Press
Dr. Barbara Greenberg is frequently sought out by newspapers, magazine writers and TV for her expert advice on parenting, teenage, lifestyle and relationship issues. She has commented on various topics for several newspapers and magazines including the New York Times, Seventeen Magazine and The Chicago Tribune. She has appeared on many TV shows ranging from Good Morning America to CNN. As both a clinical psychologist and a mother she has a well-informed perspective on a wide range of parenting and teen issues. Similarly, she is the go-to person for lifestyle and relationship issues
Yahoo!Life, January 31, 2024, Marcia Kester Doyle
It requires an open and direct conversation that is free from judgment when understanding a grandparent’s desire not to babysit.
“Some grandparents may feel resentful that they are being put into a child care role when they feel it is their turn to enjoy a phase of life where they are free to pursue other interests,” says clinical psychologist Barbara Greenberg.
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Yahoo!Life, December 19, 2023, Kerry Justich
Why Santa Claus still has a hold on us
“In many ways he lets adults act like kids again by revisiting traditions every year,” clinical psychologist Barbara Greenberg tells Yahoo Life. “He brings to us an escape from reality, regardless of what is going on in the world.”
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Yahoo!Life, December 14, 2023, Kerry Justich
McDonald’s has adult Happy Meals. Why grown-ups are lovin’ them.
In a campaign collaborating with Kerwin Frost,
McDonalds is using nostalgia to connect with consumers and bring back joyous, familiar feelings through their new adult Happy Meals.
“Who doesn’t want to play? Who doesn’t want to experience being a kid again without the responsibility of adulthood?” says clinical psychologist Barbara Greenberg.
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Business Insider, November 5, 2023, Terri Peters
I Was Worried I Was Taking the Relationship With My Child for Granted.
It can be easy to take the relationship you share with your children for granted. As parents we must intentionally make efforts to spend one-on-one time with them. This time is vital for discussing sensitive issues with kids.
“It’s important for parents not to turn the easy kid into the invisible kid.” said clinical psychologist Barbara Greenberg.
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Mindsite News, October 6, 2023, Sarah Henry
Does “Shrinking” Have Any Real-Life Therapists? Nah, They’re Just Playing Them Onscreen
For some, the show defies credibility and is an offense to the therapeutic community. “I find nothing amusing about it,” says clinical psychologist Barbara Greenberg, who flags the lack of professional boundaries and inappropriate behavior with patients, as well as the fact that while Jimmy purportedly works at a cognitive behavioral therapy center, there is no cognitive therapy going on.
“The therapy serves his needs, not his patients. We are bound by a code of ethics and we take this extremely seriously. People who are new to therapy may not be aware of professional ethics, and this show may affect their expectations,” says Greenberg, who practices in Fairfield County, Connecticut and is an advisor to MindSite News. “In therapy, we guide our patients. We do not demand that they change their behavior. There are many people who are reluctant to enter therapy. Watching this show certainly does not make anyone more likely to go. I find this series problematic and ridiculous.”
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USA Today, September 28, 2023, Nicole Fallert
Travis Kelce’s ex, Taylor Swift and when we call someone a ‘girl’s girl’
So what happens when someone is not a girl’s girl? Herein we see the paradox: If a woman chooses to behave alternatively, it creates a slippery slope for finger-pointing, according to Barbara Greenberg, a clinical psychologist with expertise in female relationships.
This gives permission to be judge-y,” Greenberg said. “You’re either a girl’s girl or your not … Any time there’s a very strong label like this, there’s a risk for it to be used as a weapon.”
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Yahoo, September 21, 2023, Kerry Justich
“It’s deeply distressing to get a bad haircut or a haircut that you don’t like,” says clinical psychologist Barbara Greenberg. “A person’s hair is a very strong part of their identity.”
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Yahoo, September 15, 2023, Kerry Justich
“Everybody has moments during the day where they feel like they’re overwhelmed, that they’re not going to be able to recover from rough moments,” Barbara Greenberg, an adolescent psychologist, tells Yahoo Life. “Concepts like the Unwell Network and Hot Mess send the message of how do you deal with being unwell? You can talk about feeling unwell, it becomes normalized.”
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Yahoo,
“Instead of saying, ‘I’m mad at myself’ or ‘You’ve dumped me,’ Taylor is saying ‘I don’t like your games. I don’t like your lies,’” Greenberg tells Yahoo Entertainment. “It’s about ownership. She’s reclaiming her own story.”
“You associate different songs with different relationships,” she says. “A song provides a backdrop, and that song helps to stimulate the feelings. Adults, whatever their sexuality is, we think about these relationships often because our personal history is important to us. These emotions, there is something very cathartic and wonderful about feeling them again.”
Having a roster of songs that connect hard-to-explain feelings with specific memories might also help to navigate our present-day choices, Greenberg says.
“People who can talk about songs that describe their experiences are often the healthiest people because they’re not afraid to revisit those intense feelings,” she explains. “Revisiting those feelings can be healthy! For example, you might know this person broke your heart, and maybe you’re starting to feel the same thing with somebody new in your life. So, reconnecting with what happened to you as a young person could help you make better choices about who you’re involved with now.”
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The Points Guy, Aug. 10, 2023, Tarah Chieffi
Superstitious flyer? A psychologist reveals the meaning behind the rituals
The Points Guy spoke with clinical psychologist and author Barbara Greenberg to learn the meaning behind flying superstitions and whether they can be harmful or helpful to air travelers.
“It is true that driving a car is more dangerous than flying in an airplane, but there is a sense of perceived control when you are behind the wheel of your car,” Greenberg told TPG. “Being up in the air, on the other hand, feels very unnatural. You feel like you have no control, and you are completely at the mercy of the flight crew.”
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Yahoo, August 3, 2023, Beth Greenfield
Why should parents consider therapy?
For starters, stresses Barbara Greenberg, a teen-focused therapist based in Connecticut, parents taking care of their own mental health sets a clear example. “We know the most powerful way to learn is by observational learning, or role modeling,” she tells Yahoo Life. “So if parents model that they are prioritizing their own mental health, it’s a powerful message” for their teen to receive.
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Orlando Parenting, July 25, 2023, Terri Peters
Can Teens Attend Halloween Horror Nights 2023? How to Know if They’re Ready
Barbara Greenberg, a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with teens and families, says making the decision to take a teen to an event like HHN is about more than a numerical age. Instead, Greenberg suggests parents consider a tool called the Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale, which measures how much thrill and adventure an individual is comfortable with.
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Insider, July 29, 2023, Terri Peters
Barbara Greenberg, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in adolescents and families, says taking just one child on a trip is a great idea, especially during the teenage years when communication can be more challenging. “You might learn a lot more about that one child when they’re alone,” she said. “When a child doesn’t have to compete for attention, you may see a different side of them — a child who’s more eager to talk.”
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Insider, July 11, 2023 , Terri Peters
I had bariatric surgery and lost 85 pounds. Here’s how I talked to my 12-year-old daughter about it.
Barbara Greenberg, a clinical psychologist who specializes in teens and parenting, said that when it comes to talking to a teenage girl about weight-loss surgery, the first step is to be honest. “Talk to your kids before you have it,” Greenberg said. “A teenage daughter knows there are things going on. The worst thing to do would be to avoid it.”
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The Points Guy June 23, 2023 Tarah Chieffi
8 superstitious things people do before they fly
“Both passengers and pilots alike report having flying superstitions,” psychologist and author Dr. Barbara Greenberg said. “Passengers often feel lots of anxiety because they feel out of control in the air. The superstitions give them a feeling of control and relieve some anxiety, at least enough to make flying tolerable,” Greenberg added.
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May 30, 2023 Yahoo Life Maressa Brown
Though no one wants to shell out $4,500 to learn how valuable communication is, this situation was “a very expensive teaching moment,” Barbara Greenberg, a Connecticut-based teen and adolescent psychologist, tells Yahoo Life.
“The mother was very generous in purchasing the tickets, but she made an assumption that she’d go with the daughter,” says Greenberg. “I understand her hurt feelings, but she didn’t clarify that she expected to go, and she didn’t clarify her feelings and her daughter really couldn’t read her mind.”
The lesson here, according to Greenberg: “Never make assumptions, and speak about what your expectations are.”
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How to get through TV sex scenes with your teens without dying of embarrassment
Don’t expect the discussion to be fun, of course. “It’s always awkward,” Greenberg says. “They don’t want to watch these scenes with you either. They’d much rather watch them without you.”
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March 10, 2023 Insider, Andrew Lloyd
Dr. Barbara Greenberg is a clinical psychologist based in Fairfield County, Connecticut, who specializes in parenting, adolescence, and communication. She told Insider in her three decades of experience, the topic of children overhearing their parents in bed is one that “comes up repeatedly.”
Greenberg said there are two elements to consider in order to determine whether this could potentially be a traumatic experience for the child. “If the child doesn’t talk to anybody about it, and hears screaming repeatedly, and doesn’t have a context for it, that could be traumatic,” she said. “If it’s a one-time incident, and the child is confused, but not alarmed, that would be less likely to be a trauma.”
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February 20, 2023 MindSiteNews, Sarah Henry
Prince Harry and His Decade of Magical Thinking
Greenberg, an advice columnist for MindSite News, has weighed in on sibling relationships through the lens of Spare. She notes that in the age of COVID, many people have faced multiple losses in quick succession, including an uptick in suicides. She welcomes the discussions triggered by the wildly popular book, especially because too often, Greenberg says, dealing with grief is glossed over. “Harry’s done a wonderful thing, a service, by making his grief central to his memoir,” she says.
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February 9, 2023 MindSiteNews, Ask Barbara: Advice from a Teen and Child Psychologist
What is going on with my perfect child?
I have been hearing about this issue over and over again from the kids and adults labeled as the perfect children in their families. Most children want to please and be recognized for their accomplishments. Nonetheless, there is a hefty price to pay for being in that category. This price is paid in childhood and often throughout adulthood, long after the kids have left the childhood home.
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February 2, 2023 MindSiteNews, Ask Barbara: Advice from a Teen and Child Psychologist
How can I get my easygoing mom back again?
Your mother, like so many others, has been dealing with the fear of COVID-19, the inability to engage in her usual decompression activities, and social isolation. In addition, there have been all kinds of ambiguity about when life will normalize and when life might be safer. Ambiguity or lack of clarity is extremely difficult for everyone to deal with. I am sure that you miss your mother’s usual calm style.
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January 26, 2023 MindSiteNews, and
Sibling relationships and Prince Harry’s memoir
In a post about Spare, teen psychologist Dr. Barbara Greenberg said she is extremely grateful that Prince Harry wrote it, noting that “sibling relationships can be sources of joy as well as sources of the deepest pain and disappointment.”
“Ultimately, what I am seeing is that this book is a Rorschach testfor those weighing in on it,” she writes. “Both readers and non-readers are projecting their own sibling experiences onto it. In at least one book club that I am aware of, many readers are praising Prince Harry for taking a risk and being open about his feelings despite the possible emotional cost. Some are feeling that they, like Harry, are not understood and emotionally validated or supported by their siblings. Still others feel that what happens between siblings should remain private and treated as privileged and confidential material.”
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January 11, 2023 MindSiteNews, Ask Barbara: Advice from a Teen and Child Psychologist
“How can I control the anger I feel toward my family for not helping with chores?”
Certainly, anger can be a healthy emotion. It is a signal to us that something is not right. It can motivate us to check in with ourselves and our relationships and figure out what may not be going so well. In my consultation room, I encourage people of all ages to attend to their anger before it gets out of hand. If anger is attended to early on, it is significantly less likely to evolve into pent-up rage, which can destroy relationships and mental health.
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December 14, 2022 MindSiteNews, Ask Barbara: Advice from a Teen and Child Psychologist
“Does my son have seasonal affective disorder or the winter blues?”
Sadly, this is the time of year when patient after patient begins to talk about the winter blues, and I’ve had the opportunity to correspond about it before. Certainly, there are those who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as Major Depression with Seasonal Pattern—and if your son is experiencing suicidal feelings, hopelessness, and difficulty functioning, then please seek help immediately.
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December 7, 2022 MindSiteNews, Ask Barbara: Advice from a Teen and Child Psychologist
“My husband doesn’t take my depression seriously”
Thank you for writing to me. I have written about depression in marriages before, and it does sound as though your husband is threatened by the thought that you need help. If you feel that your husband has been avoiding you, then you are probably right. You have known him for many years and you are describing a significant change in behavior.
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November 18, 2022, YahooLife, Beth Greenfield
This is a mix of confusion, big feelings and, in some younger cases, the not-so-surprising results of having a teenage brain, says adolescent-focused psychologist Barbara Greenberg.
“It’s a misuse of the term,” she tells Yahoo Life of “survivor’s guilt,” noting that it’s not the first example of its kind, with “trauma” also being frequently misused on social media.
“Of course, it’s the teen brain in action,” she continues, “because something that should just be a low-level emotion — my friend didn’t get a ticket — in the teen brain, where they don’t have the kind of emotional control they will hopefully have when they’re older, it is registering very intensely.”
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November 16, 2022 MindSiteNews, Ask Barbara: Advice from a Teen and Child Psychologist
Rejection is served up in all sorts of ways and is never easy. It is clear, though, that you will encounter rejection in all sorts of ways during your lifetime. Because of that, it’s good to think about how to deal with it most effectively.
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November 10, 2022 MindSiteNews, Ask Barbara: Advice from a Teen and Child Psychologist
You are describing a very common problem that women of all ages experience — feeling that their bodies are too large even if they are strong, beautiful, and healthy. The female body does undergo a transformation during puberty and many females are both unprepared for and uncomfortable with this.
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October 27, 2022 MindSiteNews, Ask Barbara: Advice from a Teen and Child Psychologist
You are right to have concerns about your grandson’s girlfriend. With her history of severe anorexia nervosa, her pattern of overeating quickly and then making excuses to visit the bathroom right after each meal is worrisome.
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October 19, 2022, MindSiteNews, Ask Barbara: Advice from a Teen and Child Psychologist
It looks like my friend is getting divorced. What can I possibly say to make her feel better?
There is no playbook for how to handle friends’ disclosures of the breakdown of a marriage. As a result, I am offering up some suggestions of what to say and what not to say.
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October 5, 2022, MindSiteNews, Ask Barbara: Advice from a Teen and Child Psychologist
My teen daughter is rude, selfish and lazy. Will she be this way as an adult?
The short answer is no.
Parents of teens worry that their often difficult and frequently unlikeable teens have entered a phase from which they will not emerge. I am here, today, to give you hope that as your teens enter young adulthood, which is somewhere in the mid to late 20s, they will change and become significantly easier.
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June 28, 2022, YahooLife, Beth Greenfield
“If your child comes to you with information about another child, your child is clearly signaling you that it’s too much for them to carry and that they need your help,” Barbara Greenberg, Connecticut-based teen and adolescent psychologist, tells Yahoo Life. Then, when they do unload, she says, the way you react is crucial. “When your child tells you, listen very carefully with as little emotion as possible, because you’ll get more information if you don’t show signs of fear or aggravation or anxiety,” she says. “If you start getting escalated, your child is going to shut down.”
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June 4, 2022, LifeHacker, Lindsey Ellefson
What Your Sexts (or Lack Thereof) Say About Your Relationship
“If you’re in a committed relationship, people often do things via text that they don’t have the courage to do when they’re in person,” Greenberg said, pointing to another revelation from the study: Sexters reported not liking their partner to look at their phones. If something is ultimately going to drive a wedge in your trust, it might not be worth pursuing, even if it seems like everyone is doing it. The most important thing, she reiterated, is to be open and communicative.
Check out the rest of the article above.
May 25, 2022, YahooLife, Rachel Grumman Bender
What to do when you’re feeling ‘helpless’ after another school shooting, according to experts
Barbara Greenberg, an adolescent and family psychologist, tells Yahoo Life that it’s normal to be going through a range of mixed emotions right now, including feeling “distraught, numb, confused, unsafe, out of control, terrified, helpless and outraged.” She adds: “It’s a mixture of feelings that leave you feeling helpless and despondent, and that’s a lot to carry. It’s more than any parent should have to carry.”
Greenberg says these feelings of helplessness are normal — particularly for parents. “It’s a parent’s job to protect our children,” she says. “Anybody — any loving parent — is going to feel that.”
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April 27, 2022, YahooLife, Erin Donnelly
How to talk about consent with your kids, from toddlers to teens
In many cases, it may be the child who is experiencing discomfort. Barbara Greenberg, a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of adolescents, tells Yahoo Life that parents shouldn’t “let the expressions of embarrassment deter” them from speaking candidly. That said, she advises striking up such a conversation in a safe, private environment that will help put the child more at ease. Her tips: No audience. Allow for frequent pauses and room to ask questions. No admonishment or punishing talk. And above all else, “take them seriously.”
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April 15, 2022, YahooLife, Kaitlin Reilly
Why are people so bad at texting? The psychology behind bad texters, explained
“Text messages that are intended to be positive, are interpreted as more neutral than they’re intended to be,” Greenberg notes. “And neutral messages are interpreted as more negative than they’re intended to be. There’s many misunderstandings that happen during texting, and I think a lot of people are aware of that, so they shy away from texting. It often gets interpreted as rude, but for a lot of people, it’s just not their preferred modality.”
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April 14, 2022, YahooLife Beth Greenfield
The crying, teen psychologist Barbara Greenberg tells Yahoo Life, may also have much to do with the feeling that a beloved artist is putting words to a fan’s private emotions — especially when it comes to Eilish, who places so much importance on being fully open with fans. “It’s a really big deal to feel understood,” she says. “When we get overwhelmed by emotions, we cry. It doesn’t mean we’re sad, just overwhelmed — even delighted.”
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March 14, 2022, The New York Times Christina Caron
Reconnect with the people you love
“What I’m seeing with my patients is that many seem to be emotionally cluttered,” said Barbara Greenberg, a clinical psychologist in Fairfield County, Conn.
Information overload coupled with either social isolation or not getting your needs met socially or emotionally “is a really bad brew,” she added.
If there are people you care about whom you have lost touch with during the pandemic, don’t be shy about getting back in touch, she urged.
Check out the rest of the article in the link above.
February 17, 2022, New York Post Lambeth Hochwald
Why raising a baby with a friend is a legal and emotional minefield
Co-parenting can get very complicated, even among very good friends,” Barbara Greenberg, a clinical psychologist in New York City and Connecticut, told The Post.
She said that while the idea of bearing a child with your bestie might sound amazing at first, the realities are riddled with potential conflict. “You have to do some major advance planning and talk through a wide range of scenarios, including what the labels will be for each parent, how holidays will be celebrated, where the child will live and what happens if someone gets a romantic partner.”
Check out the rest of the article in the link above.
January 27, 2022, YahooLife
Psychologist Barbara Greenberg, who has an expertise in working with teens, tells Yahoo Life that while she has not seen Euphoria, understands criticism of drug addiction being made to look glamorous — especially through Zendaya as teen addict Rue, who appears gorgeous and healthy-looking, rather than ravaged. “When it’s beautiful people doing these very risky activities … it could normalize these behaviors, and actually have the effect of having kids want to try these things.”
Regardless of what teens do watch, Greenberg says, what’s most important is how parents communicate with their teens about the heavy drug use and other risky behaviors that are depicted.
“When you’re giving a child a message about anything that may be high risk, you don’t want to deliver it too mildly or too frighteningly,” says Greenberg. “Either extreme is equally bad. Your messages have to be very balanced, or your kids will either tune you out — or they’ll be intrigued.”
Check out the rest of the article in the link above.
January 13, 2022, YahooLife
“I think it is completely appalling and if it wasn’t true, I would think it was just a bad joke,” teen and adolescent psychologist Barbara Greenberg tells Yahoo Life upon being informed of the school permission slip. “Are they also offering shapewear to boys?”
Greenberg agrees with parents who say it sends a damaging message, particularly to girls, who are more prone to develop eating disorders — something that approximately 5.48 million people are diagnosed with in the U.S., according to the Body Image Center, a treatment center. Further, 89 percent of girls have dieted by age 17, while 42 percent of girls in grades 1-3 want to lose weight and 51 percent of 9- and 10-year-old girls feel better about themselves when they are dieting.
Check out the rest of the article in the link above.
January 12, 2022, InStyle Kathleen Walsh
Jamie Lynn Spears Is Not That Innocent
The idea of putting family above all else seems rational at first, even natural. But it may also be a particularly insidious form of social conditioning that keeps children beholden to abusive parents, and encourages them to keep abusive behaviors hidden.
“I see a lot of ‘what happens in the family stays in the family,'” said Barbara Greenberg, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist who specializes in teens and families. “People are very reluctant to come out with what’s going on in the family because they’ve gotten the message that, ‘In this family, loyalty to the family comes first.’ As a result, people who are being abused in the family emotionally, physically, and otherwise remain quiet for years and even decades just because of that familial loyalty.”
Check out the rest of the article in the link above.
January 4, 2022, YahooLife Erin Donnelly
Why teaching kids to set healthy boundaries is a ‘real gift’
Whereas adults are celebrated when they stand up for themselves or walk away from toxic or unsatisfying situations, children who do the same can be seen as defiant or undisciplined. They may be labeled as “picky” or “fussy,” or be criticized for “quitting.” An adult who says “no” is empowered; a child who does it is a brat. And yet, says Barbara Greenberg, a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of adolescents, there’s real value in, as a parent, modeling boundary-setting for children while encouraging them to pinpoint what makes them feel comfortable and safe, and what doesn’t.
“By teaching your kids to say no and let go of things that no longer serve them, you’re actually encouraging growth,” Greenberg tells Yahoo Life. “By teaching kids to set boundaries, you’re actually encouraging emotional growth and confidence and learning skills, so it’s a win-win.”
Check out the rest of the article in the link above.
Cavetown Song “Boys Will Be Bugs”: Rx for Teen Boys’ Mental Health
Dr. Barbara Greenberg, a clinical teen psychologist in private practice in Fairfield, Connecticut, sees the song as part of a remarkable shift in teen culture. “Boys Will Be Bugs’ is wonderful,” she says. “I think it really resonates with teens because the singer makes himself very vulnerable – he’s extremely honest, vulnerable and relatable. He’s singing out loud about teen boys’ inner conflicts and the fact that boys would be taunted terribly if they showed their vulnerability. I see it at work because one teen boy after another comes into my office and says, ‘I really didn’t want to have sex with that girl, but I was afraid my friends would make fun of me if I didn’t.’ The song has sparked a conversation among young teens and youth that is really important.” Check out the rest of the article in the link above.
December 17, 2021 New York Times, Christina Caron
How do you Weigh Loneliness
Families should think about the mental health ramifications of staying apart, an important consideration that often gets lost when examining the risks of contracting the virus.
“I think you have to make up a pro and con list not only about physical safety but also emotional needs,”said Barbara Greenberg a clinical psychologist in Fairfield County, Conn. “Will it be harder for you to see your family? Or will the anxiety of not seeing them weigh more heavily?” In her practice she added, “person after person are talking about how sad they are about spending the holiday without family again,” she said. “Loneliness and isolation are setting in.” Check out the rest of the article in the link above.
December 2, 2021, New York Times, Christina Caron
With Omicron Comes Uncertainty. Here’s How to Handle It.
November 24, 2021, Yahoo Life, Terri Peters
October 29, 2021, Yahoo Life, Terri Peters
Therapist Barbara Greenberg says whether a woman is just beginning the process of a divorce or has been divorced for some time, it’s rare that a divorcee is treated with empathy or compassion.
“What they do get that’s not helpful is a lot of voyeurism,” says Greenberg. “They get people who want to know what happened and was it their idea or their partner’s idea. Then the second question they get is if they sought counseling. The implication is, first, that there’s a guilty party and, second, that if they would have tried harder and sought counseling they would have been OK.” Check out the rest of the article in the link above.
August 11, 2021, Yahoo Life, Erin Donnelly
What parents should know about bullying amid a ‘complicated year, socially, for a lot of kids’
Says Greenberg, “Children more than anything need their parents’ support … and how the parents deliver that support makes a tremendous difference. By going on social media and bringing it to another level, [a parent] potentially can exacerbate the problem, because what happens here is the conflict escalates. And then the parents start arguing with one another … that’s not going to be effective in any manner.”
Check out the rest of her advice click the link above.
June 30, 2021, katiecouric.com, Alaina Raftis
8 Festive Firework-Free Ways to Celebrate the Fourth of July
Fireworks can also wreak havoc on children who have difficulty processing information related to their senses — mainly hearing. The child can feel overwhelmed, anxious, and emotionally distressed, explains Dr. Barbara Greenberg, a clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of adolescents, children, and families. “They will get anxious, melt down, they might start screaming, crying, or trying to flee,” she says.
Check out Festive Firework-Free Ways to Celebrate the Fourth of July with advice from Dr. Barbara Greenberg. To read her advice click the link above.
June 15, 2021, Her Money, Rebecca Cohen
8 MONEY MOVES TO CLAIM YOUR POWER AND PROSPERITY
Are you ready to be fully in your power, now, tomorrow, and forever? It’s time to take hold of your financial freedom and claim what’s rightfully yours. Therapist Dr. Barbara Greenberg shares why having financial independence is so important. To read her advice click the link above.
June 1, 2021, Her Money,
10 THINGS WORTH THE MONEY TO GET YOU THROUGH THE LAST MONTHS OF THE PANDEMIC
It’s hard to imagine a world without masks and shelter in place orders. To keep the light at the end of the tunnel super bright, Therapist Dr. Barbara Greenberg recommends a few practices. To read her advice click the link above.
February 17, 2021, Yahoo Life, Kerry Justich
Meet Christina Haack, the HGTV Star who Ditched Her Married Name, Post Divorce
After her recent divorce, HGTV’s Christina Anstead is changing her last name back to Haack. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says returning to a name that none of Christina’s children share could help things feel more “fair” for the half-siblings. “Maybe it’s easier for her to have a different name from all of the kids, rather than share a name with the child and not with the other two,” Dr. Greenberg explains, unsure of whether this was the reason she chose to take back her maiden name. For the full story, visit the link above.
February 10, 2021, Yahoo Life, Beth Greenfield
OWN TV Therapist Laura Berman shared the heartbreaking news of her teenage son’s death – an accidental overdose on fentanyl-laced Xanax he purchased on Snapchat. She is now warning parents on social media about pandemic drug use. Dr. Barbara Greenberg weighs in on this tragedy. “Teens certainly don’t have the same access to their social connections during the pandemic,” she says. “This leads to loneliness, feeling disconnected, FOMO and then turning to social media in an attempt to recapture connection.” Dr. Greenberg explains that this becomes a vicious cycle, as more time on social media can cause “increased anxiety, depression, feelings of isolation,” even boredom, which can lead to the use and abuse of drugs. All of these become “unfortunate attempts to self-medicate.” For the full story, head over to Yahoo Life via the link above.
February 1, 2021, InStyle, Kathleen Walsh
“Normal Mother-Daughter Relationships” and the Misconceptions About Child Abuse
Claudia Conway’s recent TikTok snippets have led many to wonder whether she is a victim of child abuse. The video clips appear to show Conway’s mother Kellyanne in a rage, chastising her several times. Dr. Barbara Greenberg weighs in on the situation. “Every parent loses their cool and says mean things along the way and then are sorry for it,” she explains. “But when it’s a chronic pattern is when it’s clearly labeled as a problem.” To read Dr. Greenberg’s additional commentary on various forms child abuse, please visit InStyle via the link above.
January 4, 2021, SheKnows, Sabrina Rojas Weiss
What ‘Bean Dad’ Got So Wrong About Teaching Moments & How Kids Learn
In what he believed to be a teachable moment, one father on Twitter let his hungry daughter struggle for hours as she tried to open a can of beans. Dr. Barbara Greenberg comments on how this event was more stressful than successful. “It felt to me like it had a little bit of sadism in it,” she says, explaining that if the man wanted to teach his daughter a new skill, he should have done so when hunger and frustration levels were low, demonstrating it and helping her gradually. For more of Dr. Greenberg’s thoughts on this, read the full article by clicking the link above this paragraph.
January 2, 2021, Real Simple, Jennifer King Lindley
5 Ways to Be a Better Listener
In this article by Jennifer King Lindley, Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers tips on how to put others in the spotlight, truly listening to them during a conversation. “You want to convey that the speaker has your full attention,” she explains. For the full quote featured in Real Simple Magazine, head over to the link above.
December 16, 2020, Yahoo Life, Rachel Grumman Bender
‘Snow Days As We Know Them May Be Gone’: How Distance Learning Might Cancel ‘Magical’ Ritual
Dr. Barbara Greenberg believes snow days can be a mental health gift for teachers and students alike. “The snow days are even more important this year because both teachers and kids can take a moment to breathe, to sleep in, and to give themselves permission to engage in something other than school work,” she says. But with the new distance learning and hybrid models, are school snow cancellations now a thing of the past? Read the full article on Yahoo Life to learn more.
November 20, 2020, Yahoo Life, Kerry Justich
Sisters Charli and Dixie D’Amelio, popular social media influencers, received negative comments on their YouTube channel for what has been called “ungrateful” and “immature” behavior. Dr. Barbara Greenberg acknowledges that this behavior isn’t completely uncommon for people their age. “Because they’re celebrities doesn’t mean they’re no longer teenagers,” she says, adding that when people have very high expectations of adolescent celebrities, they will most definitely be let down. She says 16-and 19-year-olds “shouldn’t be put up on a pedestal for model behavior.” For the full article about the D’Amelio sisters, visit the link above.
November 15, 2020, Yahoo Life, Rachel Grumman Bender
The U.S. Divorce Rate is the Lowest It Has Been in 50 Years, According to Census Data
Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains that the low U.S. divorce rate is most likely a result of less pressure and societal expectation to get married than in previous decades. Additionally, with more people getting married later in life, Dr. Greenberg says these individuals are likely to make “a more informed decision, and if it’s a more informed decision, it’s more likely to work out.” For the full article, head over to Yahoo Lifestyle via the link above.
November 5, 2020, Yahoo Life, Erin Donnelly
How to Discuss the Election with Your Family: ‘Keep It Moving Gracefully’
Dr. Barbara Greenberg says adults can use this tense election to teach kids how to cope with uncomfortable feelings. She explains that children often model the way their parents express emotions, so if parents feel disappointment about the election results, they should share this in an emotionally-regulated way. “We have to show our kids that we go on with the structure of our day despite having experienced disappointment. That’s what resiliency is.” For more advice, click the link above.
October 17, 2020, Yahoo Life, Beth Greenfield
Several children of politicians have been publicly berating their parents. How and why are they doing this? Dr. Barbara Greenberg points to social media as a partial cause. “I think that doing it this way might actually be easier than facing your parents at Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas,” she says. “Because when people are doing things on social media, there is some sense of anonymity, as they’re not looking people in the face. There are studies that show we tend to be slightly more aggressive or assertive online than in person. But when we are faced with our parents, and disagreeing, we regress. We often don’t feel like we’re being taken seriously.” For more on this topic, visit Yahoo Life via the hyperlink above.
October 13, 2020, Yahoo Life, Blake Harper
Coco Austin Mommy-Shamed for Kissing Daughter, 4, on the Lips
Dr. Barbara Greenberg weighs in on whether kissing one’s child on the lips is appropriate. “This is a sensitive question,” she says. “Yes, some families are in favor of kissing on the lips. This is tricky because kids may then engage in this behavior with others assuming it is generally acceptable when, in fact, kissing on the lips can be quite intimate. We need to teach our kids about body and physical boundaries.” For more on this topic, click the link above.
October 13, 2020, Lifehacker, Meghan Moravcik Walbert
I’m Parenting an Anxious Child During the Pandemic and I’m Overwhelmed – Please Help
Dr. Barbara Greenberg answers a parent’s call for help with her anxious child during this pandemic. Read the article above for tips and insights.
October 13, 2020, SheKnows, Sabrina Rojas Weiss
It’s International Day for Failure & Your Kids Need to Celebrate
Today is technically called “International Day for Failure,” but Dr. Barbara Greenberg suggests using the word “disappointment” instead. She explains that while disappointment is an uncomfortable feeling, parents shouldn’t shield their children from it, but instead help them learn to tolerate the emotion so they can try again and potentially have a different outcome. “In life there are second chances and re-dos,” Dr. Greenberg says. “We get to do things over.” For the full article with more tips on helping your child tolerate disappointment and develop resilience, click the link above.
September 13, 2020, Yahoo Life, Rachel Grumman Bender
Many college students have continued to socialize on campuses despite the risks of contracting COVID. Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains that adolescents often weigh the positives before the negatives and have an intense desire to be with their friends. “They want more than anything else to fit in. When you have a group of teens, they make decisions that they wouldn’t necessarily make as an individual. A teen who would wear a mask when alone may not necessarily wear a mask in a group,” she says. Yet, Dr. Greenberg adds that it’s important for parents to emphasize that kids are getting sick. The idea is to make sure to talk to them – to educate them – but not to terrify them. For the full article, click the link above.
August 13, 2020, Yahoo Life, Kerry Justich
The Anxiety You’re Feeling Around Back-to-School Is Normal, Even If You’re Not a Student
Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains the reasons many non-students are experiencing heightened anxiety around this back-to-school time, and offers helpful tips for coping with this stress.
July 21, 2020, Lifehacker, Meghan Moravcik Walbert
How Do I Get My Teenager to Take the Pandemic Seriously?
In this edition of Lifehacker Parental Advisory, Dr. Greenberg chats once again with writer Meghan Moravcik Walbert, offering feedback for a concerned parent whose teenage son isn’t taking the coronavirus pandemic seriously enough. For the full article, click the link above this paragraph.
July 14, 2020, Lifehacker, Meghan Moravcik Walbert
How Do I Get Through to My Withdrawn Teen?
One dad wrote a letter to Lifehacker, wanting to know how to communicate with his teen daughter. The adolescent girl, who came out as gay to her mother but not to her father, has begun to isolate in her bedroom and is acting disagreeably. Dr. Barbara Greenberg suggests the teen is not only angry, but avoiding something. The main questions her father can ask himself are what she’s avoiding, and what she wants both her parents to know, understand and accept about her. Instead of trying to fix the demeanor of his daughter, Dr. Greenberg believes it’s necessary for both parents and their daughter to seek therapy as a group. “Resolving the family issues should come first,” Dr. Greenberg says, “and then everything else will follow.” Have a look at the full article via the link above.
June 15, 2020, SheKnows, Sabrina Rojas Weiss
What to Do If You & Your Teen Don’t Agree on Social Distancing
Many teenagers are understandably bored and want to spend time with their friends despite their parents’ coronavirus fears. When talking with teens about this topic, Dr. Greenberg tells parents to listen first, then discuss. She explains that when teens feel heard, they’re less likely to be defensive, and adds, “Then, only after you’ve listened to them carefully to find out what they know and what they don’t know, try to reason with them and educate them.” Some of Dr. Greenberg’s other tips include helping teens come up with safe outdoor activities, encouraging masks, maintaining mutual trust between parent and teen, suggesting they get a summer job if possible, and giving them suitable consequences for not following the mutually agreed upon guidelines for socializing. For the full article, visit SheKnows through the link above.
June 10, 2020, HerMoney, Rebecca Cohen
The New Beauty Standards of Working from Home
Due to the pandemic, many business meetings have been moved to video conference platforms like Zoom. This has caused many people, especially women, to zero in on their own insecurities and apologize for their appearance because they are embarrassed, for example, about their messy hair or lack of makeup. According to Dr. Barbara Greenberg, though, “What you say during your meetings is SO much more important than how you look. Showing up to a meeting with killer material and a frizzy ‘do will go a much longer way than a blowout and nothing to say.” For her tips on this topic, head over to HerMoney via the link above.
June 3, 2020, Mommy Nearest, Allison Cooper
How to Talk to Your Children about Racism
In this short but powerful article, Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers five ways parents can speak to their children about racism. She tells parents to first be mindful of their own biases, and to educate themselves before talking to their kids. She says, “While I definitely feel like it’s better to say something than nothing, sharing misinformation with your children is not okay. The Internet is a powerful resource for articles on race and prejudice […] but speaking with your Black friends is a wonderful place to start for truly candid feedback on having these tough conversations. Think about what it is you want to address with your children and start with simple points that you can build on over time.” For more of Dr. Greenberg’s tips on this crucial subject, head over to Mommy Nearest via the link above.
April 21, 2020, Lifehacker, Meghan Moravcik Walbert
Is Your Kid Acting Out, or Just Sad?
Kids are experiencing a wide range of emotions due to the current circumstances of the world. Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains that sadness in particular is one emotion that can often masquerade as anger, defiance, frustration, or lack of motivation. She points out that kids often say “I’m bored” when they really mean “I’m sad.” One suggestion is to offer children an additional role in the family, for example, to have them care for a family pet or to help a sibling with their remote learning. “We all need to feel relevant, and I always stand firmly behind that—it’s when we don’t feel relevant that we can get really depressed,” says Dr. Greenberg. To read more about helping kids deal with sadness during this time, visit Lifehacker through the link above this paragraph.
April 7, 2020, HerMoney, Rebecca Cohen
6 Ways to Cope with Your Emotions around Coronavirus and Take Care of Your Mental Health
The team at HerMoney.com asks Dr. Barbara Greenberg for some advice on how to keep calm and practice self-care during the coronavirus quarantine. Dr. Greenberg’s suggestions include developing and sticking to a daily routine, limiting the amount of exposure to news media, and connecting with people regularly via phone calls, FaceTime or Skype. Ultimately, she says, “Remain hopeful. Things will change, and you should think about how you will weave the current state of events into your life story.” For more of Dr. Greenberg’s tips on how to stay sane during this COVID-19 quarantine, head over to HerMoney.com via the link above this paragraph.
March 27, 2020, U.S. News and World Report, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
Help Teens Remain Connected With Peers While Staying at Home
This is an unusual time for all of us. It is particularly difficult for teens, who thrive when they feel connected to their peers and have a sense of belonging.
March 20, 2020, Yahoo Lifestyle, Beth Greenfield
While Coronavirus has led several companies to temporarily close their doors, many psychotherapists are still open for business and working around the clock to help those who are anxious about this pandemic. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says, “All of my patients are dealing with not only anxiety about contagion, but also about the disruption to their daily routines.” She adds, “They are feeling helpless and frustrated. I’m working very hard to help them regain some sense of control in their life.” For the full article about this situation, click the link right above this paragraph.
March 18, 2020, Yahoo Lifestyle, Beth Greenfield
The Coronavirus and Parenting: A No-School Survival Guide
As the world goes into lockdown over the coronavirus, many parents and teens are experiencing tension from being homebound together. Dr. Barbara Greenberg is here to help. She says, “You have to respect each other’s space. Things are going to feel crowded no matter how large or small your living quarters.” She also says, “Really choose your battles at this time. With tensions running so high and everybody feeling disappointed about not being able to follow their routines, I don’t think this is the time to argue about screen time.” She also suggests trying, difficult as it may seem, to see things from a positive perspective. “Maybe a little bit of a silver lining here is that you can get to know each other just a little bit better,” she says. “Anytime you go through a tricky time with somebody it becomes part of your shared history. So maybe set some goals about how you and family are going to get through this together? It could be a bonding experience.” For the complete survival guide, visit the link above.
March / April 2020 Edition, WebMD, Lauren Paige Kennedy
Despite all the teen movies and pop songs centered on romantic love, nearly two thirds of teens have no experience with romance or dating whatsoever. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says teens may be better off this way. “Social media makes it especially tough right now. It can be fuel for obsession,” she says. However, Dr. Greenberg cautions parents against banning high school romances altogether: “You don’t want to set up a Romeo and Juliet situation,” she says, adding that it’s more helpful to encourage teens to stay goal-driven and friendship-focused in high school. Dr. Greenberg adds that if the relationship is already happening, parents should keep their teens busy with healthy activities and “strongly urge him or her to cultivate and maintain close friendships outside of the romance.” For more of Dr. Greenberg’s practical tips, visit the link to this special edition WebMD article above this paragraph.
February 27, 2020, SheKnows, Bonnie Azoulay
Mom Praised for Forcing Child to Do Push-Ups in Public Bathroom & It’s Not OK
One mom made her son do push-ups in a public bathroom to teach him a lesson in respect. Several people on social media praised her for this. However, Dr. Barbara Greenberg says this mother’s approach was more an act of public humiliation than a helpful learning experience for her son. “Nothing good comes from public humiliation except shame, which is one of the worst feelings there is and one of the hardest feelings to recover from,” Dr. Greenberg explains. “There are lots of ways to teach a child respect, but this is certainly not one of them.” Dr. Greenberg offers parents some positive alternatives to shaming their kids. “When they have been respectful, praise them,” she advises parents. “When they have been disrespectful, take them to a private place with no audience and suggest alternative ways that they could have handled the situation. Kids want nothing more than to please you.” To read more of Dr. Greenberg’s suggestions, visit the article through the hyperlink above this paragraph.
February 26, 2020, Lifehacker, Meghan Moravcik Walbert
How to Help Your Kids Build Self-Esteem
Experts say over-praising your children for their performances in school, sports or other activities can do more harm than good. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says it is better for kids to learn how to self-assess. “You can ask the child, ‘So how do you think that went,’ or ‘Could it have gone better,’ or ‘What do you think you can do next time?’” she says. “An incidental benefit of that is that they learn to read social cues.” If they learn and regularly practice this sort of self-assessment, they may become better at pinpointing and correcting issues in the moment when they’re having a conflict with a friend, a teacher or an employer. For the full article, and for more of Dr. Greenberg’s comments, click the link above.
February 25, 2020, Lifehacker, Meghan Moravcik Walbert
How Can I Support My Adult Child Who Has a Mental Health Disorder?
Dr. Barbara Greenberg says parents can indeed help their adult children who are struggling with a mental health disorder. She understands it can be intimidating to see a therapist for the first time, regardless of one’s age. She suggests that parents offer to make the first phone call and also offer to go to the first appointment with them. “You can say, ‘If you’d like, I’ll go see the person first and I’ll give you my opinion,’” she says. “Or you could do a couple of interviews because it has to be a good match. That’s one way to be a supportive part of the process.” For more of Dr. Greenberg’s tips, head over to Lifehacker to read the article via the hyperlink above this paragraph.
February 11, 2020, Yahoo Lifestyle, Erin Donnelly
10 Years After Alexander McQueen’s Death by Suicide, a Look at Mental Health in the Fashion World
While Dr. Barbara Greenberg says research is mixed about whether creative professionals are more likely to experience depression or anxiety, she points out that this type of work, especially in the fashion industry, can indeed come with “amazingly high and unrealistic expectations.” Dr. Greenberg explains, “You’re only as good as your last success. So there’s this pressure in this field to continue getting good reviews, and that’s exhausting, and it’s a major source of bruised feelings.” She adds that fashion designers and other creative professionals experience much public criticism and other significant pressures on a regular basis. Her advice? “If they feel burnt out, emotionally depleted, very pessimistic and they just can’t function in a healthy way, they really should seek mental health treatment — and also treatment from a medical doctor as well, because you can work yourself into getting physically ill too from stress,” she says. For the full article, click the link above.
January 28, 2020, Lifehacker, Meghan Moravcik Walbert
How Can I Best Parent a Child Who Is at Risk for a Mental Health Disorder?
This article explores what proactive steps parents can take to help their child who is at risk for developing a mental health disorder. First, Dr. Barbara Greenberg says parents should do their best to provide a supportive, calm atmosphere in the home. Next, she says it’s important for parents to learn what behaviors are developmentally appropriate for each age as the child grows. “[They] can check in with [their] pediatrician if [they] think something is a problem or is not developmentally appropriate,” she says. Finally, she adds that parents should most definitely model good self-care and always be cognizant of the language they use about mental health. “Kids need a vocabulary that is empowering. Instead of saying something like, ‘I’m anxious about the situation,’ you can say something like, “I’m going to be brave here.” For more of Dr. Greenberg’s comments, read the full article via the link above.
January 14, 2020, SheKnows, Sabrina Rojas Weiss
Why #Megxit Will Change Archie’s Life for the Better
With the recent news of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s departure from the royal family, many have wondered how this move will affect their son Archie. Dr. Barbara Greenberg suggests that if the rumors of royal family conflict and stress are true, spending time away from the in-laws could help put everyone at ease. “Kids are extremely impacted by the mental health of their parents,” Greenberg said. “Whatever it is that the parents are feeling, the child may not be able to label it, but he will feel it.” For the full article, click on the blue link above.
December 23, 2019, Parade, Patti Woods
Hello Kitty Turns 45! Here’s Why the World’s Most Famous Cat Means So Much to Me
Patti Woods, author of this article, is celebrating the 45th birthday of the beloved cartoon character Hello Kitty. Always quiet and shy as a child, Woods found great comfort in Hello Kitty, who, interestingly enough, was created without a mouth. Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains, “Kids tend to find characters that they can identify with,” and suggests that a child who gravitates toward Hello Kitty could be trying to find their voice. And they could view Hello Kitty’s lack of a mouth to mean that she is trying to find her voice, too, which would be comforting to them. For the full article on Hello Kitty’s legacy spanning four decades, click the link above.
December 16, 2019, Parade, Melissa Blake
Frozen 2 Plot Reminded Me That Sisterhood Can Still Save the Day
Dr. Barbara Greenberg says the movie Frozen is a game-changer in the Disney film industry because it emphasizes the importance of the sister relationship. She explains, “Friendships between siblings who share so much with each other in terms of childhood experiences can be incredibly powerful bonds and wonderful sources of support throughout one’s life,” adding that “Romantic relationships, on the other hand, can be fleeting, and young girls should focus not on being rescued but on nurturing relationships with supportive siblings.” To read more on the bonds between young girls in this empowering Disney film, click the link above.
November 20, 2019, WebMD, Lauren Paige Kennedy
Dr. Barbara Greenberg says the pressure to excel at college admissions tests often comes from anxious parents as well as competitive peers and schools. To ease some of the stress, she suggests parents sit down with their teens before junior year to create a study strategy. “A plan provides a clear picture leading up to big exams that are taken in the spring,” she explains. In addition, Dr. Greenberg says it’s important that parents simply listen to their teens when they get overwhelmed, and to be sure these busy students get enough exercise and sleep during the whole process. “Kids don’t do well if they’re exhausted or run down,” she says. “You may be tempted to let them study to all hours. But they need balance. This is no time to get sick, yet I see it in my practice a lot.” To read more on this topic, click the hyperlink above.
October 20, 2019, Psychology Today, Abigail Fagan
Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers tips on how to nurture close relationships and help build new ones. To read her comments on this topic, pick up the December 2019 print issue of Psychology Today. The magazine cover is titled “The Power of Boundaries: Learn to Set Limits,” and the article is titled “How to Dazzle in Conversation” by Abigail Fagan.
October 7, 2019, Lifehacker, Meghan Moravcik Walbert
How to Have a Better Relationship with Your Teenager
Although teens get the reputation for being hard to handle, Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains how well-meaning parents are often the ones who damage the relationships with their teenagers by trying too hard in certain areas and not hard enough in others. Dr. Greenberg suggests parents think before they compare their teens to others, gossip with them, or criticize them about little things. She says, for example, “Before you say something like, ‘Those pants are too tight,’ ask yourself if it is really necessary and if it’s going to help the relationship.” Additionally, the goal should not be to appear cool or to be their teen’s friend. Instead, what they want and need is an adult to listen to them without interrupting, keep their secrets and offer support as a parent – especially in the often challenging time of adolescence. For more of Dr. G’s tips on this topic, visit the article on Lifehacker via the link above.
September 30, 2019, Parade, Maggie Parker
Mattel recently launched its first-ever line of gender-neutral dolls, called Creatable World™, where Children are allowed to choose a gender for their doll – or not. Multiple clothing and accessory options are available in each box, leaving the doll’s style and personality up to the child. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says Mattel is setting a precedent here. “This is going to be wonderful for children. It’s going to give them permission to experiment, to be creative, to be more imaginative,” she says. Take a look at what else Dr. Greenberg has to say about these unique, edgy and fun new dolls.
September 26, 2019, Parade, Jenn Morson
The Brady Bunch Turns 50: How the TV Family Helped Me Adapt to an Unconventional Upbringing
Writer Jenn Morson shares her personal journey of growing up with The Brady Bunch, describing how the show helped her gain a sense of normalcy as a child after she was adopted by her aunt and uncle. Morson says the show provided comfort and familiarity from the first time she watched it several decades ago. Dr. Barbara Greenberg points out that the show “provides a model, an idealized one, but it makes you feel a part of something.” She adds, “It gives you hope that you can be OK. Kids used to—and sometimes still—feel embarrassed about being part of a blended family. And this program normalized blended families, which was a big deal.” To read more about the heartfelt ways The Brady Bunch has helped others embrace their unconventional family structure, click on the hyperlink above.
September 26, 2019, YourTeen, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
Ask The Expert: Should We Give Up Custody of My Stepdaughter?
In this edition of Dr. Barbara Greenberg’s mailbag at YourTeen, a concerned stepmother asks what to do about her 15-year-old stepdaughter, who has been misbehaving and skipping class. Dr. Greenberg says, “When kids act out, they are trying to communicate to the adults in their lives. The message is that they need help because they don’t have the skills to make good and safe choices on their own.” For Dr. Greenberg’s complete response to this reader’s dilemma, head over to YourTeen via the link above.
September 5, 2019, Yahoo Lifestyle, Beth Greenfield
Why Parents Cry When Their Kids Start Kindergarten: ‘Fear, Excitement, Anxiety and Loss’
A number of celebrities have been posting photos of their children on the first day of kindergarten, sharing crying and sad face emojis. Why do parents begin to cry when sending their kids off to school for the first time? Dr. Barbara Greenberg says it involves a mix of fear, excitement, anxiety, and loss. “It’s a loss of a really important stage in which parents are really necessary. Education is a move toward independence, while in daycare they’re just being watched,” she explains. “We start thinking of them going to college and leaving us, as it’s the first step of them transitioning out of our homes and on to their own.” To read a bit more about this emotional and exciting stage of life, visit Yahoo Lifestyle via the link above.
August 24, 2019, Martha Stewart Living, Jennifer King Lindley
In this article from the September 2019 issue of Martha Stewart Living Magazine, Dr. Barbara Greenberg reminds us of the importance of nourishing our friendships. With the emphasis on togetherness and quality over quantity, she suggests we take the time to include our friends in our lives more regularly. She says, “There are things we all have to do. Why not check them off together?” For some additional suggestions, visit the snippet of the article via the link above.
July 12, 2019, Yahoo Lifestyle, Kerry Justich
‘Go Kill Yourself’: How Michelle Carter’s Sentence Appeal Could Impact Deadly Bullying
Michelle Carter was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for writing “go kill yourself” in a text message to her boyfriend, who later committed suicide. In reference to this case, Dr. Barbara Greenberg weighs in on the impact of bullying through different forms of electronic media. Many theories suggest some adolescents may not understand the potential consequences of their actions. Dr. Greenberg adds, “Teens have a lot of trouble with impulse control. So you have social media, you have the elements of anonymity, you have the teen brain, which is not a very well-regulated brain. It’s a whole combination of factors.” To view the article in full, click the link above this paragraph.
July 12, 2019, Lifehacker, Meghan Moravcik Walbert
Before You Take a Mail-In DNA Test, Brace Yourself for Family Secrets
Dr. Barbara Greenberg opens up to Lifehacker about mail-in DNA tests, explaining that they pack more of a surprise than you may think. She suggests you know your triggers and realize that your shock may come later in this discovery process. “You may find out you’re related to people that you don’t really care for or who aren’t that pleasant,” Dr. Greenberg says. “Be prepared for disappointment; even if you find biological relatives, they may not be people you would choose as friends.” For the full article and discussion on this topic, visit Lifehacker via the link above.
June 25, 2019, Lifehacker, Tim Mulkerin
Ask a Psychologist If You’re Messing Up Your Kids
Dr. Barbara Greenberg is back at Lifehacker in round two of this Ask a Psychologist Q&A series. In this real-time online forum, Dr. Greenberg answered parents’ questions on how to handle their children’s tantrums, separation anxiety, emotional sensitivity, academic struggles, and so much more. To read her thoughtful answers to the questions, head over to Lifehacker via the link above.
June 3, 2019, Your Teen Magazine, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
Ask The Expert: Why Doesn’t My Daughter Love Me?
Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers advice to a weary mother on how to handle her difficult teenage daughter. One important bit of feedback she shares is to recognize patterns and notice what triggers emotional hot buttons for her daughter, and another one is to “listen, listen, listen.” Dr. Greenberg explains, “When your daughter starts talking, keep listening without interrupting or being judgmental. Try to find times to be available to listen to her when the other kids are not around.” She believes that when the quality of the dialogue between mother and teen improves, so will their relationship. For more of Dr. Greenberg’s tips on dealing with adolescents, click the link to the article above.
May 7, 2019, Lifehacker, Tim Mulkerin
Are You Messing Up Your Kids? Ask a Psychologist Your Child-Rearing Questions
In a one-hour Q&A on Lifehacker, Dr. Barbara Greenberg connected in real time with readers, offering compassionate responses to various questions about parenting and child-rearing dilemmas. Be sure to read through the comments section of this article to view Dr. Greenberg’s answers. For more information, click the link above.
February 14, 2019, Lifehacker, Meghan Moravcik Walbert
Let Your Kid Yell, ‘I Hate You’
When a kid screams “I hate you!” for the first time, parents may feel hurt and rejected. Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains, though, that it’s not about the parent: “It’s more about how he’s feeling than how he feels about you,” she says. Dr. Greenberg tells parents to stay calm and to avoid chasing the child to their room while in a “hot state.” She adds, “If they’re stomping away from you, let them have their moment. Once they’ve calmed down and decompressed, you can talk to them about their underlying feelings. If they’re yelling it at you and waiting for a response, respond as neutrally as possible with something like, ‘I can see that you’re very upset. I’m here for you when you want to talk.'” For more of Dr. Greenberg’s tips on this topic, head over to Lifehacker via the link above.
February 13, 2019, Lifehacker, Meghan Moravcik Walbert
How to Help Your Teen Through Their First Break-Up
Dr. Barbara Greenberg shares her wisdom with parents to help their teenagers through their first break-up. She suggests that parents try not to minimize the situation, to think carefully before advising them about it, and to spend quality time with them rather than talking too much about the negative event. Dr. Greenberg additionally tells parents to watch for signs that their teens need some extra help from a professional. “As a parent, we wish we could absorb our kids’ pain,” Dr. Greenberg says. “But it’s okay for kids to feel a little bit of distress. If it gets overwhelming and starts interfering with their social life and school, that’s a horse of a different color.” For the full article, visit Lifehacker via the link above.
January 23, 2019, Real Simple Magazine, Jennifer King Lindley
Why You Should Treat Your Family Like Strangers
In this February edition of Real Simple Magazine, Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers gentle, practical ways to be more compassionate with your family. For clips of Dr. Greenberg’s quotes in this article, click the link above.
January 21, 2019, U.S. News and World Report, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
Being a Parent Isn’t Easy, But It’s Worth It
Being a good parent is, of course, what every parent would like to be. But defining what it means to be a good parent is undoubtedly very tricky, particularly since children respond differently to the same style of parenting. A calm, rule-following child might respond better to a different sort of parenting than, for example, a younger sibling.
January 6, 2019, Joanne Richard
Published in: Toronto Sun, Winnipeg Sun, Calgary Sun, Ottawa Sun and Edmonton Sun
Coping with the Post-Holiday Blues
Dr. Barbara Greenberg says the crash after the holiday high is very real. She explains, “Much of it is due to what we refer to in psychology as ‘the contrast effect.’ In this case, the contrast is between the holiday energy and getting back into the daily grind – getting back into the grind is a major disappointment compared to the energy of the holidays.” For the full article about the post-holiday blues, head over to the Toronto Sun via the link above.
December 13, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Kerry Justich
California Politician Arrested after Spanking His 7-Year-Old Daughter: ‘It’s Something That We Do’
California politician Joaquin Arambula was arrested after spanking his 7-year-old daughter. The child was upset and approached her teachers, who then contacted Child Protective Services. Dr. Barbara Greenberg commends the teachers for the way they handled the situation. She says, “Anything that hurts a child physically and emotionally, in my opinion, is abuse and should be reported,” adding that “Too often kids go to school looking for help and they’re not taken seriously. The school took this very seriously, as they should, and they did what they were supposed to do.” For the complete article, click the link above.
November 30, U.S. News and World Report, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
Dealing with Divorce During the Holidays
The holidays are upon us, and as we know too well, they are fraught with stress and excitement for all of us. Now, add the struggles that separated or divorced families face sending children back and forth between two homes and you have a recipe rife with all sorts of dilemmas and overwhelming feelings.
November 20, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Beth Greenfield
When Sexual Assault Becomes Dinner Conversation: A #MeToo Holiday Survival Guide
Holiday dinner conversation can be challenging, depending on the discussion at the table. In particular, the #MeToo movement is a sensitive subject on the minds of many – especially those who’ve been personally affected by sexual assault. In the article linked above, Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers advice to help people navigate this tough topic with grace. On one hand, she acknowledges that the holidays may not be the right time to open up. “You might get an excessively emotional reaction, because people are already operating under a heightened stress level,” she says. On the other hand, she explains that if a person chooses to talk about how they’ve been affected by sexual assault, the discussion “could be a wonderful opportunity for parents and kids to get closer.” Dr. Greenberg suggests that if a person does decide to tell their loved ones their secret, they should say in advance, “‘I need to talk to you about something,’ to gently prepare them for the conversation. Finally, Dr. Greenberg emphasizes the importance of asking your family member what you want: “Ask for what you need directly, like, ‘I need support around this.’”
October 22, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Maggie Parker
Boy, 5, Bullied for Wearing Nail Polish, Gets Massive Support on Twitter
When 5-year-old Sam got bullied for wearing nail polish to school, his father Aaron Gouveia decided to use social media to fight gender norms and gain support for his son. Gouveia said that Sam came home crying uncontrollably after students made fun of him and told him to take off the nail polish. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says she isn’t surprised to hear that the boy received negative feedback. She explains, “There are plenty of parents who are letting their kids play with other kinds of toys like dolls and nail polish, but they don’t allow them to do it publicly. What’s different here is this boy took common private behavior into the public arena.” Dr. Greenberg says that some parents hide these behaviors because they’re embarrassed. “But it’s very common,” she says. “They’re in good and plentiful company, whether or not parents admit it.” To read more of Dr. Greenberg’s comments on the situation, head over to Yahoo Lifestyle via the link above.
October 21, 2018, Health Magazine, Jennifer King Lindley
In this November edition of Health magazine, Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains how to develop a greater appreciation for your surroundings and to truly savor the beauty of a simple everyday experience using all the senses. For a PDF snippet of Dr. Greenberg’s main points, click the link above.
October 15, 2018, U.S. News and World Report, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
Communicating Effectively With Your College Kid
Parents of college kids frequently ask me about how they can best communicate with their kids. I understand the difficulty and confusion inherent in this question. The transition from high school to college is difficult for both parents and children for a variety of reasons.
September 27, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Beth Greenfield
Professor Christine Blasey Ford recently testified against judge Brett Kavanaugh for allegedly sexually assaulting her in a state of intoxication when they were students. Since the testimony and social media coverage of the event, parents have been inspired to speak candidly with their children to help them understand what type of behavior is unacceptable – including behavior at school parties and where alcohol is involved. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says parents should keep having these conversations with their kids, especially teenagers, and suggests that parents encourage their children to trust their intuition. “If you get the sense that something is wrong, it probably is,” she says, adding that “parents should encourage their kids to stay with their friends when heading to parties and other potentially risky situations. “Because friends are supposed to look out for each other,” Dr. Greenberg says. For the full article on Yahoo Lifestyle, click the link above.
September 17, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Beth Greenfield
Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh has been accused of drunkenly sexually assaulting a woman more than 30 years ago. The question remains: Is someone morally responsible for something they did as an adolescent? Dr. Barbara Greenberg weighs in. “There are a number of things to consider. On one hand, the teen brain is not fully developed,” she says. “However, most teens do not go on to sexually assault another teen… If a teen does something like yells at a parent, slams a door, or tries drugs, we can attribute it to the teen brain. But sexual assault? No. I think the teen bears responsibility. It’s an atypical behavior.” Dr. Greenberg adds, “If somebody does something characterized by aggression and disrespect for humanity, that goes far beyond the teenage brain. Most teens don’t do that type of thing.” For the full story, visit Yahoo Lifestyle via the link above.
September 12, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Kerry Justich
Teachers and administrators at Warren Middle School in Forney, Texas have been working on an operation called the “bathroom inspiration project,” where they paint motivational slogans on all the restroom stalls. The uplifting messages include, “Your mistakes don’t define you” and “Scatter kindness.” Dr. Barbara Greenberg says creating this kind of positive atmosphere is especially important for those in early adolescence. She explains, “While kids are dealing with issues of rejection, and they see these affirming statements, it will be very meaningful and very necessary and might appear at exactly the right moment.” For the full article, head over to Yahoo Lifestyle via the link above.
August 29, 2018, U.S. News and World Report, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
Teaching Your Children to Both Respect and Question Authority Figures
In light of recent publicized examples of child sexual abuse, it’s clear that parents need to teach kids not only how to respect those in authority but also to, in some circumstances, question adult behavior. This is no small task. Children need to develop the ability to read situations accurately, and adults need to be responsive to concerns kids raise to protect them from abuse.
August 27, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Maggie Parker
9-year-old Commits Suicide after Coming Out as Gay to His Classmates
A fourth grader named Jamel Myles committed suicide after coming out as gay to his classmates. His mother says a group of children at his school bullied him, telling him to take his own life. Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains that although the boy was proud of himself and wanted to share his excitement, a lot of 9-year-olds don’t know about or understand sexuality. “Sadly, he was hoping for something these other kids couldn’t deliver,” she says. She tells parents, “encourage kids to talk to you about the outcome when a child is going to make themselves vulnerable,” and to be there to listen to them afterward. For more information, visit Yahoo Lifestyle via the link above.
August 22, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Maggie Parker
When 12-year-old Timiyah Owens ended up with serious 3rd degree burns all over her body after attempting the so-called fire challenge, her mother’s first reaction was anger, because she believed her daughter had “known better.” According to Dr. Barbara Greenberg, Timiyah actually might not have known better. “The teen brain is a very different sort of brain than a fully-developed adult brain, and actually there’s a lot of research and anecdotal evidence that the teen brain is designed for risk-taking,” says Dr. Greenberg. Further, she explains that an adolescent’s brain is very sensitive to the rewards of peer relationships. Unfortunately, in the effort to fit in with their peers, many teens put themselves at risk. The consequences can be devastating. For the full story, visit the hyperlink above.
August 15, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Beth Greenfield
Emma Stone’s Friends Are Her ‘Chosen Family,’ and She’s Not Alone
Actress Emma Stone recently discussed the concept of a “chosen family” and says “friendship is pretty much everything.” This rings true for many people who feel out of place in their biological families. Dr. Barbara Greenberg agrees, explaining that having a support system of friends is a vital factor in a person’s overall health and longevity. She says, “A lot of people have very problematic patterns with family members. We can have much healthier relationships with friends.” Dr. Greenberg has also observed that “a lot of people feel mismatched with their family,” but adds, “with friends, you can sort of make a place, within your tribe, where you feel you belong.” For the full article on Yahoo Lifestyle, click the link above.
August 13, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Sabrina Rojas Weiss
Free Haircuts Help Kids Feel Good about Going Back to School
Going back to school is not only costly for parents, but it can also be emotionally challenging for students. To ease the transition, Cleveland barber Jermaine Smith and his colleagues offered free haircuts to over 40 kids and teens as part of the Start School on the Right Foot community event. Dr. Barbara Greenberg sees such an act as helpful for students. “Typically my practice gets very busy during the last weeks of August because kids of all ages have trouble with transitions, just like adults,” says Dr. Greenberg. “One of the ways to make a transition easier is to make it fun and introduce some novelty, so the whole idea of getting a haircut and it being something that’s free and exciting makes kids feel special and important. Self-care makes all of us at any age feel better.” To read this heartwarming story, head over to Yahoo lifestyle via the link above.
July 25, 2018, U.S. News and World Report, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
The Most Common Reasons Kids Have Trouble Making Friends
When we think of childhood, we often think of the good times or the halcyon days of youth. In truth, however, childhood and the adolescent years can be quite trying for kids who have a tough time making friends.
June 22, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Maggie Parker
Dairy Queen’s new ad tells parents to take a day off from work to spend more time with their children, using the hashtag #SummerSkipDay as a promotion on social media. Dr. Barbara Greenberg thinks the company is sending the wrong message, especially when many parents do not have the option of taking a day off work. She feels the brand is “exploiting parental guilt” and believes kids can get the wrong idea as well: “A kid might have thought everything was fine but because of seeing this ad, all of a sudden there’s a question mark in their mind about whether or not their parents are behaving right or wrong. And that’s certainly not a message that should be advertised to children.” For the full article on the controversial ad, head over to Yahoo Lifestyle via the above mentioned link.
June 20, 2018, U.S. News and World Report, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
Why Choose a Side When Raising Kids? The Case for ‘Hybrid Parenting’
There is no doubt that parents everywhere question themselves about the best way to raise their children. With no clear answers, the debate about how to raise healthy, happy and resilient kids continues on in neighborhoods and households all across our country. Parents often disagree, as do experts.
June 20, 2018, Your Teen Magazine, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
Long Sleeves in Summer? Why Does My Teen Refuse to Wear Summer Clothes?
In this mail bag Q&A from Your Teen Magazine, Dr. Barbara Greenberg answers a parent whose teenage son chooses to wear long sleeves in the summer. While the parent is concerned the teen isn’t getting enough healthy sunlight, Dr. Greenberg writes, “I would focus less on the sunlight issue and more on whether or not your son is a well-adjusted teen who is socializing and functioning well despite his jeans and long sleeves.” She adds that the parent should gently ask the child whether he feels embarrassed in any way about his body and “help him find a way to cope which doesn’t involve insisting that he change his clothing style.” For Dr. Greenberg’s full analysis, click the link to Your Teen above.
June 18, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Kerry Justich
Why This Woman Had a Post-Breakup Makeover – When She Wasn’t Even Dating Someone to Begin With
YouTube personality Gabbie Hanna cut her hair short and told her followers that she “went through a breakup recently.” Yet, she revealed that the breakup wasn’t with someone else – it was with her old self. She began a whole body transformation as a symbol of moving past her old demons and embracing a positive future. Dr. Barbara Greenberg believes Hanna’s message is a reminder for people to thrive in life, instead of just surviving. “She is absolutely sending a terrific message. Because the focus is on self-improvement and self-reflection,” says Dr. Greenberg says of Hanna’s journey, adding that, “When you’re working on life changes, it’s not uncommon for that to coincide with a new look, a new style. It all goes together, how people feel inside and how they present themselves on the outside.” For the full article, click the link above and head over to Yahoo Lifestyle.
May 23, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Maggie Parker
Teacher Let Student Fall Asleep in Class – and Maybe That’s Not the Worst Idea
High school English teacher Monte Syrie is receiving much praise for letting his tired student sleep for the remainder of his class without punishment. Syrie suggested that while students shouldn’t always be allowed to doze off in class, sometimes the best approach is to have a little compassion. Dr. Barbara Greenberg sees this as a noteworthy gesture: “He could have taken a punishment model, but instead he approached her with empathy and kindness in an out-of-the-box kind of way and that’s wonderful,” she says. Dr. Greenberg says letting students sleep through class shouldn’t become the norm, but adds, “I think whenever you see students exhausted, you have to approach each situation on an individual basis instead of having one general rule, like if a kid falls asleep or doesn’t hand in an assignment on time, we should immediately punish them. I think we have to look at children as individuals to the best of our ability.” For the full article, head over to Yahoo Lifestyle.
May 22, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Maggie Parker
Disturbing School-Shooting Hashtag Goes Viral
In the wake of the 22nd school shooting of 2018, a high school teen created the controversial hashtag #IfIDieInASchoolShooting. A number of students around the country have begun using this hashtag in sentences on Twitter with the goal of bringing deeper awareness to these devastating shootings. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says, “It’s so sad and so tragic that our kids are thinking that way; it really speaks to how commonplace these shootings have become. And it has terribly changed our youth’s attitudes.” However, Dr. Greenberg does see the upside to the viral nature of this hashtag. “Kudos to these kids for making a really collective and powerful statement,” she adds. For the full story, visit Yahoo Lifestyle through the link above.
May 17, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Kerry Justich
A YouTuber Has Been Lying about Her Life — and a $4,900 Dior Bag Has Helped Her Tell The Truth
Bunny Meyer, one of YouTube’s most popular stars, reveals she’s been lying to her subscribers about her wealth in order to make herself appear more relatable. A fellow YouTuber noticed Meyer’s ratings weren’t as high as normal and suggested that she try a more authentic approach to bring audiences into her “real life.” Telling the truth on camera required what Dr. Barbara Greenberg calls “social permission.” She explains, “People do not have an easy time making themselves vulnerable. There’s so much at stake. If you put your authentic self out there and it’s not well received, you’re really playing your hand, and people are afraid of that. But if people see other people being authentic, then they’ll take risks, also. It’s not until there’s social permission to do so that people will dip their foot in the water and take a chance.” For the complete article, visit Yahoo Lifestyle via the above mentioned link.
May 11, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
How to Survive Mother’s Day Without a Mom
Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers helpful ways to get through Mother’s Day if you don’t have a mom. Some of her suggestions include celebrating the women and the men in your lives who have “mothered” you and considering letting the nurturing individuals in your life know how much they mean to you. Dr. Greenberg says, “Perhaps you might visit them on this day or even write them a note about the role that they play in your life. It’s unlikely that they know how much of an impact they’ve had. Trust me here. We assume that others are certainly aware, but they more often are not. It will feel good to tell them.” For the full story, head over to Yahoo.com via the link above.
May 7, 2018, U.S. News and World Report, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
Identifying Eating Disorders and Body Image Issues in Boys
When you think about body image issues and eating disorders, you might be inclined to focus on how frequently women and girls are affected. But while these issues are sadly a way-too-common problem for girls, they’re also a concern for many boys, too – particularly teens.
April 19, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Beth Greenfield
I Took My Daughter, 9, to Her First Concert – P!nk – and Here’s What Happened
Yahoo Lifestyle writer Beth Greenfield talks about the experience she and her 9-year-old daughter had at a P!nk concert. Although Greenfield initially worried that her daughter would be overwhelmed by the immense crowd and large volume of the concert, the young girl ended up enjoying herself and the two had a memorable night together. Dr. Barbara Greenberg told Greenfield, “You’ve introduced her to a whole celebratory part of life, and you wanted to do it properly. Music is one of the delights of life,” adding that “while yes, we probably all started going to concerts in our teens, and parents dropped us off, now I think it’s a lovely thing that parents are enjoying it with their kids. Anything that happens between you and your kids, the bottom line is to ask, how is this impacting the quality of the relationship? And it sounds like it was a very bonding experience … and that you helped her enjoy it.” For the complete story, head over to Yahoo Lifestyle via the link above.
April 18, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Sabrina Rojas Weiss
Chrissy Teigen Letting Her Daughter Dress Herself Is a Valuable Parenting Lesson
Although kids’ fashion choices may not always make sense to adults, Dr. Barbara Greenberg agrees with Chrissy Teigen’s decision to let her two-year-old daughter pick out her own outfit. “As long as your kids are covered up properly, as long as they’re not going out in their underwear, and they’re dressed appropriately for the weather, I think giving them autonomy is a wonderful thing to do,” says Dr. Greenberg, adding that it’s a good idea for parents to praise their children for being independent instead of worrying that others will judge them for their appearance. “Your children’s feelings and your relationship with your children is so much more important than what other people are going to think,” she says. For the full article, click the link above.
April 10, 2018, U.S. News and World Report, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
What to Do About Teens ‘Phubbing’
The word “phubbing” has actually found its way into many dictionaries. It always fascinates me how quickly teen culture becomes reflected in language. Tailormade for the digital age, the term describes snubbing someone in favor of a mobile phone. You have been phubbed when someone is focusing on his or her smartphone while you sit there feeling ignored.
April 5, 2018, Clearasil, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
It was a pleasure sharing my thoughts on how to best talk to teens about sensitive topics. https://t.co/qeyk6NjpYw pic.twitter.com/gZmtqONAUI
— Barbara Greenberg (@parentteendr) April 5, 2018
Barbara Greenberg, PhD clinical psychologist had the pleasure of speaking about sensitive teen topics with Clearasil. To watch the video and hear plenty of Dr. Greenberg’s tips, click the link above.
March 22, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Maggie Parker
Elsa Wears Pants in the ‘Frozen’ musical — Here’s Why That’s Important for Little Girls (and Boys)
The directors of the Broadway musical version of the hit movie “Frozen” decided to put main character Elsa in pants as a symbol of women’s empowerment and originality. Many believe the princess in pants is a refreshing shift from the typical princess in a frilly dress. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says it challenges gender stereotypes in a positive manner. “I love to see people challenging these norms in high-profile ways,” she says. “It gives kids permission to try on all sorts of styles and not to be constricted by the old gender stereotypes. And not to feel like they’re doing something wrong if they do want to wear something that isn’t the ‘norm’ for their gender.” For more on the empowering portrayal of Elsa in the Broadway musical, visit the link above.
March 17, 2018, Real Simple, Jennifer King Lindley
How to Get Along With Someone You Completely Disagree With
It may be difficult to have even a simple conversation with someone you disagree with. Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains, “We all long for connection, and the kind of breakdown in understanding we’re experiencing is painful.” However, Dr. Greenberg suggests that training oneself to become more tolerant of others’ beliefs is key. She adds, “Creativity and innovation only happen when you are exposed to a wide range of viewpoints.” For the full article on how to become more understanding, mindful and respectful of those you may disagree with, click the link above.
March 17, 2018, Real Simple, Jennifer King Lindley
How to Raise Kids Who Get Along With (Almost) Everyone
Parents play a major role in how their children connect with others. One way parents can help their kids is to teach them not to use generalizing language when speaking about different groups of people. Dr. Barbara Greenberg gives an example that applies to the school environment but can be used later in life as well: “Instead of using labels like ‘the drama kids,’ use their names,” she says. For the full story on how to help children acknowledge their differences and develop positive relationships with others, click on the link above.
March 15, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Kerry Justich
A 14-Year-Old Girl Owes $20,000 in Damages After a House Party — and Her Parents Are on the Hook
One Canadian teenager threw an unsupervised house party that’s now costing her parents $20,000 in damages. In the wake of such destruction, Dr. Barbara Greenberg has some sound advice for parents whose teens may be tempted to throw their own wild party. She says, “The first thing parents have to do is talk to their kids. Approach it in a two-pronged way. Empathize with your kid and align yourself with them so that they know you’re on their side. Explain the peer pressures and negative outcomes. Secondly, explain that this is our home that we’ve worked so hard for, and as a part of the family, you need to protect it too, and our resources.” Dr. Greenberg suggests parents share this news story with their own teens and ask them what they think. “They want to know that you value what they say. They want to feel relevant and want to be heard.” To access the full article, click on the link above this paragraph.
March 14, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Maggie Parker
Heidi Montag Had 10 Plastic Surgeries to be ‘Perfect.’ Now That She’s a Mom, Everything’s Different
Heidi Montag admits she was once addicted to plastic surgery. She now says that as a new mom, she has “no temptation” to go under the knife again and is excited to show off her postpartum body. According to Dr. Barbara Greenberg, Montag is an exception to a group of women dissatisfied with their bodies after giving birth. “The majority of women become frustrated because their body rarely looks the same post-baby,” Dr. Greenberg says. She further explains, “Maybe for Heidi Montag this will be a game changer, but I really don’t think this would be a game changer for the majority of women who are addicted to plastic surgery.” For the full article, visit Yahoo Lifestyle through the hyperlink above.
March 14, 2018, U.S. News and World Report, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
The ‘Cinderella Weight’ Challenge and Body Image Issues
I worry about teen girls and their body image issues all the time, and for good reason. Surveys find that upwards of 9 in 10 teen girls dislike their bodies.
March 13, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Maggie Parker
Hollie Lawlor, a 2-year-old from Ireland, has her own Instagram page where she’s regularly photographed in couture outfits – from Chanel to Louis Vuitton. Hollie’s mother Pamela says Hollie “wants to be a model” and loves having her photos taken. Dr. Barbara Greenberg thinks, however, this is more about the mother than the child. “A two-year-old can’t possibly know what it means to be a model,” she says. “All this emphasis on appearance, clothing and modeling as a profession and as an end goal is concerning, because all of our little girls should have options, they should have some input and she’s basically being trained that this is what she’s going to be doing.” Dr. Greenberg adds that although exposure to top designer brands is not concerning, being taught that fashion should be Hollie’s end game is unfair. To read more about Hollie Lawlor’s story, visit Yahoo Lifestyle via the link before this paragraph.
March 12, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Sabrina Rojas Weiss
These Moms Are Stopping Bullying the Right Way, According to Experts
A video of two mothers encouraging their kids to apologize for bullying a fellow student has gone viral on the internet. Two young boys enter an elementary school with flowers, balloons and a gift bag. Their mothers then tell them to say a few kind words to the girl whose feelings they hurt. Dr. Barbara Greenberg believes this method of teaching the children to make amends is much better and more effective than shaming them. “You can give them a consequence, like having them do repair work, like engage in some acts of kindness and apologize,” she says. “You were mean; how are you going to be kind? How are you going to fix this? The consequence has to fit the act of bullying.” To watch the video clip and read the full article, click the link above.
March 9, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Beth Greenfield
Famous Trauma Therapist Fired over Allegedly Traumatizing His Staff
Renowned trauma psychologist Bessel van der Kolk was recently fired from his position at the center he founded after allegedly bullying and traumatizing his own staff. Dr. Barbara Greenberg weighs in on this situation and explains, “Bullying occurs at all levels. I do not know him personally, but I do know that bullying and doing brilliant work are not mutually exclusive. We would be foolish to think otherwise at this point in time.” She says she is saddened to hear about this news and adds, “Bullying occurs in ever strata of society, and the brilliant among us are not immune from engaging in that sort of problematic behavior.” For an in-depth look at this story, visit Yahoo Lifestyle via the link above.
March 6, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Sabrina Rojas Weiss
This Dad Is Going Viral for Making His Son, 10, Run to School in the Rain — Did He Go Too Far?
Bryan Thornhill’s 10-year-old son got kicked off the school bus for bullying other students. Thornhill said his son was acting “like a little bully” and needed to face the consequences. Thornhill punished his son by making him run to school in the rain while he drove behind him with a video camera. Dr. Barbara Greenberg weighs in on the situation and says, “When your child does something like behave like a bully, the consequence should fit the crime.” She adds, “A more appropriate response should have been for the child to do repair work. That would mean, for example, apologizing to other kids, or engaging in acts of kindness. The child’s already been suspended from the bus – that’s an appropriate response from the school. From the father, you focus in on the bullying behavior, and you teach the child empathy.” Check out the entire Yahoo Lifestyle article via the highlighted link above.
March 2, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Maggie Parker
A 13-Year-Old Made a Real Moving Video That Challenges Gender Stereotypes
A new video by 13-year-old Ella Fields reverses gender stereotypes to show the extent of their ridiculousness. In this video (titled “Stereo”) the make-believe world is one where boys wear dresses and girls wear baggy pants and t-shirts. In the final scene, the main character Jamie exclaims to her mother that “there is no gender assigned to a piece of fabric” and proceeds to wear a dress to school. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says she’s delighted that this video is getting so much attention on the internet. “This is such an interesting presentation of gender stereotypes. It’s presented in such a unique matter, in a way that will raise awareness and make us think,” she says. For Dr. Greenberg’s additional commentary on the problem of gender stereotypes, head over to Yahoo Lifestyle via the above mentioned link.
February 26, 2018, Forbes, Diana Hembree
What’s Behind the Rise of Kids’ Cover Songs on YouTube
In this article Dr. Barbara Greenberg shares her thoughts on what is behind the rise of kids’ cover songs on YouTube. “First of all, there’s a yearning for connection; that’s what everybody wants in her life,” Greenberg says. “Then there’s the fear of rejection and not being accepted – also especially prevalent in high school and junior high – and the fear of not being good enough.” For more of Dr. Greenberg’s analysis behind this YouTube trend, view the full article at Forbes via the link above.
March-April 2018, Your Teen Magazine, Laura Richards
Big Dance, Big Money: Handling Prom Costs
With high school prom costs going up each year, parents are wondering how they will pay for their teens’ formal wear and festivities for this anticipated rite of passage. Dr. Barbara Greenberg suggests parents implement cost sharing with their teens. This will help teens talk about and negotiate finances, which Dr. Greenberg says is a “valuable skill many adults lack.” For another snippet of Dr. Greenberg’s advice, click the link at the top of this paragraph.
February 23, 2018, Joanne Richard
Published in: Toronto Sun, Niagara Falls Review, Welland Tribune, St. Catharines Standard, Sarnia Observer, Owen Sound Sun Times, The Belleville Intelligencer, Postmedia News, and Winnipeg Sun
The Realities of Office Romances
Romantic workplace relationships have hit a 10-year low, and many are wondering whether the #MeToo campaign is making people more cautious. In a recent CareerBuilder survey, only 36% of employees said they’ve dated a co-worker – a 5% decrease from last year. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says if you’re thinking of going out with someone at work, be mindful and think twice: “If you are thinking about getting involved in an office romance or already are, proceed if you must with caution. Things can deteriorate pretty quickly once and if the relationship goes awry.”
February 14, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Maggie Parker
Schools May Ban Kids from Having Best Friends — and It’s Not the Worst Idea
Many schools are starting to ban the term “best friends” in the attempt to encourage students to expand their social circles and be more inclusive. Yet instead of penalizing kids who are caught calling someone their BFF, Dr. Barbara Greenberg suggests schools encourage students to look around the room for someone who may be lonely and invite that person to join them. One example is at the lunch table. “Who else can you invite?” she says. “Look around. The cultural norm should start to move toward people looking around and seeing who wants to join. The motto should be #include, #invite, rather than #ban.” For the complete article, click on the link above.
February 14, 2018, Redbook, Jennifer King Lindley
In this Redbook magazine article about intuition, Dr. Barbara Greenberg weighs in on the importance of learning to trust your gut. “Over time you can develop a sense of the feelings that can be your best guides,” she says, explaining that with practice we can learn to tune into the wisdom of the mind and body. Click the link above for a photo snippet of the article.
February 13, 2018, U.S. News and World Report, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
5 Ways to Help Teens Set Boundaries with Friends
Teens are certainly confusing and complicated, but there is one thing that’s crystal clear about them: More than anything else, they want to fit in with their peers. They want and need to stay connected. Without connection, they feel lonely and isolated and are at risk of becoming anxious and sad.
February 5, 2018, Reader’s Digest, Jen Babakhan
10 Sneaky Sources of Stress at Work—and How to Fix Them
Many people say their job is the number one cause of stress in their lives. Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers a number of helpful tips to reduce those stressful moments in the workplace. Dr. Greenberg says taking care of home-life issues by talking to a friend or therapist, speaking to a supervisor to help delegate overwhelming responsibilities, making lists to keep everything in order and finding ways to make the workplace more enjoyable are some of the things employees can do lighten their load at work. She adds, “If you’re feeling stuck, you have to find ways to make your job more palatable. Use your breaks well and make a friend or two. Find ways to make your workplace feel gentler. One or two changes can make all the difference.” For more of Dr. Greenberg’s expert advice on work-related stress, head over to Reader’s Digest via the link above.
February 5, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Kerry Justich
Why 20-Year-Old Kylie Jenner’s Pregnancy Is Beautiful — but An Exception
On her Instagram page, 20-year-old cosmetics mogul Kylie Jenner referred to her pregnancy as “the most beautiful, empowering and life-changing experience” she’s ever had. Many agree that Jenner’s wealth and support system made her pregnancy very different from that of others her age who may not be as privileged. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says this is no reason to shame Jenner. However, she thinks teens and young adults should take a realistic approach and understand the responsibilities that come with motherhood. “This is a wonderful opportunity to reach out to young women and tell them that while little babies are very cute, they really need to keep in mind that this is a life-altering experience,” Dr. Greenberg explains, “and without the resources that you need, it will be a very stressful experience for both you and the baby.” For the full article, visit Yahoo Lifestyle through the link above this paragraph.
February 2, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Rachel Grumman Bender
The Important Thing You’re Forgetting When Talking to Your Kids About Sex
How should parents talk to their children about sexuality? Dr. Barbara Greenberg says the conversation should include more than just the mechanics of sex and the prevention of STDs. “When they’re young, you teach them ‘my body, my rules,’” she says, emphasizing that nobody should touch them if they don’t want to be touched – this includes family members, teachers, babysitters and even other trusted individuals. In addition, she explains that parents need to talk to their children about respecting both their own bodies as well as others’ bodies. Dr. Greenberg says that when their kids are a bit older, parents can begin to discuss the importance of consent and respect in romantic relationships. For more information on this subject, visit Yahoo Lifestyle via the above mentioned link.
February 1, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Beth Greenfield
Mark Salling Suicide: How Will I Explain It to My Daughter, a 9-Year-Old ‘Glee’ Fan?
When former ‘Glee’ star turned child-pornography convict Mark Salling committed suicide, many parents began to wonder how they would approach their children with the news about his death and the circumstances surrounding it. Dr. Barbara Greenberg suggests that parents be honest when discussing such a topic with their children and use it as a teaching opportunity to help them develop emotional literacy – to help them label feelings and understand that we all have them. She adds, “It’s really important to know we not only can but must reach out to people when we’re having feelings that are very hard for us to handle — that it’s a positive thing to ask for help and not something to be ashamed of.” For more of Dr. Greenberg’s helpful comments on this sensitive topic, please visit Yahoo Lifestyle by clicking the link above.
January 30, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Kerry Justich
Sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid Pose Unclothed Together and It’s Making People Uncomfortable
Supermodel sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid posed naked together for the upcoming double cover March issue of British Vogue, leaving some people feeling “disturbed” and confused about the image after seeing it on social media. To read Dr. Barbara Greenberg’s comments about the controversial issue, head over to Yahoo Lifestyle by clicking the link above.
January 17, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Sabrina Rojas Weiss
Should Adults Care Who 13-Year-Old Millie Bobby Brown Is Dating?
Is it appropriate for adults to comment on who “Stranger Things” star Millie Bobby Brown is dating and more importantly, is it okay for people to focus heavily on this teenager’s looks? According to Dr. Barbara Greenberg, “When we simply focus on a young woman’s appearance, we lead our girls down the rabbit hole of depression and eating disorders.” Dr. Greenberg explains it would be damaging not to speak of Brown as a whole person who is more than just a pretty face. For the complete article, head over to Yahoo Lifestyle by clicking the link above this paragraph.
January 5, 2018, U.S. News and World Report, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
Should Schools Ban Kids from Having Best Friends?
A number of European schools are now banning the concept of children having best friends. Is this a positive trend? Dr. Barbara Greenberg shares why her answer is yes. She writes, “Certainly in life we all benefit from having close friends and confidantes – those who really get us,” but explains, “The phrase best friend is inherently exclusionary. Among children and even teens best friends shift rapidly. These shifts lead to emotional distress and would be significantly less likely if our kids spoke of close or even good friends rather than best friends.” Dr. Greenberg says a focus on having best friends suggests there’s an unspoken ranking system that can lead to bigger problems. For more of Dr. Greenberg’s thoughts on the best friends issue, visit her article via the above mentioned link.
January 4, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Leah Prinzivalli
Sarah Michelle Gellar Took Her Son for a Manicure and Trolls Couldn’t Handle It
Many people on the internet have criticized actress Sarah Michelle Gellar for taking her son to get a manicure with her, arguing that manicures are only for women. However, Dr. Barbara Greenberg commends Gellar for not letting old-fashioned gender norms impact her parenting. “I think that other people should take a lesson from Sarah Michelle Gellar here. Children should be exposed to a variety of activities, not just things that are gender appropriate. We shouldn’t send the message that certain things are exclusively for males and females,” says Dr. Greenberg. “Maybe this will be a learning opportunity for a lot of people that we don’t need to be restrictive for our children.” For the full article, click the link above.
January 3, 2018, Yahoo Lifestyle, Maggie Parker
This ‘Irrational Desire’ Is Driving Millennials and Gen Z into Depression
A recent psychological study suggests that the overwhelming pursuit of perfection is driving young people into increased levels of depression and anxiety. The authors of the study also found that perfectionism has increased over time and that it’s the worst in the United States. Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains, “When you are constantly under a literal and figurative microscope — the microscope being social media — of course you are going to become more self-conscious.” She adds, “When self-consciousness and perfectionism increase, anxiety and depression increase as well. They go hand in hand,” supporting the study. For the complete article on perfectionism and anxiety, head over to Yahoo Lifestyle via the link above.
December 21, 2017, Yahoo Lifestyle, Jennifer Lea Reynolds
I Don’t Have Children, But the Magic of Santa Is Also for Adults Like Me
Writer Jennifer Lea Reynolds says “indulging in the childlike excitement of Santa” shouldn’t stop because of adulthood. A 43-year-old with no children, Reynolds relishes the lightheartedness of the holidays by attending holiday parades with her husband and leaving a plate of cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve. Dr. Barbara Greenberg believes this type of playful attitude could be just what we all need in today’s chaotic world. She says, “Maintaining a childlike excitement into adulthood is not only fun but it also contributes to the ability to enjoy life and be resilient,” adding, “After all, it is this sense of fun that keeps us feeling good, upbeat, and excited about life.” For the complete article, head over to Yahoo Lifestyle via the link above.
December 7, 2017, U.S. News and World Report, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
7 Ways to Teach Kids How to Engage with Relatives
Dr. Barbara Greenberg provides a number of tips to “help bring back the lost art of conversation between generations,” showing parents ways their children can communicate with their relatives – especially around the holidays where social interaction is frequent. Dr. Greenberg suggests that children put all electronic devices away for holiday gatherings, that parents seat kids and adults at the same table and that they offer a few conversation starters the child can use to engage in communication with a relative. She tells parents, “Please keep in mind that as the adult, you are your child’s most important role model” and recommends that parents model talking to adults about what life was like growing up. For more of Dr. Greenberg’s tips, visit her article above.
November 29, 2017, NBC News, Kalhan Rosenblatt
YouTuber ‘Toy Freaks’ May Cause Psychological Damage to His Kids, Experts Say
The popular ‘Toy Freaks’ video channel was deactivated by YouTube for violating policies against child endangerment. The online series featured single father Gregory Chism playing pranks on his two daughters. Experts say the pranks may have placed the two girls in psychological distress, and that the effects could be long-lasting. In response to the situation, Dr. Barbara Greenberg said, “It’s a very concerning thing. It’s abusive any way you look at it. I think, my guess, my thought is these are very likely parents who view their kids not as people but as possessions.” For more of Dr. Greenberg’s thoughts, read the full article on NBC News.
November 27, 2017, Reader’s Digest, Jen Babakhan
11 Simple Habits That Relieve Holiday Stress and Anxiety
Dr. Barbara Greenberg provides readers with sensible tips on how to be mindful, care for yourself and ease stress during the holidays. She suggests getting lots of rest, knowing your limits with your family, setting healthy boundaries and having realistic expectations for yourself as well as family members. The ultimate goal is total self-care. Dr. Greenberg says, “We must all keep in mind that the holidays can be quite overwhelming as well as exciting. Because we are going to be expending a lot of energy during the holidays we must take care of ourselves. That way, we are less likely to become physically sick and emotionally overwhelmed during the holiday season.” For more of Dr. Greenberg’s suggestions, head over to Reader’s Digest via the article above.
November 22, 2017, Yahoo Lifestyle, Sabrina Rojas Weiss
Walking Outside Can Help You Get Along With Your Family, Study Finds
A new scientific study shows that a short walk in nature can help people tune out distractions and feel a sense of connection to each other. The study showed that even a 20-minute walk outside helps ease tension and increase attention levels – especially in mother-daughter relationships. Dr. Barbara Greenberg agrees. She says, “Walking in nature, all the mother and daughter have to do is attend to one another.” In addition, Dr. Greenberg believes walking together helps people talk because they don’t need to look into each other’s faces. “Kids who may be a little skittish about opening up to their mothers have a little bit of a veil [when walking] because they don’t have eye contact, so I think they will take more risks,” she says. “I think walking with somebody or driving with somebody are wonderful ways to start communication.” For more information on this study, visit the article above.
November 20, 2017, Yahoo Lifestyle, Maggie Parker
Mother Lets 2-Year-Old Dye Her Hair and Wear Makeup, and Here’s Why
Tattoo artist Amy Lyn has given her 2-year-old daughter BellaMae permission to dye her hair and wear makeup. She doesn’t believe her child should have to wait until she’s older to express her creative side. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says Amy Lyn’s argument is strong, but unrealistic: “On the one hand, yes, there is something to all types of parenting, more conservative parenting and alternative parenting. But it’s a bit of a reach to believe that at 2, this approach will make your daughter able to make wiser adult decisions, because of her freedom of creativity.” To read the full article on Amy Lyn’s decision, and for more of Dr. Greenberg’s commentary, visit Yahoo Lifestyle via the above mentioned link.
November 17, 2017, Yahoo Lifestyle, Alexandra Mondalek
According to Women’s Wear Daily, Condé Nast and Vanity Fair employees showed blatant disapproval of their new editor Radhika Jones’ fashion choices. The report states that Anna Wintour “fixed one of her trademark stoic glares upon Jones’ hosiery” during the staff meeting and that other Condé Nast employees allegedly made critical remarks about Jones’ wardrobe. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says mocking Jones’ work wear is “a form of harassment that’s specific to women in the workplace” and a variant of the “#MeToo” sexual harassment phenomenon that is much less likely to happen to men. For more of Dr. Greenberg’s comments, read the article above.
November 16, 2017, Your Teen Magazine, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
My Stepdaughter Wants to Live with Her Mom. Should We Let Her?
In this mailbag Q&A, Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers advice to a woman whose stepdaughter wants to move back in with her biological mother. The young girl thought that by moving in with her father and stepmother, she could have a better relationship with her dad. However, she changed her mind when her birth mom came to visit and now wants to switch homes again. To read Dr. Greenberg’s solution to this family dilemma, click the link to Your Teen above.
November 15, 2017, U.S. News and World Report, Jennifer Lea Reynolds
How to Cope During the Holidays When You Have ADHD
Holidays can be a time of great joy, but they can also be difficult for people with ADHD, who often struggle with overstimulation and stress at social events. Dr. Barbara Greenberg suggests that when going to a party, those with ADHD might want to schedule breaks and leave at a specific time. “Additionally,” she says, “it’s beneficial to take stock of what worked and didn’t work last year, then adjust accordingly.” Dr. Greenberg adds that it’s important to be aware of those who got on your nerves last year: “Be mindful of people who pushed your buttons before, and engage someone else in conversation. No one benefits if you’re anxious and overstimulated. Don’t take the bait.” More of Dr. Greenberg’s advice for coping with ADHD during the holidays can be found by clicking the link above this paragraph.
November 13, 2017, Yahoo Lifestyle, Rachel Grumman Bender
How to Host a Stress-Free Friendsgiving
Many who live far from family or don’t have close relationships with their relatives have decided to start a new Thanksgiving tradition called Friendsgiving, where they gather with a group of friends to share a meal and make memories. Dr. Barbara Greenberg believes this is a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving, and says, “What a delightful way to spend a holiday where you are giving thanks, especially for those who have become your friends and maybe even ‘family’ — after all, friends often become family.” For the full article on Friendsgiving, which features tips on how to create your own fun Friendsgiving holiday, click the link above.
November 9, 2017, U.S. News Wellness Section, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
10 Ways to Help Teens Be Savvier About Texting
Texting can be stressful for teens, who may be quick to misinterpret nonverbal information they receive in a message as negative. Dr. Barbara Greenberg suggests that parents encourage teens not to overthink a text message and if they are confused, to clarify information in the text by communicating more clearly with the person who sent it. Dr. Greenberg suggests having the teen pick up the phone to call a friend instead of messaging them. She explains that limiting a teen’s time spent texting, especially at mealtime, can help them be more present in the moment. For the full article and for more useful tips on how to help teens clarify confusing texts, visit U.S. News and World Report via the link above.
November 3, 2017, Yahoo Lifestyle, Rachel Grumman Bender
Girl Scouts Add ‘Raise Your Hand’ Patch, to Encourage Girls to Speak Up
When 10-year-old Alice Paul Tapper noticed that the girls in her fifth grade class weren’t speaking up as much as the boys, she suggested her Girl Scout troop create a patch to encourage girls to use their voices more often and become confident leaders by raising their hands. Dr. Barbara Greenberg thinks this is a phenomenal idea, and says, “Once people start monitoring the behavior [of girls not speaking up] and it comes into awareness, that behavior will change in frequency.” She adds, “Since she’s calling it into awareness, the behavior will change, and girls will be more assertive and raise their hands.” To read more about this new Girl Scout patch visit Yahoo Lifestyle by clicking the link above.
October 31, 2017, Yahoo Lifestyle, Leah Prinzivalli
Is It OK to Say Millie Bobby Brown Looks ‘So Grown Up’?
Headlines are referring to 13-year-old actress Millie Bobby Brown as “so grown up” in response to recent red carpet photos that make her appear older. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says it’s important for the media, when talking or writing about child stars, to remember that these actors are just that: children. She explains, “Clothing may make a child look older, but it certainly doesn’t mean they have the confidence, identity, and cognitive skills of a grown-up person. Appearance doesn’t apply to everything else.” To read more of Dr. Greenberg’s comments, head over to Yahoo Lifestyle via the link above.
October 30, 2017, Yahoo Lifestyle, Rachel Grumman Bender
The Psychology of the Sexy Halloween Costume
Every Halloween, several women attend their annual parties dressed in sexy, skin-tight costumes. Some believe these outfits are inappropriate, but others say the act of wearing them can actually be body positive and empowering. “For some but not all women, trying on something that they would not ordinarily wear and feeling good about it may increase confidence and a sense of positivity about their bodies,” says Dr. Barbara Greenberg, who points out that “Many — but not all — women perceive Halloween as a safe space to step out of their daily routines and have fun experimenting with costumes and their sensuality and sexuality.” For the full article, click the link above.
October 29, 2017, Toronto Sun, Joanne Richard
Rocky Road of Body Image: Bonespiration Can be Contagious, Inspiring
Protruding Ribs, Thigh Gaps and Skeletal Spines
Social media posts that glorify dangerously thin bodies are on the rise, pressuring girls to adhere to an unrealistic body ideal. Dr. Barbara Greenberg finds this troubling, and says that parents need to be aware of what their kids are doing in real life as well as in their virtual lives. She says, “Schools, pediatricians and parents need to teach and model healthy body image and focus on the strength and health of the body rather than on what it looks like.” For more on this subject, click the link above to read the full article, which has also been published in Calgary Sun, Edmonton Sun, Winnipeg Sun and Ottawa Sun.
October 16, 2017, Toronto Sun, Joanne Richard
What We Love, What We Eat: The Difference between Pets and Animals
There are many mixed messages in the media as to what we should and should not eat for moral reasons. As Joanne Richard writes, “Making peace with what’s on your plate isn’t that easy with cute pics of pet lambs and miniature pigs trending social media.” According to Dr. Barbara Greenberg, we love one and eat another because we believe that one loves us back. She says, “We bond with the ones that are members of our family and anthropomorphize them. We do not have the same attachment to the animals that we eat.” Dr. Greenberg adds that although we have been eating animals for centuries, habits are unfortunately not questioned like new behaviors. For the full discussion, read the entire article, which was also published in Ottawa Sun, Calgary Sun, Edmonton Sun, Lifewise and Canoe.com.
October 12, 2017, U.S. News and World Report, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
The Pros and Cons of Teen Sleepovers
Dr. Barbara Greenberg weighs the upsides and downsides of teenage sleepovers. First, she discusses the benefits, explaining that teens need to learn to function in group settings away from home. “After all,” she adds, “many of them will be away at college or living on their own in just a few years.” Dr. Greenberg also expresses her concerns about behavior at sleepovers, stating that teens can act differently in groups than when they’re alone or with a friend. “When you put a group of teens together at a sleepover, that can increase the risk they will engage in reckless behavior,” she says. Ultimately, she suggests parents “keep an eye on things,” for example, by getting to know their teens’ friends and their friends’ parents before letting them stay at their homes. For more of Dr. Greenberg’s tips on this subject, read the full article by clicking the blue link above.
October 11, 2017, U.S. News and World Report, Jennifer Lea Reynolds
How to Raise an ADHD Child When Parents Have Differing Views About Treatment
Many parents disagree on how to raise a child with ADHD, and this can cause a lot of tension not only for the parents, but for the child as well. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says, “What I see the most in these instances is one parent who wants the child on medication, while the other says, ‘absolutely not.’ ” She explains that the parent who doesn’t want their child on medication often shows concern that the child will develop a dependency for it. Dr. Greenberg says fears about ADHD may be reduced by becoming more informed about how ADHD medications work. “Education, education and more education,” she says, reinforcing the need to stay knowledgeable about ADHD or any issue concerning a child. For more information on this topic, visit the article by clicking the link above.
October 10, 2017, Yahoo Lifestyle, Beth Greenfield
Disney Star Defends Remarriage after Death of First Husband: ‘There Is No Timeline for Grief’
Disney alum Tiffany Thornton is receiving backlash for remarrying two years after her first husband died in a car accident. While many people have congratulated Thornton on finding someone new, several people have called her out for moving on too soon. Dr. Barbara Greenberg believes it’s no one else’s place to say when it’s appropriate to embrace new love. “It’s very judgmental,” she says. “People can have a very hard time celebrating other people’s joys,” she adds. “I don’t think there’s any rule about when one should remarry or how long one should grieve. There’s no timeline,” Dr. Greenberg explains. For more of Dr. Greenberg’s commentary, and to read the full article, click the link above.
October 3, 2017, Yahoo Lifestyle, Beth Greenfield
Video of Student Bully in Action Goes Viral. Why Didn’t Anybody Step In?
A viral online video shows teens slapping and shoving a special needs teen, while others simply watched and did nothing. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says this is due to a socio-psychological phenomenon called “diffusion of responsibility,” where everyone assumes someone else will do something, so nobody does anything. Dr. Greenberg explains that teens are “extremely self-conscious” and therefore, “They don’t step in to help. They’re afraid that if they get involved they’ll be the next victim – or that they’ll make a fool of themselves.” Dr. Greenberg adds that raising a children who stand up for what’s right “has to start at home, where you teach a kid that it’s a brave and wonderful thing to do.” For the full article, visit Yahoo Lifestyle via the above mentioned link.
October 1, 2017, Yahoo Lifestyle, Kerry Justich
Schools Are Dealing with Students Taking a Knee During the National Anthem
One first grade student’s decision to kneel instead of stand during the school’s Pledge of Allegiance led his teacher to publicly reprimand him for his action. His mother, who learned of the situation via a text from the teacher, asked to have her son removed from that particular classroom and shared her situation with the local news station. Dr. Barbara Greenberg responds to the issue, saying, “I am never a believer in public shame; there is nothing worse,” adding that “This child is probably a curious child if he’s watching what’s going on in his culture. Talk to the kid quietly about his thoughts and his views — that’s what should have happened.” For the full article, click the link above.
September 25, 2017, Your Teen Magazine, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
Teen Dating Advice: Is That a Hickey? What Do I Say About it?
In this Dear Your Teen mailbag Q&A, Dr. Barbara Greenberg advises a parent concerned about the dating life of her 14-year-old daughter. The young girl, who has a boyfriend, came home with hickeys from a different boy. Her mother wants to know how to handle the situation with her daughter without appearing judgmental. Dr. Greenberg says, “Be patient. Do a lot of listening. Ask your daughter how she thinks she should deal with the situation. As for teen dating advice, teens love when you listen to and honor their opinions without telling them what to do.” For the full Q&A, visit Your Teen Magazine via the link above.
September 23, 2017, Aaptiv, Julia Dellitt
How Your Relationship With Food Impacts Your Workouts
A healthy relationship with food can help contribute to overall mind-body wellness. However, Dr. Barbara Greenberg says obsessing over diet or exercise can lead to body image problems and eating disorders. “For those looking to maintain a positive, healthy relationship with food and exercise, I suggest holding on to the phrase ‘everything in moderation’ very tightly,” she says. “As long as you’re eating, and exercise habits are enhancing the quality of your life, then you are in a safe zone.” For the full article on creating positive changes in your relationship with food, read the full article by clicking the link above.
September 19, 2017, Harper’s Bazaar, Sophie Saint Thomas
A 2012 University of Texas at Austin study found that on average, men find psychologically vulnerable women more attractive. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says this is a concern for severely depressed women who crave validation and are unlikely to defend themselves from men who take advantage of their emotions. Dr. Greenberg’s advice: “You need to have your radar up, and if your radar is not operating properly then you need to operate on the radar of people who love you. Rely on the radar of your friends and rely on the radar of your therapist because yours is probably not as sharp when you’re depressed.” For the full story, and for more of Dr. Greenberg’s feedback on the topic, visit Harper’s Bazaar through the link above.
September 15, 2017, YourTeen, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
How Should I Handle My Teen’s Constant Requests for Money?
This week, Dr. Barbara Greenberg’s mailbag response is to a parent whose 17-year-old daughter does not want to work, yet keeps asking for money. “Learning the value of money and fiscal responsibility are very important life skills,” says Dr. Greenberg, who explains that a bit of negotiation on the part of the parent could help motivate this teen to seek a job. For example, she says, “Talk to her about finding a job that doesn’t involve weekends (at first) so that she feels that her concerns are being attended to and that she doesn’t feel dismissed. Teens like to feel that they have some control and input.” For Dr. Greenberg’s full response to the concerned parent, visit YourTeen through the above mentioned link.
September 13, 2017, U.S. News, Jennifer Lea Reynolds
What to Do When Other Adults Suggest Your Child Has ADHD
This article explores what parents should do when others suggest their children have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says to first consider the source and then proceed accordingly. “If this suggestion is being delivered by someone like a teacher who cares about you and your child, then ask for more information: For example, what they are observing?” Dr. Greenberg says. “If you feel that this information is being presented to you recklessly and by an individual who has little knowledge of your child and his or her behavior, then move on. Acknowledge that you have received the information, but try hard not to let it upset you.” For the complete article, and for some more tips on how to handle unsolicited advice about your child’s wellbeing, visit U.S. News via the hyperlink above.
September 11, 2017, Travel and Leisure, Julie Mazziotta
Originally appearing on People.com, this informative story is full of Dr. Greenberg’s expert tips on which age is appropriate for a child to have a smartphone, to travel to a theme park, to have a sleepover, to read books like Harry Potter, and more. For the complete article, head over to Travel and Leisure by clicking the link above.
September 8, 2017, U.S. News Wellness Section, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
5 Ways to Help Your Teen Develop a Sense of Purpose
Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers thoughtful ways to help teens feel important and relevant in their lives. Her tips include making teens feel like a part of a community as well as encouraging them to look out for friends and those who need their support. She also suggests that adults praise their teens for the good things they do for others. “After all,” she writes, “it not only takes a village to raise a child, it takes everyone working together for a community to run smoothly; and our teens need to know that they are a very important part of this village.” For the full article on U.S. News, click the link above.
September 1, 2017, Today, Terri Peters
‘3 am Challenge’: The YouTube Trend That May Be Keeping Your Kid Up At Night
The latest YouTube trend involving spooky rituals at 3am is keeping some teens awake with fear. Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains that it’s normal for children to enjoy scaring themselves. She says, “Kids are exploring the whole spectrum of emotion. As adults, we know what is going to scare us or give us nightmares, but kids don’t really know that yet, so they’re trying to find that out.” Dr. Greenberg adds that kids will often push limits with things that frighten them, which sometimes leads to them being unable to fall asleep at bedtime due to fear. Parents can ease this fear by talking to them and by helping them feel empowered. Read more of Dr. Greenberg’s pointers on this subject by clicking the link above.
August 31, 2017, Aaptiv, Julia Dellitt
Overexercising: What It Means And How To Know When To Stop
How much exercise is too much? Experts in this article say there’s a difference between exercise burnout and over-exercising, which is more serious. Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains, “You know you are over-exercising when you stop paying attention to what your body is telling you (aches and pains) and continue to exercise hard despite that.” She adds, “A conscientious and thoughtful exerciser pays attention to signals and feedback from the body and the mind. An over-exerciser tunes out feedback from these sources.” To read more about over-exercising and how to make some healthier choices regarding fitness, head over to Aaptiv via the link above.
August 27, 2017, Toronto Sun, Joanne Richard
Back to School: Let the Anxiety Begin
Dr. Barbara Greenberg informs the Toronto Sun that August has become one of the most stressful months of the year for teens and preteens as they await the new school year. Dr. Greenberg explains, “I’m seeing more and more kids, and many are feeling they’re behind before they even start. Now middle schoolers are worried about getting into certain universities. Kids have intense anxiety about fitting in, but it’s the engagement in social comparisons that creates terrible anxiety in kids.” For the full article and for Dr. Greenberg’s tips on how parents can help ease the anxiety, head over to the Toronto Sun via the link above.
August 27, 2017, YourTeen, DaQuann Harrison
From Homeless Teen to College Student
DaQuann Harrison shares his heart-wrenching tale about his troubled childhood, and the caring mentor who played a major role in his healing as well as his academic success. At the end of the article, Dr. Barbara Greenberg comments on the impact of good mentoring, agreeing with Harrison that it does indeed take a village of loving individuals who want to help abused, at-risk students like DaQuann thrive far beyond their expectations. For the full article from YourTeen Magazine’s September-October 2017 issue, click the link above.
August 25, 2017, People, Julie Mazziotta
The Best Age for Kids to Get a Smartphone, Travel, Read Harry Potter and More
In this slideshow, Dr. Barbara Greenberg gives People Magazine her top tips on when parents should let their children have a smartphone, when to take them to theme parks such as Disney World, what age to let them stay home alone, read Harry Potter books, and more. Dr. Greenberg’s reasons are thoughtful, relevant and practical. To access all this information, click the link above. Be sure to scroll through the arrows in order to view the slide show.
August 18, 2017, SheKnows, Lindsey Hunter Lopez
How Important Is It For Teens to Have a Summer Job?
During the summer months, many teens hang around the house with nothing to do. Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains how important it is for teens to seek employment. They not only develop self-esteem and a sense of responsibility, but they also learn the importance of being a team player, become educated about finances, and gain the knowledge it takes to be successful. Dr. Greenberg says, “Teens need all kinds of arenas in which to be successful. This provides another one.” She believes having a job allows adolescents to experience success. With a summer job, teens get the chance to create and envision the life they’d like as adults. For more of Dr. Greenberg’s reasons for teens to get a job, read the full article above.
August 15, 2017, Reader’s Digest, Jen Babakhan
10 Things To Remember When Talking to Your Child About Alcohol
Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers key communication points to help parents talk to their teens about alcohol. Dr. Greenberg says one of the most vital strategies a parent can use when talking to their child about drinking, is to ask what they think about the matter. She says, “You really need to pull them in the discussion, because more than anything, teens want to have their opinions heard. Let them talk about their experiences. If they don’t buy in and feel heard, then you won’t get your point across.” For a detailed list of Dr. Greenberg’s specific points on how to get teens to be a part of this important conversation, click the hyperlink above.
August 4, 2017, U.S. News Wellness Section, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
How to Improve Communication with Teen Boys
Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers tips on how to open up dialogue with adolescent boys. Some of her pointers for parents include teaching their teen sons the vocabulary of emotion, understanding that boys get hurt sometimes just as much as girls do, and helping teen boys to realize that their emotions are never shameful. For the complete list of tips, visit the article at U.S. News through the link above.
August 2, 2017, Yahoo Beauty, Rachel Grumman Bender
The Harmful Effects of Spanking Can Last for 10 Years
In this article, which focuses on the negative effects of spanking a child, Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains that if a child is treated aggressively, he or she will act aggressively. Dr. Greenberg also points out the psychological damage of spanking. “Being hit affects your self-esteem and creates shame — it’s one of the worst human emotions,” she says. Dr. Greenberg understands that some parents are exhausted, and adds that instead of physically punishing their children, “My hope is that when parents feel they’ve reached the end of their rope they should turn to other adults in their life to give them a break. They should learn to identify when they’re at that point.” For the full article, head over to Yahoo Beauty via the hyperlink above.
July 26, 2017, Hello Giggles, Gina Vaynshteyn
We Care Way Too Much About Successful People’s Morning Routines – and Here’s Why
Many people find themselves obsessing about the morning routines of famous people. What makes these individuals so successful? Dr. Greenberg says a productive morning can help give people the time to do the activities they truly love, and that often leads to a more positive outlook on the day. For the full article, follow the link above.
July 21, 2017, Real Simple Magazine, Jennifer King Lindley
Spreading Kindness in a Rude World
In a world filled with argumentative politics and angry Facebook comments, Dr. Barbara Greenberg shows parents how to help their teens communicate with kindness. “It’s not easy to be a teenager,” says Dr. Greenberg. “They are changing cognitively, emotionally, and physically, and they are self-conscious.” So, when parents find their teens slamming doors and grunting at mom and dad, Dr. Greenberg says it’s important to validate their emotions and teach them to communicate in a respectful manner. To read Dr. Greenberg’s quote featured in the article, click the hyperlinked title.
July 13, 2017, Yahoo Beauty, Beth Greenfield
Why Putting Your Kids First at All Costs Is ‘Dangerous,’ Says Popular Mom Blogger
Mom blogger Rachel Hollis says parents should absolutely not feel guilty about taking well-deserved “me” time to care for themselves. Dr. Barbara Greenberg agrees. “When you go on a plane, they tell you if you’re the parent of a child you should take the oxygen mask first — because if you don’t have enough oxygen or aren’t taking care of yourself, you’re not being the best parent,” says Dr. Greenberg, who adds that when you’re feeling fulfilled as a person, “You’re a lot less likely to be irritable and resentful with your children.” For the full article, click the link above.
July 11, 2017, U.S. News, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
5 Ways Parents of Transgender Teens Can Help Their Children
As Dr. Greenberg says, “The shame, bullying and confusion transgender teens experience can take a toll on their mental health.” And while research shows that transgender teens do face emotional difficulties, including an increased risk of suicide, there’s a way to help prevent this. Dr. Greenberg explains that parents can indeed help their transgender children by providing unconditional love for them, listening to them without judgment, finding support groups for them where there are other transgender teens, and letting their teens know that they are so much more than their gender identity. For the full article that highlights each point in detail, click the hyperlinked title above.
July 7, 2017, YourTango, Aly Walansky
11 Things That Make A Woman SEXY To A Man (That Have NOTHING To Do With Sex)
Dr. Barbara Greenberg talks about the main qualities that make women sexy, with the emphasis that these qualities have absolutely nothing to do with sex. “I have always believed that sexy is all about personality style,” says Dr. Greenberg, who believes that a woman’s confidence, strength, vulnerability, integrity, fun personality and femininity are among the characteristics that ultimately make a woman attractive. To read more about what particular traits make a woman appealing to men, click the hyperlinked title above.
June 30, 2017, Yahoo Style, Sabrina Rojas Weiss
Woman Angers Social Media for Asking Why Cheeky Bikini Bottoms Are Trendy
A woman’s complaint on Twitter about the latest low-cut bikini trend led to a backlash of Twitter users equally upset about her criticism of those who wear such swimsuits. Dr. Barbara Greenberg weighs in on the situation, saying, “What we really should not be doing is shaming each other over the body. There’s no harm in a child seeing a woman’s body. What I would be more concerned about is that this child is getting the message that there is something wrong with seeing a woman’s body — that is potentially more harmful.” For the full article, click the link above.
June 30, 2017, Yahoo Style, Maggie Parker
15-Year-Old Kaia Gerber’s Revealing Bathrobe Selfie Called Disappointing
Cindy Crawford’s 15-year-old daughter Kaia Gerber is receiving criticism for the risqué selfie she recently posted on Instagram. Dr. Barbara Greenberg believes 15 is too young to be so sexually open, and that doing so at a young age can lead to depression and anxiety symptoms. To read Dr. Greenberg’s commentary, follow the link for the full article above.
June 22, 2017, U.S. News Wellness Section, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
What to Do When Your Daughter Gets Rejected by a Friend
Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers advice on how parents can help their tween and teen daughters cope with the pain of exclusion. Some of her ideas for parents in this situation include letting their daughters vent without becoming overly emotional themselves, suggesting the daughters invite other friends to their home, and providing comfort by spending some quality time with them over a meal or cup of tea. “While it may not seem like such small acts of kindness make a difference, they always do. Don’t underestimate your importance to your daughter,” says Dr. Greenberg. For more advice on helping your daughter deal with rejection, head over to the U.S. News Wellness Section to read the full article.
June 20, 2017, Your Teen Magazine, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
A Curfew for 13-Year-Olds: What’s Reasonable in the Summer?
One parent asks Dr. Barbara Greenberg for help in setting up an appropriate curfew for a 13-year-old. Dr. Greenberg offers her advice and also emphasizes that the curfew lend itself to the teenager getting a good night sleep. In addition, Dr. Greenberg suggests that parents keep an eye on who their teens’ friends are, even if they know their child is responsible, because, as she says, “even good kids are vulnerable to peer pressure.” To learn more about teen curfews in general, visit the Your Teen Q&A mailbag via the link above.
June 14, 2017, U.S. News & World Report, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
5 Ways to Soften the Mother-Teen Daughter Relationship
In this special report, Dr. Barbara Greenberg gives mothers advice to help harmonize their relationships with their teen daughters. She says, “Your daughter is in the midst of figuring out who she is, and more than anything else, she needs you to give her support in a gentle manner. Always keep an open line of communication, but bear in mind that when interacting with your teen daughter less is more. I suggest less comparisons, less giving advice, less drawing conclusions and fewer questions. Instead, do a lot more listening and be supportive.” For more information on how mothers can nourish their relationships with their teen daughters, read the full report at U.S. News.
June 13, 2017, Yahoo Beauty, Rachel Grumman Bender
Sarah Palin Says She Was ‘Chosen’ to Be Trig’s Mother
In a recent post on her blog, Sarah Palin referred to herself as “chosen” to be the mother of her 9-year-old son Trig, who has Down syndrome. Dr. Barbara Greenberg believes that parents who refer to themselves as chosen to take care of their special needs children receive several psychological benefits from thinking this way. “It gives parents a sense of feeling empowered,” she says, “and it helps alleviate any possible resentment they might have at having a child of special needs. It also probably creates a very strong connection to a child, and as we well know, the level of attachment a parent has to a child is very important. You’re implying a connection and positive attachment.” For more of Dr. Greenberg’s comments on parenting special needs children, visit the article linked above.
June 12, 2017, CNN, Sarah Jorgensen
Teens and Texts: Suicide Case Exposes Risks of Messaging
Dr. Barbara Greenberg talks about the ways teens can be negatively affected by text messages. She explains that a number of factors play a role in this, such as the lack of face-to-face interaction, and misinterpretation of tone in text messages. “Messages that are delivered electronically are very powerful. Kids aren’t aware of how powerful their messages are and how their messages might impact others,” says Dr. Greenberg. Head over to CNN to read her complete analysis of the situation.
June 7, 2017, Teen Vogue, Vanessa Golembewski
The Problem With Teen Characters Being Played By Adults
In popular teen films like Grease and Mean Girls, the teenage protagonists were played by actors in their 20s and some even in their 30s. Although Dr. Barbara Greenberg says older actors tend to be mature and can model their poise and confidence to younger viewers, she does believe that casting actors in their 20s can send mixed messages to teens, making adolescence even more challenging for them. Dr. Greenberg points out that when teen idols on screen don’t share in the anguish of puberty (pimples, frizzy hair and inconsistent weight), it can make the teen viewer vulnerable to feeling self-conscious and depressed about it. “That leads to all kinds of body-image and social-comparison issues,” Greenberg says. “And we know that social comparison can be a thief of joy.” For the entire article, head over to Teen Vogue via the link above.
June 7, 2017, Women’s Health, Aly Walansky
Ask Yourself These 4 Questions Before You Even Think About Cheating
Although some people might find the idea of an affair to be stimulating, Dr. Barbara Greenberg tells readers of Women’s Health magazine to think very carefully before starting one. In this article, she offers several reasons why, and says that while affairs come with attention and flattery in their early stages, they are not always what they’re cracked up to be. Read the full article for more of Dr. Greenberg’s professional advice.
May 31, 2017, U.S. News, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
5 Ways to Help Our Daughters Develop a Positive Body Image
Many young girls tend to become dissatisfied with their bodies as they reach puberty. Dr. Barbara Greenberg is here to help. She shares a handful of tips parents can use to boost and support their daughters’ body image. Dr. Greenberg says parents should pay attention to what they’re saying about their own bodies, and that they should focus more on their daughters’ physical health and well being rather than appearance. “The bottom line is that if we want our daughters to feel good about their bodies, we need to be healthy role models and focus not only on the strength and health of the body, but also on our daughters’ unique traits. Doing so can make all the difference in how they see themselves,” writes Dr. Greenberg. Please read the full article in the U.S. News Wellness section for more information.
May 15, 2017, Yahoo Beauty, Sara Murphy
Why More Men Need to Speak Out About Depression
Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains why many depressed men feel ashamed of their depression and are often reluctant to talk about it. In order to break the stigma and help young men validate their feelings, Dr. Greenberg says, “Anyone raising boys, be it parents, guardians, etc., needs to teach them the vocabulary of emotion. If you teach boys the vocabulary of emotion, it is a blessing, because people thirst more than anything else for the language to describe what ails them.” Dr. Greenberg also suggests that all these different emotions (sadness, anger, disappointment, etc.) be verbalized, understood and released rather than pushed aside. For the detailed article that features more of Dr. Greenberg’s advice, visit the link above.
May 12, 2017, Today, Terri Peters
Navigating Mother’s Day when estranged from your own mom: ‘I have peace now’
Mother’s Day is a joyful holiday for many, but it can also be a difficult holiday for those estranged from their mothers for various reasons. Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers helpful pointers to bring a sense of peace to those who have troubled or nonexistent relationships with their moms.
May 12, 2017, Yahoo Beauty, Beth Greenfield
Mother’s Day Without Mom: ‘It’s a Day of Reckoning for a Lot of People’
Mother’s Day can also be a painful and sad holiday for people who have lost their mothers. Dr. Barbara Greenberg, who at a young age experienced the tragic passing of her own mother, shares some personal insights and empathetic advice for those who may struggle each year with Mother’s Day. She suggests avoiding Facebook, connecting with someone who also loved your mom to celebrate the day in her honor, and allowing yourself to be upset; that all emotions are valid. For the complete list of Dr. Greenberg’s tips, read the full article above.
May 11, 2017, Reader’s Digest, Jen Babakhan
Is Your Kid a Fussy Dresser? 11 Ways to Ease the Drama
Having trouble shopping for clothes with your child? Struggling with getting your little one dressed in the morning? This in-depth Reader’s Digest article is brimming with helpful tips from Dr. Barbara Greenberg, who proves it’s possible to turn a potentially stressful situation into a fun experience that can strengthen your relationship with your child. Dr. Greenberg suggests only buying clothes the child approves of, having patience with the child, and keeping clothes shopping fun by turning the trip into a treasure hunt. For many more tips, head over to Reader’s Digest by clicking on the link above.
May 8, 2017, Yahoo Beauty, Sara Murphy
Woman Brushing Her Hair for the First Time in 4 Weeks Shows Impact of Depression
In a brave Facebook post, Katelyn Marie Todd wrote about her struggle with depression, and how it felt to brush her hair for the first time in a month. The post went viral and was shared over 180,000 times. In response to this courageous Facebook write-up, Dr. Barbara Greenberg said, “Kudos to her for revealing what depression really looks like and feels like. She really put it in its proper perspective, and I haven’t seen anybody make it so human and so relatable. She did a beautiful thing here because she didn’t glamorize it at all. She showed the deep, ugly side of it, and did a great public service.” To read more about this young woman’s act of courage, read the full article on Yahoo Beauty.
May 8, 2017, Refinery 29, Sophie Saint Thomas
Is It Time to Make Your S.O. Your Emergency Contact?
Are you ready to make your partner your emergency contact for your doctor’s office or insurance? If the answer is yes, be sure to ask your significant other if he or she is ready for this big commitment as well. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says, “Be wary, because they may say ‘yes,’ even though they want to say ‘no,’ because they don’t want to hurt your feelings.” For the full article, head over to Refinery 29 via the link above.
May 5, 2017, Refinery 29, Sophie Saint Thomas
What to Do If You Get a Panic Attack During Sex
In this write-up by Sophie Saint Thomas, Dr. Barbara Greenberg and other professionals weigh in about what to do if you have a panic attack during sex. While Dr. Greenberg mentions that post-traumatic stress disorder is often the cause of this anxiety, panic attacks during intimacy can happen to anyone. Read more to find out how to get to the root cause and stop the anxiety in its tracks.
May 4, 2017, Yahoo Beauty, Sabrina Rojas Weiss
Kim Zolciak Called ‘Inappropriate’ for Joking About Pimping Daughter Brielle
Reality TV star Kim Zolciak stirred up controversy when she sent an irreverent tweet, joking that she’d have her daughter offer sexual favors to get her young son a meet-and-greet with musician John Legend. In reference to the tweet, Dr. Barbara Greenberg said, “Keep in mind that there are millions of people who are going to read it who are not going to interpret it as a joke. We have to be aware of the impact of our words on others.” For all of Dr. Greenberg’s comments about the issue, visit Yahoo Beauty through the link above.
May 3, 2017, Your Teen Magazine, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
No Date for Prom: Mom is Very Worried for Her Daughter
A mother is concerned because her introverted teen daughter doesn’t have a date for the prom. Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers this parent some advice on how not to pass her own anxieties on to her daughter. Dr. Greenberg says that “going to a prom does not make or break a teen,” and that “many of us are happy and highly-functioning individuals who have no prom pictures to share.” For the complete mail bag Q&A, head over to Your Teen Magazine via the link above.
May 2, 2017, U.S News, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
5 Ways to Promote Harmony in Blended Families
Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers helpful tips to create harmonious relationships in blended families. She suggests parents and stepparents do their best to be patient, to be kind and to refrain from criticizing the “other parent.” Deep breathing and meditation can help reduce the stress in this process as well. For more of Dr. Greenberg’s tips on how to keep the peace, please read the full article on the U.S. News website.
May 1, 2017, Your Teen Magazine, Rebecca Meiser
Healthy Responses to Self Criticism
When teens make self-critical comments, how should parents respond? Dr. Barbara Greenberg says it’s important to never deny teens’ insecurities, because doing so will make them feel invalidated or misunderstood. Instead, talk to the teen a bit more and find out what’s going on beneath the surface. “Your teen might have a fight with peers, and all of a sudden they feel ugly. For a lot of girls, that’s code for something else that’s going on,” says Dr. Greenberg. For complete access to the article, and for more of Dr. Greenberg’s suggestions on how to handle these types of situations, follow the link above.
April 26, 2017, Yahoo Beauty, Beth Greenfield
The ‘Blue Whale Challenge’ That’s Killing Kids: What Every Parent Needs to Know
The so-called “Blue Whale Challenge” is the name of an internet game allegedly targeting children in Russia between the ages of 10 and 14, coaxing them into self-harm and ultimately, suicide. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says that whether or not the Blue Whale is an urban legend, “This should not be referred to as a game.” She suggests that parents closely monitor their children and watch for changes in their behavior. “Depressed kids who are isolated are susceptible,” she says. For the full article, visit Yahoo Beauty via the link above.
April 20, 2017, Your Teen Magazine, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
My 17-Year-Old Broke the Rules While We Were Out of Town
In the latest edition of Dear Your Teen, Dr. Barbara Greenberg helps a concerned mom address her teenage daughter, who went out to eat after work when she was specifically told to go straight home. Dr. Greenberg suggests the mother have an in-depth conversation with her daughter, listening to what she has to say and making sure that the next time rules are made, the daughter is in agreement. For the full answer and for the rest of Dr. Greenberg’s parenting advice on this situation, read the full write-up on Your Teen Magazine.
April 17, 2017, Yahoo News, Beth Greenfield
How to Talk to Your Kids About Marijuana
In this informative Yahoo News piece, Dr. Barbara Greenberg discusses the important reasons parents should talk to their teens about marijuana, when parents should start the conversation, and what points to include. “Don’t glamorize your own past use or employ it as a way to connect with your kids,” Dr. Greenberg says, encouraging parents to instead share any negative experiences they’ve had, such as paranoia or panic attacks as a result of trying the drug. “Don’t make them into horror stories, though,” she suggests. “If something is too scary, your child will tune you out.” To learn how parents can connect further on this subject with their teens, read the full article above.
April 12, 2017, Reader’s Digest, Jen Babakhan
13 Smart Ways to Stop Sibling Rivalry Before It Starts
Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers some advice for parents on how to stop and even prevent sibling rivalry. She says, “Rivalry is all about kids wanting their own time—it’s primarily about the child receiving acknowledgment and recognition from the parents. Whether your child enjoys a game of catch outside or curling up with you to watch a movie, pay close attention to the amount of individual attention each child is receiving.” Some of Dr. Greenberg’s pointers include making time for more family fun, knowing when to intervene during a sibling conflict, and giving the kids space to be seen as individuals with their own talents. For many more of Dr. Greenberg’s tips on this subject, refer to the article above.
April 7, 2017, U.S. News, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
8 Reasons to Consider Sending Your Kids to Sleepaway Camp
In this special segment of the U.S. News Wellness section, Dr. Barbara Greenberg talks about the benefits of sending children to a sleepaway camp. Although camp is not for every child, such as those with separation anxiety, Dr. Greenberg believes that many children and teens can develop new skills, reinvent themselves, become independent, learn a sense of responsibility, and make lifelong friends. For the full article, click the link above.
April 6, 2017, Your Teen Magazine, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
My Daughter Got a Tattoo Without My Permission
Dr. Barbara Greenberg answers the question of a woman who is both concerned and irritated because her 16-year-old step-daughter got a tattoo after she and her husband specifically told her not to do it. The teen instead went to her biological mother for permission and had the tattoo done immediately. Read the full write-up, as Dr. Greenberg offers some parenting tips as well as a few potential steps for mending a tough family situation such as the one mentioned above.
April 3, 2017, Yahoo Beauty, Sabrina Rojas Weiss
This Is One Thing ‘Big Little Lies’ Got Totally Wrong
On the TV show “Big Little Lies,” Reese Witherspoon’s character Madeline opens up to her teenage daughter about some dark secrets from her past. Looking back at this scene, Dr. Barbara Greenberg suggests that Madeline’s behavior was inappropriate for a parent talking to a teen. In addition to being too emotional for her daughter to actually pay attention, Dr. Greenberg points out another major issue: that Madeline “then went into using her errors as an opportunity to relieve her own guilt and use her daughter as a confidante. That is totally unacceptable, because it puts a heavy burden on the child. It’s information that the child doesn’t need, doesn’t want, that will further infuriate the child. That is a recipe for destroying the relationship with your child.” For the complete article, and for Dr. Greenberg’s full analysis on the scene, visit Yahoo Beauty via the above mentioned link.
April 3, 2017, Your Teen Magazine, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
What Age Should Teenagers Start Dating?
Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers some advice to parents concerned about whether their teen is too young to start dating. To read Dr. Greenberg’s response, and for quick tips on what to talk about with teens in terms of dating and emotions, read the full write-up by clicking above.
April 2, 2017, Your Teen Magazine, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
Responsible Parenting? We Didn’t Check on Teens in the Basement
In this segment of “Dear Your Teen,” Dr. Barbara Greenberg addresses parents who wonder whether it’s a good idea to periodically check on their teens while they’re spending time with peers in the basement of the house. While parents worry that they might appear to shame or embarrass their kids, Dr. Greenberg says it’s important to focus on being a responsible parent. This involves exercising authority to make sure their children and their friends remain safe. For the full question and answer, visit the link above.
March 30, 2017, Reader’s Digest, Jen Babakhan
12 Things You Need to Let Your Kids Do on Their Own
Many parents like to make their kids’ lives easier by doing household chores for them. However, Dr. Barbara Greenberg has a list of tasks that are important for children to start learning at a young age in order to become independent in later years. For example, Dr. Greenberg believes it’s important to start teaching kids about finances early by having them open a bank account and showing them how to budget their money. “Items that teens buy for themselves and with their own money are often highly cherished and well taken care of because the kids know how hard they worked to save for these items. This will certainly foster a sense of accomplishment and independence,” says Dr. Greenberg. For the complete list of other things kids should be doing on their own, read the full article and access the slideshow by clicking the link above.
March 21, 2017, YourTeen Magazine, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
My Son Plays Video Games All Day. Should I Worry?
Dr. Barbara Greenberg addresses a mom concerned about her son’s video game obsession. Although he’s a straight-A student who participates in school activities and doesn’t get into trouble, this mother wonders whether her teen boy’s otherwise introverted lifestyle is unhealthy for him. Dr. Greenberg’s advice? Handle the behavior “gingerly and certainly without criticism.” She also suggests that the mom make an agreement with her son to spend more time with friends and cut down on video game playing. Read the YourTeen article for Dr. Greenberg’s in-depth answer.
March 20, 2017, Yahoo Beauty, Jihan Forbes
Prom Dates Are Assigned by Lottery at This High School
Many teenagers fear they won’t find a date for the prom. Yet, Aquin High School in Freeport, Illinois has created a lottery system to alleviate this anxiety. At this particular high school, junior and senior boys pick cards with girls’ names on them, so everyone ends up with a date. Dr. Barbara Greenberg thinks this is a fantastic idea, because it can help reduce the teens’ stress and ensure that more students go to the prom. “This idea sounds like so much more fun and so much less anxiety-ridden!” she says. For the full article, visit Yahoo Beauty via the hyperlinked title above.
March 16, 2017, Reader’s Digest, Jen Babakhan
11 Ways You’re Being a Toxic Parent—Without Even Knowing It
Many well-meaning moms and dads have no idea that their parenting techniques are doing more harm than good. Dr. Barbara Greenberg points out which parenting behaviors are toxic, explaining how parents can shift these behavior patterns and build positive relationships with their kids. “Toxic parents are known for not listening to their kids, but instead, talking over them or at them,” she says. “If parents recognize themselves doing this they should make a concerted effort to remain silent and listen, listen, and listen some more. If kids feel listened to they will talk more and confide more.” You can access many more of Dr. Greenberg’s parenting tips by reading the full article.
March 16, 2017, U.S. News, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
6 Tips for Talking to Your Teen About Anything at All
In this U.S. News write-up, Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers valuable tips to help parents improve communication with their teenagers. She suggests that by asking subtle questions, listening without interrupting, and trying not to be judgmental, parents can begin to develop a meaningful connection with their teens. Dr. Greenberg adds that parents should be physically present and make themselves available for their teens by turning off the computer and initiating conversations with them. For all of Dr. Greenberg’s tips, visit U.S. news through the link above.
March 14, 2017, Refinery 29, Sophie Saint Thomas
Why You Need to Get Over Your Fear of Uncircumsised Penises
In this slideshow by Sophie Saint Thomas, Dr. Barbara Greenberg points out that since circumcision is the norm in America, men with uncircumcised genitals are more likely to be teased as children in the locker room. On the flip side, however, many people are specifically sexually aroused by men who are uncircumcised. Dr. Greenberg says it’s important to make sure you’re attracted to the person for who they are and not just for their body. She also says to “explain what you find stimulating to see if your partner is comfortable with that.” For the full article, visit Refinery 29 via the link above.
March 9, 2017, Yahoo Beauty, Beth Greenfield
Teen Suspended Over Patch of Dyed Hair That Shows ‘When the Wind Blows’
When a teen in England was suspended from school because he shaved and dyed a small part of his hair, his mother defended him, stating that something this minor should not keep a good, respectful student out of school. Dr. Barbara Greenberg, who believes in allowing students to be comfortable in their own skin, said, “I think we have this thing where conformity is associated with goodness and individualism with defiance, which it’s not. I think it’s a normal part of development, because everybody wants to be unique in their own way.” For the complete article, visit Yahoo Beauty via the link above.
February 27, 2017, U.S. News, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
Instead of trying to fix your kids and make them the “perfect” children, Dr. Barbara Greenberg suggests teaching them to perservere in life by letting kids handle tough situations on their own, modeling calmness and playfulness, focusing on how children feel rather than on their achievements, and allowing the child to sit with their feelings instead of trying to relieve them of emotional discomfort. For clarity, and for the entire list of tips, read the full article on U.S. News Wellness section.
February 27, 2017, YourTeen, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
Grandparents Enriching the Lives of Teenagers
In this YourTeen magazine write-up about parents and grandparents, Dr. Barbara Greenberg acknowledges how grandparents play a vital role in the lives of their grandkids. She also explains that in order to continue playing such a healthy and important role, grandparents should honor the “viewpoints and values” of their grandchildren’s parents. “Relationships across the board work best when everyone is on the same page,” she writes. At the same token, Dr. Greenberg invites parents to express gratitude and kindness toward their children’s grandparents, who offer another dimension of support for their kids. Mutual respect is always key in building healthy relationships among children, parents and grandparents.
February 27, 2017, Refinery 29, Sophie Saint Thomas
How To Recover Your Arousal After A Rough Patch
If you and your partner are dealing with a rough patch, Dr. Barbara Greenberg says instead of shutting down completely, a small act of kindness, like bringing your partner a cup of coffee in the morning, can help. Dr. Greenberg also says to embrace forgiveness and focus on the mantra “let it go” as long as the issue doesn’t involve domestic abuse. For the complete slideshow, visit Refinery 29 through the link above this paragraph. Sending a special thanks to author Sophie @thebowiecat.
February 23, 2017, Refinery 29, Sophie Saint Thomas
The Best Tried-&-True Flirty Texts To Send To Your Crush
Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains how to tell if your crush is really into you before you attempt to send flirty text messages. Once you’re ready to make a move, writer Sophie Saint Thomas has tips on which types of texts to send throughout different stages of your relationship.
February 18, 2017, Entity Magazine, Katharine Mound
How to Raise Brave Girls and Teach Your Daughters to Be Fearless
Dr. Barbara Greenberg pinpoints some important ways parents can raise confident daughters in a society obsessed with women’s looks: “Encourage your girls to take risks (with safety in mind),” she says, “and to try a variety of activities to challenge themselves so that they can develop their self-esteem and skills.” Dr. Greenberg also stresses that parents may not fully realize they can play a role in “raising girls who are passive and people-pleasers.” She says parents should therefore self-monitor, watching the way they speak and behave in the presence of their young girls. Read the full article by clicking the link above.
February 13, 2017, Lifezette, F.T. Cage
Your Child Says, ‘I’m Quitting College’ — Now What?
In this article, Dr. Barbara Greenberg addresses parents whose college-aged children who want to quit school. She says it’s important for parents to separate long-term problems from short-term problems, to stay calmly on topic, to talk with their children about why they are unhappy with college and what to potentially do about it. Dr. Greenberg stresses the importance of giving children space to process their thoughts rather than interrupt the conversation or react emotionally, and ultimately, to support them in their dreams and goals for the future.
February 7, 2017, Refinery 29, Sophie Saint Thomas
9 Tests To See Whether You & Your Partner Are Ready For A Threesome
According to Dr. Barbara Greenberg, those thinking about having a threesome shouldn’t just jump into the act. She advises them to first spend some time alone to meditate and play out the scene in their minds, asking themselves how they truly feel about it both physically and emotionally: “The benefit of meditation is that you are focusing on your own feelings, not merely on pleasing your partner,” says Dr. Greenberg. For the full slideshow, click on the link above.
February 6, 2017, Yahoo Style, Jihan Forbes
Does This 7-Year-Old’s Ariana Grande Impersonation Bother You?
Seven-year-old Xia Vigor has quickly become a sensation on the Philippines’ Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids, impersonating musicians like Taylor Swift and most recently, Ariana Grande. But with all her makeup, skimpy costumes and gyrating moves, many parents, as well as Dr. Barbara Greenberg, believe these performances are inappropriate and putting attention on the child for the wrong reasons. “It’s a lot more intense because the performance aspect does add a layer of questionability. Not only is she 7, and she’s dressing in such a sexualized way, but she’s performing in a sexualized way,” she said. “The mother bears a tremendous amount of responsibility. At 7, this girl is not even aware of how her sexuality impacts others. Girls at 16 and 17 aren’t even aware of it! I think it’s totally inappropriate, and it’s sending the kid the wrong message, that you get attention for being sexualized. It will not be lost on this child that she got a grand-scale level of attention by putting on seductive makeup, barely any clothes, and go-go boots. This will very likely follow her through a lot of life.”
February 6, 2017, Toronto Sun, Joanne Richard
Snake oil: Gwyneth Paltrow’s Jade Eggs Just Among a List of Foolish Beauty Products
Dr. Barbara Greenberg questions the effectiveness, safety and practicality of the most bizarre beauty trends, with a particular concern about the popularity of Gwyneth Paltrow’s popular “jade egg,” vaginal steaming, and snake venom facial cream – all intended to slow aging and fix imperfections in the body. The successful sales of these celebrity-endorsed items and pseudo-scientific beauty treatments prove that society indeed capitalizes on the anxiety and low self-esteem of ladies throughout the country. “Women are so vulnerable because from an early age they are socialized to believe that how they look is more important than any other skill or ability,” says Dr. Barbara Greenberg. “As long as there are women willing to pay, more and more ridiculous ideas about how to ‘improve’ the body will be forthcoming.”
January 29, 2017, The Simple Dollar, Holly Johnson
How and Why to Tell Your Kids ‘No’
Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers a few ways to say no to children when they constantly ask for things, and she provides a number of reasons that it’s often healthy to turn down their requests. “Imagine being in a relationship with someone who expects a ‘yes’ to everything,” Greenberg said. “That would certainly make relationships difficult, if not impossible.” Read the entire article to see what else this top psychologist has to say about the issue.
January 27, 2017, Yahoo Beauty, Beth Greenfield
Why Mama June’s New Reality Show is ‘Dangerous’
Extreme weight loss and plastic surgery shows such as the latest “revenge body” series have become popular on primetime television, but the question is, what kind of effect are they having on children and teens? Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains that these shows not only trivialize potentially dangerous plastic surgeries but that they often send a faulty message to young girls, emphasizing aesthetics over health: “Bodies are not only for looking the way you want but for functioning well and being healthy, and this is all about appearance,” she says. For the full article, click the link above.
Dr. Greenberg explains how these television shows send a faulty message and can do much more harm than good.
January 18, 2017, Yahoo Beauty, Beth Greenfield
Want to Bring Your Kid to the Women’s March? Cool. Just Be Prepared.
Many people have discussed the idea of bringing their kids to the 2017 Women’s March on Washington. Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers cautionary advice for parents to help make the event a safe and educational experience for their children. Her main tip: “Limit the amount of exposure and pay attention to their anxiety levels. Don’t flood them.” In addition, Dr. Greenberg stresses the importance of telling the children what to expect from a passionate crowd so they are fully aware. “Prepare them for possibly unpleasant moments by talking with them ahead of time,” she says. For the rest of Dr. Greenberg’s tips on this topic, read the full article on Yahoo Beauty.
January 25, 2017, YourTeen Magazine, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
How Can I Help My Difficult Teenage Son?
In this question and answer write-up in YourTeen Magazine, Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers some brief, thoughtful advice on how parents can help their teenage son who appears to be dealing with a great deal of emotional problems.
January 13, 2017, Yahoo Beauty, Beth Greenfield
A Utah high school dating project stirred up many heated debates when it listed a number of sexist tips for young men and women. Dr. Barbara Greenberg weighs in on this controversial list of “do’s” and “don’ts” for the girls, which have been labeled as both outdated and mysogynistic by people on Twitter. “This [list] is simply not OK,” says Dr. Greenberg. “It’s so unbelievably gender-biased, and it puts us back in time.” She believes children should learn about dating and relationships, but with more of a focus on how the heart and body are connected. For the complete argument, and for more of Dr. Greenberg’s suggestions, read the article on Yahoo Beauty by clicking the link above.
January 11, 2017, Yahoo Beauty, Jame Jackson
Introducing Toya, the World’s First Doll to Speak Jamaican Patois
Meet Toya, the world’s first Jamaican patois-speaking doll. With her dark physical features and curly hair, Toya is a different doll that transcends stereotypical images of mainstream beauty while promoting diversity, unity and a sense of belonging. According to Dr. Barbara Greenberg, Toya “really fosters a message that you are important, you matter, you are included in our melting pot and culture, and you are important enough to be represented in our toys.” Dr. Greenberg also believes that it’s important for all children to be able to see a doll that looks like them. “It validates a child’s very existence and it validates that they are good, and they deserve to be represented and acknowledged. It’s wonderful for their self-esteem,” she says. For the full article on Yahoo Beauty, click the link above.
January 5, 2017, Real Simple, Jennifer King Lindley
7 Secrets to Saying No (And Not Feeling Guilty About It)
If you are a people-pleaser who can’t say no to others’ requests in fear that you’ll tarnish your relationship with them, then read the advice presented in this article. Dr. Greenberg offers her professional tips, including how to say “no” to your children in a respectful way that will help teach them resilence and boundaries.
December 10, 2016, Readers Digest, Corey Whelan
10 Sneaky Ways to Carve Out More “Me Time” Every Day
How can you even begin to think about enjoying time to yourself if you’re always busy and on the go? Dr. Barbara Greenberg and other professionals offer tips and solutions on how to carve out meaningful “me” time in creative, unexpected ways throughout your day. Read the full article to find out more.
November 18, 2016, Yahoo Sports, Beth Greenfield
Gretchen Carlson Opens Up About Sexual Harassment, Starting When She Was Miss America
TV commentator and former Miss America Gretchen Carlson talks about having been sexually harassed at the beginning of her career, and says she actually blamed herself for what happened. In reference to Carlson’s situation, Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains that when women are treated inappropriately, chances are that they will put the blame on themselves and emotionally “torture themselves” while men are more likely to express their anger. For Dr. Greenberg’s full explanation, be sure to click the link above and read the entire Yahoo article.
November 11, 2016, Yahoo News, Susanna Heller
The Trump Effect: Psychologists Warn That Children Are Watching
The rhetoric and discussion behind the recent presidential election has created extreme anxiety in not only parents, but especially their children. Dr. Barbara Greenberg thoroughly explains the effect of observational learning and how children are likely to absorb what they see and hear in the media. Read the full article for all of Dr. Greenberg’s comments.
November 9, 2016, Yahoo Beauty, Beth Greenfield
How Do I Explain the Election Results to My Kids?
The unexpected, anxiety-provoking result of the 2016 presidential election has many parents wondering, “What do I tell my kids now?” Dr. Barbara Greenberg says it’s important to focus on spreading a message of hope and reality instead of fear: “You say that in life you do have to deal with disappointment — and when there are collective disappointments, hopefully they can bring us together as a country and as a community.” She adds, “When talking to girls specifically […] you can point out that even though it was a difficult race for Hillary, she persevered, and that perseverance and tenacity are incredible qualities: It was hard, but she went ahead and she did it anyway.” For the full article and additional commentary, click the link above.
October 14, 2016, Next Avenue, Joanna Nesbit
How to Deal With Empty Nest Loneliness
When children become adults, leave home and venture out into the world, many parents – especially those who haven’t been able to define themselves as anyone other than “mom” or “dad” – experience empty-nesting grief. Dr. Barbara Greenberg believes this grief is often the result of helicopter parenting, marriages centered around children and constant contact with their children on social media. For Dr. Greenberg’s complete explanation on empty-nesting grief and how to cope with it, read the full article.
October 11, 2016, Sophie Saint Thomas, Broadly
No, You Don’t Use Tinder ‘Just for Friends,’ Liar
In this article, writer Sophie Saint Thomas says she tried to find people who use Tinder, the casual hook-up app, just for friendship. However, it appears that many people who say this are simply unhappy in their current relationships and looking for a way out, or searching for an ego boost from individuals they might find attractive on the app. Dr. Barbara Greenberg said it’s highly unlikely that people who use the Tinder app are really looking for simple, platonic friendships: “What they’re doing is checking out their plan B’s, to see if they’re still appealing to others, to see if they’re still attractive.”
October 4, 2016, Beth Greenfield, Yahoo Beauty
Shocking Viral Video Claims to Show Mom Shaving Girl’s Head as Punishment
One internet video shows a mother angrily shaving her daughter’s head as a punishment for misbehaving. Although many are questioning whether the video is even real, a number of viewers have nonetheless expressed deep concern over this type of public humiliation. Dr. Barbara Greenberg believes that punishment of this nature is of the worst kind because it evokes shame and aggression in the child. She suggests that parents replace shaming with “repair work,” for example, by having the child volunteer at a cancer center or any place he or she can practice kindness. For the full article, and for Dr. Greenberg’s complete response, read the full article above.
September 21, 2016, Joanna Nesbit, The Washington Post
How to Help Your College Student Cope with Loneliness, Without Hovering
Loneliness is a common part of a teen’s transition to adult life – especially in the college world. Many well-meaning parents often take it upon themselves to intervene by communicating with their teen excessively. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says she’s seen an increase in parental separation anxiety over the past decade, suggesting that as students begin to adjust to college life, it’s important and appropriate to support them, but it’s equally important not to solve their problems for them. For the complete article, visit the Washington Post by clicking the blue link above.
September 20, 2016, Beth Greenfield, Yahoo Beauty
Could Brad and Angelina’s Divorce Really Be Based on Parenting Styles?
Now that Angelina Jolie has filed for divorce from Brad Pitt, many people want to know how their six children are going to deal with the situation. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says it’s extremely important for the Jolie-Pitt children to speak to a professional as soon as possible. She explains, “Adolescents in particular are self-conscious to begin with. Couple that with public scrutiny, and you have a recipe for acting out, anger, and depression. Even though they grew up in the public eye, this does not provide a buffer against the distress associated with a public divorce. There will be problems, sadly. The adolescents need to have someone to talk to — outside of the family — sooner rather than later.”
September 20, 2016, GalTime
#Brangelina Breakup! Were There Telltale Signs?
After the recent breakup of celebrity couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, many people are wondering – were there signs of impending divorce? Did we miss something? Lifestyle and relationships expert Dr. Barbara Greenberg weighs in, offering her professional opinion on the matter and explaining why celebrity marriages are often short-lived.
September 14, 2016, Dr. Barbara Greenberg, YourTeen
Do You Worry if a Freshman is Hanging with Seniors?
One father is worried about letting his 15-year-old daughter spend time with older girls at camp. After expressing concerns about his curious teen daughter, he asks how, as a parent, he can set boundaries for safe friendships. Dr. Barbara Greenberg responds to his question in a thoughtful, candid way that benefits both the father and the teen daughter. Click the link above to read Dr. Greenberg’s full response.
September 6, 2016, Beth Greenfield, Yahoo Style
Mom Outraged a Training Bra Claims to ‘Smooth Imperfections’
A French training bra claiming to “smooth imperfections” is causing an uproar on the internet. Florence Braud, mother to a 12-year-old girl, said she was sad to see her daughter already suffering the “threats of femininity” and that the wording on the label was “an injunction of femininity.” A representative from the bra company said the ad refers to “imperfections” in clothing, not in the person wearing the bra. But Dr. Barbara Greenberg says the wording is a serious matter, and is “ambiguous enough to be dangerous.” Read the full article above to find out why, and to see the rest of Dr. Greenberg’s comments.
September 1, 2016, Beth Meiser, YourTeen Magazine
Don’t Be Your Teenager’s Best Friend
The “Gilmore Girls” syndrome is where teens and their parents consider one another best friends; they overshare, constantly text one another and hang out on a regular basis the way high school girlfriends often do. Is this healthy for parent-teen relationships? Dr. Greenberg says that while it’s great for parents and teens to have a strong bond, the main job of the parent is to be stable and attentive while setting adequate boundaries with their kids. She tells parents, “Your number one role is to keep your child safe,” and that “teens need parents they can lean on and push up against.” For the complete article, click the link above. The link will take you to a PDF of the actual article from YourTeen magazine.
August 29, 2016, Beth Greenfield, Yahoo Beauty
Did the N.Y. Post Go Too Far by Posting Anthony Weiner’s Selfie?
Former New York Democratic congressman Anthony Weiner is back in the news once again for his controversial sexting habit. But this time, things have gotten even more inappropriate. The New York Post published a selfie Weiner took of himself in bed with his underwear on, and what’s worse is that his sleeping 4-year-old son is also visible in the photo. Dr. Barbara Greenberg believes both the Post and Weiner have gone too far in this situation. To read all of Dr. Greenberg’s comments on the issue, visit the link above.
August 29, 2016, Sabrina Rojas Weiss, Yahoo Beauty
Parents Are Feeling Back-To-School Shopping Stress More Than Ever
This back-to-school season, many parents are going above and beyond for their children, spending tons of money on their kids’ school supplies and outfits – even if they can’t afford to do so. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says the main reason is parental shame, which she defines as “feeling that others might think you are inferior in your ability to take good care of your kids and to give your kids what they need to be successful.” Click the link above to read the rest of Dr. Greenberg’s comments on why parents might feel this shame, and what to do if you’re feeling the same way. The goal is to have a fun, happy, healthy and successful school year. Dr. Greenberg’s advice will help you do just that.
August 6, 2016, Megan Parry, Brit + Co
Follow These 5 Roommate Living Hacks for a Flawless Freshman Year
Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers thoughtful tips to help teens get accustomed to life on campus with a roommate they’ve never met before. Dr. Greenberg says keeping honest, direct communication with the new roommate, having good boundaries, allowing the roommate relationship to build organically and trusting your intuition can work wonders when living with someone you don’t know. See what else Dr. Greenberg has to say about making your freshman dorming experience worthwhile and fun. Click the link above for the full article.
August 2, 2016, Beth Greenfield, Yahoo Style
This School Dress Code Is Straight Out of the 1950s
One Illinois high school has enforced a very extreme, rigid and sexist dress code for the 2016 school year, focusing primarily on girls’ outfits and drawing attention to specific body types. Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains why it’s a sexist dress code that insults young women, and how it “reinforces body shame and self-consciousness.” Read the full article to see all of Dr. Greenberg’s comments.
July 26, 2016, Beth Greenfield, Yahoo Beauty
Disney’s New Princesses Do Not Need Men to Rule the World
Modern-day Disney princesses Moana and Elena of Avalor are strong, powerful, charismatic women. Yet, unlike other Disney heroines (think Snow White and Cinderella), both of these new characters are happily single. Read what Dr. Barbara Greenberg has to say about the “rescue fantasies” of Disney films and learn how these new princesses are changing the game for girls around the world.
July 15, 2016, Sophie Saint Thomas, Mic.com
Why I Quit Stalking My Boyfriend Online — And Why You Should, Too
Are you guilty of obsessively stalking your romantic partner on social media? Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains how this unhealthy behavior can lead to paranoia and possibly even the demise of a relationship. Dr. Greenberg encourages that partners focus on being present in the relationship rather than delving into each other’s online habits. For the full article, head over to Mic.com via the above link.
July 3, 2016, Emma Davis, Today Parents
7 Ways to Help Kids Take the Fear Out of Live Fireworks
Fireworks are a favorite Independence Day tradition for many. For young children, though, noisy fireworks can be scary and stressful. Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers expert tips to help take the fear factor out of the fireworks for the little ones. Her ideas for parents include leaving babies at home, discussing the event with children beforehand, bringing ear plugs and a comforting object for the child, and modeling a relaxed attitude during the event. Read the full article to see the rest of Dr. Greenberg’s helpful pointers.
June 26, 2016, Joanne Richard
Published in: Winnipeg Sun, Toronto Sun, Ottawa Sun, Calgary Sun, Edmonton Sun
This summer, so many women will feel insecure about their bodies, so much so that many will avoid beaches and pool areas because they dislike certain areas of their physique. Dr. Barbara Greenberg is concerned that body image on the beach may get even worse in this age of what she calls “impression management” through obsessive selfie-taking, photoshopping and filtering via apps and social media. Dr. Greenberg says, “We are spending less time with real people and focusing more time on the visual images on social media. Body image issues are epidemic among women.” Read the full article for other comments and tips on how to begin to end the shame around body image.
June 20, 2016, Beth Greenfield, Yahoo Style
Kourtney Kardashian Doesn’t Want Her Mom Saying ‘Fat’ in Front of Her Daughter
Dr. Barbara Greenberg supports Kourtney Kardashian’s decision to not mention the word “fat” around her young daughter Penelope. In fact, Dr. Greenberg says, “It would be lovely if it could be banned from our vocabulary.” She adds that the word “fat” has taken on the meaning of “lazy,” “unappealing,” “unattractive,” and people also use it to describe a feeling — “I feel fat.” She explains, “fat is not a feeling,” and that young girls’ positive body image starts with their mothers’ relationships with their own bodies. It’s extremely important for moms to be mindful of what they say about their bodies around their children.
June 20, 2016, Joanna Nesbit, Mother Nature Network
4 Things Teens Really Need from Their Parents
Many teens beg their parents for a new wardrobe or a new car, but Dr. Greenberg explains that adolescents really want and need their parents to be present with them, to listen to them, to provide guidance instead of advice, and to let their teens speak up when they’re ready. It’s also important to let your kids know it’s not shameful or bad to ask for help. For more of Dr. Greenberg’s tips, follow the MNN link above.
June 19, 2016, Beth Greenfield, Yahoo Beauty
98% of Millennial Women Know Skin Cancer Is Deadly. So Why Are They Still Tanning?
If most millennial women know that melanoma is a deadly form of cancer, and that there’s no such thing as a “healthy tan,” then why do they still spend so much time in the sun? Dr. Barbara Greenberg says many people see tanning as a “very quick way to look refreshed and like they’ve just been on vacation.” Dr. Greenberg says tanning takes on an addictive quality, and that so many people tend to associate tans with youth. To read about the risks of tanning and the psychology behind it, visit the link above.
June 1, 2016, Beth Greenfield, Yahoo Beauty
When Appearance, from Acne to Hair Loss, Impacts Your Performance
Many people feel uncomfortable in their skin from time to time, whether they’re experiencing an occasional breakout or a bad hair day. But for some, skin or body imperfections can trigger intense feelings of shame and embarrassment that lead to absence from school, work or social functions. These people often feel that others will judge them negatively based on their appearance. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says, “I think people have to realize they are not a single part of their body, but a sum of their parts — they are not the pimple on their chin, they are not their thighs.” She adds, “People are more self-conscious than they need to be, as others are, for the most part, thinking about themselves, and not about how others look. Most are not taking an inventory of your body.” Read Dr. Greenberg’s additional comments by visiting the article link above.
May 25, 2016, Joanne Richard, Special to Postmedia Network
Published in: Winnipeg Sun, Toronto Sun, Ottawa Sun, Calgary Sun, and Canoe.com
Period Panic: Menstrual Hygiene Day Sheds Light on That Time of the Month
The words “menstruation” and “period” can create a real sense of drama and fear in women’s lives. Dr. Barbara Greenberg discusses how the sometimes painful, often dreaded menstrual cycle can force many women to alter their lifestyles. She also observes how women are too self-conscious or ashamed to even use the biological term “menstruating” when talking about their period. For Dr. Greenberg’s additional comments about the menstrual cycle, read the full article.
May 25, 2016, Buzzfeed, Anna Borges
19 Actually Helpful Ways to Support a Child with Depression
Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers several useful tips for helping children with depression. She encourages parents to get their child the professional help they need, to verbally acknowledge the pain the child is feeling, to be present for the child, to celebrate the good days, and very importantly, to never blame themselves for the child’s depression. For all of Dr. Greenberg’s detailed suggestions, take a look at the full article.
May 24, 2016, WebMD, Terry Yablonsky Stat
Is My Child Ready for a Cell Phone?
Dr. Barbara Greenberg weighs the pros and cons of letting a child have a cell phone. Ultimately, she believes parents should make the decision based on the child’s age, cognitive abilities and level of maturity. Dr. Greenberg says that when children use cell phones, they are more susceptible to cyber bullying, sleep deprivation and social isolation. There’s also the issue of potential exposure to violent or sexual content via the internet, which is something parents should never take lightly. To read the rest of Dr. Greenberg’s tips on children and cell phones, click the link above.
May 16, 2016, Yahoo Beauty, Beth Greenfield
HS Student Punished for Dyeing His Hair Pink in Support of Sick Friend
Daniel Bradbury, a teen in the U.K., was punished by school officials when he dyed his hair pink to support his gravely ill friend. Although some teachers may argue that brightly-colored hair is distracting and inappropriate for a school environment, Dr. Barbara Greenberg says hair coloring is actually a healthy form of self-expression that’s temporary, harmless, and a lot better than doing drugs or hurting someone. Dr. Greenberg explains, “Teens feel they have so little control over anything because of what’s going on with their bodies and because they’re between childhood and adulthood. This is a type of expression that’s harmless, and it’s not permanent. This is an area where parents can really pick their battles.” Read the full article to see Dr. Greenberg’s full response, and to find out what other parents are saying about the issue.
May 6, 2016, Yahoo Beauty, Beth Greenfield
When Women Enforce Sexist Dress Codes at Work
When female bosses impose sexist dress codes on their female employees, the result can be very disempowering. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says these sort of workplace requests can lead the employee to feel insecure and anxious over her appearance, possibly causing her work performance to decline. “In the face of anxiety, everything deteriorates,” she explains. “It’s a good way for women to lose their sure footing.” For the detailed explanation, check out the full article above.
May 4, 2016, Choices Magazine (Scholastic), Jessica Press
Are boys better than girls at some things, and vice versa? The answer is no. Studies have shown that sex predicts little when it comes to academic or athletic ability. Dr. Barbara Greenberg says the key is to encourage both males and females to do whatever they like. For the full article, click on the link above.
May 2, 2016, Nylon, Sophie Saint Thomas
The Biggest Relationship Mistake Isn’t About Your Relationship
In this article, Dr. Barbara Greenberg discusses how important it is for those in romantic relationships to stay connected to their friends. She stresses that while romantic relationships are great to have, it’s also healthy to savor those memorable moments with your girlfriends. In addition, Dr. Greenberg explains that one person (e.g. a spouse, a boyfriend) should not carry all the emotional needs of one person. That’s what friends are for.
April 28, 2016, Women’s Health, Carrie Murphy
If Your Dad Was a Cheater, Will You End Up With a Cheater?
In her new album Lemonade, Beyoncé references her dad’s cheating as well as infidelity in her own relationship with Jay-Z. This begs the question, does a cheating parent set the stage for their child to one day choose romantic partners who also cheat? Dr. Barbara Greenberg says it’s possible, and that patterns learned in childhood and teen years can follow us into later life. For the full article, click the link above.
April 7, 2016, Yahoo Beauty, Sabrina Rojas Weiss
Here’s the Difference Between North West’s Hair Extensions and Playing Dress-Up
When Kim Kardashian posted Instagram photos of her two-year-old daughter North West sporting hair extensions, some people wondered, “is this sort of trend right for little girls?” Dr. Barbara Greenberg expresses her concern about this, explaining that the semi-permanent nature of extensions makes them “less about playing dress-up and more about beauty, in a way that is inappropriate for young children.” Dr. Greenberg adds that parents should make sure to focus on allowing their children to play, not to beautify and sexualize their appearance. Read the full article by clicking the link above.
March 11, 2016, Yahoo Beauty, Beth Greenfield
Is It OK for Little Girls to Dabble in Makeup?
Dr. Barbara Greenberg tells Beth Greenfield it’s a bad idea for parents to let their little girls play with cosmetics. Dr. Greenberg explains that girls are hyper-aware of external cues, and they eventually learn: “If I put more makeup on, if I dress in a certain way, if I sexualize myself, I’ll get more approval.” She adds that girls can become “almost slaves to their appearance and to what others think about their appearance.”.
February 3, 2016, Somesuch Stories, Sophie Saint Thomas
Sophie Saint Thomas recalls times during her childhood when she was shamed for expressing her sexuality. She writes about how she and several of her peers grew up believing their sexual feelings to be bad, sinful, and something to feel guilty about. Yet, Dr. Greenberg suggests that instead of shaming and scolding their kids for these sexual feelings, parents should instead stress that while these feelings come with parameters, they are nothing to be ashamed about. They are normal, and they will, “when appropriate, become part of the loveliness of their life,” says Dr. Greenberg. For the full article, click the link above.
February 1, 2016, Yahoo Parenting, Beth Greenfield
Inside ‘Grease: Live’ Star’s Triumphant Performance Day After Dad Dies
Many people were stunned that Vanessa Hudgens was able to deliver such a stellar performance in “Grease: Live” just one day after her father died of cancer. Some were shocked she could even go “on with the show” at all. Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains the potential reasons Hudgens was able to perform, and discusses the various, unpredictable ways in which humans grieve.
January 27, 2016, SafeBee, Marianne Wait
Duct Tape Challenge Disaster: Takeaways for Parents and Teens
Washington teenager Skylar Fish suffered life-threatening injuries after attempting the “duct tape challenge,” a popular game where teens bind each other with duct tape and see how quickly they can free themselves. In the article above, Dr. Barbara Greenberg shares practical ways for parents to approach their teens about the deadly consequences of these social media challenges.
January 14, 2016, Chicago Tribune, Heidi Stevens
What’s in That Bottle? More Colleges Check Applicants’ Social Media Pages
Kaplan Test Prep found that 40% of college admissions personnel turn to Facebook, Instagram, and other social media when seeking additional information about college applicants. So, when it comes to making sure high schoolers keep a clean online reputation, Dr. Barbara Greenberg says to actually “show them the data” instead of just sharing the information in a conversation. She explains, “Kids listen harder and more effectively when the information comes not only from their parents, but from other sources.” For more on social media and the college application process, read the full article above.
January 12, 2016, Yahoo Parenting, Beth Greenfield
The Tragic Details Surrounding Girl’s Devastating Rape
In the aftermath of a horrific gang rape in Brooklyn, Dr. Barbara Greenberg stresses the 18-year old female victim’s need for immediate psychological treatment.
January 6, 2016, Style.Mic.Com, Sophie Saint Thomas
Can We Talk About How Absurdly Awkward Salons Can Be?
Do you ever feel awkward when your hairstylist or manicurist asks you inappropriate or invasive questions? If your answer is “yes,” Dr. Barbara Greenberg has a few tips for you–especially if you get the sense that you’re being judged in uncomfortable, public situations.
January 4, 2016, Yahoo Parenting, Beth Greenfield
Madonna’s Teenager Troubles: When Rebels Become Strict Parents
You may have heard a lot of people label Madonna as a major rebel of the 80s and 90s who has suddenly decided to become a tough parent. However, Dr. Barbara Greenberg has a different take. Read why she thinks our assumptions about this rebel Madonna may have been wrong. In the article above, Dr. Greenberg offers advice for parents who’ve been judged for their rebellious pasts and are now seen as hypocritical for being strict with their children.
December 14, 2015, Yahoo Parenting, Beth Greenfield
Could a Powerful Woman Ever Post a Baby Pic Like Mark Zuckerberg’s?
When Mark Zuckerberg posted a photo on Facebook of himself changing his newborn daughter’s diaper, the pic became “the most-liked diaper change ever.” Society tends to applaud men who share their parenting photos. But do they do the same for women? Many are starting to wonder whether mothers who post photos similar to Zuckerberg’s would get the same amount of praise. Read the article above to see what Dr. Barbara Greenberg has to say.
November 18, 2015, Mic.com, Sophie Saint Thomas
Women Are Stopping An Anxious Skin Picking Habit with Fake Nails
It’s not uncommon for a person to pick at an occasional pimple. However, for many anxious people, especially women, skin picking can become a form of obsessive compulsive disorder fueled by anxiety and depression. Experts in this article, including Dr. Barbara Greenberg, explain why this compulsive picking occurs, and how artificial nails may actually help curb the problem.
November 18, 2015, Yahoo Parenting, Beth Greenfield
Why It’s Good That Your Kids Think You’re Uncool
Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains that teens enter a separation and individuation phase where they think their parents are “uncool.” Dr. Greenberg says this is completely normal, and actually a good thing. Read more to find out why.
November 18, 2015, Stylecaster, Ashley Papa
The New Girl Code: How Online Dating Can Mess with Your Friendships
Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers advice on how to maintain friendships and avoid friendship drama while dating online. She says never to date a friend’s ex and to always show your friend who you are very interested in, especially if you are both using the same dating app. The bottom line: always keep the lines of communication as clear as possible.
December Issue, 2015, RealSimple, Brandi Broxson and Charla Mott
Now What? Smart Solutions for Life’s Little Disasters: Why My Child Cries When We Visit Santa
In the right-hand column of this RealSimple magazine article, Dr. Barbara Greenberg is quoted about the anxiety children often experience during developmental stages, particularly during a visit to Santa.
November 14, 2015, Grandparents.com, Sarah Schwartz
9 Things You Shouldn’t Say to Grandkids
Many grandparents use phrases such as “because I said so” or “great job” when speaking with their grandchildren. Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains how several of these seemingly harmless phrases can do more harm than good, and suggests what grandparents should say instead.
November 13, 2015, Broadly, Sophie Saint Thomas
Campus Police Chief Who Said Most Sexual Assaults ‘Ain’t Rape’ Is Back on Duty
A Georgia college police chief named chief Bryan Golden said most rapes are “women waking up the next morning with a guilt complex.” Dr. Barbara Greenberg, who has treated many sexual assault survivors, responds to Golden’s assumption. She stresses that this exact kind of thinking makes sexually assaulted women even more afraid to come forward.
October 19, 2015, Vice.com, Sophie Saint Thomas
In the article above, Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers her professional advice on how to avoid trauma triggers when dating someone who has survived sexual assault. She also shares ways to create a safe, loving experience for both partners in the relationship.
October 30, 2015, YourTeen, Audrey Mann Cronin
The Value of Digital Busy Signals
Most parents like to hear from their teens at some point during the day just to know they’re safe. But how should parents react if their teens start to text them too frequently, expecting an immediate response? Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers her take on this modern problem, suggesting ways for parents to help teens become a bit more independent in this digital age of instant communication.
October 7, 2015, Mic.com, Sophie Saint Thomas
The Conversation No One Wants to Have About Dating With a Mental Illness
If you are living with a mental illness, should you tell the person you’re dating? And if so, when? “I’m a big believer in not keeping secrets,” Dr. Greenberg told Mic. “You can’t get through life with secrets in relationships because then you’re starting off on the wrong foot, because all secrets breathe in life is anxiety. You find any family where there’s sort of a chronic level of anxiety, it’s often because there’s secrets and people aren’t being honest with each other.” For Dr. Greenberg’s candid, complete discussion, click the link above.
October 7, 2015, Yahoo Parenting, Beth Greenfield
Why Did Rosie O’Donnell’s Daughter Go Public?
Why did Chelsea O’Donnell condemn her celebrity mother Rosie in an interview with the Daily Mail? Dr. Barbara Greenberg talks about possible reasons why an adolescent like Chelsea would speak so negatively about her mom.
September 16, 2015, Mic.com, Sophie Saint Thomas
The One Problem 20-Something Couples Have That No One Talks About
Is there a “white elephant” in your bedroom? What’s the difference between a completely “dead bedroom” and just a dry spell? Dr. Barbara Greenberg chats about the bedroom issues that many 20-something couples face, offering her expert commentary along with a solution for solving the problem.
September 11, 2015, Yahoo Parenting, Beth Greenfield
Why the DMV Denied a Driver’s License to a Teen With Depression
When a Texas teenager disclosed her medical history of depression on her license application form, officials at the driving center turned her away. In the above article, Dr. Barbara Greenberg along with other experts analyze and discuss the reality of the ever-present stigma attached to mental illness, how it continues to affect teens, and what to do about it.
September 6, 2015, Vice.com, Sophie Saint Thomas
What Is It Like to Date When You Have Borderline Personality Disorder?
Vice.com shares a Q&A where Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains what it’s like to date someone with Borderline Personality Disorder. She offers helpful tips and words of encouragement, stating that although borderline individuals do experience painful emotions more intensely than some, it is highly possible for BPD patients to thrive, heal, and sustain loving, romantic relationships.
September 2, 2015, Toronto Sun, Victoria Revay
Fat-shaming has become an extremely controversial social media trend. More and more people have begun to name-call or poke fun at obese people, and much of this happens in blog threads, Facebook posts, or the comments sections of video feeds on YouTube. The latest fad is ThinnerBeauty, a website where users are able to alter their photos to look thinner and aim for their “skinny” weight. Dr. Barbara Greenberg provides feedback and offers her concerns as to why this is an unhealthy obsession.
August 28, 2015, SafeBee, Kathryn Olney
Avoiding Campus Sexual Assault: Playing It Safe in “The Red Zone”
With the beginning of the new school year, Dr. Barbara Greenberg discusses her concerns for the safety of freshmen women and provides valuable suggestions as to how they can protect themselves from sexual assault on campus while adjusting to student life.
August 27, 2015, Yahoo Parenting, Beth Greenfield
University Will Tattle to Parents if Students Drink
The University of Michigan has vowed to call the parents of any student under 21 who is caught drinking if the incident includes property damage, a DUI, or the need for medical attention. Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains why she thinks this is a brilliant idea. “Kids are still very attached to parents at this age, even though that’s a well-kept secret. They are still teenagers, and much more worried about disappointing their parents than they are about making them angry.” That’s because disappointment, she explains, is a “softer, more loving kind of emotion that’s harder to tune out.” Read the full article above.
August 22, 2015, Broadly, Sophie St. Thomas
My Shrink Broke Up With Me
What leads psychologists to, in the rare case, terminate relationships with certain clients? Well, like in any other partnership, there needs to be a sense of chemistry as well as a solid professional relationship: “I call it the ‘relational bond.’ If that bond doesn’t exist, you really can’t do good therapy,” says Dr. Greenberg. Read the full article for a description of reasons that shrinks will tend to refer clients to someone else.
August 11, 2015, Yahoo Parenting, Rachel Bertsche
Parents and Video Prankster Lure Teens on Facebook for Scary Lesson
Dr. Barbara Greenberg says it’s likely, more than parents could probably imagine, that teens do talk to strangers online and are tempted to meet them in person. “It’s not that teens don’t care about the risks, but what happens with teen girls is they weigh the benefits more than the risks, and it’s really exciting to get attention from a male. So they weigh those thrills more than ‘oh, this could happen to me.’” Read the entire article for Dr. Greenberg’s advice on how to teach teens to protect themselves from the dangers of teenagers’ online communication with strangers.
August 5, 2015, Yahoo Parenting, Beth Greenfield
Teen Wins Custody Battle for Siblings
Dr. Barbara Greenberg provides words of encouragement and offers a positive outlook on the story of 19-year-old Mackenzie Jackson, who won custody of her younger siblings after their parents died. “Age,” Dr. Greenberg says, “is not always the best determinant of who a good caregiver is. She could be a much better parent than someone who’s 35.” For the full article, click the link above.
August 3, 2015, Yahoo Parenting, Beth Greenfield
Mom of Slain Girl, Mom of Killer, Find Unexpected Bond
When eight-year-old Maddy Middleton was raped and murdered by her 15-year-old neighbor, Middleton’s mother, Laura Jordan, turned to Reggie Factor, the mother of the killer, for comfort and support. While many may fault the mother of the killer, Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers a deeper perspective and thoughtful opinion on Jordan’s reaction by discussing the grieving process. “They both did lose their child that day, and I don’t fault [Factor],” said Greenberg. However, she added, “You have to go through stages of grieving, and she’s putting closure on this so quickly, probably because she’s devastated and still in shock. Good if it works for her, though.”
June 30, 2015, Ozy.com, Meghan Walsh
Which is Worse: The Schoolyard Thug or the Cyberbully?
In this informative piece, Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains the difference between cyber and in person bullying as well as which type is more destructive.
June 21, 2015, Vice.com, Sophie Saint Thomas
We Asked Three Experts How to Deal with Daddy Issues
On this Father’s Day, Sophie Saint Thomas interviews clinical psychologist Dr. Barbara Greenberg on the truth about daddy issues, why they exist, and how to deal with them. Dr. Greenberg explains, in one answer, that “How their father treats their mother is one of the most important things that ever goes on in a kid’s life. If a father treats the mother poorly, not only will it influence the [daughter]’s choice of partners later in life and what she’ll tolerate in terms of abusive or unkind behavior, but it will also influence the girl’s self-esteem.” For the complete interview, click the link above.
June 5, 2015, Yahoo Parenting, Beth Greenfield
Teen Whose Dad Publicly Shamed Her on YouTube Commits Suicide
Can public shaming have fatal consequences? Just days after her father allegedly cut off her long hair and put the footage on YouTube, 13-year-old Izabel Laxamana took her own life by jumping out of a moving vehicle on a highway. Now, experts like Barbara Greenberg are questioning whether these public shaming incidents alone can push a young person to suicide. “In all these cases where there’s bullying — and public shaming is a form of bullying — and then a suicide, there’s usually a history of depression and mental health issues,” Greenberg tells Yahoo Parenting. “I think shaming alone won’t do that to an otherwise resilient kid.” Click the link above to read more about Greenberg’s take on public shaming.
June 2, 2015, Today Parents, Terri Peters
Dad’s viral video sends message: don’t publicly shame kids to humiliate them
It’s not uncommon lately to see viral videos of parents shaming their disobedient children by giving them embarrassing haircuts or smashing their cell phones for all of the internet to see. But when one father created a parody video in which he hugs his son instead of humiliating him, several experts said this dad had the right idea. Dr. Barbara Greenberg discusses why she agrees with this man, and why she believes public humiliation is useless as well as detrimental to any child’s well being.
June 2, 2015, Yahoo Parenting, Beth Greenfield
Girls’ Photos Removed from Yearbook Because of What They Were Wearing
When Crystal Cumplido and Mari Champagne decided to wear shirts and ties instead of dresses in their yearbook photos, their high school administration decided to pull the photos, claiming that the girls failed to comply with the gender-specific dress code. Dr. Barbara Greenberg points out the negative effects of this high school’s decision to essentially shame these girls by removing the photos. She explains, “Erasing someone from [the yearbook] is erasing a piece of a person’s history. And when you do that, you erase a part of who they are and send the message that they’re less than — and it’s a really horrible message that adults have to start to take a look at.”
June 1, 2015, Mother Nature Network, Lambeth Hochwald
Is a picture of a slimmer you the way to lose weight?
Visualize You is a new app that allows people to see what they would look like with a slimmer body. But experts like Dr. Barbara Greenberg say that this app might lead to frustration and low self-esteem. Click the link above to read the entire commentary and learn more about the app.
May 28, 2015, Toronto Sun, Joanne Richard
Canadian Women Unhappy with Their Appearance: Study
In this reflective and compelling piece about women and self image, Dr. Barbara Greenberg, among other experts, suggests a few reasons why women often feel more dissatisfied with their appearance than men.
May 6, 2015, MainStreet, Kathryn Tuggle
3 Ways Naturally Bossy People Can Successfully Handle Teamwork
Dr. Barbara Greenberg, among others, offers thoughtful tips and insights for team leaders who may be perceived as bossy or arrogant. The goal: to help leaders step out of their comfort zone and into a positive team mentality where working with and considering the viewpoints of others is key.
March 15, 2015, Toronto Sun, Joanne Richard
Complimenting a child’s accomplishments can be good, but what happens when parents go overboard in praising their kids? Dr. Barbara Greenberg weighs in on how constant praise can actually do more harm than good.
February 6, 2015, Yahoo Parenting, Beth Greenfield
Why High School Seniors Are Partying Less Than Their Parents Did
Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains the reasons adolescents are socializing and partying significantly less than teens in previous generations. While the decreased use of alcohol and cigarettes in teens is definitely a positive social change, you might be concerned when you find out what today’s teens are doing and thinking about in their spare time instead of socializing with peers.
January 26, 2015, Yahoo Parenting, Beth Greenfield
Inside the Bizarre Life of ‘Wolfpack’ Kids
Dr. Barbara Greenberg responds to the latest buzz about the Angulo boys, six teenagers who have been locked away in a Manhattan housing project all their lives. Dr. Greenberg discusses the potential negative effects of long-term isolation on these teenagers and what it could mean for them later in life.
January 24, 2015, Ozy.com, Meghan Walsh
Is there a possible solution to breaking cliques and encouraging unlikely friendships among teens? Dr. Barbara Greenberg says yes, and offers her well-informed, thoughtful answer that involves revamping certain lunchroom policies at schools.
January 15, 2015, Yahoo Parenting, Beth Greenfield
Devastating Twist in Powerful Anti-Bullying PSA
In Beth Greenfield’s article above, Dr. Barbara Greenberg thoughtfully responds to the most recent anti-bullying YouTube video in which teens make kind and loving comments on others’ social media pages. Additionally, Dr. Greenberg offers an explanation as to why many teens fail to offer this kind of support on a regular basis.
January 14, 2015, MainStreet, Kathryn Tuggle
6 Things You Don’t Know You’re Doing That Hold Back Your Career
Your career is as much about the image you project as it is about your actual skills. Read more about how you might be sabotaging your career and how to circumvent potential problems in the future. The above article features commentary and pointers from Dr. Barbara Greenberg that will surely guide you in the right direction.
January 10, 2015, Yahoo Parenting, Lambeth Hochwald
3 Reasons Divorce May Not Be So Bad for Your Kids
Into the Woods star Anna Kendrick recently opened up about her parents’ divorce, explaining that staying in an unhappy marriage for the kids is the wrong approach. Dr. Barbara Greenberg agrees, and offers three thoughtful tips for parents who are considering parting ways. Read the article above to find out more.
December 3, 2014, MainStreet, Kathryn Tuggle
Why More Families Say No to Big Gifts, and What They Do Instead
Instead of opening presents this holiday season, many people are opening their minds to something new: replacing store-bought gifts with thoughtful, shared experiences all family members can enjoy. Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers a few tips on how to introduce this new tradition to your family. Click the link above to learn more.
November 24, 2014, Women’s Health, Kristen Sollee
Your Ultimate Survival Guide for Meeting the Parents
Meeting your significant other’s parents this holiday season? No problem! Dr. Barbara Greenberg shares some valuable, practical tips on how to make the best impression when meeting the folks for the first time.
November 19, 2014, MainStreet, Kathryn Tuggle
Why You Should Keep Photos of Your Kids off Social Media
Dr. Barbara Greenberg thinks if you post photos of your kids on Facebook, you should do so with caution and thoughtfulness. Read the article above to find out why. Be sure to share your own thoughts in the comments section as well.
November 12, 2014, Yahoo Parenting, Beth Greenfield
The Dangerous ‘Choking Game’ That Killed Four Kids in One Town
Social media platforms are infamously the home to many fads, trends and crazes that often become addictive. With all the recent press about the so-called “Choking Game,” it’s easy to wonder whether some teens are hooked on the rush of adrenaline they get from being intentionally strangled. Read the above article for Dr. Barbara Greenberg’s take on the semi-new idea of fun that can easily turn fatal.
November 11, 2014, Today, Terri Peters
Little princess: Mom’s hand-made Disney costumes help shy girl blossom
When you use your imagination, anything’s possible, right? In this heartwarming story, Terri Peters explores how one mom creatively fashioned old shower curtains, tablecloths, curtains and scraps of fabric into Disney costumes for her adorable 3-year-old daughter Lane. The goal? To help the shy toddler come out of her shell. Dr. Barbara Greenberg commends a mother who would go to such lengths to help her child battle shyness. In addition, Dr. Greenberg offers tips, suggestions and words of encouragement to parents who may not have the time or talent to create a world of Disney magic with a sewing machine. Read the full article by clicking the link above.
October 30, 2014, Yahoo Parenting, Lambeth Hochwald
When Kids Don’t Call You ‘Mom’ or ‘Dad’
Many are now discussing whether it’s appropriate for children to call their parents by first names (or anything other than typical ‘Mom’ or ‘Dad.’) Here, in this hot debate among experts and parents with mixed feelings about the situation, Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains her own point of view.
October 27, 2014, Yahoo Parenting, Beth Greenfield
Latest School Shooting: What Causes a Teen to Snap?
In this online piece about troubled teens who become involved in tragic school shootings, Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains that the idea of popularity as a protective factor in high schools is a myth and that some of the most well-liked students can experience severe depression.
September 4, 2014, Georgia Public Broadcasting, Leah Fleming
Teens Bypass The Ice Bucket Challenge for More Risky Online Dares
In this online feature article and broadcast on the Georgia Public Radio Network, Dr. Barbara Greenberg clears up a few misconceptions about why teens participate in risky online challenges (such as the so-called “fire challenge”) with their peers. Click on the link above to read the article and listen to the radio episode.
August 28, 2014, Women’s Health Magazine, Kristen Sollee
3 Compromises You SHOULD Make In a Relationship
In this genuine and fun Women’s Health Magazine article, Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers commentary on how to find the happy medium in relationships.
September/October 2014, Your Teen Magazine, Randye Hoder
Surviving This Year’s Back to School
Randye Hoder of Your Teen Magazine features tips and advice from expert psychologists such as Dr. Barbara Greenberg, who offers her ideas for making the often-dreaded “back-to-school” time more bearable…and even enjoyable!
July 15, 2014, Men’s Health, K. Aleisha Fetters
In this article from Men’s Health magazine online, Dr. Barbara Greenberg offers feedback on the six most common lies women tell men in order to feel a sense of acceptance and approval.
May 21, 2014, TODAY Moms, Laura T. Coffey
Yearbook Photos of Teen Moms Spark Backlash, Support
A high school yearbook that glamorizes teen pregnancy? Many parents and students are unhappy about the two-page spread in Mesa High School’s yearbook featuring teen students who are either pregnant or have babies. That’s where Dr. Barbara Greenberg comes in, explaining why the yearbook’s portrayal of teen pregnancy can actually have its benefits. Read more by clicking the title link above.
April 4, 2014, The Oman Daily Observer, Paul McLoughlin
The Rumour Has It in Social Media
In this interview, Dr. Greenberg suggests that although the internet is highly beneficial, it can also bring out the negative aspects of one’s personality.
March 28, 2014, The Daily Beast, Lizzie Crocker
Dr. Greenberg empathizes with teenage boys, discussing their feelings about sex and love that society often misconstrues.
April, 2014, Real Simple, Jennifer Bleyer, page 124
” ‘When a kid falls into the good graces of a queen bee or a pack leader, he often takes on at least some of that friend’s exclusivity,’ says psychologist Barbara Greenberg, Ph.D., a coauthor of Teenage as a Second Language.”
March 10, 2014, Toronto Sun, Joanne Richard, Special to QMI Agency
“Pregnancy-Shaming” Needs to Stop
“Pregnancy-shaming appears to be growing, agree experts. ‘Celebrities are observed almost constantly and when pregnant, there is even more to scrutinize and criticize,’ says Dr. Barbara Greenberg, clinical psychologist at drbarbaragreenberg.com.”
January 27, 2014, HLN, Dr. Barbara Greenberg
Justin Bieber’s Arrest a Good Teaching Opportunity?
“[Dr. Barbara Greenberg] says even though they still admire him, teens aren’t likely to mimic Justin Bieber’s erratic behavior. See her recommendations for starting a conversation with your teen about Bieber’s troubles.”
December 13, 2013, The Daily Beast, Anna Brand
Can Your Grandpa Kick Your Ass?
“Dr. Barbara Greenberg, a teen clinical psychologist, therapist, and counselor[ …] believes tiredness is linked to anxiety levels. ‘We know that teens are plagued with anxiety these days because of all the pressures. In fact, in college, the No. 1 factor that leads students to go to counseling services is anxiety,’ she said.’Anxiety is very depleting and really drains our use of energy, but it decreases with age—it’s the one good thing about getting older!’
June 4, 2013, TODAY Moms, Jacoba Urist
Is fixing your teen’s ‘prom disaster’ helping or over-parenting?
“I was pretty hands off with the plans,” recalls Haskel. But her advice for parents: have teen boys try on their outfit ahead of time.
It’s important for parents to take prom seriously, says Barbara Greenberg, a clinical psychologist, and to avoid dismissive comments like, “Oh, you won’t remember this next year anyway.”
Over the past few weeks, Greenberg says she’s seen parents and teens use “prom problems” as an opportunity to bond emotionally. In one instance, a teen boy felt pressure to go to the prom with his ex-girlfriend.
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May 11, 2013, Associated Press, Jesse Washington
For cleveland women, ordeal of recovery begins now
“It’s sort of like coming out of a coma,” says Dr. Barbara Greenberg, a psychologist who specializes in treating abused teenagers. “It’s a very isolating and bewildering experience.” “What a lot of these people say is, ‘What’s more important than what happened is how people react,'” says Greenberg, the psychologist.
The world has reacted to the Cleveland women with an outpouring of sympathy and support. This reaction will live on, amplified by the technologies that rose while the women were locked away.
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May 4, 2013, Associated Press, Martha Irvine
Teen immigrant angst _ a factor in bombings?
“Being a teenager itself is such a hard journey. That coupled with being an immigrant is very, very difficult,” says Barbara Greenberg, a clinical psychologist who ran an inpatient adolescent psychiatric unit at a hospital in New York for many years and whose patients included young immigrants.
She says the teen years are a particularly difficult time to fit in because social groups have formed, and cliques are tougher to break into.
“When you’re a little kid, social groups are more in flux,” says Greenberg, who still specializes in adolescents in private practice in Connecticut.
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February 21, 2013, Katie’s Take, Samara Mackereth
How to talk to your teen
Not only are their bodies changing physically but hormones are raging and bad moods are in full swing. Katie Couric spoke with Dr. Barbara Greenberg, parenting expert and clinical psychologist, all about how parents can talk with their teens and finally get some answers. Every parent wants to know what is going on inside their teenager’s head. While the normal instinct is to give them the third degree about their day Dr. Greenberg strongly encourages us not to interrogate temperamental teens.
Avoid direct, general questions like “How was your day?” or “How was the date?” Teens will respond more positively to indirect questions like “How was the movie?” because they aren’t ready to give you lots of information at once. Listening is an important part of any conversation, and interrupting your child may not get you much of a response at all.