Eight things to know about Child Development

From Harvard’s Center for the Developing Child- 

1. Even infants/young children are significantly affected by stress. 

2. Life outcomes are not solely affected by genes. 

3. Children also benefit from significant attachments to others besides the parent. 

4. Brain development continues past age three on into early adulthood. 

5. Severe neglect is as much a threat to development as physical abuse. 

6. Children exposed to violence/adversity do not invariably develop stress disorders or become violent. 

7. Removing a child from a dangerous environment will not automatically reverse the negative impact. 

8. Resilience requires relationships, not rugged individualism.  https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/8-things-remember-child-development/  

I am constantly reminded how important connection, socialization and relationships are to development of the self and ongoing positive quality of life.

One for all, and all for one! Family Systems Theory

When one person in a family needs treatment, they should not be considered the only person in need of help. Family Systems Theory helps everyone to recognize the need for change for all, not just one. https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/family-systems-therapy

Positive Psychology

From UPenn- Positive Psychology is the study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. It is founded on the belief that individuals want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experience of love, work, and play. https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu   What can a parent do when their teen has lost their strength and drive to strive for all that they can offer and what is good in themselves? If it has reached a critical point, where all local interventions have not succeeded, it may be the moment to consider residential wrap-around treatment so that the teen or young adult can find their best selves again. 

Addiction and Families

“Without help, there will be no peace, no resolution.” “We think we are protecting them by not talking, but the cure for dysfunction and disease is transparency and truth.” “We know that once communication and honesty are present, healing can occur.” This from an article (Families and the Addiction Spiral, by Betsy Spier, LMFT) in the California Marriage and Family Therapist magazine. http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/94dbf42f#/94dbf42f/22  The article examines three models for family therapy in treating addiction.

Addiction creeps in slowly and teenagers are especially vulnerable. Getting help will make the difference. 

College Students and the Pandemic

In 2019, Anthony Rostain, MD, Chief and Chair of the Dept. of Psychiatry at Cooper University Health Care, penned a book, “The Stressed Years of Their Lives: Helping Your Kid Survive and Thrive During Their College Years.”  With the pandemic, has come increased mental health difficulties for college students. In a recent article for the Penn Gazette, he encourages students to take a break from the screen and to create a normal sleep-wake cycle. For those college students at home, he advises parent that they “have to acknowledge that this is not something you can make go away for your kid” and that parents have to toe a fine line between rigid rules preventing young people from socializing and an overly cheery outlook trying to assure them that things will get better. He states, “A lot of COVID college kids are kind of feeling like they’re going through something that’s not only making life harder but that’s screwing up their future.”  There is cause for concern, as research from the CDC for June 2020, found that one in four people aged 18 to 24 seriously contemplated suicide. Colleges are taking action and stepping up. They are creating Wellness Centers and student led interventions. It is important for parents to understand the mental health services available at college.  Here is an article about what one college did to take action.  https://thepenngazette.com/wellness-warriors/

Warm Connection Lessens Conflict with Teens

The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley published an article showing that daily warm emotional experiences can influence coping skills and behavior for teens. No matter what is happening during the day, it is important to offer kindness and positive regard.

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/when_do_teens_feel_loved_by_their_parents

Social/Emotional and School

 Creating Emotional Connection with teachers and peers is just as important as the academic program. Creating connection is more difficult with online classes, but some schools are building it into their curriculum. Check to see if your school is offering support for student’s overall well-being online. This article is informative https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2020/07/31/covid-online-school-kids-mental-health-teachers/5529846002/