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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March 17, 2014
by LuAnn Pierce, LCSW
Grief is inevitable for those of us who choose to love. As difficult as the death of a loved one may be, our ability to cope with emotional distress can lessen the burden. As parents, one of your jobs is to help kids learn to cope, and how to think.
FB- Children don't naturally understand loss, difficult life situations, or the grieving that accompanies them. LuAnn Pierce, LCSW, explains the ways you can help your child cope during these times.
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March 8, 2014
by Christie Hunter
It is a day that you have worked toward for years - the day you send your child off to college. You have prepared for this moment their whole life, saving up for their education and teaching them the skills they will need to be a successful adult. Yet while your child is suddenly immersed in the wild chaos of college, your home is deafeningly quiet. How do you endure having an empty nest?
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Resilience is a protective factor in coping with normal adversities. But in situations where children (or adults) feel a loss of control – powerless to protect themselves or to get the protection they need – trauma may result.
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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 17, 2014
by LuAnn Pierce, LCSW
When trauma affects one person in a family, the whole family unit is affected. In fact, many professionals believe that anything that affects one person in a family (or couple) will also affect the other(s). It is easy to see how this could happen. A family is thought of a unit – one whole made of many parts.
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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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