Another great FCP Conference!
Another great FCP Conference today. Dr. Kindlon helped us to identify the social and emotional challenges that boys and men encounter. His presentation also highlighted the destructive patterns for boys that inhibit nurturing skills as adult men. I thought that his talk was humorous and informative. The four hours went by quickly. Personally, I enjoy competent speakers & I especially enjoy getting CE credits, learning something and being entertained all at the same time. Dr. Kindlon provided such an experience today.
I always try to find some provocative question for this BLOG to stimulate further discussion. Dr. Kindlon’s presentation today did not make this an easy task, since I agreed with most of what he said. On the other hand, he made several controversial statements that deserve further comment. For example, while he clearly stated that addiction to Drugs and Alcohol is bad, perhaps he was minimizing the “Internet” and “Video-Game” addiction that is afflicting boys in today’s society. I am happy that Dr. Kindlon reminded us that parents can turn off the electricity before this problem becomes an “addiction” .
Any other thoughts?
I too enjoyed the FCP conference. It felt like a discussion, rather than a traditional style lecture, which was nice. I thought that one of the most interesting discussions was a reminder of how vital sleep is. Everyone functions more poorly with less sleep. I think that is something as adults we forget. People, of any age, respond similiarly when they have a need that is not met. In connection to your comment about child addictions, Dr. Kindlon addressed a question regarding children that are “self-medicating” and drinking Red Bull and using other substances to increase their energy. These addictions – though viewed as seemingly harmless stimulants – may be manifested in response to an unfulfilled need. Although I don’t quite agree with Dr. Kindlon’s comment to give a kid a cup of coffee (like many adults do to remedy their lack of sleep/energy) I do believe that it draws attention to this need that is not always met. Caffine can become an adiction. Maybe it’s not the best thing to teach kids our addictions. Maybe we need to teach kids how to better take care of themselves. I feel that sometimes we skip that step, at least in the education world.
I agree with you! High energy drinks such as “Red-Bull” and all high caffeine drinks can be addictive for teens. Part of the problem is that caffeine is the most prolific addiction in America. Perhaps these “self-medications” by teens are an attempt to overcome sleep deprivation as suggested by Dr, Kindlon.
Question: Are these teens self-medicating a “sleep-deprivation” condition imposed by parent and school expectations? If so, what can we do to help over achievers? When did average become bad?
Welcome Back! It’s another great Conference Season for Foundations Community Partnership (FCP). On November 5, 2008, Tamar Johnson, Ph.D., will speak on “Strategies for Anxious Children” She will help us to identify the Anxious Child, help reduce their anxiety and OCD symptoms through CBT techniques. On December 3, 2008, Elisabeth Kastelic, M.D., will speak on “Mood Disorders in Children and Adolexcents”.She will help us to: Understand the symptoms, Interpret the course, Indentify risk factors, and treatment principles of mood disorders in youth.
Please visit http://www.fcpartnership.org for more information. Stay tuned to this “BLOG” for further discussion after each conference.
Dan