Blog for Better Living

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

When the Question “How was your Day?” Isn’t Enough for Couples

By: Other | February 7, 2014

Written by Francine Martinez, Ph.D. “When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice, safe playpen. When they’re finished, I climb out.” ~Erma Bombeck Parenthood is one of the most challenging, rewarding, confusing and personal growth experiences someone can have. Having recently become a grandparent and having had some time between my daughter’s […]

Children, Family

Understanding Childhood Grief Responses

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | December 4, 2013

Children and adolescents grieve differently than adults. Grief occurs in many different circumstances, especially for children. In addition to losing a loved one through death, children grieve when the family has to relocate or change schools. In addition, grief occurs following a traumatic experience, the loss of a relationship, divorce, graduation, the experience of getting […]

Children, Grief

Tips on Fair Fighting This Thanksgiving

By: Other | November 26, 2013

Written by Karin Thebus, Psy.D. Most of us would say that we love our families… that is, until we spend extended periods of time with them. When family members stop playing nice and the gloves come off, many families go to what can only be described as “the dark side.” Even the most pleasant and […]

Children, Family, Relationships