Kellevision

Please, please, please let my child have a mental illness?

The mother grinned broadly and triumphantly when she announced that the psychiatrist had diagnosed her child with ADHD.  "I knew it!"  "No one would listen to me, but I knew it, and I was right!"

Another "ADHD and Bipolar Child" - Not

He is six years old.  His mother begins the intake stating that he is "ADHD" and "Bipolar".  She tells me his 3 year old little sister is also "Bipolar".  I'm horrified.  She's only 3 years old!  The mother states this as if it were a fact.  She continues...

Praise the Positive: How to Raise Employee Morale without Spending a Dime

There is an adage in parenting, "Praise the Positive".  This concept, which is so important in parenting, is equally applicable in the work place."

Just Say No to Drama

The after school program called to say they had a medical emergency with a child and could not locate the mother.  They were asking if we could help them find the mother and have her call them.  Then the drama started...

"Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son about his Father"

One of my readers reminded me of this movie.  It is a beautiful, but heart wrenching documentary created for a son, about his father. 

ADHD Medications Do Not Affect School Performance

A recent article on the Child Psychology Research Blog, "ADHD Medications and School Performance" cites a research study which shows that "medication alone may not have a significant impact on" the childrens' school functioning.   

When Childhood Bipolar Disorder - Isn't

I really have a problem with the recent surge in diagnosing children with Bipolar Disorder.  The children I see with this diagnosis are often the victims of serious issues at home, issues which may even include abuse.  Some struggle with PTSD and the mood swings which are inherent in a traumatized individual are attributed to "Bipolar Disorder" and medicated. 

Escaping the Scapegoat Role: Expressing Forbidden Emotions

Another possible way that Scapegoats make themselves targets is by expressing forbidden emotions within a relationship system.

Military Structure and the Chaotic Family

Working in a homeless shelter, I work with a lot of clients who came from very dysfunctional and chaotic family systems.  One man grew up in such a family and overcame it by joining the military.  How did that help?  

Dueling Divorcees and Christmas Cheer

I learned today that this time of year is one of the busiest for the family court system.  Other busy times?  Spring break and summer vacation.  Why?  Parents initiating custody battles over possession of their children.