But in fact, the way kids handle conflict with peers may have major long-term health repercussions. New research from the University of Virginia shows that ramifications from schoolyard conflicts may be tied to premature aging and other issues — even tumors, arthritis and cancer — later in life. “Teens are not irrational to care so much about their peers,” Allen said. Those who had trouble handling conflict when they were younger had higher levels of the protein (called interleukin-6) in their blood. More reading:The importance of childhood friendships and how to nurture themThe sex talk isn’t enough: How parents can teach teens about healthy relationshipsHow schools and parents can teach teens about loveWhy parents need to teach middle-schoolers kindness, from the author of ‘Wonder’

Source: Washington Post January 12, 2018 11:03 UTC