School Related Issues
ADHD
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.
Grief & Loss
Kids learn by asking questions. When they ask questions about a death, it’s usually a sign that they’re curious about something they don’t understand. As an adult, a couple of the most important things you can do for children is to let them know that all questions are okay to ask, and to answer questions truthfully. Be sensitive to their age and the language they use. No child wants to hear a clinical, adult-sounding answer to their question, but they don’t want to be lied to either. Often the hardest time to be direct is right after a death. When a child asks what happened, use concrete words such as “died” or “killed” instead of vague terms like “passed away.” A young child who hears his mother say, “Dad passed away” or, “I lost my husband,” may be expecting that his father will return or simply needs to be found.
Divorce & Family Stress
One out of every two marriages today ends in divorce and many divorcing families include children. Parents who are getting a divorce are frequently worried about the effect the divorce will have on their children. During this difficult period, parents may be preoccupied with their own problems, but continue to be the most important people in their children's lives.
Homework Stress
Whether it’s a big test around the corner or an upcoming deadline for an assignment, sometimes it can be impossible to avoid homework stress. Like it or not, homework is a big part of children’s education. And when your child is overwhelmed or frustrated by homework, it can have a negative impact on his or her ability to focus and retain information. It can also lead to your child procrastinating on his or her homework (or simply not completing it), creating an ongoing cycle of stress. Ultimately, this can all end in poor in-class performance and lower grades. Because of this, learning how to manage homework stress important.
Screen & Social Media Addictions
There is certainly is no disputing that children are putting in more media time than ever. Along with televisions, smartphones, texting, and video games, many children now have personal computers, digital music players, and the Internet to fill every waking moment. And evidence suggests that even toddlers and preschoolers now joining the digital masses.
Bullying & Peer Conflict
Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior in which someone in intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort. Bullying can take the form of physical contact, words or more subtle actions. The bullied individual typically has trouble defending him or herself and does nothing to “cause” the bullying.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions. They can be very serious conditions affecting physical, psychological and social function.
Executive Functioning
Executive Function skills are self-management skills that help students (and adults) achieve goals. In order to be effective, students must be able to manage their emotions, focus attention, organize and plan their work and time, and reflect upon and revise their tactics as circumstances change. As the demands of school increase each year, having well developed Executive Function skills becomes critical in order to perform well in school.
LGBTQ Identity
Although we often associate gender development with puberty and adolescence, children begin showing interest in their gender early in life.
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.
Grief & Loss
Kids learn by asking questions. When they ask questions about a death, it’s usually a sign that they’re curious about something they don’t understand. As an adult, a couple of the most important things you can do for children is to let them know that all questions are okay to ask, and to answer questions truthfully. Be sensitive to their age and the language they use. No child wants to hear a clinical, adult-sounding answer to their question, but they don’t want to be lied to either. Often the hardest time to be direct is right after a death. When a child asks what happened, use concrete words such as “died” or “killed” instead of vague terms like “passed away.” A young child who hears his mother say, “Dad passed away” or, “I lost my husband,” may be expecting that his father will return or simply needs to be found.
Divorce & Family Stress
One out of every two marriages today ends in divorce and many divorcing families include children. Parents who are getting a divorce are frequently worried about the effect the divorce will have on their children. During this difficult period, parents may be preoccupied with their own problems, but continue to be the most important people in their children's lives.
Homework Stress
Whether it’s a big test around the corner or an upcoming deadline for an assignment, sometimes it can be impossible to avoid homework stress. Like it or not, homework is a big part of children’s education. And when your child is overwhelmed or frustrated by homework, it can have a negative impact on his or her ability to focus and retain information. It can also lead to your child procrastinating on his or her homework (or simply not completing it), creating an ongoing cycle of stress. Ultimately, this can all end in poor in-class performance and lower grades. Because of this, learning how to manage homework stress important.
Screen & Social Media Addictions
There is certainly is no disputing that children are putting in more media time than ever. Along with televisions, smartphones, texting, and video games, many children now have personal computers, digital music players, and the Internet to fill every waking moment. And evidence suggests that even toddlers and preschoolers now joining the digital masses.
Bullying & Peer Conflict
Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior in which someone in intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort. Bullying can take the form of physical contact, words or more subtle actions. The bullied individual typically has trouble defending him or herself and does nothing to “cause” the bullying.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions. They can be very serious conditions affecting physical, psychological and social function.
- NAMI Offers information on disorders and treatment descriptions
- Renfrew Center Offers professional treatment both inpatient and outpatient, day program, virtual support and information
- Walden Offers professional treatment both inpatient and outpatient, day program, virtual support and information
Executive Functioning
Executive Function skills are self-management skills that help students (and adults) achieve goals. In order to be effective, students must be able to manage their emotions, focus attention, organize and plan their work and time, and reflect upon and revise their tactics as circumstances change. As the demands of school increase each year, having well developed Executive Function skills becomes critical in order to perform well in school.
LGBTQ Identity
Although we often associate gender development with puberty and adolescence, children begin showing interest in their gender early in life.
| Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth Resources |