At this point, most of us are aware that practices like deep breathing, meditation and mindfulness practices are frequently recommended to reduce stress and promote both psychological and physical well-being. However, it still isn’t always easy to incorporate such practices into your daily routine. With the advent of smart phone technology, there is an ever-expanding … Read more
When your child has learning differences, informal meetings at school can be a good opportunity to discuss educational services for your child. Here are some essential tips on how to successfully negotiate in such meetings: Remember – everyone genuinely wants to support the child. The vast majority of teachers and other school personnel truly love … Read more
We are in the midst of a presidential campaign like no other in recent memory. The Republican field has winnowed down from a record number of hopefuls to one (probable) candidate, and the Democratic side is down to two. Earlier in the process, there was a great deal of discussion about the entertainment value of … Read more
A mother I was talking with the other day described her 8-year-old daughter as “bossy.” I asked her about it, and she talked about how her daughter had, from the time she was very young, organized games and activities for the other children in the neighborhood. I then asked if she had ever heard the … Read more
This time of year, thousands of parents are hitting their local big box stores and checking off their college-bound offsprings’ shopping lists: extra-loud alarm clock (check), shower caddy (check), comfy new sheets and pillows (check), bulletin board (check). In the frenzy of logistics – and strong emotions – that often accompanies leaving home for college, … Read more
Research studies indicate that depression is one of the most frequently occurring mental health challenges for today’s children. As an example, a recent Fairfax County Youth Survey found that 22% of surveyed 6th graders and almost one-third of the teens surveyed in grades 8-12 reported experiencing significant symptoms of depression within the previous 12 month … Read more
Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives. While there is no doubt that smartphones have many benefits, they also have the potential to disrupt our relationships and even our mental health! Recent research indicates that smartphone use is a rising cause of relationship problems. It has become very common to use smartphones … Read more
Working with parents, I frequently hear myself saying, “You have to love the child you have – not the child you imagined you would have.” And as a parent, I frequently tell myself the same thing. Everyone who has children, is expecting a child, or is even contemplating having a child fantasizes about what his … Read more
Here are 10 simple resolutions to consider with regard to your parenting as you enter 2015, in the hopes of raising happy, healthy children: 1. Be present. It’s easier than ever to get sucked into our devices and to let them distract us from human connection. If we want to parent kids who have a … Read more
With the start of a new school year, college freshmen around the country have been attending workshops on safety, including how to protect themselves from unwanted sexual behaviors. Some of these lessons involve fundamental self-defense and common sense, some involve admonitions against excessive drinking and drug use, and some focus on helping potential victims avoid … Read more
