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I recently became aware of an organization created for those that have found out that their spouse is homosexual. If this is you then I imagine you are dealing with some difficult emotions. Some couples make the decision to stay together while others separate. Please watch the video here to see how others have reacted when their spouse came out of the closet. If this is your journey and you want some extra support please check out the Straight Spouse Network.
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5/9/2015 1 Comment Mothers' day - Mixed FeelingsIt is mother's day tomorrow. To all the mothers out there: Thank you. Yet, I am reminded that this holiday can be sad for some people. Those without a mother and those who want to be mothers and are unable to. If your mother has passed away or is not present in your life. I hope that good memories or being loved by someone else heals your heart. If you desire a child and are unable to conceive. You are not alone and I hope one day you are able to be at peace with whatever decision you make.
If mother's day brings mixed feelings for you, please check these books. The emotionally Absent Mother (a guide for self healing and finding the love you missed)- this book is free if you have kindle unlimited. The mother within: A guide to accepting your childless journey Take care.... Sabrina 3/5/2015 High Stake Assessments & AnxietyThe Florida Standards Assessment is approaching and anxiety about the test is rampant. You cannot go online without seeing something about PARCC, FSA or other standardized tests.
This week I have read two articles on how people are dealing with their worries regarding the test. One blogger is choosing to opt out their child from the test by instructing the child to sign in and sign out without completing the exam. This is the only lawful way to opt out in Florida since the state regulations are clear that children need to participate in the exam. Another view was published by a Today show contributor. This lady encourages her children to take the test and to see it as an everyday kind of event and an opportunity to show how much they know. Both opposing views are valid. I admire the blogger position in stating that she knows what is best for her child. In addition, I especially like how one mom encourages her kids by saying "anxiety and tests" are part of life, make the best of it. Research does indicate that if we face our anxieties we do better. If we retreat and allow our fears to paralyze us we are in a prison of our own making. Here are the two articles: Blogger opting out of State Standards Today show contributor 10/11/2014 1 Comment Marriage and childrenI had the privilege of being a guest blogger at Jacksonville Moms Blog. I wrote about the possible effects that kids have on marriage. Please check my Facebook page to read it https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sabrina-Bowen-LMFT/513392562139988?ref=hl
8/14/2014 Back to school ready! School is starting!! Would you like to make the school year easier? Here are a few suggestions: Kids backpack checklist- JDaniels4mom has a great checklist that helps your child take charge of their own backpack organization. This is great to teach organization skills and responsibility. Organizer of art work- HGTV created these easy clip art rails so that you can post your kids artwork or papers. In my own preparation for back to school, I have created 4 things that I think will be helpful. 1- I created a label which I will put in my kids shirts for the first week of school. On the label I have their bus number in case they forget. If you have kids with allergies you could write their allergies on the label as well. I think you could write any information that you think is important for the first school day. 2- I created a color coded schedule so that my kids know what they are doing everyday. 3- I went crazy with magnet tape strips and attached anything that created a stressful mess for me last year. Stressful mess for me= anything that gets lost easily which causes frustration when I need it. Note that I have a clip for things that need to be signed and returned. I apologize for the quality of these pictures so you probably cannot read the clip well. The clip says "stuff mom or dad have to sign, do or make". I downloaded it from here  4- I created a bag for each after school activity. This helps my child and myself be more organized. We are often in a hurry so we will keep all the stuff we need in each bag so that we can just grab the bag and go. To make the bags I went to a craft store, bought appropriate bags, iron ons, & decorations.  I hope this gives you some ideas on getting ready for the school year.
Kind regards. 8/9/2014 ADHDThe school year is about to start and some parents are worried about their child's lack of attention, impulsivity and/or level of activity during the school year. They ask me things like: "should I get him/her tested?", "should we medicate?"
It is difficult to differentiate between an active child who is able to pay attention when the subject is of interest versus a child who is hyperactive and unable to pay attention even when she/he wants. I suggest parents first try to implement behavioral modification changes to see if the issue can be resolved. A good program that helps parents is "Behavioral parent training". Even if your child does not have ADHD the simple fact that you are worried he/she may have means that you could benefit from a change in how you are parenting. If the behavior continues then it is time to get a thorough diagnosis. If the diagnosis is that the child has ADHD, then medication may be used by parents. The decision to medicate a child who has an ADHD diagnoses is a difficult one. In order to make the best decision for your child I suggest parents consider the following steps. 1- verify that your child has been diagnosed appropriately 2- get a full physical of your child including levels that are related to attention/focus (e.g. iron, zinc, magnesium, B vitamins, etc). Some studies say that Omega 3 fatty acids help ADHD symptoms so you might try using those for a while. 3- see if symptoms are worse when your child has not had enough sleep or is hungry. If you notice a difference,then address those first. For instance, create sleep and eating schedules and stick to them. 4- consider the possible negatives of medication (e.g. decreased appetite, decreased weight, unknown side effects, financial, etc) versus the positive (e.g. higher attention, higher grades, less anger, less fights, etc). 5- make a list of questions to ask your pediatrician and any other mental health professional (psychologist, clinical social worker, licensed mental health counselor or licensed marriage and family therapist). Parents often feel overwhelmed by a diagnosis so having a list is the easiest way to not receive too much or too little information. It is important to know that just because a child is taking ADHD medication it does not mean that the parents should not be continuing with behavior modification programs. About two thirds of ADHD kids will continue to have symptoms throughout their lives so learning how to manage their symptoms is extremely important. This is the area where mental health professionals can help. Also about 50% of parents who have an ADHD child fit the criteria for depression. Parents need to make sure they take care of themselves, in order to minimize and treat any depression that they may have. 4/18/2012 ParentingMost parents know their kids. Parents know what makes their children smile or cry. For instance, loving parents are able to pick up the type of crying their babies make, and differentiate between an emergency cry versus attention cry.
At times parents don't know what is appropriate for their kids developmental stage or age. For instance, they may think "Should 3- year- olds be having tantrums?" Sometimes parents do know what is age appropriate but they don't know what to do with the information. Parents may think "If this is appropriate behavior for my child's age then how do I stay sane while my child is having a temper tantrum?" or "How should I act, so that my child does not think tantrums are okay? " Or better yet, "How do I make the tantrums stop?" First, it is important that parents learn what is appropriate behavior for their children ages. Secondly, a plan of action to deal with the problem behavior is needed. For some time- outs or bedroom time will work wonderfully. For others, ignoring the behavior may be a better technique. It is important to have an action plan, and to be consistent. I encourage parents to also take care of themselves. This means that some parents may need to have a time out of their own, so that they can "talk to themselves" and find the calm they need. Also, it is important to discuss parenting issues with trusted friends or a therapist so that parents can receive support and ideas that improve each person's ability to parent well. Parenting is too hard, to be done alone. |
Sabrina Bowen, LMFT
Free tips on marriage & parenting Archives
September 2015
CategoriesAll 3 Year Olds ADHD Anxiety Children Crying Free Book Healing Infertility Kindle Mother Organization Parents Pareting School State Standards Tantrums Time-outs |
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