Of course, everyone feels like they could use a little help with their child’s organization. With the endless homework, permission slips, consent forms, and newsletters constantly streaming between the school and home, all parents could likely benefit from some strategies for keeping it all straight. This need becomes even more apparent for parents of children …Read More
Tips to Combat Teenage Moodiness
Sep 13, 2010
Many teenagers experience moodiness and irritability; however, by following a few simple tips, you may be able to promote a more peaceful home environment. When teenagers are feeling irritated, they often isolate themselves by going to their bedrooms alone or leaving the house to engage in a solitary activity. Unfortunately, this isolation often leads to …Read More
Social Communication Skills
Sep 3, 2010
Many children and teenagers (especially those on the Autism Spectrum) struggle to understand the implied rules necessary for navigating social interactions. Whereas most children learn these rules naturally by observing others, some may only be able to acquire these rules through direct instruction. If there are certain tasks that the child does not always complete …Read More
Conflict Resolution Skills
Aug 30, 2010
Some children have difficulty resolving conflicts independently. These children could benefit from being taught the Situation-Options-Consequences-Choices-Strategies-Simulation (SOCCSS) strategy to help them understand social situations and develop problem-solving skills at school and home. A description of each step is below: 1. SITUATION: After a social problem occurs, the child’s parents or teacher help him/her to identify …Read More
Are All Forms of Praise Created Equal?
Mar 1, 2010
Most parenting advice resources highlight the importance of praising your child. Upon further investigation, however, it appears as if not all praise is created equal. Below I briefly summarize and evaluate different types of praise. 1. Evaluative Praise vs. Acknowledgement Praise • Evaluative praise provides a comment on the child’s desired/appropriate behavior that includes a …Read More
"Catching the Positive"
Feb 8, 2010
One way to help your children behave is to “catch them being good.” Why is it important to “catch the good?” Research has shown that children often engage in behaviors as a way to get their parents attention. So, if sitting quietly at dinner does not grab their parent’s attention, they may resort to misbehaving …Read More
An Insider’s Perspective
Feb 2, 2010
There are numerous books, websites, and other media outlets that are devoted to educating people about various types of mental disorders. Recently, I found a very unique website that provides a new take on mental illness issues in teen populations (www.copecaredeal.org). Cope, Care, Deal organization provides numerous resources on various aspects of mental health. One …Read More
Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and Recess?
Jan 18, 2010
In my last blog, I highlighted that importance of play for decreasing childhood stress. I recently reviewed an article titled “Playtime in Peril” by Lean Winerman (published in the September 2009 edition of the Monitor, a publication of the American Psychological Association). As greater and greater emphasis has been placed on high stakes testing, school …Read More
Can Praise Be Harmful to Children?
Dec 1, 2009
It seems like it is common wisdom to praise our kids for things like their athletic skills, musical ability, intelligence, creativity, talent, and so on. We want them to internalize all of our praise and have high self-esteem, right? Interestingly, the research does not bear this out. Praising kids for things that are not directly …Read More
Tips on How Parents Can Respond to an Angry Teen
Dec 1, 2009
When a teen is angry, he or she is trying to tell you something. Sometimes they are simply frustrated with your rules and limits. Other times their anger reflects underlying fear, sadness, confusion, or feelings of rejection. Whatever the reason for your child’s anger, don’t let it drive you apart. Your teen still needs you, …Read More