Episode 5: Stories from Behind Closed Doors

In this discussion, Jenn and Beth explore the problems with disciplining children. Since many parents report feeling stressed and pressured because of increasing demands at work (or in finding work), families are spending less time together. This leaves little time for bonding. Because of the stress, children test the family boundaries more and parents have less time to set them. Our suggestion, pick your battles! In this podcast, we discuss specific strategies for helping parents and children to stop the argument cycle. We help parents to prioritize rules and suggest simple strategies for gaining control over the family dynamic. It's true, you can reclaim your family giggle time! Enjoy and please join us on our blog to offer comments or ask questions. http://411child.blogspot.com/ See you soon! ACTB LLC

In this episode, Beth and Jennifer review holiday toys. Suggestions are made for gifts for children and teens. Many families are struggling this year to pay bills, so many suggestions include low cost to no cost items. Because we have so many electronic gadgets, many of us do not know much about the non-electronic options. Many of these are reviewed. Some good sites to use in your search include: http://www.scientificsonline.com Edmund Scienfitic http://store.discovery.com Discovery Store Shop as well as amazon and the bigger "box" stores who often offer free shipping and discounts. Please join us for a laugh and suggestions for those "difficult-to-shop-for" children. If you would like to make a suggestion for future podcasts, please drop us a line at: 411Child@gmail.com

Jenn and Beth share stories of their early years as teachers. As young teachers (many moons ago), these two experts struggled to find their way as child professionals. Join them on their journey back through some of their funniest encounters with children and parents. Find a comfortable chair and get ready to laugh through the next week of school. We hope that you enjoy!

In this episode, Beth and Jenn discuss some of the hidden anxieties that middle and high school students have about returning to school. While there is orientation for transition grades, there is not for the other grades. Yet, parents often are not aware that their teens have anxiety about these changes too. We discuss some tips for helping your child to feel better about entering the next grade. Please join us!

In this episode, Jenn and Beth discuss some of the concerns that parents/children/teachers have with the beginning of school. Have you ever wondered how to navigate the tricky issue "but I don't want my child to have that teacher" or "how can I communicate best with my child's teacher about my child's needs?" If so, please listen as we provide insight into the best strategies for parents and children for reducing back to school angst! Enjoy!

In this podcast, Jenn and Beth spend time explaining Erikson's psychosocial theory of the development of self. Knowing how your child "sees" himself at different times in his life can help you to guide his growth better. Unlike many other theorists, Erikson provided stages of development from cradle to grave, so adults might learn a thing or two about their own development too. To understand who we are, Erikson believed that we had to solve a series of ego crisis. These are not quite what you might think! These are inner struggles to trust people in the environment or not, to decide whether we have strong enough skills to compete with others or not, and many others. It is likely that you will understand yourself better after listening, please enjoy!

Beth and Jennifer explore the different levels of children's thinking using Jean Piaget's cognitive development model. This podcast is for anyone interested in learning how children form their thoughts. Using stories and theory, they discuss how to relate to your child at different ages according to his or her ability to think. Come laugh and learn about the interesting evolution of children's thoughts!

In this podcast, Jennifer and Beth discuss how Lev Vygotsky's theory of social constructivism can help parents, teachers, and clinicians in their work with children. Parents who struggle with children during homework time will enjoy the tips. Teachers will better understand how to gauge student learning individually and in groups. Clinicians can benefit from understanding how to facilitate understanding of treatment activities with their clients. As usual, we try to offer something for everyone while sharing Vygotsky's theory, our stories, and specific tips. Enjoy! Beth and Jennifer

In this episode, Jenn and Beth share stories from "behind the closed doors" of school and agency settings. These stories, while funny, also illustrate some of the effective and ineffective methods of handling the unexpected problems of working with children. Most people do not realize that in their desire to help children and teens, that they shield children from learning some of the more difficult lessons associated with independence. Children need guidance to develop skills to face their own difficult situations that arise as a consequence of....being a child! Join us for a few giggles and suggestions! Jenn and Beth

In this episode, Jenn and Beth discuss how teen's develop a private life in order to create their sense of self. Using Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, we discuss how teens work through the ego crisis of self-identity vs. role confusion (diffusion). Specifically, we discuss how children move from a fantasy life created with parents through reading and play to a private life in adolescence. Ironically, parents are often very fearful of a teen's private life. Parents do not always understand that their children take their family values with them into the world as their filter. Most challenges and view of self are guided by the strength of these family values. The teen compares his family's view of self against those of peers and teachers. Through this exploration, teens often take on different roles (like Halloween costumes) to try to find his/her self-identity. Those that do, continue to develop confidence in themselves. Those who don't continue to search. In our next episode, Adolescence pt.3, we will explore what happens to teens who do not find their way. We suggest that you listen to episode 3 before listening to this one to better understand the theory used. Happy Halloween! Jenn & Beth Attention Center of Tampa Bay LLC Please feel free to email questions that you would like us to answer to: 411Child@gmail.com Visit our website: 411Child.com (coming soon!)