Inside Out Is More Than Just a Movie for Kids

on June 18, 2015 at 10:59 AM /

By Wendy Rice, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist While I'm not in the business of reviewing movies, I was fortunate to receive an invitation to see an early preview of the new Disney Pixar movie, Inside Out. I went in with an open mind and came out blown away. This is a dream movie for any psychologist who wishes to help their patients talk about their feelings and internal experience. But that’s not all. This movie doesn’t stop at being entertainment for parents and young kids. It also sheds light on marital relationships and the internal experience of how each of our brains work....

Helping Your Child Socialize – Part 1

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on June 10, 2015 at 9:34 AM /

Social skills can come naturally for many children, but others can often struggle with socialization. This issue can arise due to many different reasons, such as your child being snubbed by classmates or simply feeling like they don’t fit in. In part one of our socialization development series, we’ll show you some of the most important guidelines to follow for developing your child’s social skills from a young and crucial age. At Rice Psychology, we know your child means the world to you and we’re ready to help you build his/her social skills in Tampa. Recognizing Social Milestones The first thing to do...

The Power of the Group

By Rice Psychology Group

on April 23, 2015 at 3:06 AM /

By Elaine Spencer, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist When parents realize that their children or teens are struggling and need support, they often consider individual therapy. It's true that one-on-one therapy is an effective way for many children to work on their individual challenges through a close relationship with their therapist, but sometimes individual therapy is not enough or just isn't the right fit. One-on-one therapy can have a tremendous effect on your child, but what if it just isn't the right fit? Our group therapy may be exactly what your young one is looking for. So, what if your child needs something more or something...

Understanding Social Media – for the Sake of Your Kids

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on April 9, 2015 at 10:07 AM /

By Wendy Rice, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist Last year, I wrote a blog post about kids and social media that became quite popular. A version of it was even published on Huffington Post. The topic really hit home for many parents, who struggle to understand social media and the part it plays in the lives of their children. In fact, it was such an important issue that I now feature it as a presentation for parents, teachers and administrators here in the Tampa Bay area and recently, I got a copy of a recording so that I could share it here with you. Many parents can...

Homework, Testing and Mental Health

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on March 5, 2015 at 9:01 PM /

By Wendy Rice, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist With testing in full swing here in Hillsborough County and parents questions regarding Common Core and Standardized Tests, I've been keeping an eye out for information regarding current demands on students. What I've found is that everyone has an opinion, including me. I have also found that there is some very in-depth information out there that provides details on how academics affect the emotional and mental wellbeing of our youth. The following article is shared courtesy of the National Association of School Psychologists. It contains some great insight and guidelines for homework and learning. Take a look...

Emotionally Connecting With Your Children

By Rice Psychology Group

on February 4, 2015 at 10:38 PM /

By Elaine Spencer, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist As a mother of two young children, I often feel that there are not enough hours in the day to take care of them and accomplish all of the seemingly endless tasks that need to be done. I end up asking myself...

How do you measure "Smart"?

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on January 7, 2015 at 5:35 PM /

By Wendy Rice, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist I recently read the book “Mindset” by psychologist, Carol Dweck. What a wonderful discovery! Dr. Dweck’s message is that our mindset can help or hinder us to a significant degree; more than we may have even imagined. Her book is based on more than 20 years of research that demonstrates the difference between having a fixed or closed mindset and an open or growth mindset. She explains that a fixed mindset is one where you believe that qualities such as intelligence and personality are set as is and cannot be changed. Whereas, a growth mindset, is one...

Loosening the Ties: Letting Your Kids "Go" When It’s Time for College

By Rice Psychology Group

on November 19, 2014 at 2:09 PM /

By Megan Sutsko, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist There are significant moments in a child’s development that elicit both joy and anxiety for parents. These moments remind us of the unstoppable truth that, from the instant a child is brought into the world, they are moving away from their parents and towards independence; first steps, first day of school, graduations, learning to drive, moving out for college, and of course, getting married and one day having children of their own. In my work with teens, young adults, and families, it has become apparent that navigating the college departure with wisdom and bravery is crucial...

Candy, Costumes and Caution – Managing the impact of Sugar, Halloween and Safety

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on October 22, 2014 at 1:13 PM /

By Wendy Rice, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist Halloween. Ahhhh. A smile just takes over my face as I say the word. I remember walking around Great Neck, New York with my friend Amy and sometimes other kids as well, filling up my plastic pumpkin and then coming home to sort through my loot. Halloween is the time of year when I discovered that Clark Bars, Bit-O-Honey and what used to be called $100,000 Bars (now called 100 Grand Bar) were oh so delicious. And the costumes? Childhood memories of the elephant costume made out of a hooded gray sweat suit (stuffed trunk and all),...

How Parents Can Be the Ultimate Spoilsports

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on October 8, 2014 at 11:41 AM /

By Wendy Rice, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist The Psychological wins and losses in competitive sports are pressure enough. But, are you as a parent supporting your child or transferring your desires onto them causing them to feel stress and disappointment? Are you the dad who is insulting the ref who made a bad call? Are you the mom who wants to tell your son’s coach a thing or two after the game about either over or underplaying your child? Maybe you are the horse show parent who coaches from outside the ring, interfering with what your child’s trainer is telling her to do. And, let’s hope...