by Susan Sheridan Tucker Gambling may not be the first risk that comes to mind when parents think about threats to their children’s well-being. Concerns such as alcohol, vaping or drug use often top the list. Yet youth gambling is a growing public health issue that often flies under the radar. While it may look …
<p><em>By Barbara Bessette, CPS</em></p> <p>Driving marks an important step toward independence for your child, but it also exposes teens to serious risks, one of the most dangerous being texting while driving. Despite widespread awareness campaigns, texting and driving remains a leading cause of accidents among young drivers. Understanding why teens take this risk, the actual …
By Alexis Molineaux Gibbons, M.A., CCC-SLP Even for the most skilled of us, navigating the social world can be difficult. As adults, we sometimes find ourselves “putting a foot in our mouth” or making a social “faux pas” or misstep. Social interaction requires that we not only understand what someone has said, but that we …
Read More “Navigating the “Hidden” Divide: Social Communication Disorders”
by Barbara Bessette, CPS Talking to your children about substances, whether it is alcohol, tobacco, vaping, cannabis, prescription medications, or illegal drugs, can feel overwhelming. You may worry about saying the wrong thing, making your child curious, or triggering defensiveness. According to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), kids who have open, ongoing …
I dread this time of year. As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, my kids experience what I call the “winter blues.” While not as severe as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), these mild mood shifts—lower energy, irritability, decreased motivation, and a dip in enthusiasm— I found are surprisingly common. I researched some ways to …
by Katie Harlow, LCSW Now that summer is officially over, many parents find themselves settling into the structure and dependability of the school year while also being unsure of how to help kids continue to transition smoothly back to the school year routine. Kids also experience a mix of emotions and can be caught in …
By Mikal Mihelish, SWLC As the back-to-school routines begin, we can often get lost in the chaos of it all. Getting back in the swing of things and adapting to the new school year routine can be hard on everyone in the family. Parents and caregivers often find that it is hard to find balance …
By Amber Irvin, CPS As parents, we want the best for our children—whether it’s academic success, strong friendships, or the ability to navigate everyday life confidently and independently. But for many children, developmental, emotional, or physical challenges can make everyday activities more difficult. This is where occupational therapy (OT) can make a profound difference. Occupational …
By Emily Cherkin, M.Ed. I get it. One day your kids are little, they go to bed at a reasonable time, and you feel like you can manage and monitor their screen use. Then, suddenly, they are fifth graders, being invited to join group chats that are not only unwieldy but 99% asking “whose number …
By Staff There is a product available at many gas stations, convenience stores, liquor stores, and online. It is called Feel Free. It is touted as an alternative to alcohol, but it has kava and/or kratom in it which has been found to be addictive. Kratom is a plant that carries opioid-like effects and is …
