Psyched About School

When a child is angry, it is difficult to figure out what to say to them or how to react.  Even when we are trying to help, the wrong response can make things much worse.  These 13 helpful phrases from lemonlimeadventures.com are great to keep in a handy place and can be used by parents/guardians and teachers.  An angry child may not know why they are upset, how to calm down, or what to do next.  For this reason, the adult response in that situation is extremely important.  To learn more about what to say, visit  http://lemonlimeadventures.com/13-helpful-phrases-calm-angry-child/

By Alison Sharp, WS/FCS School Psychologist In my home, my children would rather do an activity involving electronic media (ie tablets, computers, TV and the ever present smart phone) than almost anything else. (No wonder some people call them “screen” agers!) With all of the appealing media choices, how do we as parents strike a balance between what they want to do, and what is good for them?  As these sources of entertainment become more pervasive, the American Academy of Pediatrics is in the process of developing new recommendations.  As well, they have advice on how to be a good role model with your own use of technology.  For more information, see below: http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/01/06/461920593/kids-and-screen-time-a-peek-at-upcoming-guidance

When you think about AD/HD, do you usually think about boys?  If you do, it isn't surprising given that boys diagnosed with AD/HD often demonstrate more obvious behavioral symptoms.  Many girls with this condition have gone undiagnosed, a problem that has led to significant difficulties for them during adolescence and young adulthood.  Fortunately, a recent study suggests that this population is starting to be identified more than in the past.  In fact, the percent of girls diagnosed with AD/HD increased by 55% from 2003 to 2011, according to this study.  To learn more, check out this article by www.philly.com written by Dr. Katherine Dahlsgaard, the Lead Pyschologist of The Anxiety Behaviors Clinic at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/healthy_kids/ADHD-and-girls-Its-not-what-you-expect.html#62Ywl4j1xFv6iE8k.99