Child Development Parenting & Families Skills

Connect Redirect Approach to Discipline

August 20, 2024by Samantha Reed

What is the goal of discipline? Most people associate the term "discipline" with punishment or consequences. However, it derives from the Latin word disciplina, which means to teach or to learn. Overall, the primary goal of discipline is to teach our children, not to punish them. So, how can we approach discipline with our children in a way that effectively teaches them how to build long-term skills that will lead them to make good choices? Let's discuss the connect first, redirect next approach to discipline.

Child Development Play Therapy

Process and Phases of Play Therapy

July 20, 2024by Teresa Bartch

By the time you and your child make it to our offices for Play Therapy, you have likely been struggling with emotions and behaviors, not to mention family dynamics, for a little while. You are ready for things to feel better in your family, for your child to behave and learn to manage big feelings more easily. Whatever has gotten you to this point, it will take some time, understanding, and intention to realize the cohesion and improved behaviors you desire.

Awareness & Advocacy Child Development Parenting & Families

Advocacy for Children with Disabilities

December 3, 2023by Sally Frede

Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities! Each year, on December 3rd, the United Nations and the World Health Organization come together to celebrate and discuss how far we have come in supporting and advocating for individuals with all kinds of disabilities. This topic is a conversation that needs to happen all year round.

Child Development Miscellaneous Parenting & Families

Foolproof Guide to Supporting Teachers

August 28, 2023by Jen Lanning

If you are a parent who spends much time on social media, you’ve likely seen the many posts about supporting teachers through their Amazon wish list. This is where teachers create a registry of items that they would love to have in their classrooms for the coming school year. Many family members, friends, and even strangers go to this list to make a purchase and support the teacher. It gets sent directly to their doorstep and is a very convenient way to show teachers appreciation and encouragement, which is well deserved.

Attachment Child Development Parenting & Families Trauma

Overcoming Adverse Childhood Experiences

March 16, 2023by Embark Counseling Services

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) has been well researched for over 30 years, and its impact on our children and teens is becoming more and more evident. As a mental health professional serving children and families, I have sat across from many anxious parents seeking support for their child who recently experienced a potentially traumatic event. Abuse or neglect, violence, a loved one dying by suicide, and growing up in a home with substance abuse, mental health issues, or parental separation, otherwise known as ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), come to mind.

Attachment Child Development Parenting & Families Play Therapy

The Power of Playful Parenting

January 31, 2018by Teresa Bartch

Research has shown that children who have a secure attachment with their parent, otherwise known as a good parent-child bond, continually excel in areas such social skills, self-confidence, academics, emotion management, empathy and competency. Playful parenting requires intention and skill, and it ultimately results in the development of secure attachment for your child.