News Reel

With Halloween just around the corner we wanted to remind everyone of safety tips. Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). ALL DRESSED UP: Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility. Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly so they don't slide over eyes. Makeup should be tested ahead of time on a small patch of skin to make sure there are no unpleasant surprises on the big day. When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, look for and purchase those with a label [...]

Technology is used on younger and younger kids these days. But what is the long term impact? In the article below, Cris Rowan a pediatric occupational therapist, biologist, international speaker and author of “Virtual Child – The terrifying truth about what technology is doing to children”, explores the effects and what we should do to as parents. If you have a loved one struggling with managing screen time, please contact Tamara Ancona, MA, LPC at (678) 297-0708 for an evaluation, and to discuss the best treatment options available. Screen Tips for Tots is the first of a research referenced series on the impact of screen technologies on child body and brain development. Written by Cris Rowan, pediatric occupational therapist, biologist, international speaker and author of the book “Virtual Child”, Screen Tips will provide parents, educators and clinicians with [...]

With the use of technology and our connections on social media are we more connected or are we lonelier than ever? Screenagers is exploring this idea and how we can connect better with our teens: Are our teens lonelier now more than ever? Do they feel social on social media but in reality, some deeper need is not being met? There is some evidence this might be so. But it is not inevitable. There are ways to help our kids through this. Emotions give us information about our experience in the present moment. In the best case scenario, they are a buzzer that activates us to make a change. For instance, if we have a sense that we are missing the company of others—i.e. the sensation of loneliness–it is a signal to try to do something at [...]

September is Suicide Prevention Month. As part of that we want to share the article below, written by Kristen Roye, PsyD, about the warning signs of suicide and what can be done to help. One week prior to my high school graduation I found myself sitting in the waiting room of the psychiatric wing of a local hospital. My family member had attempted suicide. I remember walking through the sterile white doors into the hospital to visit her and my world was forever changed. I recall struggling with feelings of anger, confusion and hopelessness during this time and thinking that no one should ever have to go through this process alone. I desperately thought “someone should have prepared me for this” “someone should have prepared my family for this” “why didn’t anyone teach us about this?”. I was [...]

Back to school season has hit and as everyone adjusts to new activities it's time to set schedules and boundaries for kids' time. Screenagers posted an article about setting a curfew for electronics in particular. As your family is figuring out how to navigate this school year read the article below to get some new ideas to help make this school year successful. "Before I put on my clinical hat and tell you lots of things I have found interesting about sleep research these days, I want to mention what some parents I have spoken with have told me. They tell me that their kids have devices in their bedrooms and their children are getting good about not using them by a certain hour. And my response is YES! AND … although this is probably [...]