Researchers have been documenting the many ways children benefit by exposure to outdoor activities, especially natural park and forest setting. Unfortunately, as we are learning more about the positive impact of the outdoor environment, researchers find that children are spending much less time playing outside.

Research increasingly demonstrates the benefits of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is found in small amounts in some foods, such as fatty fish (sardines, tuna), and it is added to some dairy products and cereal. But most of our vitamin D is obtained through exposure to sunlight.

We are learning so much about brain development in children of al ages - from in uteri through adolescence (and even young adulthood). Optimal brain development obviously depends upon the proper nutritional environment - and with enhanced brain development comes improved behavior and learning potential.

Research is now demonstrating the emotional, physical, and mental health benefits of having an "attitude of gratitude". During this season of the year when most American children are focused on "making their lists and checking them twice", we encourage you and your family to shift your focus from receiving to giving - and express gratitude for all your blessings. Gratitude is a learned attitude - so we encourage you to teach your children this important quality.

Unstructured play provides many benefits for children. These benefits include, but are not limited to, the opportunity for children to create and explore their world, to develop new competencies that lead to improved confidence, to determine rules and develop social skills, to practice decision making, and to engage in physical activity while improving coordination and movement planning strategies.

Sometimes the word "risk" gets a bad rap. It is common to assume that a "risk" represents an unhealthy or unwise behavior. Although that is sometimes true, there are times when risk is good.

A national longitudinal study on adolescent health shows that adolescents are less likely to participate in high-risk behaviors when they feel connected to their parents. One of our goals as parents is to make sure we're building and maintaining intimacy with our children. Resnick MD, Bearman PS, et al. Protecting Adolescents from Harm: Findings From the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health 1997:278; 823-832.

Since 1989, national support for legalization of marijuana has tripled - from 16% to 54% now. (Pew Research Center April 4, 2013) Colorado legalized the medical use of marijuana in 2000 and then legalized possession of small amounts of marijuana in January, 2014, so more research is available regarding the potential dangers of marijuana - even casual use.

To encourage you to take on the role of "parent" instead of being your child's friend, consider the following study. The 2006 National Young Driver Survey gathered data on over 5000 high school students. Those who described their parents as having an authoritative parenting style were 50% less likely to have experienced an automobile crash and 71% less likely to drive while intoxicated compared with those whose parents were less involved.

Family meals are powerful for many reasons. First, meal times impact all our senses – the sight, touch, taste, and smell of food as well as listening to family conversation. Family meals offer the opportunity to spend time together, reconnect after a busy day, communicate with and listen to each other, share values and ideas, as well as problem solve.

Family meals are powerful for many reasons. First, meal times impact all our senses – the sight, touch, taste, and smell of food as well as listening to family conversation. Family meals offer the opportunity to spend time together, reconnect after a busy day, communicate with and listen to each other, share values and ideas, as well as problem solve.

Do you have concerns about your child's behavior? Do you wonder which behaviors are normal for your child's age and which behaviors indicate a problem?

Discipline is often viewed negatively in our society and may be equated with harsh punishment. This is unfortunate because discipline actually comes from the Greek word "to disciple", so the word means "to teach, to instruct, to educate".

Gary Chapman, in his classic book, The 5 Love Languages - The Secret to Love That Lasts, discusses the five ways that most people experience love. Each of us tends to have a specific way in which our emotional love tank is filled. Without the constant refilling, we may feel isolated, lonely and depressed. We experience the deepest emotional pain when we do not feel loved!

When we see someone else with an arm injury, our brain signals that our arm also hurts. Our mirror neurons work via signals that come in through our eyes - and so it is important that we help our children look at others' facial expressions and learn to interpret their emotions.

This newsletter will provide research demonstrating the impact of music on brain development, with some hints on how you can easily expose your children to the beneficial effects of music.

This newsletter will provide information on the different types of carbohydrates and sugars in the American diet, along with some research that implies there may be a relationship between sugar intake and behavioral changes in children.

Studies have also shown that highly creative adults grew up in homes that provided "opposites". The parents encouraged uniqueness, but provided rules and stability. The parents were responsive to their children's needs, but challenged the children to learn new skills. The children were adaptable, able to be creative when bored. Creative adults frequently also grew up with hardship - which can help children develop flexibility and problem-solving skills.

In the 1960s, Dr. Diana Baumrind studied over 100 preschool children and their parents. She identified four dimensions of parenting: disciplinary strategies, warmth and nurture, communication styles, and expectations of maturity and control. Based on these factors, Dr. Baumrind described three basic styles of parenting - authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive.

In this newsletter we will provide you with general principles for teaching and instructing your child and adolescent.

Probiotics, prebiotics, and other biologicals are being investigated around the world as a way of preventing disease as well as a method of treatment. "Probiotic" comes from the Greek language meaning "for life". The World Health Organization defines probiotics as "live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host."

Parents feel sad and horrified when they hear of the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child or young teen. We are concerned that we do everything possible to protect our children from such abuse - but what specific actions can we take? How can we help our children and adolescents recognize individuals who might seek sexual favors or who might coerce them into unwanted sexual activities?

We hope this newsletter will give you some easy, practical ideas on how parents today, especially during the holiday season, can encourage the development of generosity.

Unfortunately, most children are now spending a significant amount of time in front of a screen, and even toddlers are proficient at scrolling through a smart phone to find photos or games. Research continues to document the detrimental effects of "screen time" on children and adolescents - and this newsletter will focus specifically on video games.