After returning from a wonderful vacation in Charleston (and therefore a break from my website!), I am anxious to write about a new observation. Whether it be a vacation, birthday, trip to the zoo or any other day that we want to create special memories with our kids, we can get caught up in expectations of what we wanted, rather than allowing what will be to be. Let me explain with some examples: [click to continue…]
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I find it interesting that this is a topic that comes up so frequently. Several years ago, I led parenting workshops at some of the local libraries. After the four to six months of my topics, the children’s program director took suggestions for new topics. Many of the recommendations were related to sexuality in some manner, including puberty, what is normal development, etc. I also have been inundated with questions lately about children discussing or talking about seemingly sexual behaviors. [click to continue…]
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I was watching a documentary on sleep the other night, and I was so fascinated. The documentary discussed the importance of sleep, the adverse effects of not getting enough, and revealed a study conducted on a young man forced to function on three hours of sleep a day for one week. The man took tests of intelligence, competence, and psychological wellness before the experiment began, and then repeated the tests at the end of the week when extremely sleep deprived. The results were astounding. [click to continue…]
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I have been surprised at the number of children and teens that I meet who struggle with low self-esteem. Interestingly, they are not aware of it and neither are their parents. Most of the time, both parties claim poor behavior, difficulty in school, social problems or defiance as the major concerns. However, at its simplest form, the issues stem from self-esteem. [click to continue…]
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I have recently been asked to share some thoughts and suggestions about children and lies. They tend to go hand in hand, from the most innocent of white lies to the more complex calculated ones. Kids learn very quickly that lies can serve them well, even when they are taught that lies are wrong. But, let’s be realistic here – adults lie on average twice a day, according to a recent study. So, how do we enforce a truth-telling expectation when we don’t follow our own rules?
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As summer quickly approaches, there is a pressing need to come up with things to do to keep the little ones occupied. There are the easy fixes, like movies, video games, TV, and summer camps. But what can create lasting memories, make the summer enjoyable and significant? How can you connect with your children without spending a fortune? Here are some ideas.
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I recently listened to a segment on a popular Talk Radio Program discussing the predicament children are facing as a result of the ever-increasing political correctness that we have embraced (or begrudgingly accepted, in some cases) as a society. In an effort to accept any and all, keep everyone happy, make everything fair, and hurt no one’s feelings, we have groomed children that are lazy, entitled, co-dependent and out of touch with what it takes to make it in the real world. I agree. [click to continue…]
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Children seem to have acquired laundry lists of labels, names and diagnoses as the Mental Health Community has infused itself into mainstream in the last few decades. On one hand, this means more effective awareness, management and problem solving at earlier times in the child’s life. On the other, it means addressing the physical, emotional and social ramifications that are inextricably connected to the diagnosis. [click to continue…]
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There are many complex and detailed approaches to parenting that can overwhelm and intimidate parents. However, there are many very simple and easy ways to build communication, bonds, understanding and respect as well. Here are five of my favorites.
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Please enjoy our first video in the new Real Questions from Real Parents series where Brenna Hicks, LMHC (aka The Kid Counselor) responds to questions relating to child behavior and play therapy topics.
This question was written in from a grandmother who is dealing with behavior issues with her grandchild due to a separation, and wanting to know how to deal with the changes. [click to continue…]
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Previous to becoming a full-time Mom, Brenna ran a highly successful Child Therapy Private Practice. Brenna has been blogging and writing articles on Parenting since 2006, and is now focusing on writing several books and full-time blogging.