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

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...

Self-Body Shaming – Taking a Look at This Very Serious Issue

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on May 24, 2018 at 10:07 AM /

I was with Angie at the thrift store yesterday looking for some fun t-shirts for an upcoming trip to the beach with my parents. I found some great stuff but couldn’t help but notice that Angie was acting differently. When I asked if she wanted to join us, she said no. I found that extremely odd since she loves hanging out with my parents and I, and I had to press her for minutes before she spilled the beans. She loves social media and constantly sees photos of other girls who are in better shape than she is. She’s come...

For the College Graduate: Looking Ahead to the Future with Hopefulness

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on May 17, 2018 at 10:14 AM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. It took me a while, but I was finally able to graduate with the degree I’ve always wanted. Don’t get me wrong, I’m extremely excited, but I can’t help but be a little scared about what life has in store for me. I mean, my friend, Geoff, already has a job lined up, and my cousin, Christina, will be moving to New York to teach next month! I’m very happy for them, but I wish I knew what was coming my way. Should I be feeling this overwhelmed? Or am...

Leisure Time: What You Can Do When You’ve Run Out of Ideas to Take a Break

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on May 3, 2018 at 9:39 AM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. With work getting a bit stressful and my husband being at the office so much, things are getting to be too much these days. When I was talking to my mother the other day, she suggested that Jake (my husband) and I set aside some time to take it easy one day. “Go to the beach for a sunset, meet up with your friends or just do dinner and a movie. I’m sure he’s ready for a little break based on the craziness at his work, too.” I thought about...

Don’t Believe the Hype: The Question of Visual and Auditory Learning

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on April 26, 2018 at 12:09 PM /

Many people these days believe that each person has an ideal way of learning through what they hear, what they see or by actually doing. In fact, many studies have been done to test if this is true. Before we delve into the meat of the topic, let’s go back and talk about a man named Neil Fleming. As a school inspector in New Zealand in the early 1990s, he noticed that few teachers were managing to effectively reach each of their students. This made him wonder what these teachers were doing differently. As a result, Fleming developed the VARK Questionnaire,...

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...

Dealing with Stress: A Few Unconventional Things You Can do for Relief

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on April 11, 2018 at 12:47 PM /

Dr. Wendy Rice

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. These past few weeks have really taken a toll. Late last month, my youngest son broke his leg and has since needed significant help getting around. Then, three weeks ago, I was given four new projects at work that kept me at the office long after I’m used to staying. To top it all off, my husband was laid off last Friday, meaning that we’re now on a much stricter budget than before. I’ve had trouble sleeping these past few nights because I’m so worried about bills, my son’s health,...

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...