Teens

Is it normal for a nine-year-old to have body odor?

A mother asks whether she should be concerned about her 11-year-old's sudden interest in girls.

Children normally grow out of the extreme reactions they exhibit when in a medical setting, but will do so on their own timetable.

Even after their first period, girls continue to grow taller, and "regular" menstrual cycles usually do not happen for one to two years more.

How can a mother approach her daughter after reading upsetting revelations in her diary without her daughter's permission?

The best strategy for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight in otherwise well teens is to eat a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables, and to get lots of exercise.

Arguments about room privacy are a normal part of teens pulling away from the influence, control, and authority of their parents.

Since gynecomastia is usually mild, we attempt to reassure boys that it's normal and nothing to worry about.

What should a mother do, if anything, when her 15-year-old becomes sexually active?

A six-year-old should be able to understand that this activity is performed only in private.

A mother wonders what she can say or do to stress to her daughter that drinking and drugs will hurt her.

Should a parent allow her 15-year-old to hang out with a friend who's a troublemaker?

A mother asks what she can do to help her pregnant 18-year-old daughter, who is embroiled in a bad relationship.

How important is it to monitor what a 14-year-old girl is wearing?

A mother asks how to go about finding a good therapist for her reluctant daughter.

Our expert advises a parent on what she can do to put an end to her daughter's harassment in school.

A certain amount of Sex Ed is appropriate for elementary school students. Learn what content is appropriate.

Our expert advises a parent that attempts to "have the upper hand" with a teenager are not going to work anymore.