Teens' biological clocks change during puberty. Adolescents and teens tend to fall asleep later at night and to sleep later in the morning than younger children do. This pattern can cause problems, because school schedules often require that teens get up early for classes. Some teens may become sleep deprived. They may...

Why do teens use tobacco? Many children and teens use tobacco because their friends do. Teens may use tobacco to try to manage their weight. They may use tobacco to rebel against adults or to try to look more mature, independent, and self-confident to their peers. And teens are more likely to use tobacco if their...

How do you know if your child is overweight? Doctors use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts or the body mass index (BMI) to measure a child's weight compared to their height. If you are concerned that your child is—or could become—overweight, talk about this with your child's doctor. The...

A child may have a higher chance of having high cholesterol if he or she: Is overweight. Does not exercise much. Does not eat healthy foods. Has a family history of high cholesterol. Cholesterol tests for children and teens Your child's doctor may suggest a cholesterol test based on your child's age, family history, or...

Adolescent thinking tends to be focused on the present. But adolescents and teens are rapidly learning new skills related to complex reasoning, inductive and deductive reasoning, sensitivity toward others, flexibility, and problem solving. Remind yourself that it is normal for adolescents to have a sense of being...

Although communicating with your teen can be challenging, it is important to continually make the effort. This is especially important when your child acts out with problem behaviors or seems troubled in some way. When attempting to talk with your teen about problems or concerns, schedule a "date" in a private and quiet...

What is teen substance use? Many teens try substances like alcohol or drugs. Some try them only a few times and stop. Teens who keep using substances may form a strong need for them. This can lead to substance use disorder. Substances teens may try include tobacco, alcohol, marijuana or other drugs, household products...

It's important for your child to have regularly scheduled checkups, often called well-child visits, beginning shortly after birth and lasting through the teen years. These appointments allow your doctor to keep a close eye on your child's general health and development. Finding possible problems early gives your child...

Children Doctors weigh children at routine checkups. They plot measurements on a growth chart to see how your child compares physically to other children of the same age. Doctors update the chart at each routine exam to document your child's growth pattern. "Overweight" and "obese" are terms sometimes used when...

The teen years can be a difficult time for both your teen and you. But you can also experience times of pride, laughter, and closeness. The world changes so quickly that you may not recognize the problems your teen may face. Some issues teens face may be choices that involve alcohol and drugs, high-risk sexual behavior...

The urge to conform to their peers (kids the same age) is a normal stage for kids ranging in age from about 12 to 21. At this stage, children start looking to their peers—not their parents—to help them figure out everything from what clothes to wear to how serious to be about school. The one thing that seems to make all...

Looks at depression in children and teens. Covers symptoms like anxiety, headaches, sleep problems, and lack of energy. Discusses treatment with therapy and medicines. Covers warning signs of suicide.

Discusses symptoms of bipolar disorder in children and teens. Covers frequent and extreme mood swings ranging from being overly energetic to depression. Covers treatment with counseling and medicines.

Putting a plan for avoiding alcohol and substance use in writing will help your teen make good decisions in the future. Using the example below, have your teen help you write the contract. Teens feel more responsible for their actions when they are part of the rule-making process. The symbolism of signing a contract...

Physical activity is key to lifelong health and well-being. Children as young as preschool age benefit from exercise and fitness as much as adults do. Being active helps children and teens to: Feel stronger and have more energy to do all the things they like to do. Focus better at school and perform better in sports...

Adolescent medicine specialists are doctors (sometimes internists or pediatricians) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases common to teenagers. Adolescent medicine specialists can be board-certified through the Board of Internal Medicine or the Board of Pediatrics, both of which are...

Some other conditions can cause symptoms that look like depression. Before your child or teen can be diagnosed with depression, a doctor may need to rule out these other conditions. They include: Bipolar disorder. This condition has symptoms that cycle from depression to mania. Other mental conditions. These include...

This interactive tool uses your child's weight and height to compare your child's size to that of other children the same age. The tool covers what the results mean and next steps.

Most parents are nervous about their teenager driving a car. As a parent, you are right in your concern. Many teens learn to drive by taking driver's education classes. While teens are learning to drive, they need to get as much experience as possible with another adult in the car. If you are unable to help your teen...