by Roni Gillenson, LMFT Program Director, On Campus Counseling Program It has been said time and time again that parenting is one of the most challenging jobs. As we think about how we were raised, what we want to do the same or different in parenting and examine the role models we want to be […]
Image: Jan Fidler Kissing couple Author: Maria Horwich, LMFT Site Director at Redwood High School Adolescence is an exciting and turbulent time for many of our teens. It is at this age that many of our children start dating. Many parents I meet are surprised that teen relationships are sometimes abusive. In a nationwide survey, […]
Image: Heather Wiliams JoAnn Kukulus, ACS Outpatient Counseling Services Intern During adolescence, a great deal of communication that is initiated from teens toward their parents entails a request for permission to engage in an activity (sleepover, concert, party, use the car, etc.) or acquire a desired object (new clothes, athletic equipment, video game, etc.). Responsible […]
Images: J.K. Califf by Rom Brafman PhD. Site Director at La Entrada Middle School If you’re the romantic type you’ve probably planned a surprise date night or day-long event for your loved one. Maybe you took them to a concert or even whisked them on a romantic getaway. We take pride in putting thought into planning […]
Image: Jan Fidler By Martha Chan, LMFT Site Director at Terman Middle School We hear from many parents that, at some point, children stop talking at home; in some families, it happens at age 10, in others not till age 14 or 15. In a typical scenario, a middle school or high school student is […]
Image: Herald Post “Heidelberg Middle School Kids’ Bootcamp” Originally Published April 2010 Commentary by ACS Executive Director, Dr. Philippe Rey Build self-esteem in your children… •Kids who feel good about themselves are much less likely than other kids to turn to illegal substances to get high and/or to engage in risky behaviors. •As parents, we […]
Image: CC0 Public Domain by Jerod Gilbert, LMFT, Site Director at Jordan Middle School When we were expecting our first child, a graduate school friend of mine said, “It’s not just the birth of a child, it’s the birth of a parent.” I laughed and thought this was a bit corny. The cliché has stuck with […]
Image: Ludwig By: Monica Ippolito ACS After-School Counseling Program Intern Now that the fun of returning to school is starting to wear off here are some ways that you can help your teen be there best this year: 1. Attend School Daily: Reserve sick days for those in which your teen has a fever, nauseated, […]
Image: Cavale Doom Originally Published March 2010 Commentary by ACS Executive Director, Dr. Philippe Rey Discuss definitions of sexual behaviors, puberty, physical changes, oral sex. •Help your child to be responsible so they can make a decision. •Help them understand what their feelings about sex are. •Are they ready for sex and how do they […]
By: Pamela Garfield, LCSW ACS Site Director at Gunn High School Last year I had a great opportunity to lead a discussion of parents in the Sophomore Parent Network. Many parents in the group were worried about substance abuse and were wondering how to ask their children about drugs. ‘How do we communicate when they […]