By Myra Strassler, LCSW-C At one time you may have seen a momma duck crossing a field with its ducklings following behind. When they hatched from their eggs, the babies were imprinted with “this is my mom.” They follow her and learn from her. In many ways our children establish a similar link to us. …
By Susan Kurlander, M. Ed., Health Educator We all know the importance of self-esteem. Without it, we fear children will make unhealthy decisions, shy away from learning and trying new things, and never reach their maximum potential. Now more than ever, with children spending much of their day on their own, it’s essential that they learn …
By Susan Kurlander, M.Ed. At first, I didn’t understand. Going to the grocery store is considered an essential reason to be out in public. I was keeping my distance and I was wearing a mask. I was smiling (my normal expression wherever I am), but no one seemed to notice. Or maybe they did and were …
By Stacey Meadows, LCSW-C I think we can all agree that 2020 has turned out a lot differently than any of us could have imagined. It has been more than four months since COVID-19 entered our lives and while we may have settled into a “new normal,” the vast majority of us are still in …
By Beth Land Hecht, LCSW-C Senior Manager, Community Engagement This unique and challenging time of COVID 19, that we are all living through, is clearly stressful. As parents, everything in our lives has been turned upside down. We worry about how this change in our lives impacts our children. The good news is that our …
Recognizing Stress Reactions: Why is My Child Acting Differently? Read More »
I’m enjoying the laid back hazy days of summer as much as I possibly can, savoring every minute of sunshine that comes my way. But I know what is lurking out there in the humid shadows. The back to school circulars have already showed up at my doorstep and the emails touting back to school …
By Susan Kurlander, M.Ed. No matter when or where they happen, the immense tragedy of a school shooting seems to rock us to the very core. A video, produced in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, offers a powerful portrayal of something that none of us want to even think about. It’s …
By Susan Kurlander, M.Ed. Jewish Community Services It’s hard to escape the devastating effects of America’s opioid epidemic. Lives lost, families torn apart, and something you don’t hear about that often – the threat that opioids pose to children. More and more of them are overdosing due to the prevalence of these dangerous drugs in …
Young Children and Prescription Drugs: Start Talking Early Read More »
By Jacki Post Ashkin, LCSW-C So, your child is entering his senior year in high school. Top dog. Big man on campus. The finish line is in sight. Congratulations! Now hold on to your proverbial hat. This year is a rollercoaster ride of milestones, deadlines and transitions that will test your nerves and your relationship …
Senior Moments (High School, that is) for Parents Read More »
By Beth Land Hecht, LCSW-C While our Jewish community provides an abundance of ways to do a mitzvah or good deed, perhaps one of the most gratifying volunteer experiences is gained through mentoring. January is National Mentoring Month and this year Jewish Community Services is celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the Jewish Big Brother …
