Aug
19
2011
Don’t you wish you knew what makes your teen tick? Wouldn’t you love to be the parent who knows exactly what to say and do in any crisis situation? Can you even imagine the luxury of knowing that your children are perfectly well adjusted, happy and wanting for nothing? Let’s face it; it’s VERY DIFFICULT to be a parent, under the best of circumstances. And, certainly, during those (hopefully) rare occasions when you have no idea what to do to help your child get back on track, you have no intentions of doing nothing and watching your child struggle and fail.
Sometimes, even when things are going absolutely great, our children are exposed to situations which are beyond their control or understanding. Serious illness or death of a loved one, bullying, nightmares, and moving to a new town are all situations that can leave your once happy child feeling frightened, helpless, and alone. Additionally, kids often don’t have control over things they are asked to do, or how they’re treated by others (namely siblings, peers or teachers). This can lead to frustration, confusion and anger. These problems, if left unaddressed can evolve into chronic worrying, health issues and even depression. No matter how concerned, loving and involved you as a parent may be, there are times when you just can’t help enough. You may not be able to make the pain or fear or anxiety go away, no matter what you try or how much you care. This is the point at which you need to seek out professional help.
That’s where Life Skills Resource Group in Orlando comes in. We have two therapists who specialize in working with children and adolescents; Amy V. Smith, M.S., L.M.H.C. and Kim C. Murphy, M.S., Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern. Both have extensive experience working with children and teens in the public school setting as well as in private practice.
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Nov
26
2010
As a counselor who works with children at Life Skills Resource Group Orlando, I am aware that at the top of many children’s holiday wish list is a wish that their parents will get back together. Of course that’s not likely to happen for most children of divorce, so the holidays are a difficult time. Because the holidays are often associated with past memories of time spent with family, a holiday season after divorce presents a new world of change to a child. Traditions are disrupted and feelings of security and happiness can be turned upside down. However, there are some things parents can do to help their child experience the joy of the holiday season despite their divorce.
Communication and understanding is one of the most important things a parent can offer their child during this time. Children may have very negative feelings about the holidays after a divorce, so a parent must communicate to their child that it’s okay to have those feelings. Parents may feel guilty about their divorce, especially during the holidays, and as a result they avoid talking with their child about their negative feelings. But a parent must tell their child that it’s okay to feel the way they do and that the sadness they feel is normal. Talking with your child about their feelings and validating those feelings is the best gift you can give your child during the holidays.
Another gift you can give your child is to make every effort to get along with your ex-spouse. A child’s adjustment to a divorce is usually connected to how well the ex-spouses have adjusted. Although every family has stress during the holidays, the stress on a divorced family can be severe, so it takes extra effort to take the high road and avoid disagreements with your ex- spouse. The Orlando counselors at Life Skills Resource Group can help you and your child learn ways to cope with divorce and the stress of the holidays. Please feel free to contact me or any of the qualified counselors at Life Skills Resource Group Orlando by visiting Our Team page. Amy
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Nov
06
2010
“Will I pass my test?”
“Is there a monster under my bed?”
“If you leave, will you ever come back?”
“What if I get lost?”
“What if someone takes me?”
“Is the door locked?”
“Please don’t leave me.”
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Apr
17
2010
Amy Smith, MS, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
As an Orlando counselor I often meet with children who are experiencing stress and anxiety. Counseling Today, an American Counseling Association publication, in its March 2010 issue addressed the topic of stress and kids.
According to recent data from the American Psychological Association (APA), many parents aren’t aware of what’s keeping their kids up at night- or that they’re up at all. As part of APA’s latest Stress in America research, a study found that children age 8 to17 worry about doing well in school, getting into a good college, and their financial circumstances. Many kids also experience headaches, sleeplessness, and upset stomach as a result of their stress. But the survey revealed that these worries and side effects are largely off of parents’ radar screens. While nearly 20 percent of children reported that they worry a great deal, only 3 percent of parents rated their children’s stress level as extreme.
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