To be Young, Black and Depressed
There has been more acknowledgement, inclusion and research regarding the disproportionate rates of depression, lack of mental health accessibility and lack of individuals seeking therapy due to the stigma that still resides within the black community. We’ve seen the...
Is Social Media “Influencing” Our Youth?
Alexis Durham , M.S.
Social media: something that has become impossible for some of us to live without. Especially the teens in our life. Social media is a great way to stay connected, this past year has proved that. But how much is...
Tips for Parenting in Stepfamilies
Janet Fluker , M.Ed., M.S.
Newly married couples with children from a previous marriage are often surprised at the challenges they face as a stepfamily. For many children, adjusting to divorce is easier than becoming a stepfamily. Depending on the age of the children,...
Improving Communication with Your Teen
Allison Bates , M.S.
The parent/teenager relationship is one of the most important relationships a teenager will have in the emotionally charged teenage time of their lives; however, oftentimes the opposite occurs, with the teenager pushing the parent away. This can, in turn,...
Stress on Kids During the Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic took the world by surprise in March 2020. It was a new journey for everyone. Parents had to wear many hats during this time- full-time parent, teacher, and employee. We had nationwide lockdowns, schools became virtual,...
Building Boundaries
Learning and understanding how to build boundaries with your family, peers and coworkers is essential to forming healthy relationships. Having healthy boundaries with others can look different for each relationship you have in your life. Having more rigid boundaries with...
Toxic Relationships Part 1: How to Identify
It is no secret that interpersonal relationships require compassion, time, and effort. Whether it is a romantic relationship, friendship, or a family member, it is crucial that each person is utilizing effective communication skills and doing their best to...
School and Anxiety During a Pandemic
Since March of 2020, families and children have had to make major adjustments in their lives due to the pandemic, especially when it is related to school. Many parents were left at home trying to figure out the best...
Back to School: Navigating the “New Norm”
There is so much going into this new 2021-2022 school year already and it has not even fully begun. For children who are returning to in-person learning, there may be anxiety overflowing far beyond just the first day jitters,...
Navigating Technology
Over the last 10 years, technology has become a popular topic and part of life. Many parents and educators are wondering how to handle technology and what boundaries to put in place. There is an increasing amount of anxiety...
Parenting for More Effect – Impart and Implement III: The Why
Stephen Walters , M.Div., M.A.
So far this year, my blogs have been focused on how we can parent for more effect. Specifically, during a time of a pandemic, social distancing, and isolation. Also, generally, as we get closer and closer to “normal times.”...
Healthy Relationships Between Parents and Teens
Healthy Relationships between Parents & Teens require good communication. A healthy relationship is one that is based on respect, honesty, trust, communication, individuality, safety, support, and acceptance. Here are some tips for communication that will help foster a healthy...
Respectful Parenting – Part 1
Alice D. Hoag , Ed.D.
I am privileged to be the mother of 3 young men ages 24, 22, and 19. The blessing came only after a 4-year struggle with infertility wherein I went through almost every fertility procedure known at the time to...
Understanding ADHD
In today’s culture, it is common to overuse and over-diagnose someone with ADHD. Many parents wonder what “ADHD” truly is and how can they help their child who struggles with it. According to the Child Mind Institute, ADHD is...
Families and Addiction
Janet Fluker , M.Ed., M.S.
What happens to a family when addiction enters the picture? Research and experience show us that predictable symptoms evolve in a family over time in response to the addicted individual. What begins as a loving effort to help a...
Parenting For More Effect – Impart and Implement I: Our Words
Stephen Walters , M.Div., M.A.
I remember when my oldest son was born, my first thought was, “Wow, I really hope I do a terrible job as a parent.” Wait, that is not right. Of course, my first thought was more like, “Will I...
How to Help Your Anxious Child
Allison Bates , M.S.
Hello all! A lot of the adults I see suffer from variations of anxiety and struggle to cope with it effectively. It is potentially even more frustrating for kids who have anxiety to develop the coping skills to process...
New Year, Same High Expectations
Madeline Redetzky , M.S.
At the end of every year, we can be sure that a new year is coming soon. We can also be sure that talk of resolutions will be coming as well. New Year’s resolutions can provide an exciting change....
Family Connection
In today’s society, it is easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of life. There can be so many “to-do’s” that distract us from being with each other and truly connecting. You may ask yourself, “How can...
Returning to the School Building
Kids have been out of school for almost 7 months and families are now figuring out if, and when, their kids will return to school. The uncertainty of “what is best” can cause stress on families. Changes and transitions...