Sideline Parenting: The Effects on Your Children and Their Performance in Sports

on July 26, 2018 at 9:45 AM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. The president of the American Youth Soccer Organization recently spoke about a teenager who had always played soccer, then one year refused to try out. He chose snowboarding instead. He was asked why. “My dad doesn’t know anything about snowboarding,” he said. “And, you know, it’s cold on the slopes, so he doesn’t come and watch me. So, I get to snowboard without someone yelling at me all the time.” Psychologist Kay Redfield Jamison is quoted as saying, “We play because we have an exuberance of spirit and energy, but we...

Helping Your Child to Express Their Gratitude in Unique Ways

By Dr Ashley Diehl

on July 11, 2018 at 12:20 PM /

These factors can include life circumstances and intentional activity. A person’s set point is considered stable and linked to one’s genetics, temperament and personality. Life circumstances are also considered somewhat stable and include age, gender, personal history, etc. Lastly, intentional activity involves actions and thoughts that a person can engage in on a daily basis, such as exercise, being optimistic and setting goals. While a person’s set point and life circumstances are more stable, intentional activities are something that we can hone in on to improve our happiness! So, how exactly can a person increase their happiness? Renowned psychologist Martin Seligman...

Gaming College Students: Is Your Child’s First Year at School Destined to Result in “Game Over”?

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on May 30, 2018 at 12:04 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. My sister Leslie spent Memorial Day weekend with us and brought something to my attention that’s now worrying me. She mentioned that Joseph, my son, spent most of the visit in his room at his computer playing video games. I really didn’t pay too much attention since he usually keeps to himself when we have guests, but it’s something that needs addressing. You see, she mentioned that her coworker’s son recently came back home halfway through his first year of college. The reason was he flunked out of classes due...

Prom Woes: Fun Times for Some, Sad Times for Others

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on April 25, 2018 at 4:54 PM /

Prom season is a very high anxiety time for many teens. In Florida, proms are already in full swing. In New York, where I grew up, they were in June, right at the end of the school year. Prom season for me was mixed. When I was in 10th grade, a senior from the “other” high school in my town asked me to prom. I thought he was the greatest and was thrilled to be his date. However, when he saw my dress, he clearly indicated that it was not what he had in mind – and the evening followed...

Closeness is Caring: The Benefits of Dog Ownership for Your Children

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on April 20, 2018 at 11:36 AM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this topic. At around age 8, I noticed my son Dylan keeping to himself and interacting less with school peers (according to his teacher) than what was normal. My husband and I figured it was just a phase he was going through, but it lasted for almost two years. For his 10th birthday, we decided to adopt a German Shepard puppy. In the weeks following, Dylan had a complete transformation. He’s now much more open about his feelings and opinions, is more sociable and much more affectionate with us and his younger brother....

Fortnite: Get to Know the Hottest New Sensation and What it Might Mean for Your Kids

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on April 19, 2018 at 11:05 AM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. Last week was the first time in months that my friend Kate and I went out for dinner. In between laughs, we began discussing my son Steven and his friends, who are almost always at our house. I mentioned that, over the last few weeks, I’d heard them talking about “victories”, laughing about “Tomato Town” and constantly saying, “Where are we dropping, boys?” around the house. Kate’s son is also making these funny references and told me that it’s from a new video game called Fortnite. Kate says it looks...

A Learning Moment: Teaching Kids to be Mindful Through Meditation

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on March 29, 2018 at 10:42 AM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. My husband and I had to drive out to Chris’ school last week because, according to his teachers, he’d gotten himself into a bit of trouble. When we arrived, his teacher and principal were explaining to us that he was initially being written up for speaking out of turn, leaving his desk without permission and talking during quiz time. Honestly, these seemed like things that kids just do. Then, according to the teachers, they began handing Chris detention after detention as he got increasingly frustrated. I have a feeling his...

Kid’s Health: The Power of Free Play

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on March 21, 2018 at 1:45 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. Last week, I found out that my best friend is expecting a baby, so a bunch of us went out to celebrate during the weekend. While chatting, I was asked how I plan to raise my own baby daughter. I kind of brushed off the question at first, but truth be told, I hope I’m able to raise her the way I was raised. I mean, you rarely see kids outside playing anymore. They spend their days at school, doing homework and in front of a screen, and they rarely...

How to React When Seeing Your Child’s Report Card

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on March 8, 2018 at 9:16 AM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. My oldest son Benjamin is a very smart kid, but I’ve noticed for a while now that he’s been all over the place with his school grades. During one marking period, he’ll bring in mostly A’s, and in the next it’ll have some C’s and even a D. I know that he’s a teen and that life is starting to change for him. My husband and I don’t want to be too hard on him when he brings home a bad grade, but quite frankly, I’m freaking out! If anything,...

Why “Yes” Works: Taking a Break from Being a Constant “No” Parent

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on January 31, 2018 at 2:34 PM /

Consider the following as they relate to this week’s topic. 16-year old boy: I have to argue with my mom because, no matter what I ask her, her first answer is always no. And if I calmly accept that, she’ll never let me do anything because she’ll think that saying no to me is okay. So, I argue even if I know that what I want is something she’d never let me do. That way, when I ask for more reasonable things, maybe she’ll say yes! Driving home from soccer practice at 8:00 PM on a week night: Take 1: 12-year old girl: Mom, could...