The capacity for self-control, whether of attention, behaviors, or impulses, is essential for social adaptation (Freud, 1930/2010). With the complex demands and ever-present distractions of modern-day societies, success in many life tasks depends on this capacity for self-control (Moffitt et al., 2011). Yet, this can be very trying for individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  

Many people are feeling a sense of hopelessness and even sliding into depression during the coronavirus pandemics as lockdowns drag on and many see their best-laid plans fall apart. The South China Morning Post’s Elaine Ly speaks with clinical psychologist Dr Natalie Loong about how to cope with restrictions meant to fight Covid-19, and the importance of “learning to be comfortable with our own limitations”.

Parents have a world of influence over their children’s development. That’s why researchers have been studying parenting styles for decades! Parenting styles refer to the sets of attitudes and behaviours that parents consistently adopt when interacting with and managing their children, which in turn creates the emotional context that their children grow up in (Darling & Steinberg, 1993). In other words, parenting styles can be thought of as general approaches to raising children that encompass not just what parents do but how they do it.

Jenny* dated for the first time at 16. Her boyfriend, Tom, was smart, outgoing, sweet, and caring. He often called or messaged to say he missed her but became furious when she did not answer immediately. He professed his “love” for Jenny, blamed her for making him worry, and demanded that she respond instantly in the future. Ridden with guilt, Jenny agreed. Tom was always there for Jenny, and overtime convinced her that her family and friends did not care for her as he did. Tom also became increasingly jealous and began imposing restrictions on what Jenny wore, reasoning that they belonged to each other. Jenny constantly tiptoed around Tom, yet despite her best effort, he always found reasons out of “love” to blow up or even physically hurt Jenny. Bruised and wounded, Jenny wondered, “If this is love, why doesn’t it feel loving? Why does it hurt so much?”  

Today, children seem to be getting older faster. With the advancement of technology, the world is most definitely a different place from when we grew up. Smartphones were once science-fiction, but now they hold almost all our entire lives in one compact place. And where there used to be just one phase for our kids growing up (the teen years) it seems we now need a new word for the period that comes before: tweens! But what’s the difference between tweens and teens? And just how can we help our youngsters through the transition? Read on to find out.

Exercise is an easy and more importantly, enjoyable way for youngsters to manage stress, boost their mood and self esteem, sleep better, learn important life lessons, and improve their performance at school; all of which are essential to overall mental well-being. Psychologists Dr Natalie Loong and John Shanahan, and HKIS middle school counsellor Laura Cowan share their expertise to highlight why sport and physical exercise are so beneficial to children.

Since the birth of her sister a few years ago, 6-year-old Jean* had been experiencing daytime and night time wetting almost daily, despite having been successfully toilet trained in the past. After consulting a physician to rule out medical causes and trying bedwetting alarms to no avail, Jean’s parents brought her to see me. I still remember the shock on her parents’ faces when after a thorough assessment, I suggested play therapy. Politely, they asked, “You are just going to play with my child?”