Posts by Doug Schwartz

September 1, 2020 Increased screen time, staying up late, and sleeping in late have become the daily norm for many children since the pandemic began. While some children may be getting more sleep, others struggle with disrupted schedules and stress as a result. A restful night’s sleep is essential for many aspects of a child’s…

August 26, 2020 Change is difficult for most people, especially children. It can be stressful, but we know that it is a part of life, so we continue to move forward and adapt. 2020 has seen many changes, not only in education but in our way of life. With back-to-school season now upon us, the…

August 25, 2020 In today’s rapidly-evolving world, constant changes and new information can feel overwhelming at times. Most people, particularly children, appreciate a degree of predictability and routine in their lives. Children need time to process changes and new information, and can become stressed if not given the appropriate time to do so. Below are…

August 25, 2020 Social and Emotional Development in Children Social and emotional development shapes how children interact with the world. These skills influence a child’s self-confidence and are critical in a child’s ability to form meaningful and lasting friendships with others. They also help children learn to manage their emotions, build healthy relationships, and feel…

August 18, 2020 Returning to school this year, whether it be in person or virtual, poses many new challenges. If your child is participating in virtual learning, here are some helpful tips to help them succeed: Reduce distractions so your child can focus on school work. Take brain breaks, including exercise or stretching. Encourage your…

August 11, 2020 Fostering a culture of kindness and carving out time to intentionally promote kindness cultivates empathy and understanding. This includes child-to-child, student to teacher, and parent to child relationships. Children notice and are impacted when adults act unkindly and it influences how they process feelings and manage conflict. Tips for Teaching Kindness: Model…

August 4, 2020 Between online learning last Spring and time away from friends and routines, children will need a little extra support as they head back to school this Fall, whether on campus or online. It’s important, as parents, for us to address our feelings and our children’s feelings. Children often take cues about how…

July 14, 2020 Summer reading is critical for children to retain the literacy skills learned the previous school year, and also to grow in knowledge and critical thinking skills for the coming year. Children who do not read over the summer risk falling behind their classmates. Making time to read each day is essential in…

July 14, 2020 Children and teens are always watching what adults do. They see how you handle stress. They watch how you treat other people and observe how you deal with your feelings. They soak in the information, and even when you think your children aren’t paying attention, it’s essential to be a positive role…

July 7, 2020 Sleep is an essential part of everyone’s routine and an indispensable part of a healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown that kids who regularly get an adequate amount of sleep have improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, and overall mental and physical health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to high blood pressure, obesity,…