I have seen a few interesting things online recently about online media. First was an article in the Washington Post about the problem of gaming addiction in kids, a problem estimated to occur in 5% of teens. The article discusses one family's struggle and talks about available resources. The best way to help kids with gaming is to help them learn to set limits. Keep screens (computers, TVs, game systems) out of bedrooms and in public areas of the house, so kids can be supervised while they play. Establish time limits in advance and keep them. Set a timer if you need one. Be firm. Be consistent. Your child might not like it, but you are helping them learn self-regulation.

The history of autism is a fascinating story told in Steven Silberman's book Neurotribes. While investigating things like the relationship between autism and Nazis, the history of autism parent groups, and the autism self-advocacy movement, he explores autism research and diagnoses and our understand of the cause of autism as these things have changed over the course of the 20th century and into the 21st century. Check out the book. Check out the TedTalk.

Having a baby requires new parents to make a lot of decisions. For parents of baby boys, one of the first decisions is often whether or not to have your baby circumcised. Circumcision is an optional procedure where the foreskin of the penis is removed. When this is done in the newborn period, it is a much more minor and much less traumatic procedure than when it is done later in childhood or in adulthood. But is it necessary for penises to be circumcised at all?  ​