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21st-Century Childhood

Child and adolescent psychology in today’s world.

Parenting
Growing Up in a Troubled World

Jenny Perkel on March 4, 2023

Many things can make children anxious and uncertain about the future, from political instability and climate change to pandemics and social inequality.

Many things can make children anxious and uncertain about the future, from political instability and climate change to pandemics and social inequality.

Anger
Has Discipline Become a Dirty Word?

Jenny Perkel on October 11, 2022

Balanced discipline is still important for children. Too much harshness is destructive, but being too permissive leads to other problems.

Balanced discipline is still important for children. Too much harshness is destructive, but being too permissive leads to other problems.

Environment
Why Children Raised in Harsh Conditions Grow Up Quickly

Jenny Perkel on September 16, 2022

A child growing up in poverty will often bear children earlier in life and may engage in more risk-taking behaviours—perhaps even leading to an earlier death.

A child growing up in poverty will often bear children earlier in life and may engage in more risk-taking behaviours—perhaps even leading to an earlier death.

Anger
Understanding Temper Tantrums in Toddlers

Jenny Perkel on September 13, 2022

A tantrum is a toddler's way of communicating that she is furious and completely gutted about not getting something that she wants. Here's how to handle your child's tantrums.

A tantrum is a toddler's way of communicating that she is furious and completely gutted about not getting something that she wants. Here's how to handle your child's tantrums.

Fear
Trapped Inside a Cage of Fear

Jenny Perkel on August 21, 2022

Children who spend their afternoons on screens within their bedroom walls are having their development limited, with real consequences.

Children who spend their afternoons on screens within their bedroom walls are having their development limited, with real consequences.

Health
Treating Troubled Children

Jenny Perkel on August 11, 2022

There are competing theories, often at war with one another, about the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, particularly in children.

There are competing theories, often at war with one another, about the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, particularly in children.

Divorce
The Impact of Divorce on Children

Jenny Perkel on August 4, 2022

Divorce breaks a child’s world apart. The more cooperative parents can be with each other after their split, the better it will be for their kids.

Divorce breaks a child’s world apart. The more cooperative parents can be with each other after their split, the better it will be for their kids.

Adolescence
Why Teenagers Can't Resist Social Media

Jenny Perkel on July 29, 2022

Social media is a constant reminder to teenagers about what they should be wearing, doing, thinking, and believing. The peer group is always there—at the click of a button

Social media is a constant reminder to teenagers about what they should be wearing, doing, thinking, and believing. The peer group is always there—at the click of a button