The Art of Saying “No”

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 […]

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A Surprise Day Treat for Your Teens

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 […]

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Adolescents in Middle School: Part 5

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 […]

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Allowing the Family to Grow and Adapt as the Needs and Abilities of the Family Evolve

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 […]

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10 Tips to Help Your Teen Succeed this School Year

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, […]

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Adolescents in Middle School: Part 4

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 […]

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Adolescents in Middle School: Part 3

Image: Herald Post Originally Published March 2010 Commentary by ACS Executive Director, Dr. Philippe Rey Encourage choice •Allow your child plenty of opportunity to become a confident decision-maker. An 8-year-old is capable of deciding if she wants to invite lots of friends to her birthday party or just a close pal or two. A 12-year-old can […]

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Adolescents in Middle School: Part 1

Image: Peter Ihlenfeld “Sicherheitshinweis Teenager im Haus” Originally Posted March 10, 2010 and has been updated By: Philippe Rey, Psy.D. As adolescents go through the physical changes of puberty, they also must deal with a variety of psychological changes. As a parent of an adolescent entering middle school it’s a good idea to get acquainted with a […]

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