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16 Phrases Psychologists Are Begging Parents and Grandparents To Stop Saying to an Oldest Daughter
16 Phrases Psychologists Are Begging Parents and Grandparents To Stop Saying to an Oldest Daughter originally appeared on Parade. Eldest Daughter Syndrome (EDS) may not be a clinical diagnosis. However, many women felt seen when the term trended on social media last year. EDS refers to the experience of having unique—and often age-inappropriate—responsibilities and expectations placed on . Even with all we know about gender norms and stereotypes, psychologists warn that these beliefs are still alive and well today."Parents and grandparents may communicate differently with the oldest daughter because they may view the oldest daughter as the 'second matriarch' of the family," warns Dr. Emily Guarnotta, Psy.D., the co-founder of Phoenix Health. "Some families may view the oldest daughter as more mature and capable than other siblings and therefore speak to her more like a peer rather than a child."(Not so) Good 'ole cultural norms are largely to blame for these expectations, and they can manifest in daily conversations with this child. For this reason, psychologists are urging parents and grandparents to daughters. They also share the one, simple phrase that oldest girls need to hear 16 Phrases To Avoid With Eldest Daughters, According to Psychologists 1. "Why did you let your sibling do that?" , a licensed psychologist with Thriveworks, says this phrase usually references maturity and responsibility that an eldest daughter does not own."Yes, as an older sibling, it seems natural to expect that person to chip in at times, but the reality is, the oldest daughter is not a parent and does not need to have parentified roles or expectations," she suggests pausing before using this phrase to ensure that it falls within the "scope" of sibling-hood. "Why did you let your sibling do that?" may fit if the daughter told their younger brother to draw on themselves in permanent marker, knowing that it went against house rules. However, it wouldn't meet the moment if a younger sibling jumped off the couch while a parent was doomscrolling in another 2. "Can you help your sibling with that?" Again, context matters here. Sometimes, this phrase is empowering. Other times, it misplaces responsibility."While encouraging a child to help their siblings from time to time is important, relying too much on older daughters to care for their younger siblings puts them in the role of a surrogate parent," Dr. Guarnotta adds that the blurred line between sibling and parent can negatively affect an oldest daughter's relationship with their sibling and caregivers. 3. "Help me with the little ones." And other times, parents and grandparents don't bother to ask the oldest daughter to help. They just tell them. Once again, this phrase puts a child into a "junior Mom" role, and it has the potential for long-term harm rather than empowerment."She then understands that her worth is tied to helping and love comes with being useful," reveals Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners. "She then may focus on this and not her own developmental journey."Related: 4. "Be a good example." This one is well-intentioned, but Dr. MacBride says it gives the eldest daughter the impression she has little room for error."She now has learned that her role is not just to grow and learn, but she has to do it perfectly because she is the example that someone else is going to copy off of," she explains. "Her mistakes are not personal, but they are on display for others." 5. "Be a good girl." It may sound like a valid request to some, but it has a nails-on-a-chalkboard effect for at least one psychologist."'Be a good girl' quickly becomes loaded, especially for the child who already feels pressure to be calm, pleasing and responsible," explains . "It subtly implies that goodness is tied to behavior, and that mistakes or boundary-setting make her somehow bad."She prefers, "Make kind choices," which is less likely to set off a lifetime of chasing 6. "You ought to know better." Your eldest daughter is not David Coulier (who is widely believed to be the inspiration for Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know")."The assumption here is that older equals wiser, but these are kids and not 'mini-adults,'" Dr. MacBride says. "Give all kids the grace to grow at their own pace." Danny Tanner and Uncle Joey would approve of this message. 7. "This gives you good practice with what it's like to be a wife and a mom." This one is loaded with a capital L."These comments infer an expectation that your daughter will marry and have children," Dr. Smith reports that your daughter may alsowant that for herself, and it may happen. However, she may envision and even choose another path because she doesn't want that, all while hearing these phrases on repeat. As a result, she may start to doubt herself and fear disappointing her loved 18 Phrases To Use With Your Adult Kids That Will Transform Your Relationship, According to Psychologists 8. "You're so grown up." It's not quite the compliment people think it is."This phrase is actually starting to rob a child of her childhood," Dr. MacBride reveals. "We say this and then give ourselves permission to offload more responsibility onto the child. It can create pressure for her to become an adult more quickly than she feels capable."Related: 9. "You're so smart." You may be surprised to see this one here, and it's proof that even well-meaning parents and grandparents have blind spots."While meant as praise, this statement can reinforce a fixed mindset, suggesting that intelligence is something she is rather than something she builds," Dr. Todey says. "Instead, I coach parents to cultivate a growth mindset by reinforcing effort, encouraging mistakes and failure as part of the learning process."She recommends praising a child's hard work, persistence and curiosity so that they embrace challenges rather than avoid them, thereby overcoming their fear of 10. "Don't be so sensitive." Remember, emotions are human."This phrase is very invalidating and communicates that her feelings are 'too much,'" Dr. Guarnotta says. "As an adult, she might have a hard time trusting her own emotional responses. It can lead her to suppress her feelings and hinder her ability to express herself in a healthy way."Related: 11. "Stop being dramatic." In related news, this phrase can also promote emotional suppression."For oldest daughters who are frequently expected to keep it together, this invalidation can create confusion and emotional shutdown," Dr. Todey says. "I recommend helping children build emotional awareness by teaching them to evaluate the size of the problem and reflect on whether their reaction matches the situation."She notes that the goal isn't to downplay big feelings but to give girls tools to help them understand how to cope without shaming themselves. For instance, dropping a cracker on the floor may be upsetting, but it's fixable and learning to take a deep breath in frustrating moments is a good life 12. "You're stronger than that." Dr. Todey says parents often use this one during meltdowns."Parents may mean it as encouragement, but it unintentionally shames vulnerability," she warns. "For the daughter who's already trying to be emotionally regulated, this statement can unintentionally imply that feelings make you weak."Instead she suggests using the phrase, "This is hard, and you can do it." This phrase is encouraging and validating. 13. "Let it go." Unless you're having a Frozen karaoke session, delete this one from your rotation (Bonus points for discussing how the flick's oldest daughter, Elsa's, parents, however well-meaning, caused harm by locking her away for her powers)."Comments like this one do not permit space for normative emotions when their younger sibling is problematic and has a negative impact," Dr. Smith says. "This comment sends the message that the oldest daughter is 'just' supposed to 'put up' with problematic behavior, which can instill norms and expectations that are detrimental to other areas of the daughter's life presently and as she grows up."Related: 14. "I don't worry about you." This sounds like praise, but it doesn't land that way."It signals that her needs aren't a priority or urgent," Dr. MacBride says. "Being low maintenance just teaches you that your needs don't matter." 15. "You've always been the responsible one." No pressure, right?"This phrase can lock her into a rigid role and make her feel like her worth is tied to taking care of others," Dr. Guarnotta says. "As an adult, she might have a hard time relaxing, delegating and accepting help from others."Related: 16. "You are my rock." Dr. MacBride doesn't think it's fair for parents and grandparents to say this phrase to the oldest daughter—or any child or grandchild, for that matter."Often, the oldest daughter can become the confidant for her mother, as if she is supposed to be her mother's emotional support," she shares. "This is another opportunity for her to learn that she is responsible for making others happy and taking care of their feelings."Related: The #1 Phrase Eldest Daughters Need To Hear The oldest daughter could really use a reminder that "It's OK to make mistakes.""This gives her permission to be a child and not carry the weight of the world on her shoulders," Dr. Guarnotta says. "It reminds her that life is a learning process and she is loved for who she is, rather than what she does for others."Dr. MacBride agrees."I think it's important to counteract the messaging that oldest daughters get from parents, grandparents, and even media with a reminder that it's 'OK to not be OK' and that someone is there to help them with that," she shares. "These girls need a place where their feelings are validated and someone can see that life is messy, but none of that is contingent on whether they are loved, validated or respected."Up Next:Sources: Dr. Emily Guarnotta, Psy.D., co-founder of Phoenix Health Dr. Brandy Smith, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist with Thriveworks Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners Dr. Amy Kincaid Todey, Ph.D., a psychologist 16 Phrases Psychologists Are Begging Parents and Grandparents To Stop Saying to an Oldest Daughter first appeared on Parade on Jul 22, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Individuals Who Were Labeled 'Dramatic' as Kids Often Develop These 12 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say
Individuals Who Were Labeled 'Dramatic' as Kids Often Develop These 12 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say originally appeared on Parade. The effects of childhood don't bow out the moment we turn 18. In fact, psychologists note that roles cast for us in childhood can follow us to adulthood, especially for individuals labeled "dramatic" as children."When children are given labels like 'dramatic,' they are receiving a powerful message that can stick with them for a long time," says Dr. Emily Guarnotta, Psy.D., PMH-C, psychologist and founder of Phoenix Health. "They hear that their feelings are too much or wrong."She shares that understanding how your childhood is affecting you today lets you move from a place of self-blame to compassion, explaining, "This understanding is the first step toward healing and creating new, healthier patterns."Psychologists reveal 12 common traits and behaviors that people labeled "dramatic" as children often display as adults, along with ways to start Individuals smacked with a "dramatic" tag in childhood may become "versatile" role players as adults. While this behavior may bode well for a career on Broadway, it doesn't help you—or those around you—if it manifests as people-pleasing behavior in real life."Children who were called 'dramatic' may respond by being as agreeable with others as possible," Dr. Guarnotta says. "They might try to keep others happy and comfortable, even when it's at their own expense. This pattern can continue well into adulthood." Related: One psychologist notes that people-pleasing tendencies can morph into what she calls "Jell-O" boundaries."People who were told they were dramatic second-guess themselves and the boundaries they need to have in order to thrive because they received the messaging that their needs and boundaries were selfish or unreasonable," warns Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners. People tapped as "dramatic" kids can turn into adults who can launch into a monologue to explain simple decisions or constantly recite the line, "I'm sorry.""Being called 'dramatic' as a child can lead to internalized guilt about having needs or taking up space," says Dr. Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, Ph.D., a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor. "Adults might feel the need to justify every feeling or action to avoid being misunderstood."Related: Dr. Lira de la Rosa warns that some people who were labeled "dramatic" in childhood were punished or dismissed for their emotions, which can have long-term consequences for how we relate to others."Adults may fear that sharing their true selves will lead to disconnection," he points out. "This can lead to people-pleasing or over-attachment in relationships."Related: Critics may have a kryptonite-like effect on these individuals, who may also be on a relentless quest for the spotlight and standing ovations. "They may display a heightened sensitivity to criticism, reacting strongly to perceived slights due to a deep need for validation and connection," shares Dr. Joel Frank, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist with Duality Psychological Services. "A desire for attention is often present, not out of vanity, but because they thrive on acknowledgment and being seen by others."Dr. Guarnotta echoes these sentiments, pointing out that the need for external validation is understandable."If your emotions were consistently invalidated as a child, you may find yourself seeking validation that your feelings are valid as an adult," she It might sound like a plot twist, but Dr. Guarnotta clarifies that people often treat others the way they were treated (instead of how they want to be treated)."Sometimes, we project our own experiences onto others," she reports. "A person who was always called 'dramatic' as a child might become an adult who puts labels on their own children. This is often done unconsciously or outside of one's awareness."In fact, Dr. Guarnotta notes that people labeled "dramatic" as kids may call the children in their lives "dramatic" as Second-guessing and emotional invalidation are common threads in the lives (and behaviors) of people who were told they were "over-dramatic" as children."People who were chastised or shamed for being 'dramatic' as a kid now question if they are displaying the 'right' amount or type of emotion," Dr. MacBride explains. "You often hear them as, 'Am I making a big deal out of nothing?'" Fans of the Disney's Frozen likely remember this line from the movie (Elsa's father encouraged her to "conceal, don't feel" to avoid accidentally using her ice-making powers, which were uncontrollable when she was emotional). Dr. MacBride says "dramatic" labels in childhood can have an "Elsa effect" that lasts into adulthood (as it did for the Disney heroine). "People who were told they were too much or dramatic have received the message loud and clear that they need to appear 'cool, calm and collected,'" she says. "They have learned that emotions are unhelpful or even dangerous." Yet, you—like Elsa—may have simply needed love and to love. It can be hard to follow advice to "treat yourself like you'd treat a friend" if you learned to loathe yourself in childhood."A pattern I see often is someone who can deeply care for friends, family, or even strangers but struggles to offer that same kindness to themselves," Dr. Lira de la Rosa says. "They may have learned to prioritize others' feelings as a survival skill."Related: This behavior offers a silver lining."The same traits that were dismissed as 'dramatic' in childhood often turn into powerful tools in adulthood," Dr. Lira de la Rosa says. "Clients who were expressive kids are often great at using metaphor, humor or creative language to communicate in therapy. When these traits are supported rather than criticized, they can be empowering."Dr. Frank agrees, noting that people who receive the "dramatic" label in childhood often pursue creative hobbies and careers, such as art, writing or performance. While some people who grew up getting called "dramatic" may second-guess everything, others may not think twice before taking action."Impulsivity can also be a characteristic, as they may act or speak without much forethought, driven by their emotions in the moment, which can lead to misunderstandings or perceptions of unpredictability," Dr. Frank says. Gauging others' emotions is essential for connection and empathy. However, it's possible to go overboard."Growing up in an environment where your emotions are policed is stressful and can cause you to be constantly on guard," Dr. Guarnotta warns. "As an adult, this can manifest as chronic anxiety, tensions or hypervigilance. A person might find themselves constantly watching their partner to see signs of disapproval or walking on eggshells to prevent anger or criticism."Dr. MacBride agrees, likening this hypervigilance to an "emotional radar.""Children who were criticized for being too much often develop a keen radar or awareness of the emotional states of those around them," she Dr. MacBride has a key directive for you, which she delivers with compassion: "Stop gaslighting yourself and believing that having emotions is being 'too much,'" she truth? They are not "too much" but vital data."Emotions serve a function, and they often tell you something valuable about yourself or the situation that you are in," she You may have felt ashamed for having needs as a child, but Dr. MacBride says it's essential to flip that script."Pick someone safe and practice with them," she suggests. "Start small, ask for support, don't over-explain or justify the need for that support. This will help you learn to develop and strengthen this 'muscle.'"Related: Dr. Frank says that healing is hard and can require a lot of energy. Be sure to recharge. "Self-care typically plays a vital role in replenishing your physical, emotional and mental resources," he explains. "Activities like regular exercise, proper nutrition, sufficient rest and engaging in fulfilling hobbies enhance overall well-being and reaffirm your inherent value." Getting called "dramatic" as a kid probably hurt, but you deserve support."Engage with individuals who provide empathy, understanding and encouragement," Dr. Frank points out. "Healing is often facilitated through connection, and a reliable support system can offer comfort, perspective and a sense of belonging during challenging periods." Personal connections are important, but you may benefit from professional support."If you have a background of being invalidated as a child, therapy can provide a safe space to unpack early childhood wounds and heal from them," Dr. Guarnotta says. "A good therapist offers a safe space that is free of judgment. Therapy can also provide a corrective emotional experience, where you can experience what it's like to have another person accept and validate your feelings, rather than labeling you or shaming you for them." In turn, you might find you make deeper personal connections outside the therapy room. Up Next:Dr. Emily Guarnotta, Psy.D., PMH-C, psychologist and founder of Phoenix Health Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners Dr. Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, Ph.D., a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor Dr. Joel Frank, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist with Duality Psychological Services Individuals Who Were Labeled 'Dramatic' as Kids Often Develop These 12 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say first appeared on Parade on Jul 13, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Teens are Obsessed With 'Checking the UV'—Why Experts Say It's Risky
It's hard to walk through life without hearing tried and proven-true ways to protect yourself from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays: Wear and reapply sunscreen, and find a shady spot or avoid being outside when the UV index is at its highest in the middle of the day. So, it can be misleading when teens say they are going to go 'check the UV.' While it sounds like a practical and protective step, the TikTok-trending phrase means quite the opposite. 'In this case, the concern is that 'checking the UV' does not mean checking to see if the UV is too high to go out in the sun, which is the intended purpose of the UV rating,' explains Brandy Smith, PhD, a licensed psychologist with Thriveworks. 'Rather, 'checking the UV' is being used indication of [figuring out when] a good time to go outside in the sun to achieve an appearance that has been purported as desirable.' Some teens believe that by ensuring that the UV is at its peak they'll have a better chance of getting tan if they head outside. However, experts warn that the trend is dangerous to a teen's physical and mental health in both the short and long term. We spoke to a dermatologist and two psychologists about the dangers of 'check the UV,' why it's spreading on social media, and how to talk to your teen about it. As with many harmful trends these days, social media platforms like TikTok are significantly contributing to the rising popularity of teens 'checking the UV.' Tweens and teens share videos of themselves checking the weather app on their phones to find the UV for the day. They have even created memes poking fun of how often they check the UV to see when the best time is to attempt to get a tan. 'Teens are in a critical period of development, and social media plays a huge role in shaping their beauty standards,' explains Emily Guarnotta, PsyD, a psychologist with Phoenix Health. 'Beauty content that promotes narrow standards, like tan skin, can lead teens to connect their own self-worth to how closely they match these ideals. On top of it, algorithms promote this type of content, which keeps teens stuck in a pattern of comparing.' Today's parents may remember scouring magazines for beauty advice, but this new generation often looks to social media for tips on what to do and which trends to follow, explains Dr. Smith. A key problem? 'Teens sometimes use social media as their taking into consideration how safe or healthy something is,' Dr. Smith says. 'Critical thinking skills are less developed at that age and often seen as less valuable during that time of life.' It's also important to remember that almost anyone can post on social media, and the information shared does not need to be fact-checked before reaching its intended audience, allowing misinformation to rapidly spread. According to Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, PhD, a dermatologist, teens may believe they're looking at the UV index in hopes of getting a healthy looking glow, but the result is anything but healthy. While the highest ratings indeed signify the most sun exposure, the UV index (UVI) wasn't created as a tanning forecast. In fact, The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that the UVI measures UV radiation levels in order to inform people about how to protect themselves from the sun based on the ratings so they do not intentionally expose their bodies to UV rays without proper safeguards. The ratings go from 0 to 11. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), here's how to properly "check the UV:" Most people can enjoy the outdoors safely when the UVI is between 0 and 2. It's a good idea to wear SPF 15+ if you burn easily (and note that the UV rays reflect off the snow in winter, making SPF a year-round necessity). Take practical steps for moderate (3-5) to high (6-7). Sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and broad-spectrum SPF 30+ are a few ways to keep yourself safe from the sun. Avoid very high UV (8-10) and extreme UV (11 and above). Shirts, wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen, and shade are musts if you need to be outside. Dr. Kazlouskaya notes that the 'check the UV' trend 'disturbs dermatologists who are concerned about higher risks of skin cancer—including melanoma, one of the deadliest cancers.' Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. by far, according to the American Cancer Society. Dr. Kazlouskaya also notes that repeated sun exposure and damage can also lead to premature collagen damage and premature aging. Yet, wrinkles may seem foreign and far off to a person who hasn't even hit their 20s yet. The physical risks are just the beginning. Trends like "checking the UV" perpetuate harmful narratives around beauty that young kids are especially susceptible to. Dr. Guarnotta warns that this is one of the aspects of the trend that most disturbs her. 'When teens see these trends and beauty content pushed, it reinforces to them that beauty is more important than health,' Dr. Guarnotta says. 'Teens may also prioritize short-term rewards, like tan skin, over long-term risks.' Though the concept of practicing 'safe sun' has become more prevalent in recent years, experts warn that unregulated beauty content spreads rapidly online and threatens to undo some of the significant progress made. Teens who haven't developed critical thinking skills are especially vulnerable. 'Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok prioritize content that is emotional, extreme, and catchy,' explains Dr. Guarnotta. Indeed, you may recall that former Facebook (Now Meta) employee Frances Haugen's whistleblower report detailed how the company utilized 'angry content' to keep people engaged on the platform. The company also had data citing that Instagram, which it also owns, made eating disorders worse for teen girls, but it continued to push that content because it kept them on the app. These tactics can also lead to the spread of harmful skincare content. 'Trends like beauty hacks and tips are more likely to go viral, even if they're not grounded in science,' Dr. Guarnotta says. 'These posts then get served to teens who may take these posts at face value without considering the health risks. We need to protect our children from exposure to this content and also encourage them to develop the skills necessary to think through risks.' Teens may naturally assert their independence, but experts share that parents can still feel empowered to help guide them through similar harmful beauty trends. Here are ways to shed light on the harms of 'checking the UV' for tanning purposes—and preparing them for whatever trend comes next. Dr. Smith suggests educating your teen using relatable, age-appropriate language about trends. 'With this trend, educate them about what the purpose of the UV number is: To alert people of when to avoid being outside, rather than as a draw to spend time outside,' says Dr. Smith. Also, don't forget to show your teen how to do a self-skin check so they can monitor any signs of skin American Cancer Society recommends conducting a monthly skin check to look for potential signs of skin cancer, such as expanding moles, growths or spots, or a sore that hasn't healed in weeks. You'll want to do skin checks in well-lit areas with full-length mirrors. Handheld mirrors and a trusted friend or family member can help you get the best look at hard-to-see body parts, such as your scalp or back. The American Cancer Society laid out how to do a skin check at home (and parents can share this information with their teens). Here's what to do: Face the full-length mirror. Look at your face, ears, neck, stomach, and chest (people with breasts should lift them and evaluate the skin underneath). Then, go over the underarm areas on both sides, as well as the top and palm of both hands. Don't forget to look at the skin between your fingers and under your nails. Sit down. While in a chair, asses your quads, shins, and the tops of both feet. As with the hands, you'll want to check between your toes and under the nails. Grab the handheld mirror. Then, sit down again and use it to check the bottoms of your feet, calves, and hamstrings. Keep the handheld mirror. You'll need it to evaluate your butt, genitals, back, neck, and ears. Struggling? Stand with your back to the full-length mirror, and use the hand mirror to get a better view of your body's reflection. Get a comb or hair dryer and part your hair. Now, check the scalp. Dr. Kazlouskaya suggests discussing the risks of excessive sun exposure early and even taking a shopping trip for cute, sun-protective clothing and hats. 'Knowledge is power, allowing individuals to develop healthy habits,' he says. Dr. Guarnotta notes you can do the same with sunscreens. '[You] want to normalize sun protection as an act of self-care, not something that should be compromised for." Experts say that actions speak louder than words. 'If you tell your teen to do certain things but are not actually showing it being done, it undermines the message,' explains Dr. Smith. Dr. Smith suggests using sunscreen, wearing sun umbrellas, and covering your skin, especially when you're outside for extended periods. That said, words also matter and are a part of role modeling. 'Are you making comments about your body, others' bodies, and/or your teen's body that communicate you and/or others need to 'fit in' and look or present a certain way?' Dr. Smith suggests asking yourself. 'If so, work to reduce how often, how intensely, or at least the types of comments you make, especially around your teen.' Part of the issue with the 'check the UV' trend is that teens are often focused on living in the present versus the future. '[This] time of life is associated with a sense of invincibility or at least limited awareness of how what one does now impacts future self, especially decades into the future,' says Dr. Smith. While that has its benefits, having an eye on the future does, too. Dr. Smith says it's essential to help your teen connect their present and future self. 'Thinking of how 'tanned skin is technically damaged skin' is not a notion commonly enough discussed, but is one that you, as parents, can make sure your teen is aware of, starting preferably when they are younger,' Dr. Smith says. 'A teen thinking about how their actions now could impact skin cancer in the future is not going to come naturally, so talk about that reality. No, you do not have to scare your children and teens, but you can have helpful conversations that educate them on beneficial actions now that can also help future them.' If it's not 'check the UV,' it's something else. Unfortunately, harmful social media trends aren't going anywhere, so thinking broadly and long-term about helping teens develop critical thinking skills—especially when it comes to digital content—is vital. 'Talk to your teen about what they see online and how not everything is healthy or realistic,' Dr. Guarnotta says. 'Discuss the role of filters, editing, and influencers to help them understand that the content that they are served is altered. Give your teen space to think through these issues with you and encourage their efforts to question what they see rather than take it at face value.' Read the original article on Parents
