Blog for Better Living

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy teaches parents, children to connect

By: Other | November 25, 2013

Written by Fabiola Figueroa, Ph.D. What am I doing wrong? If you are like many parents of young children, you have probably asked yourself this question before. It is difficult, to say the least to effectively manage children’s behavioral problems. If you have tried many times over with no success to manage your child’s behavioral […]

Children, Family

Divorce is tough on kids. Here’s what you can do to help them cope.

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | November 21, 2013

For children, divorce can be stressful, sad, and confusing. At any age, kids may feel uncertain or angry at the prospect of their parents splitting up. As a parent, you can make the process and its effects less painful for your children. Helping your kids cope with divorce means providing stability in your home and […]

Children, Family

After the Decision – Moving Forward with the Adoption Process

By: Other | November 13, 2013

Written by Francine Martinez, Ph.D. Educating yourself about adoption and talking it over with those that you care most about is a crucial part in the adoption process. We take this step in planning a biological family, and it is just as important in welcoming an adoptive child into our lives. Once you values are […]

Children, Family

Starting a Family? Is Adoption for You?

By: Other | November 7, 2013

Written by Francine Martinez, Ph.D. Nineteen years ago I became the proud adoptive mom of my now 25 year old daughter. The process leading up to the adoption began several years before any paperwork was completed. Considerations of financial stability, emotional/mental ability to manage being a single parent, support structures in my life, and honestly […]

Children, Family

Failure is not an option – it is a requirement

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | October 11, 2013

We live in a culture where photos are airbrushed and perfection reigns supreme. Our society today provides role models that are seemingly perfect. Teens in particular are vulnerable to wanting to “fit in” by emulating what they see in the media by striving perfection. This pursuit, although noble, is a detriment to young people and […]

Children, Family

Understanding Teenage Grief

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

Teens grieve differently than adults. They move in and out of strong emotions and often grieve for a longer period of time. Their behavior may range from cold and withdrawn to clingy, to appearing as though they are doing fine. They are often not able to express in words, how they are feeling or what […]

Children, Grief

Therapy Changes Parent’s Guide: Ending the Nightly Homework Struggle

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | August 21, 2013

On Thursday, August 15, Dr. Rochelle Perper was featured on the FOX5 San Diego morning segment entitled “The Mommy and Daddy Handbook” to ending the nightly homework struggle. You can see the video here. Contrary to what your kids might say, homework is important. In fact, homework is oftentimes one of the first ways kids […]

Children, Family

Trouble with Your Teen?

By: Other | June 27, 2013

Written by Rebecca Zygar Parenting can be the most rewarding experience. However, it can also be very difficult, especially through the teen years and specifically in these modern times. It is important to develop and maintain strong bonds within the family. Teens need to know that their parents can handle their issues, however complicated they […]

Children, Family

Conversations with Your Children

By: Other | June 14, 2013

Written by Fabiola Figueroa, Ph.D. Being a parent during this generation can be as rewarding as it can be challenging. As society evolves and the family unit is redefined and increases in diversity, as a parent, it is important to think about what kind of relationship you would like to have with your child, what […]

Children, Family