To Play or Not to Play: How Different Video Games Can Affect Our Kids

on September 28, 2018 at 10:46 AM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. At Diana’s party last weekend, the topics of conversation over dinner varied wildly, and you could say that a few were about some pretty touchy subjects. For example, we talked about how teachers have so much less time to be creative in their classrooms because of all the testing, how many families we know who have been touched by drug addiction and whether we should be tracking our kids by their cell phones. Surprisingly enough, however, the topic that hit a nerve with most of us was video games...

Social Media, Teens and What it All Means in Numbers

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 20, 2018 at 11:16 AM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. It might be hard to imagine, but social media as we know it is a relatively new concept. It may have gotten its start over a decade ago, but its role in society wasn’t substantial until only a few years ago. Funnily enough, there is a generation that was born into these social media-driven times. What does this mean to them? And what can we do to better understand them? Our Tampa psychologists and counselors want to share some helpful information about this topic. The Stats Social media undoubtedly plays a central...

Major Tantrums: How to Help Your Child Remain Calm

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 13, 2018 at 12:46 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. Last night, Susan and I went to the movies with my sister, Stella, and her 8-year old son, Anthony. I’m not a fan of bringing young kids to evening movies where there are mostly adults in the audience. See, the last thing I wanted to do was ignite an argument with Susan, so I didn’t say anything. As I feared, just as the movie started, Anthony started to fall apart. He began crying loudly about it being too dark and then crawled under the seats, upending our crazy expensive...

ADHD in Girls and Women: How it Differs from What We Typically See in Boys and Men

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 7, 2018 at 11:57 AM /

ADHD
Blog

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. I just got off the phone with Maggie’s teacher an hour ago. It’s the third time she’s called me this month and it’s always for the same reason. Apparently, Maggie is extremely chatty. Like, too chatty. I kind of figured it was normal for girls to be chatty. After all, she’s been this way since she learned to speak and became more talkative when she started elementary school. I’m starting to wonder if this is in some way related to her ADHD. I always assumed kids with ADHD were...

Working Together to Create Safer and More Inclusive School Communities in Tampa

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on August 23, 2018 at 12:08 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. School just started for both of my kids. One is in middle school and the other is starting high school this year. They typically adjust well and handle both the academic and social ups and downs pretty well. But this year, my husband and I are feeling a bit more nervous than usual. I guess the daily news of cyberbullying, sexting and school shootings each day makes us hope and pray that they come home safely. It terrifies me to my core! What can we do to prevent things like...

Video Games: Understanding Why So Many Kids Turn to Them

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on August 15, 2018 at 1:05 PM /

Dr. Wendy Rice

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. Alex really enjoys his video games. My husband and I usually buy him one as a reward for good grades in school or completing his chores. The great thing about it is that I’ve noticed he isn’t like many kids who spend hours playing while in their room. Whenever it’s time for dinner, he’ll be down promptly. If the yard needs mowing or the trash is full, he’ll take care of it without being asked twice. I have no problems at all with his video game use, just as long...

Back to School: Tips for Helping Your Kids with Their Worries

By Dr Ashley Diehl

on August 9, 2018 at 10:40 AM /

Dr. Ashley Diehl

Summer is coming to an end, meaning that it’s now time to gear up for a new school year! This can often make kids anxious or worried, even if it’s not their first time in school. There are so many unknowns that children can worry about, such as “Who will be in my class?”, “Will I know anyone?” and “Who’ll be my teacher?”. These worries are normal, but there are some basic steps you can take as a parent to reassure your child and get them ready to start the new school year with their head held high. You can start...

Love What You Do, Because Doing Nothing is Not an Option!

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on August 1, 2018 at 10:01 AM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. As an academic counselor, I get to spend my time with students and see them take the next steps toward their futures. As much as I love my job, it’s also extremely draining. Sometimes when I get home, the only thing I do is plop down on the couch and watch shows until I inevitably fall asleep! Well, a couple of weeks ago, I found my old knitting kit while cleaning out my closet and decided to take it for a spin. It was great! It’s obviously a low-effort...

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

By Rice Psychology Group

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...