Recently, my younger brother found out that my mother, who had been a concert pianist, had really wanted to be a lawyer. He was stunned by that revelation. It got me thinking about how well we know any of our parents. With all of the advertising for Mother’s Day, and all of the possible gifts and flowers that you can buy, I wondered if there was a more appropriate gift – really getting to know your mom, not just as a mother, but as a person in her own right. What questions could you ask that … [Read more...]
Smart but Scattered?: Strategies to Improve Executive Function in Children & Adolescents (Part 2)
April 6, 2013 By
My last article covered the definition of Executive Functioning (EF) and the challenges children with EF deficits face. Now that you have a better understanding of the eight areas that comprise EF (inhibit, shift, emotional control, monitor, working memory, planning and organization, organization of materials, and task materials), let’s look at a few of them to learn how to assess your child’s EF deficits and to review some examples of how to help. The domain of Emotional Control exhibits … [Read more...]
Smart but Scattered?: Understanding Executive Functioning in Children & Adolescents (Part 1)
March 19, 2013 By
Is your child smart, but scattered? Children face many challenges in today’s dynamic world, and it can be difficult for them to easily navigate its course. You may be realizing that you personally struggled with the same signs of anxiety, disinterest or frustration that your child is experiencing. At home, it may seem like harmless daydreaming, frustration over dressing for school, emotional outbursts over changes in plans, or even laziness over not wanting to complete a homework … [Read more...]
New Moms and Postpartum Depression
January 31, 2013 By
Pregnancy and motherhood can bring on a host of unexpected emotions and stresses. When you leave the hospital with your new bundle of joy, you expect to settle into life at home surrounded by family and friends, flooded with happiness, and enjoying every new moment. What you may find really happens is that your husband immediately returns to work; friends and family may be consumed by their own busy lives; and your baby may eat and sleep at all hours of the day and night leaving you exhausted. … [Read more...]