Help teens avoid the pitfalls of consuming alcohol By Cary and Tonja Rector The summer season is here. It’s an exciting time for teens. Prom, senior ball, graduation—there’s a lot to celebrate. And while parents are happy to see their teen enjoy the activities of high school, they also worry about drinking, especially this …Read More
Tag Archives: Parenting
Protecting your child from sexual abuse starts with information By Cary and Tonja Rector Few situations make parents feel more vulnerable than thinking about how to protect their children from sexual abuse and sexual assault. As child and family therapists, the aftermath of sexual abuse and sexual assault is something we deal with regularly. …Read More
Parents can help improve their kids’ resiliency By Cary and Tonja Rector Resilient children are likely to be happy and successful. These children handle adversity, trauma and everyday disappointments more effectively. They solve problems with empathy and thoughtfulness. Resiliency is something parents can foster in children. Robert Brooks, Ph.D., and Sam Goldstein, Ph.D., authors …Read More
Prepare your relationship to withstand the teen years By Cary and Tonja Rector Mark Twain once said, “When a boy turns 13, seal him in a barrel and feed him through a knot hole. When he turns 16, plug up the hole.” Parenting teenagers is challenging. Adolescence can strain parents’ relationship with their teen …Read More
Mental preparedness helps a parent withstand a toddler’s tantrums By Cary and Tonja Rector Any parent who has experienced grocery shopping with her toddler soon learns to appreciate the “No Candy” checkout lane. Yelling, kicking, screaming and crying are the hallmarks of the dreaded temper tantrum. Temper tantrums in young children are so common …Read More
Kids need to know their holiday manners By Cary and Tonja Rector Here’s the scene: You’re hosting family for the holidays. Parents, siblings, in-laws, aunts and uncles, everyone within a 200-mile radius is gathered in your home. The kids have endured the meal and are eagerly opening gifts. Your son rips into the package …Read More