Dr. Wendy Rice, Author at Rice Psychology

Your Child, Their Talent, and Helping Them Develop It

on January 16, 2019 at 11:44 am /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. As soon as I found out Brianna and I were having a boy, I was over the moon! Of course, I would be happy with any healthy baby, but having a boy really excited me. I immediately started daydreaming about holding him, watching him grow, and sharing all that I know with him. But what if he isn’t interested in any of those things that I love? What if he takes up drawing, bowling, or something equally foreign to me? How will I feel about that? For ages, parents from around...

New Year, New You: Physical Activity Can Make a Big Mental Difference

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on January 2, 2019 at 1:42 pm /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic: At the beginning of the year, I told myself I’d be hitting the gym a lot more often. The goal was to stay active and keep those extra pounds at bay. The first few weeks were great! I was jogging at least three times a week and lifting weights as often as I could. Sure, I was a little tired when I’d get home, but I was feeling better both physically and mentally. Unfortunately, as the year went on, I started cutting back on the exercise and soon I was...

Solo Holidays: What You Can Do to Feel Less Alone During This Time of Year

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on December 20, 2018 at 12:46 pm /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. I knew moving to Canada would be a huge change, but I always feel it the most during the holidays. Money is tight, so traveling back home to be with the family isn’t exactly an option. On top of that, I work so much that I don't have very many friends! And none of them are close enough for me to spend Christmas with. I guess I should consider myself lucky that it only lasts for a couple of weeks, but I still can’t help but feel a bit...

Lawnmower Parents: What They Are and Why You Shouldn’t Be One

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on December 14, 2018 at 11:36 am /

Parenting

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. A few nights ago, I mentioned to my pregnant wife that I would do everything in my power to ensure that our baby never struggled with anything in life. She immediately agreed. But then we began speaking about becoming too overprotective of our soon-to-be daughter. A growing part of me says we wouldn’t be doing her any favors if we kept her completely away from any sort of inconvenience or struggle that she encounters in life. My oldest sister and her husband constantly hover over their kids to the...

‘Tis The Season to Manage Your Impulse Shopping!

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on December 5, 2018 at 1:38 pm /

Blog

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. Last week, I took a look at our credit card bill and was completely floored! I knew it would be high, but this was far beyond previous years. When I spoke to Chris about it, he apologized but tried reasoning with me about the charges he made for holiday decorations and gifts. He also attributed much of it to “amazing deals.” I think he just got a little credit card happy. The results of Chris’s extravagance means that we will have to manage our funds much more carefully going forward...

A Few Dos and Don’ts to Consider if Your Child is Feeling Lonely

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on November 28, 2018 at 5:59 pm /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. When I was a kid, I wasn’t very popular in elementary school, middle school or high school. I had a few friends, but I remember feeling jealous of the more popular kids because I was rarely invited to parties. And because I felt so awkward and out of place, I always avoided school events like pep rallies, football games and dances. Things changed in college and now I’m married with a teen son. I’m noticing, however, that he’s very much like I was back then. What can I do to...

To Spank or Not to Spank: What’s the Best Way to Discipline Your Child?

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on November 15, 2018 at 12:54 pm /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. I met with my friend Mary recently and she mentioned that she and her husband had just had a disagreement. They were discussing their views on discipline and she said she’d never lay a finger on her baby girl, but her husband thought light spanking would be okay if she misbehaved. Mary believes corporal punishment could affect a child and brought up many good points. Is there a better way to discipline kids? Almost all children act up when they’re young, and many have probably been spanked as a result. But...

Thanksgiving: The Food, The Bad and the Ugly

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on November 8, 2018 at 12:48 pm /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and knowing that there will be plentiful amounts of food isn’t helping my anxiety. I tend to overeat when I get anxious, so you can see the problem I’m having. I try my best to keep a level head during this season, but it seems to get harder each year. I’m considering skipping Thanksgiving with my family this year, but at the same time, I want to try and figure out how to not let my anxiety get the better of me so...

Taking a Stand: My Personal Thoughts on the Tree of Life Synagogue Attack

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on November 1, 2018 at 3:35 pm /

Dr. Wendy Rice

While speaking with a college student on Thursday morning, I reflected on the fact that I did not take a stand or speak out publicly about the recent horrific attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. I shared my sadness and outrage on my personal Facebook page and spoke about it with friends and family, but I did not take a public stand as a mental health professional. I am now left to ponder what stopped me. As a psychologist, someone who is invested in the safety of all people, and as a Jewish woman, why did I choose...

Election Tension: When Families Flare Up with Politics

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on November 1, 2018 at 11:47 am /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. Since I was a kid, I’ve taken pride in spending time with my entire family. I’m talking aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins! That is, unless elections are on the horizon. I try to keep my political opinions to myself, but it’s getting increasingly difficult to ignore the loud and heated arguments my family members have lately. It’s bothering me to the point where I’d rather not go to our family gatherings because it’s guaranteed that a political argument will ensue. The political landscape of 2018 has been incredibly contentious, to...