18_yr_FAQ.html

HOW DO I PREVENT MY CHILD FROM USING DRUGS?
Discuss with your adolescent the dangers of drug use and abuse, but most of all teach by example. Even if you don’t consider alcohol to be a drug, it is. Discuss with your child the difference between social drinking and addiction.

HOW DO I DEAL WITH MY ADOLESCENT’S DAILY BEHAVIOR CHANGES AND MOODS?
Accept them as being completely normal and just a part of adolescence. Physiologically, behavior changes and mood swings are due to fluctuations in hormones - this fact explains them but does not make them any easier to cope with. Be patient and supportive - they will pass.

HOW CAN I REACH MY ADOLESCENT?
Be available to him when he is in need of someone to talk to and/or a shoulder to cry on. Be open and honest but most important, listen and be supportive and loving, not dictatorial and judgmental.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY DAUGHTER PERFORM A BREAST EXAM?
Your daughter should perform a breast exam monthly at the same time of month.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY DAUGHTER HAVE A PELVIC EXAM?
Your daughter should have a pelvic exam prior to starting on any oral contraceptive medications and anytime she is experiencing difficulty with her periods or is having vaginal discharge or pain.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY SON OR DAUGHTER IS DEPRESSED AND IF SO, WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR HIM
OR HER?
Your son or daughter may often demonstrate behaviors which suggest they are depressed. It is often difficult to differentiate normal adolescent behavior from depression. Typical behaviors seen in adolescents when observed together as a whole can imply depression. These behaviors when expressed individually do not by themselves indicate depression. Behaviors to be aware of include: poor sleep, excessive sleep (sleep disturbances), avoidance of socializing with usual peer group, alcohol use, drug use, smoking or tobacco use, paint or solvent inhalation, changes in dress or accessories, changes in hair style or jewelry wear, inability to make eye contact, low or quiet voice, speech which is flat or without inflections in tone, sudden onset of promiscuity or dangerous sexual behavior, sudden interest in weapons, unusual outbursts of anger or physical assault, changes in appetite, confrontations with police or other officials, sudden sadness about unusual events. If 3 or more of the above behaviors are occurring together, this may indicate depression. Your doctor can help you evaluate and, if necessary, treat or refer your child for help.

HOW CAN I PREVENT SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND UNWANTED PREGNANCY?
Sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy are best prevented by avoiding sexual activity. Limiting sexual partners in a lifetime to one, or less than three, may also assist in preventing sexually transmitted diseases. If you are sexually active, condoms in addition to another form of birth control, such as
spermacidal foam or DepoProvera, will help avoid venereal disease and pregnancy. Condoms, even when used correctly, may still fail to protect against herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, venereal warts, syphilis, hepatitis B or HIV especially if you have multiple sex partners or very frequent sexual activity. Rectal intercourse has been shown to be a major cause of colon cancer in women. If you are female and sexually active, you should have a pelvic exam and start contraceptives to avoid pregnancy. If you get a sexually transmitted disease through a virus (herpes, hepatitis B, venereal warts, HIV) you will have that disease your entire life and will likely spread it to your future husband or wife. You may even give a sexually transmitted disease to your children through birth.
DOES MY ADOLESCENT SLEEP TOO MUCH?
Adolescents sleep a varied amount of hours and will often sleep more than 8 hours (even 10 to 12 hours) when growing. We recommend a minimum of 8 to 10 hours a day. Often children with a busy study activity or sports schedule will cheat their night time sleep and nap for 1 to 4 hours during the day. If a child sleeps more than 10 hours consistently depression may be a cause.
IS IT TRUE THAT CHILDREN NEED MORE SLEEP WHEN THEY ARE GOING THROUGH A GROWTH SPURT?
Yes, it is true that children need more sleep when they are going through a growth spurt.