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The middle school years are arguably the most challenging time for children, mainly due to friendship struggles. Friendships can change from day to day, sometimes even from hour to hour. This can be so confusing and frustrating for preteens who have always relied on their friends for camaraderie throughout their school day. When your child feels like his friendships are at risk, it can make him distracted with worry about his role in the conflict and that he may end up losing friend …

We’ve all heard or been a part of conversations like this, which is why it can be hard as a parent to know when the right time is to start helping or have an evaluation for your child. While kids’ academics are monitored closely and there’s readily available data to show when there is a deficit, other areas like social skills fall into a grey area. Many parents aren’t sure what exactly the norm is, and they don’t want to take away their child’s individuality. While it’s true that you …

We all have busy lives. Between sports practice, running errands or finally taking that road trip, it often feels like there isn’t time for everything. Something has to give. Usually, that something is the extra social skills practice or speech homework. However, don’t work harder, work smarter. Language and social skills are actually some of the easiest pieces to incorporate when you are on the go. In fact, you’re probably already doing it to an extent without knowing it. Here are fo …

What’s your superpower?I’m not talking about reading minds, flying, or - my personal favorite - teleportation. The power that all of us have, and that we can choose to use, is the power to help.When I was a school counselor giving guidance lessons for elementary-school children, this was a fun lesson to give. My office walls would be filled with paper superheroes that the students colored and cut out. We would talk about how we all have personal power, and we choose whether we want to help …

In The Good, the Bad, and the Backstory, we learn about how Ryan’s mom dealt with an abusive relationship and how she finally was able to leave. Another character in the book, Andrew, has a volatile relationship with his father. He never knows what to expect - what’s going to set his dad off - and he regularly witnesses his father treating his mother poorly. For Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, let’s look at intimate partner violence: some statistics, red flags, the …

We all want our children to become successful and reach their fullest potential. Accomplishing this goal is going to require help from endless amounts of people along the way. A parent, coach, or neighbor are just a few of the people who may support your child. As much as I wish I could read my boys’ minds to help know what they need, that isn’t possible. This is why it is so important to teach the skill of being a self-advocate to children. As a father of two boys, there h …

Most people have heard the saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Well, that is a big LIE! Words are being used more than ever to hurt people in the world today. Have you ever said something that you wish you could take back? We all have. In fact, there have been times when that little voice in my head has advised me, “Don’t say it, you’re going to regret it…” and I still spoke those words. Usually, an argument begins when I could have avoided i …

If you have noticed an increased level of anxiety in your child, you are not alone. The past two years have been unlike anything we’ve experienced before. There were so many unknowns as we entered the pandemic, which created fear and anxiety. Even now, we continue to learn more about this disease and the vaccines, so this period of uncertainty is not over. The abrupt change to our routines increased the level of fear in children and their families. Children were asked to stay home and lea …

Back-to-school time can be filled with excitement, anxiety, and all kinds of emotions! Use the tips below to help set your children - and yourself - up for a successful new school year! Set a school-year bedtime sleep schedule and begin the transition today! During the summer months kids often don’t have a set bedtime and awake time, so it is important to re-establish a bedtime and morning routine for your child. Starting early can help you and your child be ready for the first …

MinecraftAnimal CrossingAmong UsAside from being amusing adventures in gaming, can you guess what all of these have in common?Actually, let me make that question a little harder! Can you guess what all of these have in common with…The last show you watched.The last interesting thing you’ve heard.The earliest experience that you can remember in your life.All of these things involve stories! Think about it…Stories are all around us. In games, you follow characters and build stories as you go …