's a health-supportive condiment that adds to the nutritional value of vegetables instead of detracting from it. Get rid of MSG and chemical preservatives for a start, and aim to provide more health-supportive products and messaging for parents who are invested in serving their kids veggies on a regular basis.

Put your ad dollars into a campaign aimed at helping kids get excited about the benefits things like salad can offer their brains and bodies, instead of trying to trick them. Kids are smart, and parents are too. I trust most of them will see through this marketing misstep and avoid the assumptions, lies, and unhealthy behaviors you are promoting here.

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#LieLikeAParent Krafts Attempt To Sell Ranch Dressing is Just Wrong

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For those of you who haven't yet seen the campaign, Kraft is running a contest with the hashtag #LieLikeAParent aimed at getting parents to share the best lies they tell their kids. They have created a video showing a mother who gets her kids to enthusiastically eat their veggies by telling them Kraft ranch dressing is "frosting" for their salad.

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The Impact of Digital Devices on Children’s Sleep, Mood, and Behavior

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The Impact of Digital Devices on Children’s Sleep, Mood, and Behavior

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Interview with Andrea Nakayama on The 15-Minute Matrix.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
The number of devices and the kinds of digital media we're exposed to nowadays have exploded making it a tough landscape for parents to navigate. There are growing concerns among parents and health professionals about the impact these devices and the amount of screen time have on children, their sleep, and their behavior. Adults are not immune to this either. Listen in for some recommendations that can be applied to both parents and children.

In this podcast we'll cover:

Amount of screen time is correlated with higher risk for mental health issues

Increase in ADD, ADHD, depression, anxiety and other mood disorders with kids and teens

GI issues can manifest due to the stress caused by excessive screen time

Blue light suppresses melatonin production; people not getting enough deep sleep

Relationships and social interactions suffer because of too much screen time

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
For more on the topic of Screentime and Electronics check out these articles ...
Screen Time - How Much Is Too Much? How Parents Tech Habits Affect Their Kids Behavior Screen Time Can Be Dangerous for Kids' Mental & Physical Health
Another good resource for learning more about screentime and behavioral issues in children is my podcast The Better Behavior Show.

Do you have any particular rules or tools for electronic use around your home? Comment below.

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Impact of Digital Devices on Children's Sleep and Behavior

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Interview with Andrea Nakayama on The 15-Minute Matrix. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN The number of devices and the kinds of digital media we're exposed to nowadays have exploded making it a tough landscape for parents to navigate.

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(VIDEO) The Connection Between Allergies, Asthma, Constipation and Sensory Processing

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(VIDEO) The Connection Between Allergies, Asthma, Constipation and Sensory Processing

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In this video, I will address how some symptoms can be interrelated and what you can do to overcome some of these challenges.

A mom asked me about options to help her 11-year-old son who suffers with Lyme disease, sensory processing problems, allergies, asthma, constipation, and more. In this video, I address these issues with some helpful tips that parents can try. There is also a short segment on how constipation can contribute to bedwetting.

If you found this information helpful, here's a recent article from the blog about weighted blankets that goes into a little more depth.

Subscribe to my Youtube channel and follow me on Instagram to learn more tips for achieving better behavior naturally.

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(VIDEO) The Connection Between Allergies, Asthma, Constipation and Sensory Processing | Nicole Beurkens

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A mom asked me about options to help her 11-year-old son who suffers with Lyme disease, sensory processing problems, allergies, asthma, constipation, and more. In this video, I address these issues with some helpful tips that parents can try. There is also a short segment on how constipation can contribute to bedwetting.

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How Probiotics Can Support Your Child’s Gut and Brain

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How Probiotics Can Support Your Child’s Gut and Brain

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Many if not all of the functions of the body can be affected by the health of one's gut. Your child's gut health affects their behavior, sleep, energy, focus, mood and more. Here's how ...

The connection between gut health and overall health is a critical topic right now. And what we're learning is that our current lifestyle and food choices are having a major impact on the health of future generations - our kids! But it's not too late to set them up for a healthy future.

In this article, we'll quickly define the gut microbiome and its role in the function of your child's body and brain. We'll also explore how probiotics play an important role in the health of your child and how something as simple as playing in the dirt more can have major benefits. You'll learn how your child's gut microbiome affects behavior, sleep, energy, focus, etc. and what you can do to help get them back on track.

What are probiotics and are they safe for kids?

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in our gut (mostly intestines) and perform a wide variety of functions including regulating the immune system, digesting food, absorbing nutrients, producing neurotransmitters, and supporting energy production. As a result, probiotics have a major impact on almost every aspect of brain and body function and can be a factor in many issues our children face from mood and behavior problems to constipation and frequent illnesses. So you guessed it, yes, they are safe for kids.

Here's a quick rundown of the microbiome

The human gut has trillions of bacteria, and the collection of bacteria in our body is referred to as the microbiome. We have microbiomes in several areas of our body, but the gut microbiome is the most important to consider in terms of overall health and brain function. Balance is very important, as we need the right types of bacteria present in the right amounts for the brain and body to function optimally. Ideally, there are many more good bacteria than bad bacteria present! When the balance of bacteria is disrupted in a negative way it is called "dysbiosis", and gut dysbiosis can contribute to many different health problems and symptoms for children and adults.

Each person's microbiome is unique and based on many factors including exposure to the mother's microbiome during pregnancy and delivery, the environment in which we were raised, the foods we eat, medications we have taken, and more. Children born to mothers with bacterial imbalances, and/or who were delivered via C-section, are most likely to have gut dysbiosis. Children who eat a limited diet, especially a diet high in processed foods, are more likely to have problems with their gut microbiome. Antibiotics, which are sometimes necessary to fight infections, also alter the gut microbiome in negative ways as they kill off not only the bad bacteria but also the good bacteria. Other medications can also cause bacterial imbalances, and in general the more courses of antibiotics and/or other medications a child takes the more likely they are to have gut dysbiosis.

What does all this mean for your little one and what can you do?

Different ways your child's microbiome can become compromised

Parents should also be aware of several other factors that have been linked to altered gut microbiomes in children. Consistent use of hand sanitizers and other types of antibacterial cleansing products can lead to lower levels of good bacteria in the gut. There is a theory that we have become "over-sanitized", which has had negative consequences for our microbiome and overall health. While children used to play outside in the dirt often, which exposed their system to many beneficial bacteria to populate the gut, many parents now try to prevent kids from getting dirty outside. Less self-directed playtime and a greater focus on academics and sedentary activities also play a role in gut dysbiosis, as increased stress and reduced opportunities for movement shift the gut microbiome in unhealthy ways.

What do probiotics and the gut have to do with your child's brain?

The gut is often referred to as "the second brain" because of the many important ways they are connected and communicate with one another. Other terms used to describe this are the gut-brain-axis or the microbiome-gut-brain axis. You've probably heard of "a gut feeling", and this is a real thing! Our gut and brain are in constant communication through something called the enteric nervous system. This special system of neurons controls aspects of the gastrointestinal system, the immune system, the endocrine system, and more. It also sends many signals to the brain (way more than the brain sends to the gut), which impacts how our brain functions. The gut microbiome plays a major role in the enteric nervous system because the balance of bacteria influences the communication that gets sent from the gut to the brain. When there are not enough good bacteria this communication can become dysfunctional and cause symptoms in children such as depressed mood, irritability, anxiety, hyperactivity, brain fog, poor attention, and chronic headaches.

The gut also impacts mental health through the production of neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers that allow nerves to communicate with one another. Some key neurotransmitters needed for brain function, including the feel-good neurochemical serotonin, are produced primarily in the gut. Microbiome imbalances can lead to reduced production of serotonin, which can cause significant problems in the brain related to mood, anxiety, energy, and more.

The brain relies on a healthy well-balanced gut in order to function properly. So, problems in the gut don't just cause belly symptoms, they can also cause brain symptoms for children and adults. Common problems linked to gut dysbiosis include symptoms like chronic headaches and anxiety, as well as specific conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. In a recent blog post, I go into more depth about the connection between treating the gut and autism spectrum disorder.

How can parents support a healthy microbiome in their children?
Eat more whole foods and less processed foods

Processed foods are filled with chemicals, unhealthy fats, and poor quality nutrients that negatively impact the gut microbiome. Eating nutrient-dense whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, quality meats and seafood, nuts, and whole grains help maintain healthy levels of good bacteria in the gut. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha are full of beneficial bacteria and can be incorporated into your child's diet on a regular basis. Foods such as bananas, apples, artichokes, asparagus, onions, and jicama contain special fibers called prebiotics that help feed the good bacteria in the gut. Including prebiotic-rich foods into the diet on daily basis helps maintain a healthily balanced gut microbiome.
Avoid antibiotic products and unnecessary medications whenever possible

While antibiotics may occasionally be necessary to address acute infection, it is best to avoid them whenever possible. If your child is experiencing constant ear infections, throat infections, or other issues for which antibiotic medications are being prescribed, try to find a healthcare provider who can help you identify and treat the underlying reasons for these chronic illnesses to reduce frequent antibiotic use. Try to avoid antibiotics in foods, specifically meats, and cleaning products. Purchase meats and other food items labeled "antibiotic-free", and avoid antibacterial cleansers, hand sanitizers, and cleaning products with these chemicals.
Encourage unstructured outdoor playtime

Kids need lots of opportunities for free play and time outdoors to support healthy brain and physical development. Sadly, children, today are experiencing more stress and are more sedentary than ever before. Giving kids opportunities for movement and physical activity lowers stress levels, which supports a healthy gut. Allowing kids to play outside exposes them to healthy bacteria in the environment, which helps boost beneficial bacteria levels in their bodies.
Give a probiotic supplement

Even when you implement other strategies to support your child's gut microbiome, it's impossible to fully protect your child from the many environmental toxins, stressors, and other factors that can create gut imbalances. Giving a probiotic supplement regularly helps boost levels of good bacteria and supports healthy brain and body function. Use a product containing Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria strains, as these have been shown in research studies to be the most important for supporting healthy bacteria levels in the gut. Children with specific diagnoses or health needs may benefit from other strains as well, but for general health and brain support Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria are good starting points and have been shown to be safe for children. It is also important to use quality products that are formulated to survive harsh stomach acid in order to make it to the intestines where they belong. Avoid probiotic products containing sugar or artificial ingredients such as dyes or flavorings, as these ingredients work to cancel out the benefits of taking probiotic supplements in the first place!

What positive changes could your child have with probiotics?

Research has shown that giving children probiotics, both through food and supplements can improve overall health and brain function in several ways. Specific benefits for your child may include:

Fewer infections and illnesses - The majority of the immune system is in the gut, so good microbiome balance is essential for fighting off colds, cases of flu, and other illnesses.

Better mood and behavior - Research has shown the mood and behavior are linked to the gut microbiome, and that probiotics can support improved mood as well as emotional and behavioral regulation in children.

Faster recovery from antibiotic treatment - Since antibiotic medications kill good bacteria along with the bad, taking probiotic supplements during and after a course of antibiotic treatment can help the gut microbiome get back into better balance. It is helpful to space out probiotics and antibiotics by at least a couple of hours.

Healthy bowel habits - Children should have at least one (if not more) soft, formed, easy to pass bowel movements daily. Unfortunately, many children experience constipation and have stools that are too infrequent, difficult to pass, or overly hard. Some also struggle with diarrhea or loose stools that are overly frequent and cause uncomfortable cramping. Probiotics can help restore bacterial balance in the gut so that normal healthy bowel habits are achieved.

Healthy weight and metabolism - A healthy gut microbiome impact weight and metabolism in many ways. Probiotics help the body digest and absorb nutrients from food so that children can grow and maintain healthy weight and energy levels.

Better brain function - Because of the gut-brain connection, children with unhealthy gut microbiomes may experience more problems with learning, attention, and memory. Improving good bacteria levels in the gut allows for more neurotransmitters to be produced, which positively impacts brain function. Children can focus, learn, and remember things better when they have a healthy gut microbiome.

Dr. Nicole Recommends
There are many probiotic products available, and it can be confusing to know which one is best to use for children. As always, I recommend that parents use products free of chemicals, dyes, artificial sweeteners, and sugars.

For general health and wellness support in children, Smart Family Nutrition has two probiotic products I highly recommend:

Tummy Smart Sprinkles for babies and children provide 10 billion live cultures in a convenient powder formula. You simply open the packet and mix in food or beverage, making this a great option for babies and children who aren't yet swallowing capsules. There are no sugars, dyes, or other chemicals, and the sprinkles have no taste, texture, or color. Even picky kids will take this product without difficulty!

Tummy Smart Lo Han Fruit Melts are formulated for children ages 2 and up, and contain 10 billion live cultures per melt. These are remarkable in that they have no sugar, artificial sweeteners, dyes, or artificial flavors, yet they taste delicious and are easy to suck on or swallow.

Have you used probiotics with your children? Do you have questions about probiotics for your child? Share your experiences and ask your questions in the comments below!

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How Probiotics Can Support Your Child's Gut and Brain | Nicole Beurkens

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Many if not all of the functions of the body can be affected by the health of one's gut. Your child's gut health affects their behavior, sleep, energy, focus, mood and more. Here's how ... The connection between gut health and overall health is a critical topic right now.

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Why DHA Is Critical For Brain Health In Infants

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Why DHA Is Critical For Brain Health In Infants

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You may know about the importance of getting enough omega-3 fats, including DHA, in your diet. But did you know that DHA is especially critical for brain growth in infants? This omega-3 fatty acid is a significant contributor to the brain development that takes place during the first two years of life-and beyond.

As parents, we marvel at how rapidly our children grow and develop during their first months of life. It's incredible to watch as our infants increasingly respond to sights and sounds, begin to smile and laugh, become ever more curious about the world around them and ever more agile and determined to explore it.

Behind those milestones and captivating moments of our children's developmental progress, a vast neurological project is underway. Our children's brains grow more quickly during their first year than at any other time in their lives. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, helps to fuel that growth. In this article, we'll give you an overview of why DHA is critical for brain growth in infants and provide ways for mother's and their infants to consume more DHA.

The basics of DHA

DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is one of three main omega-3 fatty acids. (The other two big ones? ALA and EPA.) DHA and other omega-3s play essential roles in the body throughout our lifespan. They're a rich source of energy, and they also help maintain the healthy functioning of our heart, lungs, and immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids help control inflammation, stabilize mood, and may reduce anxiety and depression.

The beneficial work of omega-3s takes place at a cellular level. DHA and other omega-3s are absorbed by our cells, where they help cells maintain their optimal structure and also to communicate effectively with one another.

Among omega-3 fatty acids, DHA is particularly critical for healthy brain development and function. In addition to giving structure to our brain cells and facilitating their communication, DHA has other vital roles to play:

Helps our brains create and maintain what's known as plasticity, the ability of the brain to modify its structure and the ways it functions. Our brains' plasticity supports our ability to learn, to change our behaviors, to process emotions and emotional experiences, and to recover from brain injury or damage.

Continues to fuel the growth of new brain cells as we age and develop beyond our first two years of life.

Critical to cellular development in our eyes and helps us maintain healthy vision.

DHA is an essential nutrient throughout our lives. But this fatty acid has a unique significance for infants. That's because, during the earliest months and years of life, DHA helps to fuel an incredible pace of growth and development of the brain.

How an infant's brain grows

DHA's role in infant health and development actually begins before birth. Significant amounts of DHA collect in the brain during the second half of pregnancy (especially during the third trimester), when the fetal brain undergoes a breathtaking pace of growth.

The infant's brain continues a rapid pace of growth and development during the first 12 months of life. During that first year, the infant's brain grows to nearly three-quarters the size of the adult brain. (At birth, the infant's brain is roughly one-quarter to one-third the size of an adult brain.)

What's happening during this time of intense growth and development? The infant's brain is building itself out structurally and foundationally, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of neural activity that includes all our thinking and reasoning, our social, emotional, and behavioral regulation, our learning and decision making. Research shows the amount of brain growth that takes place during their first year is one significant factor influencing a child's intelligence later in life.

How does DHA benefit infant brain development?

The DHA that accumulates in the brain during infancy is an essential building block for children's cognitive, social, emotional and behavioral development.

Higher levels of DHA in infants are linked to stronger development of language, cognition, social and motor skills as they move out of infancy and into young childhood. Over the longer term, research shows higher DHA levels during infancy are linked to better vocabulary, stronger learning, and information processing skills, and stronger behavioral skills in preschoolers.

Infants with higher DHA show better visual development and acuity during infancy and later childhood, according to research. Poor vision in children is associated with lower levels of DHA during infancy.

In older children, lower levels of DHA are linked to academic challenges, behavior issues, and mental health conditions including hyperactivity, aggressiveness, anxiety, and depression.

Getting infants the DHA they need

Breast milk carries high levels of DHA, a way to transfer this essential fatty acid to newborns. Because of the scientifically recognized importance of DHA to brain development during the first months of life, most infant formulas are now fortified with DHA.

Levels of DHA in breast milk vary and depend significantly on the mother's diet. Genetics also may play a role. The typical Western diet, unfortunately, usually falls short in delivering a plentiful enough supply of omega-3 fatty acids, while at the same time delivering an over-supply of omega-6 fatty acids (found in many processed foods). Many of us, including new, breastfeeding moms, have a dietary imbalance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in our diets, and may not be getting enough of the DHA and other omega-3s we need.

Here's what I recommend for Omega 3 intake

In my clinical practice, I encourage women who are pregnant and breastfeeding to include generous amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in their diets and to pay particular attention to dietary sources of DHA. Those include fatty, cold-water fish such as tuna, trout, and salmon, as well as eggs. Other important sources of omega-3s include walnuts, flaxseed, and other nuts and seeds, and their oils.

I often recommend that pregnant and breastfeeding women use a fish oil supplement. For more ideas on Omega 3 rich foods and how to get kids to take Omega 3 supplements, I've previously written 7 Foods Rich In Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Top 10 tips to get kids to take Omega 3 (Fish Oil).

For infants not receiving breast milk, it's essential to use a DHA-fortified formula. (Nearly all formula on the market are DHA fortified, but it's important to make sure.) I also recommend Think Smart™ DHA Drops for children during their first year of life. These drops are made from pure, filtered, highest-quality fish oil, the most potent source of DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids necessary to fuel healthy brain growth during a baby's first year. They're also sugar-free and free of other chemical additives and contaminants that can be present in omega-3 supplements made from poor-quality fish sources. ThinkSmart™ DHA Drops are a safe, smart way to ensure infants get the DHA-rich combination of omega-3 fatty acids their growing brains require.

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DHA Is Critical For Infants - (Brain Health And Growth)

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As parents, we marvel at how rapidly our children grow and develop during their first months of life. It's incredible to watch as our infants increasingly respond to sights and sounds, begin to smile and laugh, become ever more curious about the world around them and ever more agile and determined to explore it.

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Pediatricians Are Prescribing Playtime – Here’s Why

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Pediatricians Are Prescribing Playtime – Here’s Why

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A message from pediatricians: kids need more play time!

It's easy to overlook the power of play in our children's development. However, playing offers a whole lot more than just being silly and getting out the wiggles. In today's world, playtime is essential. Allowing children plenty of time to play is key to developing skills that our kids need to navigate an increasingly complex world.

In late summer, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) took a significant step, one that both surprised and delighted me: they encouraged pediatricians to prescribe play for children. The AAP is recommending pediatricians become stronger advocates for play, helping to educate and inspire parents to facilitate-and participate in-playful activities with their children. Plain and simple children need more playtime.

I couldn't agree with this more

Playtime helps build social, emotional, behavioral and cognitive skills in children, from infancy onward. Movement-based play helps protect and enhance children's physical health. Playtime increases resiliency, emotional and behavioral self-regulation. Playtime also lowers risk for depression and anxiety and strengthens the nurturing, trusting relationships between parents and children.

What kind of "play" exactly?

Before we go any further into what prompted the new prescription for playtime from the AAP, let's take a minute to define "play." Playtime is a fun, discovery-filled, joyful activity. It is self-motivated-it arises from a child's fundamental interests, curiosities, and preferences. While play can and should be supported and monitored, so children are safe, playtime is best and most effective when it's not directed or controlled by caregivers. When children play, they're free to go wherever they want, imaginatively speaking.

Why the need to prescribe playtime?

The notion of children playing sounds like the most natural thing in the world, doesn't it? So how did we wind up with a need for pediatricians to prescribe play for children?

There's been a marked decrease in play, and playful learning, for many years now. There are many reasons for this. Budget and time "cuts" to recess, art, music, and physical education have limited playful activities in school. There's been a marked shift to a focus on building children's skill sets for academic achievement. Out of a well-intentioned desire to see our children succeed, we as a society have placed increasing emphasis on structured activities intended to improve academic performance. Parents often feel pressured to enroll their children in as many formal "enrichment" classes as their schedules allow.

Children are starved for playtime

Children today have less time for pure, unstructured play. Research shows children between the ages of 3-11 have lost 12 hours a week of free time. There is a vast body of research showing the benefits of playtime for children's development.

How playtime affects a child's brain

From early life and onward, play promotes brain development-the creation of a brain structure that can support all the neural activity needed for a lifetime. Playtime also promotes better brain function -how well the brain performs its incredible range of tasks.

Studies show that playtime may affect the development of areas of the brain used for thinking, reasoning, and social interaction. Also appears to stimulate the growth of brain cells and regions of the brain used for emotional processing and problem-solving.

Benefits of playtime

Play allows children to explore, within the safety of make-believe scenarios, real-life questions, risks, issues, and ideas. It gives them opportunities to collaborate and engage socially, with their peers, parents, caregivers, and teachers.

There's a wealth of scientific evidence showing the benefits of play for children's social, emotional, physical and intellectual health and well-being.

Playtime during childhood fuels the development of what's known as our executive functioning skills. Our executive functioning skills include:

How we think, reason, plan and make decisions

How well we learn and integrate learning into our memory

How successful we are at adapting our thoughts and behaviors, based on what we learn and experience

Our ability to focus our attention, and follow through on short and longer-term plans and goals

Our ability to exert self-control, and to self-regulate our emotional responses and behaviors

The skills that fall under executive functioning equip us to navigate the world successfully, be responsible, do well in school, form healthy relationships, live productive, meaningful lives.

A closer look at the benefits of play

Play enhances children's language skills.
One study found pre-school children who were encouraged to play with blocks with only limited direction from adults showed more significant gains in their language skills six months later. When it comes to language, playing with simple, traditional toys does a better job of promoting language skills than electronic gadgets, according to research.

Play promotes social skills and positive relationships.
By playing with others, children learn how to negotiate, cooperate, and communicate more effectively.

Play supports emotional health, self-awareness, and self-control.
Playtime allows children to explore and express their feelings, from within the safety of an imaginative, make-believe world. Studies show playtime may help children learn how to manage strong emotions better, and develop the self-control that helps to balance feelings of impulsiveness and aggression. Also helps to keep the body's stress-response in check, providing children with a powerful buffer against the physical and emotional effects of stress.

Playtime improves physical health.

Children have a natural, innate love for using their bodies. The movement and physical exertion of playtime give them a whole range of protective benefits. Regular routines of physical play can help children keep at a healthy weight and supports the health of children's developing cardiovascular and immune systems. Studies show playtime in children improves their coordination, balance, and flexibility - lowers risk for injury too. Physical play can help children sleep better.

The absence of play in children's lives can have negative consequences for their physical, emotional, and intellectual development. Research indicates a lack of playtime is linked to increases in the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As the AAP report points out, when they lack play, children lose an essential buffer against stress. Less protected from stress, children's development-of their executive function and the social and emotional behaviors that are so important to their ability to successfully navigate the world-can be disrupted.

Play equals healthy relationships

Scientists have found play exists in many animal species, not only in humans. Social play, in particular, exists in animals with brains that are similar to humans and is thought to help equip them with survival skills. Our need for play is no less essential for building the skills that support our healthy survival.

Playtime is fun, thrilling, and delightful for children and fun for adults too. Encouraging our children to play opens up a world of relationships and connections-to other people, and also to children's sense of themselves.

Think about all the ways children explore and develop relationships during play. In solo play, children inhabit imaginary worlds where they experiment with roles and relationships they observe in the world around them, from acting as a nurturing mommy or a daddy to their stuffed animals to being the teacher at the head of a pretend classroom. When playing with other children, kids establish rules and norms. They collaborate to reach their goals, whether that's building a tower of blocks or coordinating a game of flashlight tag in the backyard. Group play gives children the opportunity to develop social skills they'll need for their entire lives.

Parents are nearby, so children feel safe but self-directed, or free play is essential to fostering our children's self-awareness of their preferences, emotions, and interests. In many ways, our children learn who they are through play.

We are our children's very first playmates

You have a critically important, active role in your child's life. All the cooing, smiling and making silly faces we do with our newborns establishes the bond of our child's very first relationship and develops their foundational communication skills. The back and forth activities we engage in with our toddlers-from peekaboo games to laughter and sounds are building their language skills, helping them learn to express themselves, and understand how they relate to the world and other people. Playing with our kids helps them learn to be gradually more independent, more curious about the world, and more able to regulate their behavior.

As parents, we also serve as a safe harbor for our children as they experiment, and take growth-producing risks in their play. Any parent who's helped a child climb a ladder at the playground or learn to ride a bike knows what this experience is like, and how important it is to develop a child's confidence and sense of self, alongside new physical skills.

Parents and caregivers who play with children get to share in a whole range of positive, life-affirming emotions-joy, humor, satisfaction, surprise. When you play with your child, you get to know your child better and see the world from their point of view. Research shows that parents who read to and play with their children develop stronger connections and also experience less parenting-related stress.

Don't wait for your child's pediatrician to "prescribe play"

Encourage movement at every age

Playful physical activity is a powerful portal of discovery for children, a way for them to get to know their bodies and physical abilities. It also encourages stronger coping skills, reduces their physical responses to stress, and lowers risks for depression.

Support both free play and guided play

Free play involves children playing independently, on their own or with peers, in a safe environment. Guided play gets parents and caregivers directly involved in playing, at their children's level. Both are critical for children's development.

Cut back on the use of electronics

Using electronic devices is not the same as "real play." Watching TV, playing games on a phone or tablet, are passive forms of recreation-not the active, creative, social play that most benefits our kids' development. Establishing ample, regular electronics-free time for kids encourages them to play.

Let children lead

As parents, it's crucial for us to let our children be the drivers of their own play experiences. Being responsive, encouraging, engaged and enthusiastic is more helpful to our children than taking charge, and directing their play for them.

Read, tell stories, and sing

Want to stimulate your child's curiosity, creativity, and language skills, and delight them all at the same time? These simple, joyful activities are at the heart of a child's playful routine. Pair the singing with movement, such as clapping hands and wiggling feet, or dancing. Also, use your reading and storytelling as a springboard for children to engage in spontaneous, imaginative play of their own. Here's another article I've posted about Reading and Language Development for Young Children.

Listen, talk and respond

The kind of play that helps our children most isn't complicated. It doesn't require fancy, expensive toys. It doesn't need to happen in a class, and it doesn't require hours of uninterrupted free time. Positive, developmentally beneficial play can happen at any moment. Being responsive to their sounds and eventually to their words, encouraging them to talk to us and listening to them when they do- helps our children's social, emotional, cognitive and behavioral development.

Let yourself have fun

Playing with children can be one of the great joys of parenthood, a chance to experience the world again as new and exciting through their eyes. Playing with our kids allows us to know them better as the unique individuals they are. It allows us to communicate better with them as they grow into their own, increasingly independent selves. It creates bonds that will last for a lifetime.

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Pediatricians Now Prescribe: Children Need More Playtime

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It's easy to overlook the power of play in our children's development. However, playing offers a whole lot more than just being silly and getting out the wiggles. In today's world, playtime is essential. Allowing children plenty of time to play is key to developing skills that our kids need to navigate an increasingly complex world.

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How To Choose A “Well Sourced” Omega 3 Supplement

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How To Choose A “Well Sourced” Omega 3 Supplement

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Our brains need a steady supply of omega-3 fatty acids to grow and function well.

In addition to an omega-3-rich diet, nutritional supplements of this fatty acid can help children (and adults) get the omega-3s they need. Selecting an omega-3 supplement that's well sourced, using the highest quality fish oil, makes all the difference in giving your kids the most nutritious, beneficial supplemental omega-3. I'm going to walk you through the process I use and recommend for finding high quality omega 3 supplements.

As parents, we want to give our children the healthiest possible start in life, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Nutrition is a powerful tool to achieve that. Because of their benefits for mental and physical health, omega-3s are an essential dietary source and a popular supplement choice for families.

Picking a supplement can sometimes feel tricky and overwhelming as there are so many options and a lot of loud marketing claims. It can feel tough to cut through the clutter and the noise to identify the best products available for your family.

Here's what you need to know

Omega-3s are one of the most essential nutritional sources for children and adults. Omega-3 fatty acids, and DHA in particular play a critical role in fueling the growth and development of the brain in early childhood.

During childhood and throughout our lives, omega-3 fatty acids help our brains work properly, fostering the growth and protection of brain cells, and enabling brain cells to communicate effectively. Healthy brain function guides our ability to learn, to think and be creative, to plan and make decisions. Because of their influence over brain function, omega-3 fatty acids can also have an effect on how we regulate and process our emotions and our behavior.

I wrote recently about the importance of DHA for infant brain development and how omega-3s can boost brain health and behavior in children.

Crucial for children

In children, a lack of omega-3s can interfere with healthy brain development, and cause problems with eye development and vision. Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency in kids may contribute to difficulties with learning, as well as to emotional and behavioral issues, including hyperactivity, aggression, lack of focus, anxiety, and depression. Research links low levels of omega-3 fatty acid DHA to neurodevelopmental disorders including autism and ADHD. Research also shows that elevated DHA levels can improve the learning, emotional, and behavioral symptoms of these disorders.

What a fishy tasting Omega 3 means

For parents who are interested in omega-3 supplements for their children, it's important to make sure you're selecting the highest quality product-and that starts with high-quality fish oil. Omega-3 supplements made from low-quality fish oil may contain toxins, including mercury, that can be harmful for children's health. Omega-3s made from low-quality fish oil also tend to taste "fishy," and often use artificial sweeteners, dyes, and other chemical additives to improve their taste and texture. Supplements made from high-quality fish oil don't have the same fishy taste, and the best providers will use natural flavors, not artificial ones, to make their products kid-friendly.

Transparency

When it comes to selecting a supplement, you want a company that is transparent: open and eager to share information about sourcing and producing their omega-3 products. (Of course, the same applies for all your supplements, not only omega-3s!) At every step of the process, from the original fish source to manufacturing and packaging, it's important to select a company that is fully open about the steps they take to create their products. That's how you'll know you're giving your family the highest-quality supplement.

Supplement companies need to earn our trust. After all, these are products we're giving to the most important people in our lives: our children. Companies earn our trust not only by adhering to the highest standards but also by being open and transparent about every aspect of how their products are made.

Here's how to spot a well-sourced omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids travel a long way from the ocean to the supplement aisle. Companies that earn our trust demonstrate transparency at every step in that journey. We can break the process down into three main steps:

Sustainable, "friendly" fishing. Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are natural fatty acids that come from fish oil. Healthy sourcing of omega-3s starts with choosing companies that get their fish from fisheries that are run sustainably. Sustainable fisheries rely on healthy fish stocks and treat the environment with care. That means they can deliver fish oil that's highest in quality-and that's what we, as parents, want from omega-3 supplements we give to our families.

Sustainable fisheries are ones that:
* Don't engage in overfishing, which depletes healthy fish populations
* Don't employ practices that harm the ocean environment
* Manage their fishing to allow fish populations and the surrounding ocean ecosystem to thrive
* Use energy efficient practices to minimize pollution
* Use environmentally friendly waste management practices

When nutrition and supplement companies rely on sustainable fisheries for their omega-3 fish oil sources, the result is a higher-quality supplement for us as consumers and a better, healthier outcome for our environment.

So, do you have to become an expert in fisheries management to pick a supplement? No-and thank goodness, because I'm not one! Companies that rely on sustainable fisheries for their omega-3 fish oil will be very clear and upfront about telling you so. They know how much it matters. And certification programs allow companies to demonstrate sustainability, by meeting specific, objective criteria. When you're choosing an omega-3 supplement for your family, look for producers who are transparent about their sourcing and are certified in sustainability.

A rigorous, open manufacturing process. Starting with the highest quality fish oil from sustainable fisheries, the next step is to select supplements made by a company you know uses a manufacturing process with strict standards. Before omega-3s make it from ocean life to the supplement bottle in your kitchen cupboard, they need to go through a manufacturing process that filters and purifies fish oil to make the purest, nutritious supplement possible. That requires a commitment to best manufacturing practices, including rigorous testing, and exacting standards of cleanliness, safety, and quality control.

Transparency matters here, too. Select a supplement company that is open about not just how they source their omega-3s, but how they manufacture their supplements. Manufacturers are also able to be licensed and certified as a demonstration of how rigorous their standards are. Make sure your omega-3 supplement company collaborates with a well-certified manufacturer.

Safety first, last and always. Look for a company that is open and upfront about every step in their manufacturing process, including the stages of packaging a supplement for distribution and sale. As parents, we deserve-and should expect-the highest assurances that the supplements we're giving our families are safe. That assurance comes from companies who practice transparency and maintain certifications for safety.

What I recommend

A commitment to healthy sourcing and the highest standards of manufacturing, along with a commitment to transparency, are among the reasons I recommend Smart Family Nutrition omega-3 products. Smart Family Nutrition gets its fish oil only from sustainable fisheries (mostly in the Pacific) and is certified by Friend of the Sea, which identifies sustainable seafood products. They work with manufacturing partners that are fully transparent and adhere to rigorous standards. Their manufacturing partners are certified with the IFFO, which works to support the highest standards in the fish oil industry. And Smart Family Nutrition supplements are made and packaged only in facilities that have been certified in Current Good Manufacturing Practices (or CGMPs), which are strictly monitored for safety. Because of their commitment to quality, safety, and transparency, Smart Family Nutrition is the smart choice for families interested in boosting omega-3 levels.

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How To Choose High Quality Omega 3 Supplements

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In addition to an omega-3-rich diet, nutritional supplements of this fatty acid can help children (and adults) get the omega-3s they need. Selecting an omega-3 supplement that's well sourced, using the highest quality fish oil, makes all the difference in giving your kids the most nutritious, beneficial supplemental omega-3.

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The Better Behavior, Naturally Parent Program

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The Better Behavior, Naturally Parent Program

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This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which Beurkens Autism Consulting, Inc. d/b/a Horizons Developmental Resource Center collects, uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users (each, a "User") of the www.DrBeurkens.com website ("Site"). This privacy policy applies to the Site and all products and services offered by Horizons Developmental Resource Center.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By visiting and using the Site, you agree that your use of our Site, and any dispute over privacy, is governed by this Privacy Policy. Because the Web is an evolving medium, we may need to change our Privacy Policy at some point in the future, in which case we'll post the changes to this Privacy Policy on this website and update the Effective Date of the policy to reflect the date of the changes. By continuing to use the Site after we post any such changes, you accept the Privacy Policy as modified.
Personal identification information
We may collect personal identification information from Users in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, when Users visit our site, register on the site, place an order, subscribe to the newsletter, respond to a survey, fill out a form, and in connection with other activities, services, features or resources we make available on our Site. Users may be asked for, as appropriate, name, email address, mailing address, phone number, credit card information. Users may, however, visit our Site anonymously. We will collect personal identification information from Users only if they voluntarily submit such information to us. Users can always refuse to supply personally identification information, except that it may prevent them from engaging in certain Site related activities.
Non-personal identification information
We may collect non-personal identification information about Users whenever they interact with our Site. Non-personal identification information may include the browser name, the type of computer and technical information about Users means of connection to our Site, such as the operating system and the Internet service providers utilized and other similar information.
Web browser cookies
Our Site may use "cookies" to enhance User experience. User's web browser places cookies on their hard drive for record-keeping purposes and sometimes to track information about them. User may choose to set their web browser to refuse cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If they do so, note that some parts of the Site may not function properly.
How we use collected information
Horizons Developmental Resource Center may collect and use Users personal information for the following purposes:

To improve customer service - Information you provide helps us respond to your customer service requests and support needs more efficiently.

To personalize user experience - We may use information in the aggregate to understand how our Users as a group use the services and resources provided on our Site.

To improve our Site - We may use feedback you provide to improve our products and services.

To process payments - We may use the information Users provide about themselves when placing an order only to provide service to that order. We do not share this information with outside parties except to the extent necessary to provide the service.

To run a promotion, contest, survey or other Site feature - To send Users information they agreed to receive about topics we think will be of interest to them.

To send periodic emails - We may use the email address to send User information and updates pertaining to their order. It may also be used to respond to their inquiries, questions, and/or other requests. If User decides to opt-in to our mailing list, they will receive emails that may include company news, updates, related product or service information, etc. If at any time the User would like to unsubscribe from receiving future emails, we include detailed unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of each email or User may contact us via our Site.

How we protect your information
We adopt appropriate data collection, storage and processing practices and security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure or destruction of your personal information, username, password, transaction information and data stored on our Site.

Sensitive and private data exchange between the Site and its Users happens over a SSL secured communication channel and is encrypted and protected with digital signatures.
Sharing your personal information
We do not sell, trade, or rent Users personal identification information to others. We may share generic aggregated demographic information not linked to any personal identification information regarding visitors and users with our business partners, trusted affiliates and advertisers for the purposes outlined above.We may use third party service providers to help us operate our business and the Site or administer activities on our behalf, such as sending out newsletters or surveys. We may share your information with these third parties for those limited purposes provided that you have given us your permission.

Please keep in mind that whenever you voluntarily make your personal information available for viewing by third parties online - for example on message boards, web logs, through email, or in chat areas - that information can be seen, collected and used by others besides us. We cannot be responsible for any unauthorized third-party use of such information.

Some of our third-party advertisers and ad servers that place and present advertising on the Site also may collect information from you via cookies, web beacons or similar technologies. These third-party advertisers and ad servers may use the information they collect to help present their advertisements, to help measure and research the advertisements' effectiveness, or for other purposes. The use and collection of your information by these third-party advertisers and ad servers is governed by the relevant third-party's privacy policy and is not covered by our Privacy Policy. Indeed, the privacy policies of these third-party advertisers and ad servers may be different from ours. If you have any concerns about a third party's use of cookies or web beacons or use of your information, you should visit that party's website and review its privacy policy.
Google Analytics
We also use Google Analytics Advertiser Features to optimize our business. Advertiser features include:

Remarketing with Google Analytics

Google Display Network Impression Reporting

DoubleClick Platform integrations

Google Analytics Demographics and Interest Reporting

By enabling these Google Analytics Display features, we are required to notify our visitors by disclosing the use of these features and that we and third-party vendors use first-party cookies (such as the Google Analytics cookie) or other first-party identifiers, and third-party cookies (such as the DoubleClick cookie) or other third-party identifiers together to gather data about your activities on our Site. Among other uses, this allows us to contact you if you begin to fill out our check-out form but abandon it before completion with an email reminding you to complete your order. The "Remarketing" feature allows us to reach people who previously visited our Site, and match the right audience with the right advertising message.

You can opt out of Google's use of cookies by visiting Google's ad settings and/or you may opt out of a third-party vendor's use of cookies by visiting the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.
Facebook
As advertisers on Facebook and through our Facebook page, we, (not Facebook) may collect content or information from a Facebook user and such information may be used in the same manner specified in this Privacy Policy. You consent to our collection of such information.

We abide by Facebook's Data Use Restrictions.

Any ad data collected, received or derived from our Facebook ad ("Facebook advertising data") is only shared with someone acting on our behalf, such as our service provider. We are responsible for ensuring that our service providers protect any Facebook advertising data or any other information obtained from us, limit our use of all of that information, and keep it confidential and secure.

We do not use Facebook advertising data for any purpose (including retargeting, commingling data across multiple advertisers' campaigns, or allowing piggybacking or redirecting with tags), except on an aggregate and anonymous basis (unless authorized by Facebook) and only to assess the performance and effectiveness of our Facebook advertising campaigns.

We do not use Facebook advertising data, including the targeting criteria for a Facebook ad, to build, append to, edit, influence, or augment user profiles, including profiles associated with any mobile device identifier or other unique identifier that identifies any particular user, browser, computer or device.

We do not transfer any Facebook advertising data (including anonymous, aggregate, or derived data) to any ad network, ad exchange, data broker or other advertising or monetization related service.

Children's Privacy Statement
This children's privacy statement explains our practices with respect to the online collection and use of personal information from children under the age of thirteen, and provides important information regarding their rights under federal law with respect to such information.

This Site is not directed to children under the age of thirteen and we do NOT knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen as part of the Site. We screen users who wish to provide personal information in order to prevent users under the age of thirteen from providing such information. If we become aware that we have inadvertently received personally identifiable information from a user under the age of thirteen as part of the Site, we will delete such information from our records. If we change our practices in the future, we will obtain prior, verifiable parental consent before collecting any personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen as part of the Site.

Because we do not collect any personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen as part of the Site, we also do NOT knowingly distribute such information to third parties.

We do NOT knowingly allow children under the age of thirteen to publicly post or otherwise distribute personally identifiable contact information through the Site.

Because we do not collect any personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen as part of the Site, we do NOT condition the participation of a child under thirteen in the Site's online activities on providing personally identifiable information.

Changes to this privacy policy
Horizons Developmental Resource Center has the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. When we do, we will revise the updated date at the bottom of this page. We encourage Users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how we are helping to protect the personal information we collect. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically and become aware of modifications.
Your acceptance of these terms
By using this Site, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our Site. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.
Contacting us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this site, please contact us at:

Horizons Developmental Resource Center
www.DrBeurkens.com
3120 68th Street SE
Caledonia, MI 49316
616-698-0306
info(at)drbeurkens.com
This document was last updated on May 30, 2016

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This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which Beurkens Autism Consulting, Inc. d/b/a Horizons Developmental Resource Center collects, uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users (each, a "User") of the www.DrBeurkens.com website ("Site"). This privacy policy applies to the Site and all products and services offered by Horizons Developmental Resource Center.

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Holistic Therapy for Children and Adolescents | Contact

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Holistic Therapy for Children and Adolescents | Contact

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which Beurkens Autism Consulting, Inc. d/b/a Horizons Developmental Resource Center collects, uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users (each, a "User") of the www.DrBeurkens.com website ("Site"). This privacy policy applies to the Site and all products and services offered by Horizons Developmental Resource Center.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By visiting and using the Site, you agree that your use of our Site, and any dispute over privacy, is governed by this Privacy Policy. Because the Web is an evolving medium, we may need to change our Privacy Policy at some point in the future, in which case we'll post the changes to this Privacy Policy on this website and update the Effective Date of the policy to reflect the date of the changes. By continuing to use the Site after we post any such changes, you accept the Privacy Policy as modified.
Personal identification information
We may collect personal identification information from Users in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, when Users visit our site, register on the site, place an order, subscribe to the newsletter, respond to a survey, fill out a form, and in connection with other activities, services, features or resources we make available on our Site. Users may be asked for, as appropriate, name, email address, mailing address, phone number, credit card information. Users may, however, visit our Site anonymously. We will collect personal identification information from Users only if they voluntarily submit such information to us. Users can always refuse to supply personally identification information, except that it may prevent them from engaging in certain Site related activities.
Non-personal identification information
We may collect non-personal identification information about Users whenever they interact with our Site. Non-personal identification information may include the browser name, the type of computer and technical information about Users means of connection to our Site, such as the operating system and the Internet service providers utilized and other similar information.
Web browser cookies
Our Site may use "cookies" to enhance User experience. User's web browser places cookies on their hard drive for record-keeping purposes and sometimes to track information about them. User may choose to set their web browser to refuse cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If they do so, note that some parts of the Site may not function properly.
How we use collected information
Horizons Developmental Resource Center may collect and use Users personal information for the following purposes:

To improve customer service - Information you provide helps us respond to your customer service requests and support needs more efficiently.

To personalize user experience - We may use information in the aggregate to understand how our Users as a group use the services and resources provided on our Site.

To improve our Site - We may use feedback you provide to improve our products and services.

To process payments - We may use the information Users provide about themselves when placing an order only to provide service to that order. We do not share this information with outside parties except to the extent necessary to provide the service.

To run a promotion, contest, survey or other Site feature - To send Users information they agreed to receive about topics we think will be of interest to them.

To send periodic emails - We may use the email address to send User information and updates pertaining to their order. It may also be used to respond to their inquiries, questions, and/or other requests. If User decides to opt-in to our mailing list, they will receive emails that may include company news, updates, related product or service information, etc. If at any time the User would like to unsubscribe from receiving future emails, we include detailed unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of each email or User may contact us via our Site.

How we protect your information
We adopt appropriate data collection, storage and processing practices and security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure or destruction of your personal information, username, password, transaction information and data stored on our Site.

Sensitive and private data exchange between the Site and its Users happens over a SSL secured communication channel and is encrypted and protected with digital signatures.
Sharing your personal information
We do not sell, trade, or rent Users personal identification information to others. We may share generic aggregated demographic information not linked to any personal identification information regarding visitors and users with our business partners, trusted affiliates and advertisers for the purposes outlined above.We may use third party service providers to help us operate our business and the Site or administer activities on our behalf, such as sending out newsletters or surveys. We may share your information with these third parties for those limited purposes provided that you have given us your permission.

Please keep in mind that whenever you voluntarily make your personal information available for viewing by third parties online - for example on message boards, web logs, through email, or in chat areas - that information can be seen, collected and used by others besides us. We cannot be responsible for any unauthorized third-party use of such information.

Some of our third-party advertisers and ad servers that place and present advertising on the Site also may collect information from you via cookies, web beacons or similar technologies. These third-party advertisers and ad servers may use the information they collect to help present their advertisements, to help measure and research the advertisements' effectiveness, or for other purposes. The use and collection of your information by these third-party advertisers and ad servers is governed by the relevant third-party's privacy policy and is not covered by our Privacy Policy. Indeed, the privacy policies of these third-party advertisers and ad servers may be different from ours. If you have any concerns about a third party's use of cookies or web beacons or use of your information, you should visit that party's website and review its privacy policy.
Google Analytics
We also use Google Analytics Advertiser Features to optimize our business. Advertiser features include:

Remarketing with Google Analytics

Google Display Network Impression Reporting

DoubleClick Platform integrations

Google Analytics Demographics and Interest Reporting

By enabling these Google Analytics Display features, we are required to notify our visitors by disclosing the use of these features and that we and third-party vendors use first-party cookies (such as the Google Analytics cookie) or other first-party identifiers, and third-party cookies (such as the DoubleClick cookie) or other third-party identifiers together to gather data about your activities on our Site. Among other uses, this allows us to contact you if you begin to fill out our check-out form but abandon it before completion with an email reminding you to complete your order. The "Remarketing" feature allows us to reach people who previously visited our Site, and match the right audience with the right advertising message.

You can opt out of Google's use of cookies by visiting Google's ad settings and/or you may opt out of a third-party vendor's use of cookies by visiting the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.
Facebook
As advertisers on Facebook and through our Facebook page, we, (not Facebook) may collect content or information from a Facebook user and such information may be used in the same manner specified in this Privacy Policy. You consent to our collection of such information.

We abide by Facebook's Data Use Restrictions.

Any ad data collected, received or derived from our Facebook ad ("Facebook advertising data") is only shared with someone acting on our behalf, such as our service provider. We are responsible for ensuring that our service providers protect any Facebook advertising data or any other information obtained from us, limit our use of all of that information, and keep it confidential and secure.

We do not use Facebook advertising data for any purpose (including retargeting, commingling data across multiple advertisers' campaigns, or allowing piggybacking or redirecting with tags), except on an aggregate and anonymous basis (unless authorized by Facebook) and only to assess the performance and effectiveness of our Facebook advertising campaigns.

We do not use Facebook advertising data, including the targeting criteria for a Facebook ad, to build, append to, edit, influence, or augment user profiles, including profiles associated with any mobile device identifier or other unique identifier that identifies any particular user, browser, computer or device.

We do not transfer any Facebook advertising data (including anonymous, aggregate, or derived data) to any ad network, ad exchange, data broker or other advertising or monetization related service.

Children's Privacy Statement
This children's privacy statement explains our practices with respect to the online collection and use of personal information from children under the age of thirteen, and provides important information regarding their rights under federal law with respect to such information.

This Site is not directed to children under the age of thirteen and we do NOT knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen as part of the Site. We screen users who wish to provide personal information in order to prevent users under the age of thirteen from providing such information. If we become aware that we have inadvertently received personally identifiable information from a user under the age of thirteen as part of the Site, we will delete such information from our records. If we change our practices in the future, we will obtain prior, verifiable parental consent before collecting any personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen as part of the Site.

Because we do not collect any personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen as part of the Site, we also do NOT knowingly distribute such information to third parties.

We do NOT knowingly allow children under the age of thirteen to publicly post or otherwise distribute personally identifiable contact information through the Site.

Because we do not collect any personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen as part of the Site, we do NOT condition the participation of a child under thirteen in the Site's online activities on providing personally identifiable information.

Changes to this privacy policy
Horizons Developmental Resource Center has the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. When we do, we will revise the updated date at the bottom of this page. We encourage Users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how we are helping to protect the personal information we collect. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically and become aware of modifications.
Your acceptance of these terms
By using this Site, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our Site. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.
Contacting us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this site, please contact us at:

Horizons Developmental Resource Center
www.DrBeurkens.com
3120 68th Street SE
Caledonia, MI 49316
616-698-0306
info(at)drbeurkens.com
This document was last updated on May 30, 2016

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This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which Beurkens Autism Consulting, Inc. d/b/a Horizons Developmental Resource Center collects, uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users (each, a "User") of the www.DrBeurkens.com website ("Site"). This privacy policy applies to the Site and all products and services offered by Horizons Developmental Resource Center.

# data[].attributes.headline
Best Children's Books About the Autism Spectrum

# data[].attributes.subject
Best Children's Books About the Autism Spectrum

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which Beurkens Autism Consulting, Inc. d/b/a Horizons Developmental Resource Center collects, uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users (each, a "User") of the www.DrBeurkens.com website ("Site"). This privacy policy applies to the Site and all products and services offered by Horizons Developmental Resource Center.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By visiting and using the Site, you agree that your use of our Site, and any dispute over privacy, is governed by this Privacy Policy. Because the Web is an evolving medium, we may need to change our Privacy Policy at some point in the future, in which case we'll post the changes to this Privacy Policy on this website and update the Effective Date of the policy to reflect the date of the changes. By continuing to use the Site after we post any such changes, you accept the Privacy Policy as modified.
Personal identification information
We may collect personal identification information from Users in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, when Users visit our site, register on the site, place an order, subscribe to the newsletter, respond to a survey, fill out a form, and in connection with other activities, services, features or resources we make available on our Site. Users may be asked for, as appropriate, name, email address, mailing address, phone number, credit card information. Users may, however, visit our Site anonymously. We will collect personal identification information from Users only if they voluntarily submit such information to us. Users can always refuse to supply personally identification information, except that it may prevent them from engaging in certain Site related activities.
Non-personal identification information
We may collect non-personal identification information about Users whenever they interact with our Site. Non-personal identification information may include the browser name, the type of computer and technical information about Users means of connection to our Site, such as the operating system and the Internet service providers utilized and other similar information.
Web browser cookies
Our Site may use "cookies" to enhance User experience. User's web browser places cookies on their hard drive for record-keeping purposes and sometimes to track information about them. User may choose to set their web browser to refuse cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If they do so, note that some parts of the Site may not function properly.
How we use collected information
Horizons Developmental Resource Center may collect and use Users personal information for the following purposes:

To improve customer service - Information you provide helps us respond to your customer service requests and support needs more efficiently.

To personalize user experience - We may use information in the aggregate to understand how our Users as a group use the services and resources provided on our Site.

To improve our Site - We may use feedback you provide to improve our products and services.

To process payments - We may use the information Users provide about themselves when placing an order only to provide service to that order. We do not share this information with outside parties except to the extent necessary to provide the service.

To run a promotion, contest, survey or other Site feature - To send Users information they agreed to receive about topics we think will be of interest to them.

To send periodic emails - We may use the email address to send User information and updates pertaining to their order. It may also be used to respond to their inquiries, questions, and/or other requests. If User decides to opt-in to our mailing list, they will receive emails that may include company news, updates, related product or service information, etc. If at any time the User would like to unsubscribe from receiving future emails, we include detailed unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of each email or User may contact us via our Site.

How we protect your information
We adopt appropriate data collection, storage and processing practices and security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure or destruction of your personal information, username, password, transaction information and data stored on our Site.

Sensitive and private data exchange between the Site and its Users happens over a SSL secured communication channel and is encrypted and protected with digital signatures.
Sharing your personal information
We do not sell, trade, or rent Users personal identification information to others. We may share generic aggregated demographic information not linked to any personal identification information regarding visitors and users with our business partners, trusted affiliates and advertisers for the purposes outlined above.We may use third party service providers to help us operate our business and the Site or administer activities on our behalf, such as sending out newsletters or surveys. We may share your information with these third parties for those limited purposes provided that you have given us your permission.

Please keep in mind that whenever you voluntarily make your personal information available for viewing by third parties online - for example on message boards, web logs, through email, or in chat areas - that information can be seen, collected and used by others besides us. We cannot be responsible for any unauthorized third-party use of such information.

Some of our third-party advertisers and ad servers that place and present advertising on the Site also may collect information from you via cookies, web beacons or similar technologies. These third-party advertisers and ad servers may use the information they collect to help present their advertisements, to help measure and research the advertisements' effectiveness, or for other purposes. The use and collection of your information by these third-party advertisers and ad servers is governed by the relevant third-party's privacy policy and is not covered by our Privacy Policy. Indeed, the privacy policies of these third-party advertisers and ad servers may be different from ours. If you have any concerns about a third party's use of cookies or web beacons or use of your information, you should visit that party's website and review its privacy policy.
Google Analytics
We also use Google Analytics Advertiser Features to optimize our business. Advertiser features include:

Remarketing with Google Analytics

Google Display Network Impression Reporting

DoubleClick Platform integrations

Google Analytics Demographics and Interest Reporting

By enabling these Google Analytics Display features, we are required to notify our visitors by disclosing the use of these features and that we and third-party vendors use first-party cookies (such as the Google Analytics cookie) or other first-party identifiers, and third-party cookies (such as the DoubleClick cookie) or other third-party identifiers together to gather data about your activities on our Site. Among other uses, this allows us to contact you if you begin to fill out our check-out form but abandon it before completion with an email reminding you to complete your order. The "Remarketing" feature allows us to reach people who previously visited our Site, and match the right audience with the right advertising message.

You can opt out of Google's use of cookies by visiting Google's ad settings and/or you may opt out of a third-party vendor's use of cookies by visiting the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.
Facebook
As advertisers on Facebook and through our Facebook page, we, (not Facebook) may collect content or information from a Facebook user and such information may be used in the same manner specified in this Privacy Policy. You consent to our collection of such information.

We abide by Facebook's Data Use Restrictions.

Any ad data collected, received or derived from our Facebook ad ("Facebook advertising data") is only shared with someone acting on our behalf, such as our service provider. We are responsible for ensuring that our service providers protect any Facebook advertising data or any other information obtained from us, limit our use of all of that information, and keep it confidential and secure.

We do not use Facebook advertising data for any purpose (including retargeting, commingling data across multiple advertisers' campaigns, or allowing piggybacking or redirecting with tags), except on an aggregate and anonymous basis (unless authorized by Facebook) and only to assess the performance and effectiveness of our Facebook advertising campaigns.

We do not use Facebook advertising data, including the targeting criteria for a Facebook ad, to build, append to, edit, influence, or augment user profiles, including profiles associated with any mobile device identifier or other unique identifier that identifies any particular user, browser, computer or device.

We do not transfer any Facebook advertising data (including anonymous, aggregate, or derived data) to any ad network, ad exchange, data broker or other advertising or monetization related service.

Children's Privacy Statement
This children's privacy statement explains our practices with respect to the online collection and use of personal information from children under the age of thirteen, and provides important information regarding their rights under federal law with respect to such information.

This Site is not directed to children under the age of thirteen and we do NOT knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen as part of the Site. We screen users who wish to provide personal information in order to prevent users under the age of thirteen from providing such information. If we become aware that we have inadvertently received personally identifiable information from a user under the age of thirteen as part of the Site, we will delete such information from our records. If we change our practices in the future, we will obtain prior, verifiable parental consent before collecting any personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen as part of the Site.

Because we do not collect any personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen as part of the Site, we also do NOT knowingly distribute such information to third parties.

We do NOT knowingly allow children under the age of thirteen to publicly post or otherwise distribute personally identifiable contact information through the Site.

Because we do not collect any personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen as part of the Site, we do NOT condition the participation of a child under thirteen in the Site's online activities on providing personally identifiable information.

Changes to this privacy policy
Horizons Developmental Resource Center has the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. When we do, we will revise the updated date at the bottom of this page. We encourage Users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how we are helping to protect the personal information we collect. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically and become aware of modifications.
Your acceptance of these terms
By using this Site, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our Site. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.
Contacting us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this site, please contact us at:

Horizons Developmental Resource Center
www.DrBeurkens.com
3120 68th Street SE
Caledonia, MI 49316
616-698-0306
info(at)drbeurkens.com
This document was last updated on May 30, 2016

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which Beurkens Autism Consulting, Inc. d/b/a Horizons Developmental Resource Center collects, uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users (each, a "User") of the www.DrBeurkens.com website ("Site"). This privacy policy applies to the Site and all products and services offered by Horizons Developmental Resource Center.

# data[].attributes.headline
About Holistic Psychiatrist | Dr. Nicole Beurkens

# data[].attributes.subject
About Holistic Psychiatrist | Dr. Nicole Beurkens

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which Beurkens Autism Consulting, Inc. d/b/a Horizons Developmental Resource Center collects, uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users (each, a "User") of the www.DrBeurkens.com website ("Site"). This privacy policy applies to the Site and all products and services offered by Horizons Developmental Resource Center.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By visiting and using the Site, you agree that your use of our Site, and any dispute over privacy, is governed by this Privacy Policy. Because the Web is an evolving medium, we may need to change our Privacy Policy at some point in the future, in which case we'll post the changes to this Privacy Policy on this website and update the Effective Date of the policy to reflect the date of the changes. By continuing to use the Site after we post any such changes, you accept the Privacy Policy as modified.
Personal identification information
We may collect personal identification information from Users in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, when Users visit our site, register on the site, place an order, subscribe to the newsletter, respond to a survey, fill out a form, and in connection with other activities, services, features or resources we make available on our Site. Users may be asked for, as appropriate, name, email address, mailing address, phone number, credit card information. Users may, however, visit our Site anonymously. We will collect personal identification information from Users only if they voluntarily submit such information to us. Users can always refuse to supply personally identification information, except that it may prevent them from engaging in certain Site related activities.
Non-personal identification information
We may collect non-personal identification information about Users whenever they interact with our Site. Non-personal identification information may include the browser name, the type of computer and technical information about Users means of connection to our Site, such as the operating system and the Internet service providers utilized and other similar information.
Web browser cookies
Our Site may use "cookies" to enhance User experience. User's web browser places cookies on their hard drive for record-keeping purposes and sometimes to track information about them. User may choose to set their web browser to refuse cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If they do so, note that some parts of the Site may not function properly.
How we use collected information
Horizons Developmental Resource Center may collect and use Users personal information for the following purposes:

To improve customer service - Information you provide helps us respond to your customer service requests and support needs more efficiently.

To personalize user experience - We may use information in the aggregate to understand how our Users as a group use the services and resources provided on our Site.

To improve our Site - We may use feedback you provide to improve our products and services.

To process payments - We may use the information Users provide about themselves when placing an order only to provide service to that order. We do not share this information with outside parties except to the extent necessary to provide the service.

To run a promotion, contest, survey or other Site feature - To send Users information they agreed to receive about topics we think will be of interest to them.

To send periodic emails - We may use the email address to send User information and updates pertaining to their order. It may also be used to respond to their inquiries, questions, and/or other requests. If User decides to opt-in to our mailing list, they will receive emails that may include company news, updates, related product or service information, etc. If at any time the User would like to unsubscribe from receiving future emails, we include detailed unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of each email or User may contact us via our Site.

How we protect your information
We adopt appropriate data collection, storage and processing practices and security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure or destruction of your personal information, username, password, transaction information and data stored on our Site.

Sensitive and private data exchange between the Site and its Users happens over a SSL secured communication channel and is encrypted and protected with digital signatures.
Sharing your personal information
We do not sell, trade, or rent Users personal identification information to others. We may share generic aggregated demographic information not linked to any personal identification information regarding visitors and users with our business partners, trusted affiliates and advertisers for the purposes outlined above.We may use third party service providers to help us operate our business and the Site or administer activities on our behalf, such as sending out newsletters or surveys. We may share your information with these third parties for those limited purposes provided that you have given us your permission.

Please keep in mind that whenever you voluntarily make your personal information available for viewing by third parties online - for example on message boards, web logs, through email, or in chat areas - that information can be seen, collected and used by others besides us. We cannot be responsible for any unauthorized third-party use of such information.

Some of our third-party advertisers and ad servers that place and present advertising on the Site also may collect information from you via cookies, web beacons or similar technologies. These third-party advertisers and ad servers may use the information they collect to help present their advertisements, to help measure and research the advertisements' effectiveness, or for other purposes. The use and collection of your information by these third-party advertisers and ad servers is governed by the relevant third-party's privacy policy and is not covered by our Privacy Policy. Indeed, the privacy policies of these third-party advertisers and ad servers may be different from ours. If you have any concerns about a third party's use of cookies or web beacons or use of your information, you should visit that party's website and review its privacy policy.
Google Analytics
We also use Google Analytics Advertiser Features to optimize our business. Advertiser features include:

Remarketing with Google Analytics

Google Display Network Impression Reporting

DoubleClick Platform integrations

Google Analytics Demographics and Interest Reporting

By enabling these Google Analytics Display features, we are required to notify our visitors by disclosing the use of these features and that we and third-party vendors use first-party cookies (such as the Google Analytics cookie) or other first-party identifiers, and third-party cookies (such as the DoubleClick cookie) or other third-party identifiers together to gather data about your activities on our Site. Among other uses, this allows us to contact you if you begin to fill out our check-out form but abandon it before completion with an email reminding you to complete your order. The "Remarketing" feature allows us to reach people who previously visited our Site, and match the right audience with the right advertising message.

You can opt out of Google's use of cookies by visiting Google's ad settings and/or you may opt out of a third-party vendor's use of cookies by visiting the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.
Facebook
As advertisers on Facebook and through our Facebook page, we, (not Facebook) may collect content or information from a Facebook user and such information may be used in the same manner specified in this Privacy Policy. You consent to our collection of such information.

We abide by Facebook's Data Use Restrictions.

Any ad data collected, received or derived from our Facebook ad ("Facebook advertising data") is only shared with someone acting on our behalf, such as our service provider. We are responsible for ensuring that our service providers protect any Facebook advertising data or any other information obtained from us, limit our use of all of that information, and keep it confidential and secure.

We do not use Facebook advertising data for any purpose (including retargeting, commingling data across multiple advertisers' campaigns, or allowing piggybacking or redirecting with tags), except on an aggregate and anonymous basis (unless authorized by Facebook) and only to assess the performance and effectiveness of our Facebook advertising campaigns.

We do not use Facebook advertising data, including the targeting criteria for a Facebook ad, to build, append to, edit, influence, or augment user profiles, including profiles associated with any mobile device identifier or other unique identifier that identifies any particular user, browser, computer or device.

We do not transfer any Facebook advertising data (including anonymous, aggregate, or derived data) to any ad network, ad exchange, data broker or other advertising or monetization related service.

Children's Privacy Statement
This children's privacy statement explains our practices with respect to the online collection and use of personal information from children under the age of thirteen, and provides important information regarding their rights under federal law with respect to such information.

This Site is not directed to children under the age of thirteen and we do NOT knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen as part of the Site. We screen users who wish to provide personal information in order to prevent users under the age of thirteen from providing such information. If we become aware that we have inadvertently received personally identifiable information from a user under the age of thirteen as part of the Site, we will delete such information from our records. If we change our practices in the future, we will obtain prior, verifiable parental consent before collecting any personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen as part of the Site.

Because we do not collect any personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen as part of the Site, we also do NOT knowingly distribute such information to third parties.

We do NOT knowingly allow children under the age of thirteen to publicly post or otherwise distribute personally identifiable contact information through the Site.

Because we do not collect any personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen as part of the Site, we do NOT condition the participation of a child under thirteen in the Site's online activities on providing personally identifiable information.

Changes to this privacy policy
Horizons Developmental Resource Center has the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. When we do, we will revise the updated date at the bottom of this page. We encourage Users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how we are helping to protect the personal information we collect. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically and become aware of modifications.
Your acceptance of these terms
By using this Site, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our Site. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.
Contacting us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this site, please contact us at:

Horizons Developmental Resource Center
www.DrBeurkens.com
3120 68th Street SE
Caledonia, MI 49316
616-698-0306
info(at)drbeurkens.com
This document was last updated on May 30, 2016

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which Beurkens Autism Consulting, Inc. d/b/a Horizons Developmental Resource Center collects, uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users (each, a "User") of the www.DrBeurkens.com website ("Site"). This privacy policy applies to the Site and all products and services offered by Horizons Developmental Resource Center.

# data[].attributes.headline
Holistic Psychiatrist | Dr. Nicole Beurkens

# data[].attributes.subject
Holistic Psychiatrist | Dr. Nicole Beurkens

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which Beurkens Autism Consulting, Inc. d/b/a Horizons Developmental Resource Center collects, uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users (each, a "User") of the www.DrBeurkens.com website ("Site"). This privacy policy applies to the Site and all products and services offered by Horizons Developmental Resource Center.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By visiting and using the Site, you agree that your use of our Site, and any dispute over privacy, is governed by this Privacy Policy. Because the Web is an evolving medium, we may need to change our Privacy Policy at some point in the future, in which case we'll post the changes to this Privacy Policy on this website and update the Effective Date of the policy to reflect the date of the changes. By continuing to use the Site after we post any such changes, you accept the Privacy Policy as modified.
Personal identification information
We may collect personal identification information from Users in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, when Users visit our site, register on the site, place an order, subscribe to the newsletter, respond to a survey, fill out a form, and in connection with other activities, services, features or resources we make available on our Site. Users may be asked for, as appropriate, name, email address, mailing address, phone number, credit card information. Users may, however, visit our Site anonymously. We will collect personal identification information from Users only if they voluntarily submit such information to us. Users can always refuse to supply personally identification information, except that it may prevent them from engaging in certain Site related activities.
Non-personal identification information
We may collect non-personal identification information about Users whenever they interact with our Site. Non-personal identification information may include the browser name, the type of computer and technical information about Users means of connection to our Site, such as the operating system and the Internet service providers utilized and other similar information.
Web browser cookies
Our Site may use "cookies" to enhance User experience. User's web browser places cookies on their hard drive for record-keeping purposes and sometimes to track information about them. User may choose to set their web browser to refuse cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If they do so, note that some parts of the Site may not function properly.
How we use collected information
Horizons Developmental Resource Center may collect and use Users personal information for the following purposes:

To improve customer service - Information you provide helps us respond to your customer service requests and support needs more efficiently.

To personalize user experience - We may use information in the aggregate to understand how our Users as a group use the services and resources provided on our Site.

To improve our Site - We may use feedback you provide to improve our products and services.

To process payments - We may use the information Users provide about themselves when placing an order only to provide service to that order. We do not share this information with outside parties except to the extent necessary to provide the service.

To run a promotion, contest, survey or other Site feature - To send Users information they agreed to receive about topics we think will be of interest to them.

To send periodic emails - We may use the email address to send User information and updates pertaining to their order. It may also be used to respond to their inquiries, questions, and/or other requests. If User decides to opt-in to our mailing list, they will receive emails that may include company news, updates, related product or service information, etc. If at any time the User would like to unsubscribe from receiving future emails, we include detailed unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of each email or User may contact us via our Site.

How we protect your information
We adopt appropriate data collection, storage and processing practices and security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure or destruction of your personal information, username, password, transaction information and data stored on our Site.

Sensitive and private data exchange between the Site and its Users happens over a SSL secured communication channel and is encrypted and protected with digital signatures.
Sharing your personal information
We do not sell, trade, or rent Users personal identification information to others. We may share generic aggregated demographic information not linked to any personal identification information regarding visitors and users with our business partners, trusted affiliates and advertisers for the purposes outlined above.We may use third party service providers to help us operate our business and the Site or administer activities on our behalf, such as sending out newsletters or surveys. We may share your information with these third parties for those limited purposes provided that you have given us your permission.

Please keep in mind that whenever you voluntarily make your personal information available for viewing by third parties online - for example on message boards, web logs, through email, or in chat areas - that information can be seen, collected and used by others besides us. We cannot be responsible for any unauthorized third-party use of such information.

Some of our third-party advertisers and ad servers that place and present advertising on the Site also may collect information from you via cookies, web beacons or similar technologies. These third-party advertisers and ad servers may use the information they collect to help present their advertisements, to help measure and research the advertisements' effectiveness, or for other purposes. The use and collection of your information by these third-party advertisers and ad servers is governed by the relevant third-party's privacy policy and is not covered by our Privacy Policy. Indeed, the privacy policies of these third-party advertisers and ad servers may be different from ours. If you have any concerns about a third party's use of cookies or web beacons or use of your information, you should visit that party's website and review its privacy policy.
Google Analytics
We also use Google Analytics Advertiser Features to optimize our business. Advertiser features include:

Remarketing with Google Analytics

Google Display Network Impression Reporting

DoubleClick Platform integrations

Google Analytics Demographics and Interest Reporting

By enabling these Google Analytics Display features, we are required to notify our visitors by disclosing the use of these features and that we and third-party vendors use first-party cookies (such as the Google Analytics cookie) or other first-party identifiers, and third-party cookies (such as the DoubleClick cookie) or other third-party identifiers together to gather data about your activities on our Site. Among other uses, this allows us to contact you if you begin to fill out our check-out form but abandon it before completion with an email reminding you to complete your order. The "Remarketing" feature allows us to reach people who previously visited our Site, and match the right audience with the right advertising message.

You can opt out of Google's use of cookies by visiting Google's ad settings and/or you may opt out of a third-party vendor's use of cookies by visiting the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.
Facebook
As advertisers on Facebook and through our Facebook page, we, (not Facebook) may collect content or information from a Facebook user and such information may be used in the same manner specified in this Privacy Policy. You consent to our collection of such information.

We abide by Facebook's Data Use Restrictions.

Any ad data collected, received or derived from our Facebook ad ("Facebook advertising data") is only shared with someone acting on our behalf, such as our service provider. We are responsible for ensuring that our service providers protect any Facebook advertising data or any other information obtained from us, limit our use of all of that information, and keep it confidential and secure.

We do not use Facebook advertising data for any purpose (including retargeting, commingling data across multiple advertisers' campaigns, or allowing piggybacking or redirecting with tags), except on an aggregate and anonymous basis (unless authorized by Facebook) and only to assess the performance and effectiveness of our Facebook advertising campaigns.

We do not use Facebook advertising data, including the targeting criteria for a Facebook ad, to build, append to, edit, influence, or augment user profiles, including profiles associated with any mobile device identifier or other unique identifier that identifies any particular user, browser, computer or device.

We do not transfer any Facebook advertising data (including anonymous, aggregate, or derived data) to any ad network, ad exchange, data broker or other advertising or monetization related service.

Children's Privacy Statement
This children's privacy statement explains our practices with respect to the online collection and use of personal information from children under the age of thirteen, and provides important information regarding their rights under federal law with respect to such information.

This Site is not directed to children under the age of thirteen and we do NOT knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen as part of the Site. We screen users who wish to provide personal information in order to prevent users under the age of thirteen from providing such information. If we become aware that we have inadvertently received personally identifiable information from a user under the age of thirteen as part of the Site, we will delete such information from our records. If we change our practices in the future, we will obtain prior, verifiable parental consent before collecting any personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen as part of the Site.

Because we do not collect any personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen as part of the Site, we also do NOT knowingly distribute such information to third parties.

We do NOT knowingly allow children under the age of thirteen to publicly post or otherwise distribute personally identifiable contact information through the Site.

Because we do not collect any personally identifiable information from children under the age of thirteen as part of the Site, we do NOT condition the participation of a child under thirteen in the Site's online activities on providing personally identifiable information.

Changes to this privacy policy
Horizons Developmental Resource Center has the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. When we do, we will revise the updated date at the bottom of this page. We encourage Users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how we are helping to protect the personal information we collect. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically and become aware of modifications.
Your acceptance of these terms
By using this Site, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our Site. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.
Contacting us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this site, please contact us at:

Horizons Developmental Resource Center
www.DrBeurkens.com
3120 68th Street SE
Caledonia, MI 49316
616-698-0306
info(at)drbeurkens.com
This document was last updated on May 30, 2016

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This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which Beurkens Autism Consulting, Inc. d/b/a Horizons Developmental Resource Center collects, uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users (each, a "User") of the www.DrBeurkens.com website ("Site"). This privacy policy applies to the Site and all products and services offered by Horizons Developmental Resource Center.