Blog for Better Living

A Parent’s Guide to Managing Sibling Rivalry

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | March 18, 2016

When parents decide to have more than one child, it usually involves a fantasy about a perfect relationship between siblings. The reality is that sibling rivalry exists to some degree in virtually every family in which there is more than one child. It’s completely normal for siblings to have a natural rivalry. Siblings clash and […]

Children, Family, Parenting

8 Steps to Help Your Child Learn Problem Solving Skills

By: Other | March 4, 2016

Written by Jennifer Wendt, Ph.D. As adults we solve problems all throughout the day, from minimal to major problems. We are called upon to make decisions and find solutions to problems occurring in our homes, jobs, relationships, health, etc. The list is endless! Many problems we fix are common and we have learned a variety […]

Children, Family, Parenting, Teens

The Simple ABC & F of Behavior

By: Other | September 14, 2015

Written by Jennifer Wendt, Ph.D. The Principles of Understanding & Shaping Behavior Knowledge for Parents Especially those with Young Children Have you ever been baffled by your child’s behavior? Have you ever wondered why your child is acting a certain way or wondered why they haven’t learned to behave a different way? Sometimes we have […]

Children, Family, Parenting

Transition your Family from Summer to School

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | August 24, 2015

Whether your child is starting school for the first time, or entering his or her senior year of High School, transitioning from a summer to school schedule can be stressful. It is natural for children and parents alike to feel a myriad of emotions – ranging from excited and happy to anxious and scared. You can help calm […]

Children, Family

The Power of a Token System!

By: Other | July 29, 2015

Written by Jennifer Wendt, Ph.D. Motivation is the key to human behavior! When you feel motivated to do something it is more likely that you will do it….plain and simple. As we are raising children we hope they develop intrinsic motivation to be successful in life. Intrinsic motivation is the internal desire that motivates us to behave […]

Children

Creating A Bully-free, Safe Environment For Children

By: Other | April 10, 2015

Written by Stefanie Platt, Psy.D. When I reflect back on my childhood, I have several happy and carefree memories. However, witnessing the bully-inflicted torment of my peers has tainted some of these memories. I recall standing by in disbelief when some of my friends ruined another close friend’s 13th birthday by stomping on her celebratory […]

Bullying, Children, Relationships

Finding Perspective

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | February 17, 2015

I recently came back from a dirtbiking trip to Death Valley and the surrounding area refreshed and refocused. There are many things that I love about dirtbiking like the opportunity to explore new places and be physically challenged. However, the aspect of the sport that appeals to me the most is the ability to Find […]

Surviving the Holidays after Divorce

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | December 24, 2014

The holiday season is typically a time of great anticipation and excitement. But for those who are in the early stages of transitioning through divorce, the prospect of facing the holidays without your partner or children may cause some anxiety and sadness. It is okay to accept the difficulty of this time of year and […]

Children, Family, Relationships, Stress

Raising Emotionally Confident Children: 5 Do’s and Don’ts

By: Other | March 27, 2014

Written by Francine Martinez, Ph.D. One of the things that commonly happens when people become parents is this introspection about how they want to influence the life of their child. We can talk idealistically about the values we want to model and instill, yet we are all tested at one time or another, sometimes seeing […]

Children, Family, Relationships