Erielle Media LLC, parent company of Brain, Child: The Magazine for Thinking Mothers ( www.brainchildmag.com ), the largest literary magazine for mothers, has announced its special issue for parents of teens and tweens. The essays, stories and articles from celebrated authors contained in this special issue of Brain, Child tackle teen parenting topics including the abuse of prescription drugs, coming of age in a world of social media, and the delicate dance of holding on and letting go. It includes perspectives from both mothers and fathers. "There is no other magazine like this available," says Marcelle Soviero, Editor-in-Chief. "There is a real need for literary perspectives on life with teenagers." Indeed the demand is there. The issue is already in its second printing.
The feature story, "Brain Doping" by award-winning author Valerie Seiling Jacobs, addresses the all too prevalent epidemic of ADHD prescription drug abuse, a topic The New York Times and others have recently reported on, but one that Brain, Child tackles from the unique perspective of teenagers who are using the drugs (with or without a prescription) to boost grades and test scores. Jacobs interviews experts and delves into the medical data and statistics around this epidemic. "I was shocked by what I found," says Jacobs. "I started out thinking that this was all hype—that the risks were over overblown. But I did a 180-degree turn after I looked at the actual data." Research indicates an estimated 32 million prescriptions are written for ADHD drugs and the number of prescriptions for 10 - 19-year-olds has risen 26 percent since 2007.
"Brain, Teen" as the magazine staff refers to the issue, also addresses today's youth, their texting and Social Media use, and parental control -- or lack there of. One of the essays, "In a Relationship," addresses the topic of a mother discovering her 13-year daughter's dating trends on Facebook. Additionally, two writers debate "Should Parents Read their Teen's Text Messages" in essays taking opposing sides. Additional content covers the timeworn struggle to launch teens from adolescence into young adulthood, trusting their underdeveloped judgement.
"I started reading Brain, Child when my first child was three, and I haven't stopped since," said Soviero, both a long-time subscriber and contributor. Founded in 2000, Brain, Child is the largest literary magazine for and about mothers. The relaunch issue included its trademark literary fare -- original essays, fiction and cartoons. As the new Editor-in-Chief, Soviero introduced poetry for the first time since Brain, Child's inception and the aforementioned new debate section, "Double Take," showcasing essays with differing perspectives.
"We bring together voices of women of different backgrounds and circumstances on the page, on our website and in our Facebook and Twitter communities," said Soviero. "Our special teen issue was carefully tailored to a target audience and seems to have struck a chord." Brain, Child's teen-focused issue is a special edition (not included with an annual subscription) and is available via the magazine's website at http://www.brainchildmag.com/teen/.
Founded in 2000, Brain, Child: The Magazine for Thinking Mothers is the largest literary magazine devoted to motherhood. Each issue contains personal essays, fiction, poetry, news, debate, book reviews and an in-depth feature story. Brain, Child has an international reach and provides readers with insight and perspective into today's parenting issues. For more information, visit www.brainchildmag.com.