Kids come with a full spectrum of emotions, some of which are too big to keep inside. Every child handles feelings differently, but learning to deal with them is an important part of growing up. Here are some of our favorite books for helping kids manage their emotions.
by Dr. Liz Matheis, published in Psychology Today
Raising an adolescent is hard. Their moods change quickly—one minute they’re angry and raging, and the next, they’re a pile of tears in your lap. They want independence and freedom and yet they are afraid of it. They want you to tell them what to do, but they don’t want your advice. They want you to listen, but then they tell you to go away. The mixed messages are intense. I know. I have two adolescents, one of each gender.
But what happens when that teenager is a child with special needs? For many children with special needs, the developmental milestones and struggles are the same but on a different timetable. If you have a comparison point with another child—a niece or nephew—you are likely going to notice that your teen’s development is not all that different.
by Dr. Liz Matheis – Published in Psychology Today, 3/28/2021
Our teens are suffering. They have been suffering for the last year and as a parent, it is heartbreaking to watch our (bigger) babies hurt so badly. Our teens are grieving the loss of so many milestones such as graduations, dances, proms, field trips, athletic games and tournaments, school plays and theater, and the spontaneous social interactions that they crave and need.
Written by
Mean kids aren’t just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
Helping our children get through remote learning.
written by Dr. Liz Matheis/ published on Psychology Today, 3/1/2021
Never did I imagine that school would look like each of my three children sitting in front of a computer. Never did I imagine that teaching would take place via video, where the teacher is trying his or her best to re-create the classroom environment. Never did I imagine that a teacher would turn the camera to the board or share her screen as she attempted to present a lesson to students.
Virtual learning has been difficult for many of our children who need a multi-sensory learning environment in the presence of a teacher and other students. Never have I appreciated the physical school space where our children are able to enter into a building, walk through the halls, sit at a desk, and travel around the building to attend different subjects and classes.
Needless to say, it’s been a struggle for us, as parents, a struggle for our teachers, and a struggle for our children.
written by Dr. Liz Matheis, published on www.shieldhealthcare.com 1/25/21
The beginning of the new year usually brings hope, resolutions and plans. This January 2021, the new year feels different. More of the same. It’s been 10 months, almost one year of living through the COVID-19 pandemic. Our lives are the most isolated they have been given the dark, cold winter and a holiday season that was “okay” and pretty much unsatisfying.
As we continue to parent day by day with virtual learning, working from home, video meetings and chats and limited interactions with the outside world, our stress and exhaustion level is increasing.
The struggles of parenting during this time have been immense. Think about how you and your family are coping. Are you, your significant other or children:
• Over eating?
• Under eating?
• Over sleeping?
• Under sleeping?
• Struggling to fall asleep?
• Feeling lethargic?
• Over exercising?
• Feeling anxious?
• OCD-like behaviors?
As we continue to not be able to identify an end in sight, we may be finding ways to cope that aren’t necessarily helpful. Take note of how you and your family are coping and discuss if your go-to ways of managing through this time are not bringing relief.
Many of us, as parents, and our children feel out of control, anxious, and our usual outlets are not available. Mom’s nights out, going to the spa, exercising at the gym or extracurricular activities, hanging with friends and other ways to have fun and decompress are no longer available to us, or are available with significant limitations.
