By Marianella Alvarado-Michel B.S., ICADC, ICCDP Addiction Counselor
“73% of teenagers reported that school stress was the primary reason for drug use.  This study clearly tells us that kids in America do not know how to deal with stress and that they are self-medicating by getting involved in substances and addictive behaviors.”
Addictions in general and substance [...]

A therapist should be willing to answer any questions you may have about methods, training, and fees during a consultation. Bring a list of your child’s symptoms to discuss, and be sure to mention any medications for allergies or other illnesses. 

Here are some questions to consider asking:

What training and experience do you have in [...]

Being an overweight kid isn’t easy. In fact, it can be downright stressful. Consider the following scenario: You are a 10 year old girl, overweight, can’t run very fast as a result and you are in P.E. (Physical Education) class. The coach has picked two captains and they in turn are picking their teams for [...]

Helping Families Through Stress Free Kids and Indigo Dreams Series

Written by Andrea Coventry – Featured Arts & Entertainment Contributor Associated Content

Lori Lite is the creator of the Stress Free series for kids. I requested the books Sea Otter Cove and Bubble Riding to review on my children’s book reviewing blog. Both books teach children ways [...]

We live in an extremely competitive world, one that poses challenges and problems for not just adults, but also for children. From the moment a child is born, he or she is subject to a host of expectations, first from their parents and then from the rest of the world. As long as they are [...]

as seen in USA Today
Your daughter “knows about terrorist attacks and school shootings. She talks about it more than you are comfortable with. . . . Is she becoming the nervous type or is this simply a symptom of stress?”
Your child is having another melt down in the middle of your kitchen. You were just [...]

You have to breathe, so why not use your inhalations and exhalations to manage your ADHD symptoms? “Several studies show that rhythmic, paced breathing balances the autonomic nervous system,” says Richard Brown, M.D., associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
What does that mean to someone with attention deficit disorder? [...]

Here are some tips to help you and your children have a more enjoyable and “stress free” holiday season.

Even though the kids are on vacation and staying up late you can still put them on a bedtime schedule. Pick a reasonable time that does not cause you any stress. A whole household can become calm [...]

by Kristin Cantu on November 11, 2009
The American Psychological Association (APA) released results from a survey that reveal that parents are out of touch when it concerns their kids’ stress levels. The APA reports the greatest stress sources for kids are related to school pressure and family finances, and that parents often underestimate how stressed [...]