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Every day about 160,000 children miss school because they are afraid of being bullied. Every year over 3 million children are the victims of violence and neglect. Those of you who know me are already aware that I have devoted many years of my career as a psychologist to working with children and adolescents who […]

Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten?

This is the burning question for parents who are about to send their son or daughter off to school for the first time. Naturally you want to do everything you can to make sure your youngster is prepared for what lies ahead, but since there are no formal entrance standards, it’s a guess at best. […]

10 Fun Activities to Jumpstart the Learning Process

The first day of the school year is right around the corner. For parents who will be sending a child off to kindergarten, it’s time to set the groundwork with some learning skills that are essential for his or her future development. Here are 10 things you can do to set the tone that learning […]

10 Tips to Help Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten

  Imagine what it feels like to be in a room with 15 five-year-old boys and girls you’ve never seen before. Now imagine that half of those children are screaming and trying to make a break for the front door, or that many of them are still crying because their parent left the classroom. Perhaps […]

What Should You Do If Your Child Has Been Sexually Abused?

Remember that the person who abuses a child is to blame for the abuse—not the child! The prognosis for healing after being molested is better for children who are supported and believed when they do disclose. Stay calm if your child tells you or even hints that he or she has been touched inappropriately. Your […]

How Should You Talk to Your Child About Sexual Abuse?

Educate your child about his or her body and “private parts” (body parts that are covered up with a modest bathing suit). Use the correct terminology (penis, scrotum, testicles, vagina, breasts, labia) when talking about these parts of the body. Talk about the difference between “good touch vs. bad touch” with words and phrases your […]

What Can Parents Do To Keep Children Safe?

Remember that the person who abuses a child is to blame for the abuse–not the child! Know the people who care for your children, including names, phone numbers and addresses. Be actively involved in your child’s life and carefully supervise his or her activities. Be sensitive to changes in your child’s behavior or attitude, paying […]

What are some of the Signs of Sexual Abuse?

Physical evidence of abuse is rare, but may include bladder and urinary infections, scratching and painful genitals (especially during urination), and torn, stained or bloody undergarments. While there is no single behavior that positively indicates a child has been sexually abused, sudden or extreme changes in behavior should be considered as a possible reaction to […]

Sexual Abuse: Increasing Awareness and Understanding

Clearly, most of us were completely taken back by the allegations, testimony, television reports, the firing of Joe Paterno, and everything else related to the Jerry Sandusky case.  Now that he has been convicted of 45 of the 48 charges and is incarcerated, we are probably asking ourselves “How did this happen?” or “Why didn’t […]

Family Vacations: Tips for More Fun and Less Stress

  Does traveling with kids seem nearly impossible? Are you tempted to forget the trip and stay home? If these thoughts have crossed your mind, you’re not alone. Most parents feel this way at some point in time. However, if you take some time to prepare, and include your children in the plans, your next […]