Puberty and a Child’s Brain

Puberty is a Brain-Changer

Cracking voices, body odor and wild mood swings – all indicators of the long-awaited and sometimes dreaded period in every adolescents’ life – we’re talking puberty. Most youth are well-aware of the physical changes they can expect their bodies to go through, but do they know the impact of puberty on their brains? Are your children aware that all these hormonal changes affect the way they feel, think and act? If not, it is important to have the other half of, “the talk” with your child. Biologically speaking, puberty begins when the brain signals the release of certain hormones into the bloodstream. This typically occurs somewhere between the ages of 8 to 14 for girls, and 11 to 17 for boys. The onset of puberty varies greatly among individuals and is a process that can take years. Regardless of gender or age however, puberty causes dramatic changes to the brain. Youth need to be aware of the mental and emotional changes that accompany puberty, along with healthy ways to cope with the roller-coaster ride of ups and downs. Let your child know that they are likely to experience a number of new feelings and emotions during puberty: Feeling Sensitive: Their body is changing and they may feel awkward and self-conscious about it. They may feel extra-sensitive when someone criticizes or teases them. It may take very little to set them off and they may question if what they are feeling is “normal.” They may also feel like no one understands them. Intense Emotions: Their emotions are likely to become stronger and more intense. What used to be a “like” is now a “love!” What used to be a dislike is now a “hate!” What used to be a “little envy” is now “extreme jealousy.” Mood Swings: Their emotions seem to flip-flop back and forth. They may be laughing and seemingly feeling happy one minute, then they are suddenly in tears and immensely sad the next. They may be getting along just fine with siblings, then out of nowhere they are screaming at them. Romantic Feelings: While they may have had a romantic thought or two about another person before, the way they feel now is different, more intense. Or, having romantic feelings and thoughts may be a completely new experience for them altogether. Conflict: They may begin to have stronger opinions or opinions that are independent from family members. This may cause them to question family rules and values. They may seek more freedom and space, which may lead to conflict with parents, friends or others. Reassure your child that all of this is a natural part of growing up and that none of these feelings or emotions make him/her strange or weird. In addition to reassuring children, you can help by sharing healthy ways for them to cope with the stress of puberty. Remind them that they are not alone and that even peers who appear to be sailing smoothly through puberty are likely struggling with the same feelings. Encourage them to gather more information on the topic, because like anything else, knowing the facts can make it less challenging to go through. Remind them that you are there for them, ready to listen, ready to answer questions and ready to provide guidance (if asked). For the times they prefer to talk to someone other than mom or dad, encourage them to reach out to a trusted friend who is a good listener and will allow them to vent and get things off their chest. Many adolescents find that hanging out with their friends, writing, drawing, getting active or even just sitting back listening to music serve as a great stress-relievers. While puberty typically brings to mind the changing of one’s outward appearance, there are big changes occurring inwardly as well. While it is important to give your growing adolescent some space and increased freedom, it is also important to make it clear that you are still right there for him/her, providing information, encouragement and support. Sources: PBS Kids: Puberty – Brain Changes, Strange Changes. Seven Counties Services, Inc., Angela Oswalt, MSW, edited by Mark Dombeck, Ph.D.: Mental/Emotional/Social Changes through Puberty.

Know Drugs

This sight will help parents identify drugs by name and by sight. Thanks go to Knowdrugs.org

Parents Making A Difference

Without question, Talking With Your Children is extremely important in our efforts to protect our kids from alcohol and drugs.  But there are other things that we need to do as parents to be effectively involved in preventing alcohol and drug problems for our kids and in our families.

Before we review our Ten Tips for Parents, there are two important points to be aware of:

1. Why is there so much focus on keeping kids alcohol and drug free?

Recent scientific research has found that the longer an individual postpones the onset (first use) of alcohol, tobacco or other drug use, the less likely the individual is to develop an addiction or other lifelong problems, including depression.

2. The Power of Parents: Believe it or not, parents are the most powerful influence on their kids when it comes to drugs.  Recent research has found that 2 out of 3 kids ages 13-17 say that losing their parents’ respect is one of the main reasons they don’t drink alcohol, smoke marijuana or use other drugs.

So then, as a parent, what can I do use my influence to encourage or promote prevention efforts with my children?  Here are Ten Tips for Parents:

1)     Don’t Be Afraid to be the “Bad” Parent:  Sometimes, our fear of negative reaction from our kids keeps us from doing what is right.  When it comes to alcohol and drugs, taking a tough stand can help our children to say no….“my mom or my dad would kill me if I drank or used.”  Our decisions and our rules allow our child to use us as “the reason” for not using alcohol or drugs.

2)     Connect With Your Child’s Friends:  Pay attention to who your child is hanging out with, who’s coming to the house and get to know them.  Encourage your child’s friends to come to your home, invite them for dinner and make them feel welcomed.  Encourage your child to invite friends over to the house.

3)     Make Connections With Other Parents Too:  As you get to know your kids friends, take the opportunity to introduce yourself to his/her parents.  It’s a great way to build mutual support and share your rules about alcohol and drugs.  And, it will make it easier for you to call if your son/daughter is going to a party at their house to make sure that there will be responsible parental supervision.

4)     Promote Healthy Activities:  Help your kids, and their friends, learn how to have fun, and fight off the dreaded “I’m bored.”  Physical games, activities and exercise are extremely important because of the positive physical and mental benefits.  Encourage kids to become engaged in other school and community activities such as music, sports, arts or a part-time job.  The more your children are active, the less time they have to get caught up in the pressure from peers to drink alcohol and use drugs.

5)     Establish Clear Family Rules About Alcohol and Drugs:  Setting specific, clear rules is the foundation for parental efforts in prevention, some ideas:

• Kids under 21 will not drink alcohol
• Kids will not ride in a car with someone who has been drinking or using drugs
• Older brothers and sisters will not encourage younger kids to drink or use drugs
• Kids under 21 will not host parties at our home without parental supervision
• Kids will not stay at a kid’s party where alcohol or drugs are present.

Consistent enforcement of the rules, with consequences, if needed is essential.  Without consequences the rules have no value and will not work.

6)     Get Educated About Alcohol and Drugs:  You cannot rely on your own personal experiences or common sense to carry you through.  Your ability to provide family leadership in prevention requires you to be better educated.  As a start, visit Learn About Alcohol and Learn About Drugs.  And, as you learn, share what you are learning with your spouse and your kids.

7)     Be a Role Model and Set a Positive Example:  Bottom line…. from a kid’s perspective, what you do is more important than what you say!  Research studies show that parents who drink alcohol or use drugs are more likely to have kids who drink or use.  If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation; if you use medication, use only as directed, and do not use illegal drugs.  If you host a party, always serve alternative non-alcoholic beverages and do not let anyone drink and drive.

8)     Keep Track of Your Child’s Activities:  Asking questions, keeping track, checking in are all important.  Research has found that young people who are not regularly monitored by their parents are four times more likely to use alcohol or drugs.  Make the time to know what is happening in your child’s life – especially in families where both parents work outside of the home, life is busy but you must find time for your children – know what they are up to!

9)     Keep Track of Alcohol and Prescription Drugs:  For kids, the most common source of alcohol and prescription drugs is parents.  Make sure that your home is not a source of alcohol or prescription drugs for your kids or their friends.

10) Get Help!:  If at any point you suspect that your child is having a problem with alcohol and/or drugs (What to Look For), get help.  Don’t wait.  You are not alone.

AS A PARENT, YOU CAN HELP PREVENT YOUR CHILD FROM BECOMING ADDICTED TO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS. 

TAKING ACTION IS PREVENTION

For additional information, Learn About Alcohol, Learn About Drugs or Get Help may be helpful.

Sleep Better

May is nationally recognized as Better Sleep Month in an effort to bring awareness to the importance of sleep and to encourage people of all ages to improve their sleep patterns.

We know that sleep is essential to our physical, mental and emotional well-being. Those who get it live longer, better, healthier lives. Those who don’t get it suffer the consequences: reduced memory, alertness and concentration, irritability and mood swings, stress and a weakened immune system. Lack of sleep makes us less productive at work or in school and our ability to reason and problem solve is compromised. If poor sleep continues or sleep disorders develop, we are at greater risk for substance abuse (self-medicating with alcohol or tranquilizers to promote sleep and/or abusing stimulants to remain awake and alert) and obesity as well as a number of diseases including diabetes, osteoporosis, hypertension, cardiac disease, stroke and certain cancers. There is no way around it; healthy sleep is an absolute necessity.

When it comes to children and teens in particular, a newly released study by the National Sleep Foundation revealed that young children and teens are getting neither the quality nor the quantity of healthy sleep that they desperately need.

While sleep needs vary for different age groups, and even among individuals, the general rule of thumb according to the National Sleep Foundation is:

School-age children (5-10 years of age) need between 10 -11 hours of sleep

Teens (11-17 years of age) need between 8.5-9.5 hours of sleep

Adults (18 and older) need between 7-9 hours of sleep

While the amount of sleep is vitally important, quality of sleep is also key. Electronic distractions appear to be the number one culprit preventing our children from getting quality sleep; with 3 out of 4 kids aged 6-17 having at least one electronic device in the bedroom. In addition to the brain being stimulated from the activity, experts say the background screen light of even a small cell phone or iPod is enough to disrupt brain chemicals.

Follow these tips for improving your child’s quality of sleep:

► Set appropriate and consistent bedtimes for each individual child;
► Require all electronics to be turned off and put away one hour prior to bedtime;
► Encourage a relaxing bedtime routine like reading or listening to soothing music;
► Create a dark, quiet, comfortable and cool environment (between 54 and 75 degrees);
► Set a good example with your own healthy sleep habits.

For more information on achieving better sleep, visit the National Sleep Foundation.

Sources: National Sleep Foundation: How Much Sleep Do We Really Need?, What Health: Better Sleep Month 2014.

Frequently Asked Questions about Prescription Drugs

FAQs

If a prescription is written by a doctor, isn’t it safe?

Not when it is misused or abused.  Many people think that abusing prescription drugs is safer than abusing illicit/street drugs, but they can be JUST as dangerous. The fact of the matter is, there are a number of things that are required to make a drug as “safe” as it can be. These safety measures include making sure physicians know about all your medical history and prescription activities when you acquire the prescription medication, and taking it as directed for the purposes that the physician intended.

Prescription drugs can have powerful effects both emotionally and physically within body.  This is true of many prescriptions.  Combinations of drugs can change the way  these drugs are processed.  Adding alcohol can further devastate the intended purpose of the medications.  

These dangers are why there are laws against sharing prescriptions with others, no matter the good intention. 

Where can I dispose of my meds?

The Indiana Attorney General’s Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force is working on increasing access to disposal locations.  There are several events held on a yearly or monthly basis, as well as multiple sites where you can return your prescription drugs year-round.  You can find a location near you on our Medicine Disposal page.

Why can’t I just return these potentially dangerous drugs to the pharmacy where I purchased them?

The Indiana Attorney General’s Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force is developing a pilot program that will help pharmacies navigate and streamline the highly regulated process of medicine disposal.  Until then, many counties allow disposal at law enforcement sites and other locations. Learn more about this and other disposal options on our Medicine Disposal & Safe Storage page.

Which drugs are most commonly abused?

Any drug has the potential to be misused or abused.  The three most common are:

• Painkillers (opioid  or narcotic pain relievers) are shared/sold to get high, dull pain or to change a mood
• Depressants (treats anxiety or sleep disorders) are often used to “relax or wind down,” or come back down after stimulant use
• Stimulants (for attention deficit disorders) for staying awake or come back up after depressants

All of these drugs have a powerful effect on the brain, and when abused, can cause serious damage and even death. Learn more about prescription drug abuse on our Signs & Symptoms page.

Why are painkillers so dangerous?

Painkillers, or opioids, are powerful medications used to relieve pain.  They have a purpose, but also have addictive properties and should be used only as directed and with that consideration in mind.  These medications can include, for example, Vicodin®, Percocet®, and morphine. These medications reduce the perception of pain. They can also produce drowsiness, mental confusion and slow breathing. Taking too much, too fast or in conjunction with the wrong thing can have serious consequences, dramatically slowing your breathing, and potentially causing death. Learn more about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs on our Signs & Symptoms page.

What is a “controlled substance”?

A controlled substance is any drug or chemical that can be regulated by the government. This can include both illegal and prescription drugs. The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) was enacted by the Congress of the United States in 1970. Not every drug is federally regulated — some are regulated by state governments.  

I think someone I know has a real problem. What should I do?

Addiction or abuse should only be treated by a health care professional. If someone you know is struggling with prescription drug abuse or addiction, refer them to treatment. Learn more about treatment options and locations at our Get Help Now page.

How can I talk to my teenager about prescription drugs?

We strongly encourage talking to your children about prescription drugs. Visit our page for Parents and Teens for more information and advice, and visit the websites on our Resources page.

Aren’t prescription drugs a young person’s problem?

Prescription drug abuse does not discriminate against age, race, gender or income. Anyone can be at risk. Learn more about the epidemichere.

Is there anything being done in Indiana to study the deaths involved?

The Indiana Attorney General’s Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force is working on many ways to improve the data available on Hoosier deaths.  There are also other offices throughout the state working to help collect and learn from this data. 

“When a cause of death is determined as stated on a death certificate, what is listed on the document is the “Primary” cause of the decedent’s death.  Due to the complexity of the cases, all elements of the autopsy and toxicology findings are examined.  Substances, including prescription drugs, are often found to be contributory factors in a person’s death.  The levels of the substances in the system are reviewed and only if found in significant amounts will they be listed on a public document as the “Primary” cause of death.  We know that when drugs are abused and taken inappropriately, that there are behavioral and unintentional consequences.  In fact, there is ongoing research being done here at the Coroner’s office to look at the various substances that are present in a decedent’s toxicology screen in cases of suicide.  We collect this information to study what role that these drugs might have played in that person’s death as they often can impair a person’s decisions and behaviors.  – Marion County Chief Deputy Coroner Alfarena Ballew

What to Expect as your Teen Develops: Ages 15-18

So, your teen has entered high school, and soon, she will be off to college or entering the workforce. While you’ve been helping your child to prepare for adult independence and responsibility all along, it’s important to realize that your teen’s plans for herself may be different from what you want.

Listen to your teen’s thoughts about the future. Support and respect his decisions, and offer ideas about what you think he might be good at . Encourage your teen to get involved in the community, and help him connect with other caring adults who can positively influence his development.

Click on the links below for a developmental overview of this age group.

• Intellectual Development

• Physical Development

• Social Development

• Emotional Development

• Spiritual Development

Parenting Tips

Parenting skills: Tips for raising teens

Helping an adolescent become a caring, independent and responsible adult is no small task. Understand the parenting skills you need to help guide your teen.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Adolescence can be a confusing time of change for teens and parents alike. But while these years can be difficult, there’s plenty you can do to nurture your teen and encourage responsible behavior. Use these parenting skills to deal with the challenges of raising a teen.

Show your love

One of the most important parenting skills needed for raising healthy teens involves positive attention. Spend time with your teen to remind him or her that you care. Listen to your teen when he or she talks, and respect your teen’s feelings. Also, keep in mind that only reprimanding your teen and never giving him or her any justified praise can prove demoralizing. For every time you discipline or correct your teen, try to compliment him or her twice.

If your teen doesn’t seem interested in bonding, keep trying. Regularly eating meals together may be a good way to stay connected to your teen. Better yet, invite your teen to prepare the meal with you. On days when you’re having trouble connecting with your teen, consider each doing your own thing in the same space. Being near each other could lead to the start of a conversation. You might also encourage your teen to talk to other supportive adults, such as an uncle or older cousin, for guidance.

Minimize pressure

Don’t pressure your teen to be like you were or wish you had been at his or her age. Give your teen some leeway when it comes to clothing and hairstyles. It’s natural for teens to rebel and express themselves in ways that differ from their parents.

If your teen shows an interest in body art — such as tattoos and piercings — make sure he or she understands the health risks, such as skin infections, allergic reactions, and hepatitis B and C. Also talk about potential permanence or scarring.

As you allow your teen some degree of self-expression, remember that you can still maintain high expectations for your teen and the kind of person he or she will become.

Encourage cybersafety

Get to know the technology your teen is using and the websites he or she visits. If possible, keep the computer in a common area in your home. Remind your teen to practice these basic safety rules:

• Don’t share personal information online.
• Don’t share passwords.
• Don’t get together with someone you meet online.
• Don’t send anything in a message you wouldn’t say face to face.
• Don’t text or chat on the phone while driving.
• Don’t plagiarize.
• Talk to a parent or trusted adult if an interaction or message makes you uncomfortable.