Provider Spotlight: Prep Academy Tutors of Northern NJ

Provider Spotlight: Prep Academy Tutors of Northern NJ

excerpts taken from Prep Academy Tutors

Prep Academy Tutors offers one-on-one tutoring services to students in Northern, NJ. We understand that no two children learn in exactly the same way, so we cater our approach to education based on a student’s individual needs. We work to form a close relationship that is both encouraging and empowering, as we help students fill in academic gaps. To us education is fun, and we want your child to have fun on their journey to academic success.

Our program offers:

  • Certified teachers
  • Flexible scheduling: in-home or online
  • Personalized programming
  • Private and group tutoring sessions
  • NJ Curriculum-Based Education
  • Enrichment & remedial programs
  • Tutors experiences in helping students with a variety of diagnoses and challenges including:
    • Autism spectrum disorders
    • ADHD
    • Executive Function challenges
    • Down Syndrome
    • Learning Disabilities, including Dyslexia
    • Anxiety disorders
    • Emotional regulation challenges
    • Developmental Delays

Learn more about the tutoring services our certified teachers can provide to help elevate your child’s educational experience by contacting us:

Prep Academy Tutors of Northern NJ

Contact Person: Greg Costanzo, Owner

Phone: 973.638.2868

Email: northernnewjersey@prepacademytutors.com

Website: https://prepacademytutors.com/location/northern-new-jersey/

When You Worry Too Much: 25 Books to Help Kids Overcome Anxiety, Worry, and Fear

When You Worry Too Much: 25 Books to Help Kids Overcome Anxiety, Worry, and Fear

posted by Katherine on A Mighty Girl

A new year always seems ripe with opportunity, and it’s not just adults who are eager to challenge themselves to achieve new things: kids and teens are often ready to tackle new goals when the calendar rolls around to January! But, of course, trying new things can seem intimidating, and it will take perseverance and dedication in order to accomplish whatever your Mighty Girl has set as her goal.

With that in mind, we’ve collected some of our favorite books for inspiring Mighty Girls to take a deep breath, jump in with both feet, and then see their plan through to the end! These books will get kids dreaming big dreams and remind them that those dreams are always worth striving for, even if there are some bumps along the way.

What to Do (and Not Do) When Children are Anxious

What to Do (and Not Do) When Children Are Anxious

posted on Child Mind Institute

When children are chronically anxious, even the most well-meaning parents, not wanting a child to suffer, can actually make the youngster’s anxiety worse. It happens when parents try to protect kids from their fears. Here are pointers for helping children escape the cycle of anxiety.

1. The goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety, but to help a child manage it.

None of us wants to see a child unhappy, but the best way to help kids overcome anxiety isn’t to try to remove stressors that trigger it. It’s to help them learn to tolerate their anxiety and function as well as they can, even when they’re anxious. And as a byproduct of that, the anxiety will decrease over time.

2. Don’t avoid things just because they make a child anxious.

Helping children avoid the things they are afraid of will make them feel better in the short term, but it reinforces the anxiety over the long run. Let’s say a child in an uncomfortable situation gets upset and starts to cry — not to be manipulative, but just because that’s how they feel. If their parents whisk them out of there, or remove the thing they’re afraid of, the child has learned that coping mechanism. And that cycle has the potential to repeat itself.

3. Express positive — but realistic — expectations.

You can’t promise a child that their fears are unrealistic—that they won’t fail a test, that they’ll have fun ice skating, or that another child won’t laugh at them during show & tell. But you can express confidence that they’re going to be okay, that they will be able to manage it. And you can let them know that as they face those fears, the anxiety level will drop over time. This gives them confidence that your expectations are realistic, and that you’re not going to ask them to do something they can’t handle.

4. Respect their feelings, but don’t empower them.

It’s important to understand that validation doesn’t always mean agreement. So if a child is terrified about going to the doctor because they’re due for a shot, you don’t want to belittle those fears, but you also don’t want to amplify them. You want to listen and be empathetic, help them understand what they’re anxious about, and encourage them to feel that they can face their fears. The message you want to send is, “I know you’re scared, and that’s okay, and I’m here, and I’m going to help you get through this.”

5. Don’t ask leading questions.

Encourage your child to talk about their feelings, but try not to ask leading questions— “Are you anxious about the big test? Are you worried about the science fair?” To avoid feeding the cycle of anxiety, just ask open-ended questions: “How are you feeling about the science fair?”

6. Don’t reinforce the child’s fears.

What you don’t want to do is be saying, with your tone of voice or body language: “Maybe this is something that you should be afraid of.” Let’s say a child has had a negative experience with a dog. Next time they’re around a dog, you might be anxious about how they will respond, and you might unintentionally send a message that they should, indeed, be worried.

7. Encourage the child to tolerate their anxiety.

Let your child know that you appreciate the work it takes to tolerate anxiety in order to do what they want or need to do. It’s really encouraging them to engage in life and to let the anxiety take its natural curve. We call it the “habituation curve.” That means that it will drop over time as he continues to have contact with thestressor. It might not drop to zero, it might not drop as quickly as you would like, but that’s how we get over our fears.

Moms Living With Anxiety: Messages to Our Past and Present Selves

Moms Living With Anxiety: Messages to Our Past and Present Selves

written by Liz Nissim, Ph.D., posted on Psychology Today

How many of us adults live with anxiety on a daily basis? How long have you been feeling anxious? Has motherhood or other life transitions heightened your anxiety, perhaps giving it an unexpected twist? Anxiety is a shared struggle—one that doesn’t discriminate. It affects people from all walks of life, from celebrities to members of our local communities, even those who seem to “have it all together.”

The truth is that anxiety doesn’t care about socioeconomic status or profession. It can stem from genetic predisposition or from being raised in environments where anxiety was inadvertently passed down. Many of us have faced life experiences that shook our sense of safety and trust in the world. No matter how we got here, the fact is—we are here.

As a psychologist, I often sit with young adults who mirror my experiences. Sometimes, I find myself saying, “I feel like I’m talking to my younger self.” How often have you reflected on your life and wondered how it might have been different if you had acknowledged your anxiety sooner, without shame?

We often wonder what it would be like to live more fully in the present and less in the endless loop of “what ifs.” How often do we wish we could go back, speak to our younger selves, and change the way we navigate life’s challenges?

Breaking the Cycle of Anxiety

Anxiety has a way of consuming the present moment, pulling us into a spiral of regrets about the past or fears for the future. But while we can’t rewrite our history, we can learn to change our narrative. Here are a few pieces of advice I wish I could have given my younger self—and that I hope will resonate with you.

1. You will be OK.

Catastrophic thinking can make every setback feel like the end of the world. For example, one bad grade might spiral into fears about losing scholarships, dropping out of college, and ultimately failing at life. Looking back, it’s clear how irrational such thoughts are.

The reality is that isolated events rarely determine the course of an entire life. You are resourceful and capable. No matter how overwhelming a situation may seem, you can navigate through it and find solutions.

 

 

Supporting an Anxious Child in School: What You Can Do

Supporting an Anxious Child in School: What You Can Do

written by Dr. Liz Nissim, posted on Psychology Today

If your child has anxiety, school can be a daily struggle. Your child or teen may resist getting out of bed, express physical complaints like stomachaches or headaches before bed or in the morning, or struggle to make friends. Some subjects may feel especially challenging, and the noise and activity of the school environment can be overwhelming.

The reasons for school-related anxiety can vary, but one thing is clear: when a child is preoccupied with worry, it’s hard for them to focus on academics. Over time, this can lead to a cycle of frustration and fear, with each worry feeding into the next. An anxious child’s inner dialogue might sound something like this:

“I can’t focus because I’m worrying about my mom’s safety, so now I missed the math lesson. I don’t know how to solve these problems, but I’m afraid to ask for help. My teacher will be upset with me. Now I have a homework sheet of 20 problems I don’t understand. And I have science and spelling homework, too. Samantha wouldn’t play with me today—did I do something wrong? What did the teacher just say? Was that the bell? Are we going to gym? I can’t do this!”

How Can I Help My Anxious Child Succeed in School?

Fortunately, there are support plans available that can help. These come in two forms: a 504 Accommodation Plan and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

504 Accommodation Plan

A 504 Accommodation Plan provides support once a diagnosis is in place. Created by a team including parents, the principal, the school nurse, teachers, and a counselor, this plan offers accommodations that help your child manage their anxiety at school. It’s valid for a year and can be updated annually, though reviewing every three months is often beneficial as a child’s needs can fluctuate throughout the year.

Common 504 accommodations for anxiety include:

  • Daily check-ins: Inform the school team—principal, counselor, and teacher—about your child’s challenges so they can help make the morning routine smoother. Arrangements could include a designated staff member to meet your child at drop-off to ease separation and transition.
  • Flexible attendance: If attending a full day is overwhelming, consider a gradual return—starting with a half-day and slowly adding classes as your child adjusts.
  • Staggered entry: Allowing your child to arrive before or after the morning rush can reduce anxiety about crowded hallways.
  • Regular check-ins: Establishing a trusted adult (like a guidance counselor) who meets with your child regularly or on an as-needed basis can provide comfort and support.

Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

An IEP provides specialized education and additional resources if a child’s anxiety significantly impacts their learning. This program can include in-class support or co-teaching for challenging subjects. It involves a case manager from the Child Study Team (CST) and may include testing by the CST or from a clinical psychologist.

For children who have co-existing conditions such as ADHD or specific learning disabilities, the support can be even more comprehensive. Out-of-class resource programs might provide modified curriculum support tailored to their abilities.

An IEP can include 504 accommodations along with additional options such as:

  • Reduced workload and homework: Completing only selected problems (e.g., odds or evens) can make assignments feel more manageable.
  • Avoidance of spotlight: Allow your child to volunteer instead of calling on him to avoid added pressure.
  • Breaks as needed: Giving your child permission to take breaks when they feel overwhelmed can help them reset.
  • Safe space: Designate a quiet space in the school where your child can go to decompress.
  • Extended time: Allowing extra time on assignments, tests, and quizzes can ease performance pressure.
  • Quiet testing environment: Permit your child to complete tests or assignments in a quieter setting if needed.

The Real Impact of Anxiety on School Life

Anxiety can profoundly impact a child’s school experience. For many, holding it together at school means they’re exhausted by the time they get home, leading to emotional outbursts that can be difficult for the family.

As a parent, sharing your child’s struggles with teachers, counselors, and the principal can provide much-needed support and reduce your own burden. By involving the school in your child’s daily challenges, you can help them find relief during the school day rather than bearing the weight of their anxiety alone until they come home.

Black Friday and Anxiety

Black Friday and Anxiety

written by Kristen Fuller, posted on Discovery Mood

Black Friday cannot only create anxiety, but it can also take away from valuable family time. Many Black Friday sales begin the night of Thanksgiving, so instead of eating dessert and sharing laughs, many people leave the house to stand in never-ending lines to get their hands on a coveted sale item. The advertisements are tempting with so many steep deals on technology, clothing and toys, but is Black Friday worth the anxiety and time lost with family members?

Black Friday is the official start of the holiday shopping season, but for many, holiday shopping anxiety takes a toll. If you struggle with feeling anxious about holiday shopping, you are not alone. Our society sets certain expectations about how wonderful the holidays should be. We are told that giving and receiving gifts should make us feel happy. These expectations often escalate very quickly and can become so grandiose that their fulfillment is no longer plausible. This leaves many individuals riddled with anxiety.

Taking a break from Black Friday shopping may not only curb your anxiety, but will also give you time to spend with your family and friends. Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving and allows you to shop online from the comfort of your home or office without having to deal with the crowds, long lines and the crippling anxiety that comes with these Black Friday stressors.

How retailers induce anxiety around the holidays

Retailers are known to promote a level of anxiety among holiday shoppers by depicting deals as being singular or exclusive, such as: “This deal will only last for 24 hours.”

Insisting that a deal is only good on a particular day or during a short window of time creates a sense of urgency, even if that deal might become available elsewhere during the year. This sense of urgency in marketing can promote anxiety in consumers because they fear they will miss out. These simple messages are advertising ploys to increase consumerism. Realistically, there are deals on items throughout the year.

10 Back-to-School Tips for Kids and Parents

10 Back-to-School Tips for Kids and Parents

posted on The Personal

Tips for getting kids ready for back-to-school

Whatever their age, many kids are apprehensive about starting school or going back to school. The good news is there’s a lot you can do to ease their minds and help them get ready for a new school year.

1. Early to bed, early to rise

Getting back into a school sleep schedule won’t happen overnight! A few weeks before school starts, get your child into the habit of going to bed earlier. Gentle winding-down activities such as bath time and reading before bed can help your child relax.

2. Re-establish a routine

Establishing a consistent routine is important for kids. Write out the steps in the routine and rehearse them with your child. In the evening, this could include doing homework, playtime, brushing their teeth, having a bath, and reading before bed.

3. Encourage independence

Children who play an active role in preparing for back to school – such as choosing and organizing school supplies and new clothes – are more likely to get excited about going back to school, which in turn eases their jitters. Is your child old enough for chores like emptying the dishwasher or making lunches? Daily, age-appropriate tasks will help your child gain independence and confidence.

4. Choose the right backpack

Backpacks that are too heavy or worn improperly could result in muscle strain, headaches, and neck pain. Try to choose a backpack made of sturdy, lightweight fabric with wide, padded straps that will support your child’s shoulders. Watch that they don’t sling it over just one shoulder.

5. Talk about safety

Review outdoor safety rules – things like looking both ways before crossing the street, taking the same route every day if they are walking, familiarizing themselves with crosswalk rules, and being cautious in talking to strangers.

6. Establish healthy habits

Involve your children in choosing and preparing healthy lunches and snacks. Help them find physical activities they enjoy. Take them shopping for healthy snacks and lunch items they can pack themselves. Try to stick to regular meal times.

7. Limit screen time

Back to school is the perfect opportunity to re-establish screen time limits. Why not have the whole family “unplug” in the evenings before bedtime? Choose a spot where everybody can charge their devices overnight. Use an alarm clock instead of a cellphone to wake up in the mornings.

8. Map it out

If your kids are starting at a new school, practice walking or driving to the bus stop or to the school building a week or two before school starts. You could even play in the school playground before school starts. This creates fun memories associated with the school before summer vacation ends.

9. Talk about first-week jitters

Reassure your child that being nervous is natural – even for teachers. You can help your child cope with these feelings when you:

  • Let them express their fears. Perhaps you can offer stories of your own first-day jitters when you were a child.
  • Teach them to breathe deeply and slowly to calm their nerves.
  • Discuss the scenarios that worry them. For example, if they’re worried about who to sit with or talk to on the first day, help them plan a strategy and rehearse it so they’ll know what to do.

10. Celebrate the start of a new school year

If you celebrate the first day of school, your kids will see back-to-school as a transition they can really enjoy. Try a back-to-school party the day before school starts, complete with cake, balloons and educational gifts. And don’t forget to take a picture on the front step in their first-day-of-school outfits. It’s going to be a great year!

4 Tips to Reduce Tension in Your Life

4 Tips to Reduce Tension in Your Life

written by Kelsey Schultz, Ph.D. Candidate and Tchiki Davis, M.A., Ph.D., posted on Psychology Today

Tension is typically experienced in our bodies as tightness or stiffness in our muscles. This kind of tension can be quite painful and can sometimes severely restrict your ability to move. Tense muscles may be tender to the touch and feel like a chronic cramp or spasm.

Tension is a characteristic present in a variety of physical and emotional experiences. Here are a few examples of where we might observe tension:

  • Tension and resolution in music, film, and literature
  • Balance of opposing forces created in visual art
  • Interpersonal conflict or hostility
  • Experience of conflicting desires within ourselves
  • Tension Headaches
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Anticipating an emotionally impactful event

The Role of Stress

Our fears and anxieties don’t just occur in our minds, they are expressed throughout our bodies as well. When we are stressed, the branch of our nervous system called the sympathetic nervous system is activated. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system is the physiological component of our fight or flight response. That is, our sympathetic nervous system is responsible for preparing our bodies for action when we feel as though we are in danger.

​Part of this preparation is the release of a neurotransmitter, called acetylcholine, which is responsible for making our muscles contract. Thus, when we are stressed out, our bodies interpret that stress as danger and activate our sympathetic nervous system, which promotes the release of acetylcholine, and ultimately leads to the contraction of muscles, even when we don’t want it to.

Social Anxiety Disorder

You’re Not Shy or Stuck Up. You Have Social Anxiety Disorder.

written by Eileen Bailey, posted on ADDitude Magazine

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Some people believe social anxiety disorder (SAD) is synonymous with shyness. Others, including some physicians, don’t believe it exists at all. But for those living with SAD, it’s very real.

If you have SAD, you constantly worry about being negatively judged by others. You might find it difficult to eat or talk in public, or to use public bathrooms. You might find it impossible to attend social events. As with other anxiety disorders, you might know your fear is irrational but feel powerless to stop it.

How Common is Social Anxiety?

Studies show that 2 to 13 percent of the U.S. population experiences social anxiety, at some point in their lives, to the degree that it would be considered SAD. It is the most common type of anxiety disorder in teenagers. It is more common in women and often starts in childhood or early adolescence. Some evidence suggests that, like other anxiety disorders, it occurs more frequently in children and adults with ADHD.

Is Social Anxiety a Personality Trait?

SAD and shyness are not the same. Shyness is considered a personality trait. People who are shy experience nervousness or anxiety when faced with a social or interpersonal situation but accept that being shy is part of who they are. Those with social anxiety might be shy or might be extroverts, but they view SAD as a negative and often are hard on themselves for feeling the way they do.

How Undiagnosed ADHD Triggers Depression and Anxiety

How Undiagnosed ADHD Triggers Depression and Anxiety

written by Nelson M. Handal, M.D., DFAPA, posted on Attitude Magazine

Depression and anxiety disorders occur with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at significant rates. While figures vary across studies, it’s estimated that 18% of adults with ADHD also have major depressive disorder, and about half of adults with ADHD have anxiety.1 What explains these high comorbidity rates?

Many factors may explain the overlap, and one of them I can’t stress enough: ADHD does not happen in a vacuum, and its effects are far more impairing when the condition goes undiagnosed, untreated, or improperly treated.

Untreated ADHD Causes Feelings of Inadequacy

Undiagnosed and/or untreated ADHD makes children, teens, and adults who are otherwise bright and competent feel severely inadequate. It’s not difficult to see how; untreated symptoms of ADHD, from impulsivity and emotional instability to poor planning and execution skills compromise one’s ability to find success in school, work, relationships, and other parts of life. Ongoing challenges and failures, especially when the root cause is neither identified nor treated, makes these individuals feel like failures — like they aren’t trying hard enough. Self-esteem, as a result, plummets.

Other emotions — like anger, resentment, and feelings of worthlessness — often come up as a result of experiencing challenges related to undiagnosed and/or untreated ADHD. Emotional sensitivity and reactivity are not uncommon, especially strong emotional responses to failure. These emotions cause depression and anxiety to develop. Irritability and feelings of worthlessness, after all, are symptoms of depression.

"The various psycho-educational testing Dr. Liz conducted on our son gave us critical clues about where his learning strengths and weaknesses lie so that his needs could be better addressed at home and school. Moreover, because of their warm, kindhearted personalities, both Dr. Liz and her associate, Stephanie, formed an immediate bond with my son. He eagerly looks forward to his weekly therapy sessions. We are so lucky Dr. Liz came into our family's lives when she did! For stressed-out families trying to help their children as best they can, she is a calming voice of reason!"
- Julie C.
"Dr. Matheis has a remarkable ability to understand the unique needs of her patients and address them constructively. She builds strong, meaningful relationships with patients and their families, encouraging trust and collaboration. When working with my son who struggles with autism-related anxiety, she created an environment in which he was able to calm down and open up to her in ways I had not seen before. She was able to reach him and helped him work through his crisis/problem. Most importantly, she empowered him to move forward."
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"Dr. Matheis has an amazing ability to read kids and connect with them. She has been an invaluable resource for our family over the past several years and has helped us with everything from educational consulting, to uncovering diagnoses as well as family therapy. Working with Dr. Matheis never feels clinical and most importantly, our children love and trust her. We can not thank you enough Dr. Liz!"
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"My teenage son had been seeing Dr. Matheis through his senior year of high school, as he was only diagnosed with ADHD at 16 years old.  Dr. Matheis came highly recommended from our pediatrician and she has done wonders for our son as well as our family, navigating new ways for him to deal with his diagnosis without the use of medication.  She taught him ways to organize himself and even when something did not work for him, she patiently continued teaching him new ways to keep himself on track.  She has also helped us as parents to understand how his mind works so that we did not continue to blame his lack of focus on him, rather on his unique way of thinking.  Thank you Dr. Matheis!!!!"
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"Dr. Liz is the best! Our family was directed to her by our Pediatrician to assist with figuring out severe mood changes, severe anxiety, strange new fears and food aversion that had come onto one of our children literally overnight. After just a couple of visits, she suggested that the issues may actually be rooted in a physical issue and suggested we immediately take our child to be swabbed for strep, because Dr. Liz suspected PANDAS (a pediatric autoimmune disorder brought on by strep). The same Pediatrician that suggested Dr. Liz would not do the swab (they do not believe in PANDAS and we no longer go there) but I took my child to my doctor who did the swab and it was positive for strep. When our child went on antibiotics, within 24 hours all symptoms went away and our child was back :-) Dr. Liz then recommended a PANDAS specialist who helped us and our child is in complete remission and is happy and healthy. We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Liz for her knowledge of all things, even the most remote and unusual and for helping us so much! Thank you!"
- Anonymous
"The various psycho-educational testing Dr. Liz conducted on our son gave us critical clues about where his learning strengths and weaknesses lie so that his needs could be better addressed at home and school. Moreover, because of their warm, kindhearted personalities, both Dr. Liz and her associate, Stephanie, formed an immediate bond with my son. He eagerly looks forward to his weekly therapy sessions. We are so lucky Dr. Liz came into our family's lives when she did! For stressed-out families trying to help their children as best they can, she is a calming voice of reason!"
- Anonymous
"Thank you, Dr. Liz. Although we have told you countless times, it will never feel enough. You have listened when J could barely speak and continued to listen when he was sad, angry and confused. You've challenged him and directed us in our roles as parents. You've helped J face his fears while the list evolved and changed, and yet you've stayed committed to 'the course.' We pray that your children realize that time away from them is spent helping children learn and that vulnerability is a sign of strength and bravery."
- June I
"My son was admitted to an Ivy League school when only 2 years ago, you assessed him and saw his struggles, his Dyslexia. We are grateful that he no longer has to carry that deep feeling of inadequacy or shame that must have kept him so self conscious and from reaching his potential. He has the PERFECT program for him. He has A's in high math and economics. He became a Merit Scholar, a Boys State legislature, the HEAD captain of the football team and help a job ALL while studying and managing his classes and disability. I am PROUD of you, a young doctor, who knows and sees the vulnerability of children and helps them recognize "it's NO big deal" God bless."
- Anonymous

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