April 18, 2014
by Casey Truffo, LMFT
The time when your teenager moves toward adulthood is an important time; however, it can be among the most difficult for a child AND their parents. Books, music, and movies many times refer to the theme of coming of age and relay the challenges associated in the transition. For families, this is a most emotional time because parents often are faced with disappointment and broken hearts as they feel their child no longer needs them, while their teenager is separating from them and developing new social circles. And although most teenagers are excited about this time in their lives, some are saddened or miss the safety that they had in their childhoods.
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April 12, 2014
by LuAnn Pierce, LCSW
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are a range of conditions that can affect a baby exposed to alcohol prenatally. The term is not a clinical diagnosis, but includes a range of diagnoses that are related to alcohol exposure in utero. The problems children experience as a result of fetal alcohol exposure are physical, intellectual/learning and psychological impairment. Often children will experience all of these problems.
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While there are many precautions that should be considered when it comes to children/teens and social media, we have come to a time when facing it with a positive attitude may be the key to helping children use these mediums appropriately. Some curiosity, exploration and healthy discussion with your children can go a long way. So, the next time you see your child giggling at something on their phone, engage them in a conversation. Learn their language so you can speak their language.
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March 23, 2014
by Christie Hunter
Despite the fact that children spend a large portion of their time at school and other activities, their foremost role models for food, health, and weight will always be their parents.Children mirror parental behaviors. The quality of those behaviors is more important than ever in light of the current Obesity crisis. Although many factors have contributed to the increase in American Obesity, the foremost important behaviors in the provision of a healthy food environment are to A) Eat at home, and B) Eat in Moderation.
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March 20, 2014
by Christie Hunter
As a parent, the desire to shield your child from failure is instinctive. Although we tend to always view failure in a negative light, there are actually two kinds of failure: positive failure and negative failure. Helping children understand that there is a way to move beyond failure helps diminish the fear of learning or trying new things.
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As much as you adore your children, since their arrival it seems that you get less and less time with your significant other. Your day to day living has become a tiring routine that includes getting up, getting the kids ready, preparing meals, getting out of the house to get to work and school on time, picking up the kids, taking them to extracurricular activities, preparing dinner, and finally going to bed. While you are grateful for the life you have with a family you love, getting just a few moments to take a deep breath and focus on your spouse seems like a near-impossible feat. The good news is that it is possible to find a bit of time for yourselves without disrupting your routine or breaking the bank.
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February 25, 2014
by Casey Truffo, LMFT
Although jealousy between siblings is not uncommon, if you're the parent of a jealous older child you may feel clueless as to how to best manage the situation. You’ll probably receive your fair share of unsolicited advice from people who feel they know best, but keep in mind that each family is different and each child is unique in how they may deal with jealousy over a new baby brother or sister.
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February 13, 2014
by Christie Hunter
Homeschooling as an alternative form of education in the United States has become a widely viable option for parents. The number of children being homeschooled has risen dramatically in recent years. How successful in life are children who are homeschooled? Common criticisms of homeschooling are addressed.
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February 10, 2014
by Christie Hunter
There are approximately 120,000 children adopted in the United States every year. Obviously there are many selfless reasons to adopt a child, whether it be from overseas, from within the United States, from an agent, from a family member or from foster care.
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January 31, 2014
by Christie Hunter
Although well-intentioned to ensure that disabled children are not discriminated against by the public school system, participation in complex Individual Education Programs can be stressful for parents, students and educators alike.
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