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Showing posts from February, 2023

Parenting Survival Guide: Strategies to Help You Cope with Stress and Prioritize Self-Care

As a psychologist and a parent, I know all too well how stressful parenting can be. There are endless demands on our time and energy, and it can often feel like there's never enough of either to go around. But it's important to remember that taking care of ourselves is just as important as taking care of our children. Here are some strategies that have helped me cope with the common stressors of parenting:   1.       Prioritize self-care: As parents, we often put our own needs last. But it's important to prioritize self-care, whether it's taking a bubble bath, going for a walk, or practicing yoga. Taking even a few minutes to focus on ourselves can help us feel more grounded and better able to handle the stresses of parenting. 2.       Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can be a powerful tool for managing stress and anxiety. There are many ways to pr...

Social-emotional learning in schools

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  As a child psychologist, I strongly believe in the importance of social-emotional learning in schools. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process by which children and adolescents acquire and apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. These competencies are essential for personal and academic success, as well as for positive social and emotional development.   There are many benefits to incorporating SEL into schools. Research shows that students who participate in SEL programs have improved social skills, emotional regulation, and academic performance. They are also less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance abuse, violence, and bullying. Furthermore, SEL has been shown to have long-term benefits, such as increased rates of high school graduation and college atten...

Understanding and Managing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children

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  Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects many children and adolescents. It is characterized by symptoms of inattention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. Children with ADHD often struggle in school, social situations, and at home, which can lead to frustration and low self-esteem. However, with proper assessment and management, children with ADHD can lead fulfilling and successful lives.   What is ADHD? ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Children with ADHD have difficulties with regulating their attention, behavior, and impulsiveness, which can impact their daily functioning. ADHD is classified into three subtypes: Predominantly Inattentive Type, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, and Combined Type. The most common subtype is the Combined Type, which involves symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. ...

Promoting Positive Self-Esteem in Children: The Importance of Encouragement and Support

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Self-esteem is a crucial aspect of a child's overall well-being and development. It refers to the belief that one has in their own worth, abilities, and strengths. Positive self-esteem is associated with higher levels of happiness, confidence, and resilience, while negative self-esteem can lead to a range of problems, such as anxiety, depression, and low academic achievement. As a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in shaping your child's self-esteem. Here are some tips on how to promote positive self-esteem in children. Encourage Them to Take on Challenges Challenges help children learn and grow, and they build resilience and self-esteem. Encourage your child to try new things and set achievable goals. Celebrate their efforts and acknowledge their successes, no matter how small they may seem. Teach them to embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and grow, and never criticize their efforts. Instead, provide constructive feedback that helps them see what they d...

Building Strong Parent-Child Relationships

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Parenting can be one of the most rewarding and challenging roles one can take on. One of the most important aspects of being a parent is building a strong and positive relationship with your child. This relationship lays the foundation for a child’s development and sets the tone for future relationships. Here are a few tips to help build a strong parent-child relationship: Spend quality time together: Spending quality time with your child shows that you value their presence and are interested in their life. Whether it’s playing a game, reading a book, or going for a walk, make sure you’re fully present and engaged in the activity. Listen actively: Active listening means giving your child your undivided attention, acknowledging their feelings, and responding in an empathetic manner. When your child feels heard, they are more likely to trust and open up to you. Show affection: Physical affection, such as hugs, pats on the back, or holding hands, helps to strengthen the bond between paren...

Safer Internet Day 2023 – Bolstering the Fight to Protect Children Online

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Safer Internet Day is celebrated annually on February 7th to raise awareness of online safety issues and promote the responsible and safe use of technology by all, particularly children. This year's theme "Together for a better internet" highlights the need for a collective effort to create a better and safer online environment for children. The internet has become an integral part of our daily lives, offering endless opportunities for education, entertainment, and communication. However, it has also brought new challenges, including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and online predators. Children are particularly vulnerable to these dangers, and it is the responsibility of parents, educators, and the broader community to ensure that they are protected while using the internet. One of the key ways to protect children online is through education. Parents and educators can teach children about online safety and the dangers of sharing personal information and...