What Are Adverse Childhood Experiences?
Experiences children have, good or bad, can influence their physical and mental health as they age. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that could hinder a child’s healthy development and could create long-lasting, negative effects as he or she develops into an adult. Some of the negative experiences may include physical, emotional or sexual …
World Suicide Prevention Day – September 10, 2018
Awareness months, weeks, and days offer people opportunities to talk about, advocate for, and support common and vital causes. September 2018 marks the National Suicide Prevention Month, and September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. There are few social topics that carry more stigma than suicide. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide …
How to Talk to Kids about Tough Topics
School shootings, natural disasters, political turmoil, epidemics… these and other distressing events are common headlines in our current world. Today, many kids have ready access to information 24/7, which means parents need to be ready to talk about and explain information with their children. But as a parent, what is the best approach to talking …
Should Your Teen Get a Summer Job?
As the end of the school year approaches, your teen may have expressed interest in getting a summer job. For many teens, having a summer job is their first opportunity to take on a higher level of responsibility, earn money, and behave more like an adult. However, as competition increases for entering college, you may …
Why Do Siblings Fight?
How often, as a parent, do you hear your child saying, “Mom! Harrison keeps teasing me and won’t leave me alone!” Then your other child responds, “No I’m not, Mom! She started it!” As a child, you may remember fighting with your siblings. Now, as a parent, it seems as if your own children are …
Recognizing and Managing Stress for Parents
Stress is an unavoidable part of life. Parents can experience stress related to a variety of situations. These situations can be ordinary, such as getting your children to school on time or rushing home from work to make dinner. On the other hand, they can be extreme, such as facing a serious illness or financial …
How to Talk to Kids About Tolerance, Acceptance, and Diversity
“Mom, why is that person in a wheelchair?” “Dad, why do Sam and I look so different?” We have all been there. Kids ask difficult questions, often at inconvenient times. Sometimes we shush them or feel embarrassed about the issue they have raised. As parents, teaching tolerance and acceptance and embracing diversity and inclusion are …
Helmet and Bike Safety for Children
Whether used for transportation or just for fun, bikes can be a great way to get outdoors and get some exercise! When parents encourage their children to practice helmet and bike safety, they can help prevent some injuries that can occur while riding, such as concussions. Most importantly, children and adults should always wear a …