Whether from long-standing cultural practices, family tradition, or a sincere belief in its effectiveness, spanking children for misbehavior is a common practice. Nearly all studies have shown it’s harmful to their long-term mental and emotional health. But some parents insist it’s sometimes necessary.

Sometimes even the best of parents become overwhelmed and behave in ways they later wish they hadn’t. One solution that might help is a practice called mindful parenting. This is based on the larger concept of mindfulness, or being fully present in the moment. Such a process can help parents thoughtfully respond to situations, rather than react unthinkingly.

When children have a sense of purpose, it can help them make smarter choices when it comes to drug and alcohol use. One way to do this is to involve them in activities that let them feel they’re making a difference in the world.

If only life were like the fairy tales we read to our children when they’re little: bloodless, maybe a bit tense, but always with a happy ending.

A mentally healthy human being is one who knows how to effectively deal with emotions. Anger, frustration, disappointment, fear, sadness...at one time or another, these are common—and often constructive—emotions we all feel.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that substance use among teens can:

“He who wished to secure the good of others has already secured his own.”

As marijuana use becomes legal in more states (although its use is still a federal crime), the long-standing stigma associated with the drug has begun to recede. But that doesn’t mean it’s safe. And it’s especially unsafe for teens and young adults.

“No man is an island, entire of itself . . . Therefore, never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”

The Latin phrase, mens sana in corpore sano, means “healthy mind, healthy body.” Scholars differ about the meaning of this quote from the Roman poet Juvenal, but many take it to mean that you can’t have one without the other.