Helping Your Child Socialize – Part 1

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...

Study Finds Kids with ADHD May Benefit from Movement

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on May 27, 2015 at 1:27 PM /

About 19% of high school boys and 11% of school-aged children have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the United States. In classroom settings, these children and adolescents are regularly encouraged to be still and quiet. However, a study published in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology recently found that moving around may be an effective way to help children with ADHD learn. Request an appointment with Rice Psychology Group to help tend to your child’s needs. Educated Findings According to the study, led by Dr. Mark Rapport, psychologist at the University of Central Florida, physical activity is significant in...

Remembering Our Fallen Soldiers

By Rice Psychology Group

on May 21, 2015 at 5:36 AM /

Memorial Day is more than a day of remembrance to honor our fallen soldiers. It is also a day when our entire nation formally becomes a community to serve as witnesses to those who have personally lost their son/daughter, brother/sister, husband/wife, father/mother, and beloved friend....

May is the Month for Mental Health Awareness

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on May 7, 2015 at 6:02 PM /

In the past, mental health issues appeared to have a less-than-helpful stigma surrounding them. Now, the support and acceptance of mental health topics have grown exponentially. May is National Mental Health Awareness Month and serves to raise consciousness for mental illnesses and other associated issues. While it was in 2013 that President Obama officially named May as National Mental Health Awareness Month, the support for this issue has existed for decades. The support you need is just a phone call away. Contact the Rice Therapy Group today. A Long History of Support Millions of Americans face the reality of mental health issues each...

How to Deal with Parenting Role Reversals

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on May 7, 2015 at 12:41 PM /

By Wendy Rice, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist Can you pinpoint when things changed? Can you remember the exact moment you began worrying more about your parents’ well-being than they did about yours? When did the advice-giving go from being a one-way street of your parents advising you on what to do, to both ways, and then more from you to them? Did it happen overnight? I’m betting it was more of a gradual change (albeit one that at some point slapped you right in the face without warning), much like it was for me. Life is full of changes that can surface when you least expect them. Let...

The Power of Eye-to-Eye Contact

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on April 29, 2015 at 5:17 PM /

Handshakes are often one of the most important and meaningful first impressions. A firm grip, a good squeeze and a confident look in the eye is generally regarded as a good handshake. Unfortunately, in recent times, young people tend to struggle with confident eye contact. While we might say children tend to be shy and awkward in certain situations, one of the biggest factors behind this quirk might be the time they spend in front of screens. Contact the Rice Psychology Group to schedule your child’s assessment. Waning Social Skills According to research conducted by Dr. Clifford Nass, a creative communication professor at...

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...

Remembering Lily

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on March 26, 2015 at 11:17 AM /

By Wendy Rice, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist Have you heard of the “Rainbow Bridge?” It is the place that our beloved pets supposedly go after they die. Three weeks ago, on a Friday night in the park across from the vet’s office, was my Lily’s turn. It was a chilly evening but Lily was all snuggled in my arms wearing her cozy fleece-lined plaid jacket and was surrounded by loved ones. We drank a toast to Lily and wished her endless romps in green fields with an unlimited supply of toilet paper rolls, tissue boxes and popcorn to eat. She was almost 14 years...

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...