by Melissa Collier | Jan 30, 2020 | Uncategorized
While we may love or loathe it, social media is here to stay. It’s great for catching up with family and friends, sharing news, and keeping up on what’s happening in the world but social media can take up too much of our time – and it’s not doing our kids any favors,...
by Melissa Collier | Jan 10, 2020 | For Parents/Caregivers
After a recent conversation about the role of many fathers in therapy in our clinic and our partner clinics in Chicago and Italy, we stumbled across THIS article about Fathers & Self-Reg in Families. The author offers an honest perspective about his struggle to be...
by Melissa Collier | Dec 9, 2019 | For Parents/Caregivers
Dreaming of a stress-free December? So are we! Adults often think the holiday season is stressful but it can be equally as emotionally charged for children. The flurry of activities, changes in routine, forced interactions, uncomfortable “dress-up” clothes, too many...
by Melissa Collier | Nov 11, 2019 | For Educators, For Parents/Caregivers
Oh, if only it were a straight line between the cause and effects of childhood anxiety, life would be “easier.” Although, parenting a child who is struggling, despite the reason, is never easy. The tough thing about anxiety is that it rarely presents itself in obvious...
by Melissa Collier | Oct 29, 2019 | For Parents/Caregivers, For Educators
Nearly half of all US children have at least one of nine Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and more than 20 percent have experienced two or more. ACEs affects 34 million children in the US each year, often causing childhood trauma. The nine areas assessed are as...
by Melissa Collier | Sep 30, 2019 | For Educators, For Parents/Caregivers
As a parent, it takes a lot of courage to admit that something is not quite right. When you feel that about your child’s behavior, it is terrifying. It’s natural to become overwhelmed with emotions; • Guilt – “Did I/we do something to make him/her this way?” •...
by Melissa Collier | Sep 17, 2019 | For Parents/Caregivers, Inspirational
Have you ever picked up a parenting magazine or run across an online article and read something that describes you to a tee? This recently happened when a parent of one of our clients read this article. After the “AHA” cartoon lightbulb faded from above her head, she...
by Melissa Collier | Aug 29, 2019 | For Parents/Caregivers, Science/Research
Most people understand the common challenges children and families face once diagnosed with ADHD. They struggle to pay attention, fidget, fall behind in school and sometimes lack typical social skills for their age group. However, ADHD – along with many other...
by Melissa Collier | Aug 12, 2019 | For Parents/Caregivers, For Educators
“According to neuroscientists, emotional development is as sophisticated as cognitive development, but it needs a playground to grow and evolve in.” The idea that play for kids is an instinctual need isn’t often discussed. Play is expected when children are young but...
by Melissa Collier | Jul 9, 2019 | For Parents/Caregivers, For Educators, Inspirational
Twenty years ago when my daughter was in pre-school and kindergarten, her teachers repeatedly told us that her severe shyness was “an issue.” This pattern continued throughout her school years. No teacher, doctor or counselor ever mentioned pediatric occupational...
