What parents needs most 12/28/2017 Not all parenting is created equal. Studies show that families raising children with special needs bear a higher load of financial and personal costs than those with typically developing children. However, most discussions look either at how caregiving affects children or how children’s challenging behaviors impact the family. Few examine what helps parents get by. A recent survey of parents raising children with disabilities in Alberta, Canada shows how parents fare depends largely on the
Not all parenting is created equal. Studies show that families raising children with special needs bear a higher load of financial and personal costs than those with typically developing children. However, most discussions look either at how caregiving affects children or how children’s challenging behaviors impact the family. Few examine what helps parents get by. A recent survey of parents raising children with disabilities in Alberta, Canada shows how parents fare depends largely on the
If the grass were only greener: Environmental effects on children’s behavior 08/12/2017 When therapists talk about the effects of a child’s “environment” on his or her mood and behavior, which environment do they mean? Usually, they are referencing the child’s home life and relationships. But, not surprisingly, the physical surroundings in which children live also pack a psychological punch. In a recent study, researchers at the University of Southern California looked at a cohort of youths aged nine to eighteen in the greater Los Angeles area to determine the effects of
When therapists talk about the effects of a child’s “environment” on his or her mood and behavior, which environment do they mean? Usually, they are referencing the child’s home life and relationships. But, not surprisingly, the physical surroundings in which children live also pack a psychological punch. In a recent study, researchers at the University of Southern California looked at a cohort of youths aged nine to eighteen in the greater Los Angeles area to determine the effects of
It’s sensitive: Critical periods and childhood adversity 08/09/2017 How well can children recover from detrimental events? As the mental health field becomes more trauma-informed, and more aware of the damage caused by adverse early experiences, how to help and what kind of recovery is possible become crucial questions. Children’s brains grow rapidly and are the most flexible in the first three years of life, helping fuel growth and learning in numerous areas. As the brain organizes and gains efficiency, each new advance serves as a springboard for other
How well can children recover from detrimental events? As the mental health field becomes more trauma-informed, and more aware of the damage caused by adverse early experiences, how to help and what kind of recovery is possible become crucial questions. Children’s brains grow rapidly and are the most flexible in the first three years of life, helping fuel growth and learning in numerous areas. As the brain organizes and gains efficiency, each new advance serves as a springboard for other