The New Form of “Smoking”: Record Numbers of Teens Follow the Vape Trend

on April 5, 2019 at 2:47 PM /

Sebastian will soon be in high school and my wife Roxie and I are both a bit nervous about many of the new, and not necessarily healthy, things he’ll be exposed to. One of these is smoking: cigarettes, joints, etc. Roxie is extremely concerned about this and I don’t blame her. However, some of the methods she’s considering to prevent Sebastian from smoking seem a bit odd to me. For example, she mentioned letting him “vape.” According to her, e-cigarettes (e as in electronic) are safer than traditional cigarettes and could help him avoid becoming hooked on Marlboro’s or even...

Kids and Suicide: Having a Serious and Frank Conversation About the Topic

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on March 28, 2019 at 9:56 AM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. It just broke my heart to hear in the news that two students who survived the Parkland shooting in 2018 died by suicide related to PTSD. I can’t even imagine the psychological trauma they endured from such a horrible tragedy. I have a son and it worries me sick thinking of something like that happening at his school. I also can’t help but think that there might be other unimaginable things he and kids his age go through that might trigger feelings of suicide. It scares me to death, and...

White Lies: Your Child’s Deceit May Not Be as Bad as You Think

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on February 28, 2019 at 12:57 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. “You cannot lie to me, Sarah. Do you understand?” My husband Stephen’s tone was soft but serious. Sarah’s little toddler head nodded. A few hours later, after we had put her to bed, I asked Stephen what that was all about. He said he caught Sarah lying to him about dipping her finger into the Nutella jar. I giggled, of course, and told him he shouldn’t be upset about that. He then went on to tell me that if he doesn’t teach Sarah that lying is bad, she’ll be...

Starting Over: Not Reaching Your Goals May Just Mean That You Haven’t Figured it Out “Yet”

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on February 22, 2019 at 11:35 AM /

The human condition is amazing for its ability to fail at something repeatedly and, when it is important, to keep on trying. This week’s vignette comes from a personal experience of mine. The struggle began in high school when my mother and I tried out the “Stewardess Diet”. All I remember was that it included beets, a new food for me at the time. I can’t recall if either of us lost any weight, but we definitely bonded over our efforts. I’m not even sure if I needed to lose weight! Now, after many years and at least as many diets, I...

Taking it One Step at a Time: Overcoming the Loss of a Loved One

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on February 15, 2019 at 11:18 AM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. My coworker, Jane, recently lost her terminally-ill grandfather and has since been visibly gloomy. I asked her if everything was okay, but of course, she is devastated. I keep hoping that her mood improves. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case and she’s become increasingly secluded and avoids everyone at the office. She’s also requested a few personal days from work. I offered to visit her at home, but she didn’t want to talk to anyone. Is there any way to help her? Losing someone you love can be one of...

The Power of Goal Setting: A Guide to Moving Forward

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on February 7, 2019 at 1:39 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. It’s been a little over a year since I graduated college and moved out-of-state for a job. It seems crazy, but I already feel stuck. I mentioned this to my parents and a few friends, and they all say the same thing: you’re too young to be stuck. They said that I’ll find a way out of my situation. I honestly don’t know what it is that’s causing me to feel this way. Back when I was in college, I felt driven! I was focused on my classes and always...

Tampa’s Winter “Warmerland” is Exactly What Your Body and Mind Need!

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on January 30, 2019 at 6:02 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. And, if you’re reading this from anywhere in the northern U.S. or Canada, please forgive us. We feel for you and hope that you can stay inside by a warm fire with cocoa at the very least during this polar vortex episode! After five years of freezing temperatures and snow storms in New Jersey, Matt and I decided to call Florida home. Just a week after settling in, we realized that this was probably the best decision we’ve made together! Matt goes on bike rides every day and I...

The Internet, Adult ADHD, and the Best Ways to Stay Focused

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on January 24, 2019 at 2:35 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. I’m a registered nurse and, recently, I was assigned to a more administrative position that requires a lot of desk work. Before, I was always on my feet, going back and forth between patients and following a schedule that helped me take care of my responsibilities. Now, I’m in front of a computer most of my shift. As an adult with ADHD, this makes me nervous since I am easily distracted by the many things going on around me. With new duties that don’t really require following a typical...

Your Child, Their Talent, and Helping Them Develop It

By Dr. Wendy Rice

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...

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...