by Melissa Collier | May 3, 2020 | For Parents/Caregivers, For Educators, In the News
Screen time is difficult to monitor during a pandemic. Combining online learning, online therapy, and virtual activities with kids’ normal social media usage of Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, etc., it adds up to a lot of face to screen time. In “Should You Worry About...
by Melissa Collier | Nov 11, 2019 | For Educators, For Parents/Caregivers
Oh, if only it were a straight line between the cause and effects of childhood anxiety, life would be “easier.” Although, parenting a child who is struggling, despite the reason, is never easy. The tough thing about anxiety is that it rarely presents itself in obvious...
by Melissa Collier | Oct 29, 2019 | For Parents/Caregivers, For Educators
Nearly half of all US children have at least one of nine Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and more than 20 percent have experienced two or more. ACEs affects 34 million children in the US each year, often causing childhood trauma. The nine areas assessed are as...
by Melissa Collier | Sep 30, 2019 | For Educators, For Parents/Caregivers
As a parent, it takes a lot of courage to admit that something is not quite right. When you feel that about your child’s behavior, it is terrifying. It’s natural to become overwhelmed with emotions; • Guilt – “Did I/we do something to make him/her this way?” •...
by Melissa Collier | Aug 12, 2019 | For Parents/Caregivers, For Educators
“According to neuroscientists, emotional development is as sophisticated as cognitive development, but it needs a playground to grow and evolve in.” The idea that play for kids is an instinctual need isn’t often discussed. Play is expected when children are young but...
by Melissa Collier | Jul 9, 2019 | For Parents/Caregivers, For Educators, Inspirational
Twenty years ago when my daughter was in pre-school and kindergarten, her teachers repeatedly told us that her severe shyness was “an issue.” This pattern continued throughout her school years. No teacher, doctor or counselor ever mentioned pediatric occupational...