Social and Emotional Wellness Article Archive

• Should Kids Be Forced To Finish Activities They've Started?It’s a familiar story: Your child begs to sign up for an activity, then weeks later refuses to go and begs you to let him quit. Our experts offer help in handling this frustrating scenario, as well as tips for preventing it in the future.
• When You’re the New Mom (or Dad) at SchoolIf you think being the new kid at school is difficult, try being the new parent. Your child may have the ability to make new friends during class, over lunch, and at recess, but for you it’s not so easy. Our experts offer specific ways to reach out and develop successful connections with other parents and your child’s teacher.
• Stepparents and School: It’s Complicated, but Not ImpossibleRemarriage brings happiness and a new start for many hopeful couples, but children from prior marriages must be given time to adjust to a new family dynamic. What role should stepparents have in a child’s school life? Not pushing for too much too soon is key, according to our experts.
• 10 Ways To Help Your Child Successfully Return to SchoolWhether parents like it or not, we are our children’s barometers. How they react to potentially stressful situations like the first day back at school depends on how we act. Teach your child that you believe in her and know she can tackle any challenges that come up during this new school year.
• Helping Kids Cope With the Death of a PetThe death of a beloved family pet can elicit varied reactions in children depending on their age and what else may be going on in their lives. Allowing children to discuss their feelings of grief and talk about the pet is something parents should encourage.
• 6 Childhood Illnesses That Are Icky, Gross, and Disgusting (but Harmless)They’re unpleasant but exceedingly common. We’re talking about head lice, ringworm, and other “icky” childhood illnesses that are more repugnant than harmful. Here’s how to handle them...and the “yuck” factor.
• 8 Back-to-School Family TraditionsCreating back-to-school memories for your children can be simple or elaborate. The tradition doesn’t matter; what does is easing them back with a special memory.
• Handwritten Thank-You Notes Offer Many Ways To LearnParents can add humor—and math and history learning—to this task, which is one that most children initially resist.
• 10 Easy Ways Families Can Exercise TogetherTelling kids to “go out and play” doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily get the exercise they need. Pursuing fitness and an active lifestyle as a family, however, shows your child how much you value exercise and fitness, as well as learning new things.
• Instill a Love of Learning in Your ChildTo encourage curiosity and a passion for learning in your child, discuss things you’re interested in, show her real-world examples, and don’t forget to take her lead.
• Kindergarten Redshirting: Is It Right for Your Child?There are pros and cons to holding back a young child for academic and social reasons, and strong opinions abound on both sides of the controversial practice.
• Help Your Child Deal With GriefAs a parent, helping your grieving child is difficult and complicated. Our experts offer answers about talking with his teacher, helping him inform his peers, and using activities to draw out his feelings.
• Divorce: How To Help Your Child at Home and at SchoolDivorce can wreak havoc on a child’s world and affect her life at school. How much information should a parent give a child’s teacher and other adults in the child’s life, and how should the child tell her friends? Our experts provide tips and guidance for parents to help their children navigate this difficult life experience.
• Supporting Children With Special-Needs SiblingsChildren who have siblings with special needs often have conflicted feelings toward the sibling and confusion about their role in the family. Here are ways to help those children express themselves and get the attention they crave.
• Help Your Child Adjust SociallyFinding the right niche can help your child feel happier at school.