Most parents have experienced a day here or there where their child or teen says they’re not going to go to school. They might complain of not feeling well or express anxiety over a test or be upset at a fight they had with a friend. When those types of events are relatively rare, they are nothing for a parent to worry about. But when refusing to go to school becomes...
With all the bad news and divisiveness permeating our culture today, it can be a struggle to see the good in the world. The good news: We can teach our kids—and even ourselves—ways that they can contribute to making the planet a better place. There are many opportunities to lend a hand by volunteering. Helping others isn’t a purely selfless act—though it does certainly make a big difference in the lives of...
In today’s environment, when divisions of all sorts seem to be increasing in our culture, it’s more important than ever to be conscious of raising children who learn about racism and who are committed to equality for all. “We need to encourage discussions about race and racism not as taboo, but as a normal part of growing up,” says Andrew Malekoff, Executive Director at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center....
Anxiety is a normal part of life, for both kids and adults. It would be difficult to find a child who, at some point, didn’t worry about monsters in the closet, or feel apprehensive on the first day of school. In most cases, these fears are eased with reassurance, love and comfort from an adult in their lives. But for some children and teens, anxiety is a constant companion. It is...
Note: This week’s blog is an excerpt of a letter sent by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center Executive Director Andrew Malekoff to our board, supporters and staff. Just two weeks ago, a single parent walked in our Roslyn Heights office seeking mental health care for her child who was experiencing distress that included mood swings and severe behavioral problems. As our intake staff member gathered information from the parent,...
Many parents worry throughout the year about their teens’ exposure to alcohol and drugs, but the concern is magnified when talk of New Year’s Eve parties enters the conversation. While you don’t want to spoil their opportunity to ring in the New Year with their friends, the thought of them being at parties where alcohol and possibly even drugs are being used is justifiably concerning. Below are some ideas on how...
Holidays gatherings can be among the happiest times of the year. But the reality is, these family get-togethers can also bring up all sorts of conflicts. Old wounds from the past (“Mom always liked you best!”), differences on parenting styles (“You really shouldn’t let your kids listen to that music, dear”) and, especially these days, disagreements about politics (“I can’t believe you voted for fill in the blank!”) can turn...
Today’s family comes in a variety of forms, with divorce and remarriage increasingly common. Given these many combinations, making plans for the holidays can be complex. Which parent gets the kids and when? How do exes divide up the gift lists? Those are just a hint of the many issues that come up this time of year. Whether your relationship with your ex is amicable or not, your job as...
During the holiday season, it seems that spending time appreciating the beauty of the natural world takes a backseat to hitting the shopping malls and hunting for bargains online. That’s a shame, because being in the outdoors provides huge benefits in every season of the year. The healing power of nature is why North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center created our Wilderness Respite Program, which this year celebrates its 20th...
Preparing for the birth of a new baby is a joyful time. But here’s some news that is far from joyful: More than 300,000 babies in the United States are born premature each year, and the statistics indicate a wide racial disparity. In Nassau County, the infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births is 9.4 for black babies versus 2.2 reported for white non-Hispanic babies. According to the New York...