19 September

The Back-to-School Blues: How Parents Can Cope With Separation from Their Children

Posted by Collaborative Counseling

The first day of school is a joyous occasion for many children, but it can be a bittersweet time for parents. After all, it means saying goodbye to their little ones for several hours each day. For some parents, the separation can be difficult to cope with. They may feel sad, lonely, or even anxious.

If you’re a parent who is struggling with separation anxiety, there are a few things you can do to cope. First, it’s important to remember that these feelings are normal. Everyone feels a little bit sad when their child goes back to school. The important thing is to not let these feelings overwhelm you.

Here are a few tips for coping with separation anxiety:

Acknowledge your feelings. It’s okay to feel sad or anxious about your child’s return to school. These are normal emotions. Don’t try to bottle them up or pretend that you’re not feeling anything.
Talk to your child about your feelings. Let your child know that you’re going to miss them, but that you’re also excited for them to start school. Talk about what they’re looking forward to about the new school year.
Make a special goodbye routine. This could involve giving them a hug, reading them a story, or making them breakfast.
Make a plan for staying connected. Set up a regular time each day or week to talk to your child on the phone or video chat. You can also send them texts, emails or letters.
Reach out to other parents who are also feeling separation anxiety. Talking to someone who understands what you’re going through can be helpful.
Get involved in your child’s school. Volunteering at your child’s school is a great way to stay connected and support their education. You can also attend parent-teacher conferences and school events.
Take some time for yourself each day. This could involve reading, going for a walk or spending time with friends.

If you’re still struggling to cope with separation anxiety, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you understand your feelings and develop coping mechanisms.

Remember, you’re not alone in this. Many parents go through the same thing when their child starts school. With a little time and effort, you’ll be able to cope with separation anxiety and enjoy this new chapter in your child’s life.

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11 September

Remembering 9/11: The Courage, Strength, and Resilience of the Human Spirit

Posted by Collaborative Counseling

Twenty-two years ago today, the world changed forever. On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four airplanes and carried out a series of coordinated attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people and injured thousands more.

The attacks were a horrific act of violence, but they also brought out the best in humanity. In the days and weeks that followed, people from all over the world came together to show their support for the victims and their families.

We saw acts of courage and compassion from firefighters, police officers, and ordinary citizens. We saw people donate blood, volunteer their time, and open their hearts to those in need.

The courage, strength, and resilience of the human spirit was on full display in the aftermath of 9/11. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

Here are some specific examples of the courage, strength, and resilience of the people in the aftermath of 9/11:

Firefighters and police officers risked their lives to save others.
Ordinary citizens volunteered their time and money to help the victims and their families.
People from all over the world donated blood and other supplies.
Businesses and organizations offered free or discounted services to help those in need.
Children wrote letters of support to the victims and their families.
Survivors of the attacks found the strength to rebuild their lives.

The attacks of 9/11 were a terrible tragedy, but they also showed us the best of humanity. We saw people come together to help each other in a time of need. We saw the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

How Can We Celebrate the Courage, Strength, and Resilience of the People?

Honor the past. Learn about the history of your community or country and the challenges that people have faced. This can help you to appreciate the courage and strength of those who came before you.
Recognize the present. Be aware of the challenges that people are facing today, both locally and globally. This could include things like poverty, war, or natural disasters. Find ways to support those who are struggling.
Celebrate the good. There are many stories of courage, strength, and resilience happening all around us. Take the time to read about or watch these stories to be inspired.
Get involved. There are many ways to get involved in your community and make a difference. You could volunteer your time, donate to a cause, or start your own project.
Be kind. One of the simplest ways to celebrate the courage, strength, and resilience of others is to be kind to them. This could mean something as small as holding the door open for someone or as big as donating blood or volunteering at a soup kitchen.

We can also celebrate the courage, strength, and resilience of the people by living our lives to the fullest. Let us never take our freedom for granted and let us always be willing to help others in need.

Conclusion

September 11, 2001 was a dark day in our history, but it also showed us the best of humanity. The courage, strength, and resilience of the people in the aftermath of the attacks is an inspiration to us all.

Let us never forget the victims and their families, and let us always strive to live our lives to the fullest. We can honor the memory of those who lost their lives on 9/11 by being courageous, strong, and resilient in the face of adversity.

Here are some resources for those who are struggling with grief or trauma:

National Center for PTSD: This website provides information and resources on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including coping strategies, treatment options, and support groups. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/.
American Psychological Association: This website provides information on grief and loss, trauma, and coping strategies, as well as a directory of psychologists who specialize in these areas. https://www.apa.org/topics/grief/.
The Dougy Center: The Dougy Center is a national organization that provides grief support to children, teens, and their families. You can find their website here: https://www.dougy.org/.
The Compassionate Friends: This organization provides support to bereaved parents and families. https://www.compassionatefriends.org/.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: This website provides information and resources on childhood traumatic stress, including treatment options and support groups. https://www.nctsn.org/.

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05 September

Separation Anxiety and School

Posted by Collaborative Counseling

Mother and Child Walking Counting Their Blessings

What is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a normal fear that children have about leaving their parents and/or caregivers. Typically, it peaks in toddlers around 14-18 months. It can continue into early childhood, especially in new or unfamiliar environments.

Tips to Ease Separation Anxiety at School

Starting school can be exciting and scary for kids at the same time. They’re ready to assert their independence and be a “big kid” while still valuing their parents attention and companionship. There are a few things you can do to help your child make the transition into being a student.

Spend time with your child at their school and/or classroom before their first day. If you can, spend time with your child’s teacher so that they are familiar with them and their new environment on the first day.
Have your child bring a comfort item, such as a blanket, stuffed animal or anything else that helps them feel safe. Over time, you can work on phasing the item out of their routine.
Keep your goodbye brief, dragging it out can make leaving worse.
Let your child know that you’re leaving and when you will be back and avoid “sneaking out”.
Keep a relaxed, happy look on your face. A worried or sad expression can signal to the child that the place you are leaving them is not safe and could cause them to become upset too.

Working on Separation Anxiety at Home

If your child is experiencing separation anxiety, there are some things you can do at home to help. Reading a book or telling a story about separation can be helpful for children to not feel alone in their fear. Work on building your child’s self-esteem with praise and positive attention. Although separation anxiety can be stressful, try to avoid being negative about your child’s issues with separation. This can create guilt and shame around the child’s feelings of fear.

Remember that this is a common experience for many children. With patience and encouragement, you can help your child work through their fears and become happy, confident school-goers.

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04 September

Labor Day: A Celebration of Hard Work

Posted by Collaborative Counseling

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is celebrated on the first Monday of September. It is a day to commemorate the contributions of workers to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the country. Labor Day, A Celebration of Hard Work.

Today, Labor Day is a day for people to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor. It is also a day to reflect on the progress that we have made as a nation, and to recommit ourselves to the fight for a better future for all workers.

The Importance of Hard Work

Hard work is essential to the success of any society. It is through hard work that we create the goods and services that we need to live and thrive. It is also through hard work that we build strong communities and a better future for ourselves and our children.

Hard work is not always easy. It can be physically and mentally demanding. It can also be frustrating and discouraging. But when we persevere through hard times and continue to work hard, we are rewarded with a sense of accomplishment, pride, and satisfaction.

We should all be proud of the hard work that we do. Whether we are working in a traditional job, running our own business, or raising a family, we are all making a contribution to society. We should never take our hard work for granted.

Celebrating the Hard Work That You Do

This Labor Day, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the hard work that you do. Be grateful for the opportunities that you have. Be proud of your accomplishments and the contributions that you make to your community. And remember that you are not alone. There are millions of people who work hard every day, just like you.

And don’t forget to celebrate the hard work of others. Thank the people who make your life possible, from the farmers who grow our food to the teachers who educate our children.

Thank you for your hard work and have a happy and safe Labor Day!

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01 September

10 Tips for Smoother Mornings

Posted by Collaborative Counseling

10 Tips for Smoother Mornings

Not all of us are morning and getting yourself and your kids ready and out the door can be down right stressful. Here are a few helpful tips to make mornings go smoothly.

1. Pack lunches the night before

Instead of rushing around in the morning to pack lunches for yourself and your kids do it the night before. You can even include your kids in this and have them help pack their own lunch.

2. Gets backpacks and outfits laid out

Having everything packed the night before eliminates the morning stress have rushing around to find library books that are due or show and tell items that are needed for that day.

3. Create a visual schedule for the morning routine

Visual reminders will help kids remember what is included in their morning routine. It will also help to keep them on task.

4. No screen time until everyone is completely ready

Not having screen time until everyone is ready can help with motivating everyone to stick to the routine so that

5. Give everyone a responsibility

Give everyone a job to help get ready in the morning. Whether it is putting out the dishes for breakfast, helping put away today, or helping a younger sibling get ready. Everyone will play a part in getting ready.

6. Be consistent

Being consistent will help your morning routine become habit for your family.

7. Make sure everyone gets enough sleep

Both you and your kids need sleep. Mornings will go better when everyone wakes up feeling well rested.

8. Don’t leave breakfast until last

Everyone has a hard time concentrating and getting things done when they are hungry. Have breakfast earlier in the morning to avoid cranky kids and cranky adults.

9. Remember to check the calendar

Set notifications if there is something special going on that day. No one wants to forget a fun dress up day for the kids or forget to get a treat ready for the class.

10. Stay calm

The more you can organize the easier it will be to get things ready in the morning without getting frustrated or flustered.

How your morning goes can really set the tone for your entire day. Use these tips to help form a morning routine and have less stressful mornings.

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28 August

How to help your child get back into a school routine

Posted by Collaborative Counseling

The back-to-school season can be a challenging time for both kids and parents. After a long summer of freedom, it can be tough to get back into the swing of things. But with a little planning and preparation, you can help your child get back into a school routine with ease.

Here are some tips:

Start establishing a routine a few weeks before school starts. This will give your child time to adjust to the new schedule and make it less of a shock when the first day of school arrives. Start by gradually shifting bedtimes and wake-up times earlier. You can also start incorporating some school-like activities into your child’s day, such as reading, writing, and doing math problems.
Create a visual schedule. A visual schedule can be a helpful tool for children who are visual learners. It can help them see what activities they need to do each day and in what order. You can create a simple schedule on a piece of paper or use a more elaborate planner.
Be consistent. Once you’ve established a routine, it’s important to be consistent with it. This means sticking to the same bedtimes, wake-up times, and activities each day. If you’re inconsistent, your child will be more likely to get confused and frustrated.
Be patient. It may take some time for your child to adjust to a new routine. Be patient with them and don’t get discouraged if they have setbacks. Just keep providing them with support and encouragement, and they’ll eventually get the hang of it.
Make it fun. Try to make the school routine as fun and enjoyable as possible for your child. This could mean incorporating some of their favorite activities into the schedule, such as listening to music, playing games, or reading books.
Celebrate successes. When your child does a good job of following the routine, be sure to celebrate their successes. This will help them stay motivated and on track.

Here are some additional tips for helping your child get back into a school routine:

Talk to your child about their fears and concerns. Many children are apprehensive about the start of a new school year. They may be worried about making new friends, doing well in their classes, or being bullied. Talk to your child about their fears and concerns and help them develop strategies for coping with them.
Help your child get organized. Make sure your child has a place for everything they need for school, such as their backpack, books, and school supplies. You can also help them create a homework space that is quiet and free from distractions.
Encourage your child to get involved in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities can help your child make new friends, learn new skills, and stay active. They can also provide a welcome break from the stress of school.
Make sure your child is getting enough sleep. Getting enough sleep is essential for children’s physical and mental health. It also helps them stay alert and focused in school.
Eat healthy meals and snacks. Eating healthy foods gives children the energy they need to learn and grow. It also helps them stay focused and alert in school.
Limit screen time. Too much screen time can interfere with sleep, school performance, and overall health. Limit your child’s screen time to two hours or less per day.

Following these tips can help your child get back into a school routine with ease. With a little planning and preparation, you can help them have a successful and enjoyable school year.

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24 August

10 ways to honor a loved one that has passed away

Posted by Collaborative Counseling

Grief and Loss

Grief is a natural human emotion that occurs when someone we love dies. It is a complex process that can involve a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, and loneliness. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and everyone experiences it differently.

Some people find it helpful to talk about their grief with friends and family, while others prefer to grieve in private. There are also many support groups available for people who are grieving.

It is important to allow yourself to feel your emotions and to take care of yourself during this time. Get enough rest, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. It may also be helpful to talk to a therapist or counselor.

Here are 10 ways to honor a loved one that has passed away:

Create a memorial. A memorial can be a physical object, such as a bench or tree, or it can be something more abstract, such as a song or poem. The memorial should be something that reminds you of your loved one and their life.
Donate to a charity in their name. This is a great way to honor your loved one’s memory and help others at the same time. Choose a charity that was important to your loved one, or one that supports a cause they were passionate about.
Volunteer your time. Volunteering is another way to give back to the community and honor your loved one’s memory. Find a cause that was important to them and get involved.
Plant a tree. Trees are a symbol of life, and planting one in your loved one’s name is a beautiful way to honor their memory. Choose a tree that is native to your area and that will thrive in your climate.
Write a letter. Sometimes the best way to honor a loved one is to simply write them a letter. Tell them how much you loved them and how much they meant to you. You can also share your memories of them and how they’ve impacted your life.
Create a scrapbook. A scrapbook is a great way to preserve memories of your loved one. Collect photos, letters, and other mementos, and arrange them in a creative way. You can also add captions and write about your memories of your loved one.
Share their story. Tell others about your loved one and their life. Share stories about their childhood, their accomplishments, and their unique personality. This is a great way to keep their memory alive and to help others learn about them.
Live your life to the fullest. One of the best ways to honor a loved one is to live your life to the fullest. Do the things that they loved to do and that made them happy. This is a way of keeping their spirit alive and of showing them how much they meant to you.
Never forget them. The most important way to honor a loved one is to never forget them. Keep their memory alive in your heart and in your mind. Talk about them often and share stories about them with others.
Be kind to others. Another way to honor a loved one is to be kind to others. This is something that your loved one would have wanted you to do, and it’s a way of spreading their love and compassion to the world.

Resources to Help

If you are struggling with grief, there are many resources available to help you. Here are a few:

The National Center for Grieving Children and Families: This organization provides support and resources to children, teens, and adults who are grieving.
The Dougy Center: This organization provides support and resources to families who have lost a child.
The Compassionate Friends: This organization provides support and resources to families who have lost a loved one.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: This organization provides support and resources to families who have lost a loved one to suicide.

Losing a loved one is never easy, but there are many ways to honor their memory and keep their spirit alive.

Remember, you are not alone. There are many people who understand what you are going through and who want to help.

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21 July

How to Communicate with Your Child Who Suffers from Depression and Anxiety

Posted by Collaborative Counseling

Communicating with Child Anxiety and Depression

Depression and anxiety are common mental health problems that can affect children and adolescents. If your child is struggling with these conditions, it is important to communicate with them in a way that is supportive and understanding.

Here are some tips for communicating with your child who suffers from depression and anxiety:

First, Be patient and understanding. It is important to remember that your child is not choosing to feel this way. Depression and anxiety are real medical conditions that can be very difficult to deal with. Be patient with your child and try to understand what they are going through.
Second, Create a safe space for communication. Let your child know that they can talk to you about anything, without judgment. Make sure they feel comfortable coming to you with their thoughts and feelings.
Third, Avoid blaming or shaming. It is important to avoid blaming or shaming your child for their depression or anxiety. These conditions are not caused by anything your child has done wrong.
Last, Encourage your child to seek professional help. If your child is struggling with depression or anxiety, it is important to encourage them to seek professional help. A therapist can help your child develop coping mechanisms and strategies for managing their symptoms.

In addition to these general tips, there are a few specific things you can do to communicate with your child about their depression or anxiety:

Ask open-ended questions. When you are talking to your child about their depression or anxiety, try to ask open-ended questions. This will help you get a better understanding of how they are feeling and what they are going through.
Listen actively. When your child is talking to you, it is important to listen actively. This means paying attention to what they are saying, without interrupting or judging them.
Validate their feelings. Let your child know that their feelings are valid. This doesn’t mean that you have to agree with everything they say, but it does mean that you respect their right to feel the way they do.
Offer support. Let your child know that you are there for them and that you will support them through whatever they are going through.

Communicating with your child about their depression or anxiety can be challenging, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you and your child cope with these conditions. With time and support, your child can overcome depression and anxiety and live a healthy and happy life.

Here are some additional resources that may be helpful:

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is a national organization that provides support and resources to people with mental illness and their families. You can find more information on their website at www.nami.org.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): ADAA is a national organization that provides information and resources on anxiety and depression. You can find more information on their website at www.adaa.org.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN): NCTSN is a national network of organizations that provide support and resources to children who have experienced trauma. You can find more information on their website at www.nctsn.org.

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18 July

Signs of Postpartum Depression

Posted by Collaborative Counseling

Woman suffering from Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common but serious mood disorder that can affect women after childbirth. It is estimated that 1 in 7 women will experience PPD, and it can occur up to one year after giving birth.

PPD is not the same as the “baby blues,” which are mild mood swings and emotional ups and downs that many women experience in the first few days or weeks after giving birth. The “baby blues” usually go away on their own within a few weeks.

PPD, on the other hand, is a more serious condition that can cause significant distress and interfere with a woman’s ability to care for herself and her baby.

Symptoms of PPD can include:

Depressed mood: Feeling sad, hopeless, or empty
Changes in appetite: Loss of appetite or overeating
Changes in sleep patterns: Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of interest in activities: No longer enjoying things you used to do
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness: Feeling like you’re a bad mother or that you can’t do anything right
Irritability or anger: Feeling easily frustrated or angry
Trouble concentrating: Having trouble paying attention or making decisions
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby: Having thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby is a serious sign of PPD and requires immediate medical attention

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of PPD, it is important to seek help from your doctor or a mental health professional. PPD is a treatable condition, and with the right help, you can recover and start enjoying your new role as a mother.

Here are some tips for getting help for PPD:

Talk to your doctor: Your doctor can screen you for PPD and recommend treatment options.
Talk to your partner: Your partner can be a great source of support during this time. They can help you with childcare, household chores, and emotional support.
Join a support group: There are many support groups available for women with PPD. These groups can provide you with a safe place to talk about your experiences and connect with other women who understand what you’re going through.
Get professional help: If your symptoms are severe, you may need to seek professional help from a therapist or psychiatrist. They can help you develop coping mechanisms and strategies for managing your symptoms.

Remember, you are not alone. PPD is a common and treatable condition. With the right help, you can recover and start enjoying your new role as a mother.

Here are some additional resources that may be helpful:

The National Institute of Mental Health: The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has a website with information about PPD and other mental health conditions.
The Postpartum Support International: The Postpartum Support International (PSI) is a non-profit organization that provides support and resources to women with PPD.
The Crisis Text Line: The Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 text line for people in crisis. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

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04 July

Independence Day: Celebrating Your Independence

Posted by Collaborative Counseling

Independence Day is a time to celebrate the freedom and independence that we enjoy as Americans. It is also a time to reflect on our own personal independence and how we can continue to grow and thrive as individuals.

There are many ways to celebrate Independence Day. Some people like to spend time with family and friends, cook out, and watch fireworks. Others like to attend parades or concerts. There are also many opportunities to volunteer or give back to the community on Independence Day.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, it is important to take some time to reflect on your own independence. What does it mean to you to be independent? What are some of the things that you have done to achieve your independence? What are some of the things that you still want to achieve?

Here are a few tips for celebrating your own independence on Independence Day:

Set some goals for yourself. What do you want to achieve in your life? What are some of the things that you want to be independent of? Once you have some goals, you can start to make a plan for how to achieve them.
Take some risks. Independence is often about stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying new things. If you want to be more independent, you need to be willing to take some risks.
Be proud of your accomplishments. When you achieve a goal, take some time to celebrate your accomplishment. This will help you to stay motivated and to continue to strive for your independence.

By setting goals, taking risks, and celebrating our accomplishments, we can all achieve a greater degree of independence.

Here are some additional thoughts on celebrating your own independence:

First, Be grateful for what you have. It is easy to focus on the things that we don’t have when we are striving for independence. However, it is important to remember to be grateful for the things that we do have. This will help us to stay positive and motivated.
Second, Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Independence doesn’t mean that you have to do everything on your own. There will be times when you need help from others. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
In conclusion, Enjoy the journey. Independence is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs along the way. Therefore, if you enjoy the journey, you will be more likely to achieve your goals.

Remember, independence is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the ride!

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