A Learning Moment: Teaching Kids to be Mindful Through Meditation

on March 29, 2018 at 10:42 AM /

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 “acting out”, as they called it, has less to do...

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...

Lights, Camera, Selfie: Can You Take it Too Far?

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on March 15, 2018 at 9:23 AM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. When Stacey turned 16 a few months ago, my husband and I decided to get her the latest cellphone as a birthday present. I was hesitant at first seeing as how she’d only had no-frills, hand-me-down phones up to that point, but we eventually chose to give her the upgrade. I noticed her taking selfies during the first couple of weeks and thought nothing of it. After all, I remember how excited I was when my parents bought me a new gadget. However, the selfies became almost incessant. She would...

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,...

A Different Path: Exploring New Avenues to Achieve Your Life Goals

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on February 28, 2018 at 11:17 AM /

Consider the following example as it relates to this week’s topic. The other day, I was talking with a parent (not a patient of mine) about their daughter applying to college. The daughter has a very specific career path that she wants to pursue and will be heartbroken if she isn’t accepted into one of the top programs that will set her up for direct access to the career of her dreams. The mother believes that her daughter needs to have a backup plan, as in a completely different career direction, in case she doesn’t get into one of these top...

Napping: What is it Good For?

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on February 21, 2018 at 3:47 PM /

I think yesterday was the first time since college that I actually made time for a short nap in the late afternoon. It was a tough day at the office with three meetings throughout the day and too many tasks to count, so it just made sense to come home and snooze. I wasn’t sure if I’d wake up feeling more exhausted or more awake, and I’m pleased to tell you that I woke up feeling absolutely refreshed. I even had enough energy to go to the gym, wash the dishes and get my food ready for today. I’d forgotten...

The Movement Blues: Overcoming Your Procrastination with a Bit of Physical Activity

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on February 14, 2018 at 5:03 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. I don’t consider myself lazy. If anything, I enjoy doing certain things, like going out with my husband for a day of shopping, taking the kids out for lunch and even heading over to my parents’ house to help them with chores. The thing is, I have a tendency to wait until the last minute to do things. It’s rare that I complete certain things around the house on time, or anywhere for that matter. I’m also dealing with a little bit of depression and have noticed that my procrastination...

Valentine’s Day: A Love/Hate Relationship

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on February 7, 2018 at 12:10 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. It’s that time of year again, and I really wish I wasn’t reminded by it every time I walk into a store, restaurant or anywhere else for that matter. I’m sick of the hearts taped on doors, the arrow-wielding Cupids on walls and the sudden influx of roses at the flower section. I swear my favorite part of Valentine’s Day is the day after when all the chocolates go on sale for people like me. My sister says I should lighten up and try to do something fun this year,...

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...

Seeking Too Much: Why Constantly Reassuring Your Children Isn’t Always Good

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on January 24, 2018 at 8:00 AM /

I’ve noticed over the past year or so that Chelsea has been asking me more and more of the same types of questions. These can range from, “Will you definitely be picking me up from soccer practice after school?”, to “Are you sure that the vegetables in the salad aren’t spoiled?” I usually answer these with a simple and reassuring “yes” to quell her concerns, but it’s getting to the point that she’s needing reassurance for almost everything and is sometimes asking me the same thing but in different ways. Is there any way I can simply ease her away...