By Dawn Tedrow, LCSW, Dec. 5, 2017 – There are a lot of things to be unhappy about in our world today. Everyone has their own opinion when it comes to politics and current affairs, and many are not shy about expressing their feelings. If you open up your social media news feed and read […]
By Alice Munson, MSW, Courier & Press, Nov. 28, 2017 – It seems that before the new school supplies have been broken in and the Halloween costumes are put away for the next season, Thanksgiving and Christmas are upon us. The demands of the holidays can sometimes override the inherent joy of the season, allowing […]
By Terra Clark, MSW, Courier & Press, November 7, 2017 – Praise can have a powerful effect on children. Parents, are we praising our children for what they’ve done well or just criticizing them when they don’t meet expectations? We all want our children to do the right thing. When they fail to do so, […]
By Katherine Baker, LCSW, Courier & Press, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2017 – Unfortunately, all too often we hear stories in the media about children and teens being neglected. Neglect can take many forms, including lack of housing, food and medical care, failure to teach basic personal care, and withholding love and affection. In neglect situations, […]
By Katie Omohundro, LCSW, and Jenna Bowman, Courier & Press, October 24, 2017 – Every fall communities and schools around the country honor a week known as Red Ribbon Week, sponsored by the National Family Partnership. Red Ribbon Week began in 1985 to raise awareness of drug abuse and drug-related violence. Although Red Ribbon Week […]
By Heather Miller, LCSW, Courier & Press, Oct. 17, 2017 – “Why did Jack score two goals and I didn’t score any?” “I’m terrible at soccer. I should just quit.” “Everyone else in my class knows how to do this math problem but me. I’m awful at it.” “You just don’t understand.” And so it […]
By Amber Russell, Courier & Press, Oct. 3, 2017 – Thump, Thump, Thump. Everything feels like it’s going in slow motion. All I can hear is my heart beating, which feels like it is going to beat right out of my chest. I can’t breathe. I can’t think. I’m starting to sweat. Thoughts begin swirling […]
By Lori Powell, LCSW, Courier & Press, September 26, 2017 – I have always loved animals, especially cats. Throughout my professional life I have noticed that sharing photos of my cats and keeping small stuffed animals in my office has helped initiate and continue conversations with children and adults, helping me build trusting relationships. As […]
By Laura Keys, LCSW, Courier & Press, Sept. 19, 2017 – If you are the parent or caregiver of a young child, you have most likely experienced the dreaded meltdown or temper tantrum. You also know it is not a delightful experience for you or your child. Children do not like to feel out of […]
By Emily Sommers, MSW, Courier & Press, Sept. 12, 2017 – A few weeks ago Dan, my significant other, came home and was in an upbeat mood and chiming, “Hee, Hee, Hee, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ho, Ho, Ho.” The whole family ended up joining in at some point, and this activity created a lot […]