4 Tips to Get your Teens on the Right Track this School Year

It’s September and everyone is excited for a great school year! You might want the transition to go smoothly, however there might be some obstacles on the road. Here are some tips to help your teen get started on the right foot this year....

Helpful tips, Parenting Techniques, TeenagersMarline Francois, LCSWSeptember 10, 2017starting the school year off right, teen help, time management

Fun Summer Activities for the Whole Family

It’s summer! The kids are out of school, which means that they have lots of free time. Many parents struggle to find things to do that are both cost effective and fun. Here are some exciting ideas for you and your family to try this summer...

Family, Helpful tips, Parenting TechniquesMarline Francois, LCSWJuly 23, 2017summer, family time, family bonding, fun activities

Firsthand Tips for Juggling a Newborn and a Toddler

Becoming a mom is an incredible experience. You give life to a brand new little human, who changes your world forever and perhaps turns it upside down for a while. If you have a toddler at home, this can be an especially challenging time!

Here are some helpful tips on how to manage a toddler and a newborn's needs together...

Family, Help for Moms, Helpful tips, Parenting TechniquesBrittany Ruane, LCSWJuly 16, 2017children, parenting, baby, helpful tips

Advice for Parents Sending their Kids Off to Sleepaway Camp for the First Time

It’s the end of June, and the day that you send your child to sleepaway camp for the first time is quickly approaching. It’s completely normal for any parent to be anxious about the experience. Read our latest blog post for quick tips on how to ease this transition....

Family, Helpful tips, Parenting TechniquesEmily ZemanJune 25, 2017sleepaway camp, summer, parenting

Four Life Skills Every Emerging Young Adult Needs to Know Now

Transitions can be difficult for adolescents and parents, so the transition to adulthood is definitely no exception! It’s important for your child to feel comfortable talking to you about some of his or her stressors, anxiety, fears and worries about the transition. Autonomy can be simultaneously liberating, scary and challenging.

Here are 4 Life Skills for your emerging young adult to practice and master in order to help make the transition smoother:

Action steps, Adolescence, Family, Family relationships, Helpful tips, Parenting Techniques, Positive psychology, Self-improvementMarline Francois, LCSWJune 12, 2017young adult, family health, family, work/life balance, healthy lifestyle, Mental health

Four No-Cost Ways for Busy Moms to De-Stress

Do you ever feel like no matter how much you do during the day, it still isn't enough? Life can be stressful, especially when you have kids. Whether you are a mom to a colicky newborn, or a mom of three, it's easy to let stress build up and feel like you have little time to yourself.

Here are 4 easy ways for busy moms to de-stress - and it won't cost a thing!:

Action steps, Family, Family relationships, Helpful tips, Parenting Techniques, Positive psychology, Self-improvement, Tips for Your MindBrittany Ruane, LCSWMay 14, 2017family health, well-being, moms, self care, Mental health

4 Easy Responses for When your Child says, "I'm Bored!"

Any parent that has a child who can speak has heard the familiar phrase, "i'm bored!" The first thing a parent might think is "I wish I had time to be bored!" and an easy response could be, "go play." Then you might get a dreaded retort such as, "there's nothing to play" or "I played everything already." This scenario is frustrating for sure. What is a parent to do when faced with these words?

Read on to learn four easy responses...

Action steps, Family relationships, Helpful tips, Parenting Techniques, Positive psychology, Self-improvement, TeenagersDanna Markson, LCSWMay 7, 2017solutions, family time, family health, teens, parenting

3 Ways to Distinguish Unhealthy vs. Healthy Teen Behavior

It is sometimes difficult to distinguish normal adolescent mood shifts, reactions or rebellion from verifiable symptoms of depression, as they often mimic each other.

Read on for three quick ways to tell the difference...

Adolescence, Behavioral issues, Helpful tips, Parenting Techniques, Social isolation, Teenagers, DepressionDanna Markson, LCSWApril 17, 2017Depression, Mood disorder, teenagers, signs and symptoms, mindset, self care, mental health

How to Boost Your Daughter’s Self-Esteem

We live in a world where teens spend an enormous amount of time comparing themselves to others on social media, in magazines or fashion blogs. According to a self-esteem campaign by Dove, 7 out of 10 girls believe they are not good enough or don’t measure up. Here are a few tips to help boost your daughter’s self-esteem...

Adolescence, Family relationships, Helpful tips, Parenting Techniques, Self-improvement, TeenagersMarline Francois, LCSWMarch 27, 2017daughters, teenagers, self esteem, confidence, encouragement, affirmations, relationships, friendships

Helping Your Teen Through Depression

With the demands and expectation of getting good grades in school and maintaining a social life, teens may start to feel overwhelmed. Depression can result from untreated and chronic feelings of overwhelm, confusion and/or hopelessness. it is crucial to understand a teen’s depression and to have a set of concrete action steps. Here are 3 Tips for Helping your Teen through Depression…..

Action steps, Family, Helpful tips, Improving your Mood, Parenting Techniques, Positive psychologyMarline Francois, LCSWFebruary 26, 2017helpful tips, Help for troubled teens, Depression, Treating depression, family health

Four Ways to Create a Work/Life Balance with a Growing Family

Starting a family is an incredibly exciting time. It can also feel stressful and overwhelming due to major changes that will take place in your own life, your partner's and your relationship. Here are four easy tips to help parents who decide to return to work after having a baby....

Family relationships, Parenting TechniquesBrittany Ruane, LCSWOctober 2, 2016work/life balance, parenting, children

Friendships through Social Media: The New Reality

Kids today have increased access to relationships outside of people they encounter in their neighborhood, sports team or school. So how do we accept today’s reality regarding social media and friendships while also keeping our kids safe and ourselves sane? It’s tricky to navigate - continue reading for a few helpful suggestions...