Social Issues That Trouble Today’s Teens

Social issues are problems that affect large groups of people and can affect how well a society functions, Verywell Family reported. Teens can face social problems just like adults can. They may even be more susceptible to these challenges because their brains are still developing and their bodies are changing quickly. Social issues and what we might think of a “teenage problems” can affect emotional and physical health. Depression According to the National Instituted of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 4.1 million adolescents in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in 2020. That means 17% of … Continue reading

Birthday Party Behavior Issues, Part 2

Yesterday we spoke about how to prepare your child. Today let’s discuss how to prepare yourself and handle poor behavior in guests. How can you prepare yourself? *Try to understand that your birthday child is very excited about the party. All the emotion could easily be misdirected into a meltdown. So stay positive and understanding. *Stay flexible. Changes may have to be made so be prepared. *You put a lot of time and energy into this celebration. Now it is time to enjoy this special day with your child and your guests. How do you handle poor behavior in guest? … Continue reading

Birthday Party Behavior Issues, Part 1

I have a spunky daughter who speaks her mind. So, you can imagine my fear as her 5th birthday party drew near. I was certain my daughter would express undeniable rejection of any gift opened that did not conform to her taste. How could I avoid a future of being banished from having or attending birthday parties? Birthday behavior concerns are common among parents. It is normal to want our guests to feel welcome and appreciated. The unpredictable nature of children often makes us uneasy. Will my child express disappointment over a gift? Will my child make time to play … Continue reading

When They Behave Differently at Day Care or School

We want our children to learn that different behaviors are appropriate at different times and places, but they often discover this on their own too. Parents often are surprised to discover that a child who is well-behaved at home acts out while at day care or school or vice versa—a child may be “better-behaved” when he or she is not at home. Other things can differ as well like eating habits, toileting, and sleep habits. Is there anything we can do about this as parents or are we doomed to accepting the differences? Early on, you may notice that a … Continue reading

Expressing Oneself Means Less Acting Out

I am a big believer in the power of language and communication. I think when we give our children the gift of being able to talk about things and empower them with the communication skills and freedom to express their feelings and opinions, they are less likely to act out with negative behaviors. Kids (and grownups too) who can talk about what is going on in terms of emotional distress or concerns are less likely to need to act out as a coping mechanism. When I say “act out” I am referring to attention-seeking behaviors or aggression or other behavior … Continue reading

Good Behavior or Academics- Which is More Important?

Each year teachers encounter very different groups of children. Although the students may be in the same grade and the same age as the previous group, they all behave and work very differently. It is odd how a class of children usually takes on a common personality. Some groups are quiet and reserve while others are loud and rambunctious. Some groups tend to be low academically while others excel and go beyond grade level. I have years when my class is very well behaved and I can carry out many special projects. I also have years when my group is … Continue reading

School Project Information on Sexual Assault.

Parents requesting information on sexual assault for school projects often contact me to find out where to start. When I can, I meet with the students and try to match the information supplied to their topic criteria. However, sometimes just knowing where to start finding out information about sexual assault is the best way to attack projects. It is such a scary and personal topic that many parents state that they are a little embarrassed about seeking information publicly because someone may wrongly think that either themselves, or their child, has been abused. With this in mind, I have gathered … Continue reading

Unlearning Bad Behavior

One of the most common issues I faced when I worked as a director of a preschool was finding parents who struggled with their child who learned bad behavior and brought it to school. This ranged from using inappropriate words overheard by adults to mimicking other children or siblings. The parent always felt embarrassed but how can they protect their child from everything in the world. Besides being impossible, it is part of the child growing up and developing their own personality and ways of handling problems. One of the stories I will share is the typical child who would … Continue reading

What is Intermittent Explosive Disorder?

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have determined that Intermittent Explosive Disorder is more common than originally thought. It is a severe and persistent disorder that goes beyond the usual teenage angst and anger. Concerned parents might consider speaking with a psychologist about whether or not their teen has this disorder. I have to admit, I had never heard of Intermittent Explosive Disorder, or IED, before reading an article from Time. It is a real disorder that affects around 8% of teens, (which comes to about 6 million teenagers). This disorder is quite different from the usual “attitude” that teenagers typically … Continue reading

Heartwarming Tales from Across the Web

Guide dogs for other dogs aren’t entirely uncommon Months ago I posted about the best animals on the internet, rounding up the latest of the funniest or cutest animal stories I’d seen. Today I want to share two of the most heartwarming stories about dogs I saw in October. MSNBC Today has the first story. Erica Daniel specializes in fostering the dogs that really need help, either for behavioral or health issues. She’s used to not giving up, to pouring everything she can into healing these dogs so that they’re ready to go into homes. This summer she found herself … Continue reading