Archive for September, 2008
Thursday, September 18th, 2008
IN THESE TROUBED TIMES
In these unsettled times and with many of our loved ones deployed, the continued challenge for parents and caregivers is to provide our children with stability and a sense of security. How we meet this challenge will depend on the developmental stage of our children and our ability to manage our own sense of distress [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Articles by admin
Monday, September 15th, 2008
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD
Pete McClintock M.A., MFT
What is oppositional defiant disorder?
Oppositional defiant disorder is a behavioral disorder that affects children and adolescents. Children and adolescents who have ODD tend to distress others more than they feel distressed themselves. These individuals are often times uncooperative, defiant, irritable, negativistic and oppositional with authority figures (i.e. parents, teachers, etc.).
What are the [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Articles by admin
Monday, September 15th, 2008
PARENTING SECRETS
Always say “I love you”–no matter how much your children are in your face or acting out.
All adults have an awesome responsibility to the children we encounter.
They learn by modeling how we act.
Goal of parenting is to give roots and wings.
Build relationships, live by your values, create rituals, make memories.
Each child is unique. You are [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Articles by admin
Monday, September 15th, 2008
FOSTERING SELF-ESTEEM
Be positive with child.
Give unconditional love.
Use praise and encouragement–focus on positive.
Avoid labeling, name-calling.
Give responsibility; age appropriate chores (not tied to making money).
Provide positive experiences outside of the home.
Keep expectations realistic and age appropriate.
Be clear that the child is who he/she is, not us.
Surround child with positive people.
Acknowledge child’s feelings (all feelings).
Listen to children–show interest.
Use self-talk [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Articles by admin
Monday, September 15th, 2008
Symptom of Depression in Children and Adolescents
Anger in children and adolescents is often a symptom of depression. Following are other signs that may indicate depression.
FEELINGS:
Does your child or teen express sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, guilt and worthlessness; inability to enjoy everyday pleasures? Does your child or teen cry frequently? Is there artwork that expresses inner turmoil?
THINKING:
Does your child or teen have difficulty [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Articles by admin
Monday, September 15th, 2008
Active Listening: Embracing Our Differences
Pete McClintock M.A., MFT
Anger and other negative emotions may be evoked when individuals try to share their experiences with others and those experiences are not listened to or validated. The word “experience” is itself a very broad term and difficult to define. To complicate things more we all experience things differently. Take for example the [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Articles by admin
Monday, September 15th, 2008
GROUPS
Margaret Hicke, MFTand
Pete McClintock, MFT
David, a 10 year old, had been labeled as a problem kid by his teacher and school because he continually picked on other kids and did not respond to efforts to change him.
Delores, an 11 year old, physically attacked her fifth grade teacher and justified her actions by saying, My mother [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Groups by admin
Friday, September 12th, 2008
How do I know if my child needs help?
Sometimes the answer to this question is obvious and sometimes it isn’t. There is a gray area between normal and abnormal behavior with children. We expect to see an increase in anger management problems during certain developmental stages. Two year olds have a reputation for oppositional behavior, as do teenagers. Other variables that need to [...]