As human beings we often want people to know when we’re hurt and we want the responsible party to pay for their unjust actions. The question is, “Is that so wrong?” The simple answer….yes! Continue reading →
Category Archives: Children
Family First- The “Little” Things
Recently, I asked you to consider ringing in the new year with a renewed focus on family. Today, I’d like give you simple tools that you can slip easily into family life.
Family First
As we wind down this wonderful and often hectic holiday season, I thought it time to discuss the importance of family. I hope you enjoy the following parable: Continue reading →
Possible Exercise and ADHD Link
I am privileged to spend a great deal of my time working with parents and their children to better their overall lives. Within my practice, I am ever focused on the principle that the mind affects the body and the body affects the mind. This is known as integrative mental health, a multi-focused approach used to ease suffering around experiences such as depression, anxiety, relational conflicts, or inattention. To that end, please enjoy the following article from The Atlantic which discusses how current research is examining the effects of physical exercise on ADHD symptoms.
Exercise Is ADHD Medication by James Hamblin
Stepping Stones for Stress Reduction
With standardized testing season steadily approaching, it can be a stressful time for children and their parents. At times, it can be a demanding task to help your child remain calmer when studying or preparing to take exams. Here are some tips to help your child relax, increase productivity, and enhance concentration.
- Take a moment to pause. When your child is feeling overwhelmed, allow them a moment to walk away from their work and do a different activity, such as playing outside for 15 minutes, listening to music, or playing a game. This will help your child feel recharged and able to focus on the task at hand.
- Encourage your child to take part in different types of physical activity. Whether it is playing a sport or simply taking a break from work to stretch or take a walk, allowing your child to move around will help your to refocus on studying.
- Use affirmations and positive statements. Create a list of statements with your child such as, “I am smart” or “I am prepared for this exam.” Encourage your child to write these statements down or say them aloud.. This can help to increase your child’s confidence and ability to perform academically. This will also help your child to focus on the positive aspects of her or his studies..
- Learn simple breathing exercises. Simply having your child follow his or her natural breath for a few inhalations and exhalations can greatly reduce the physical and emotional experiences of stress..
- Practice good sleep hygiene. Enforcing a bedtime, as well as a bedtime routine, will help your child to de-stress from the day and prepare for a well-rested night’s sleep.
- Control your own stress. Make sure your own level of stress is under control when interacting with your child. This is a good opportunity to teach your child how to regulate their emotions and manage stressful circumstances through modeling your own reactions to certain situations.
It is important to acknowledge your child’s feelings, especially during stressful times. Practice open communication. This will help your child know, understand, and be able to convey his or her feelings and needs during times of increased anxiety or stress. Fostering this type of supportive environment is extremely beneficial to managing stress or anxiety for children. If you notice your child is unable to incorporate healthy strategies for coping or is unusually stressed or anxious, we are here to help.