ARTICLES

Seven Ways To Help Your Child Get Organized
Parenting Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone Parenting Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone

Seven Ways To Help Your Child Get Organized

Here are seven practical ways to help your child get organized and responsible today.  It’s a win-win scenario because as they become more organized, the household runs smoother, stress decreases, and you can enjoy each other more (less nagging and fewer excuses). 

Read More
Building Resilience in Children: Life Changing
Parenting Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone Parenting Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone

Building Resilience in Children: Life Changing

The world our children will inherit is one of immense potential, with complexities and challenges that will test their mettle. To thrive amidst the unpredictability of life, children need resilience – the capacity to recover from difficulties, adapt to change, and keep moving forward even in the face of adversity. Building resilience in children is a vital part of their development, equipping them with the tools to weather the ups and downs of life with grace and tenacity.

Read More
Why Play Is Essential To Learning
Parenting Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone Parenting Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone

Why Play Is Essential To Learning

In a world where standards, test scores, and academic achievement reigns supremely important and even drives funding for educational districts, what essential component to healthy living is being dismissed? So we ask, why is play essential to learning?

Read More
Creating a Calm-Down Corner: A Sanctuary for Stress Relief
Parenting Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone Parenting Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone

Creating a Calm-Down Corner: A Sanctuary for Stress Relief

In today's fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become increasingly prevalent in our lives. Whether it's the demands of work, family responsibilities, or the constant barrage of information from our digital devices, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's why the concept of a "Calm-Down Corner" is a simple yet effective way to promote relaxation and emotional well-being. This post will explore a Calm-Down Corner, why it's beneficial, and how you can create one for yourself.

Read More
How Leisure Promotes Health and Well-Being
Parenting Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone Parenting Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone

How Leisure Promotes Health and Well-Being

In today's fast-paced world, where the demands of school, family, and daily responsibilities can be overwhelming, the importance of leisure activities can easily be minimized. However, engaging in leisure pursuits isn't just about fun and relaxation; it can have a profound impact on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Let's explore how leisure activities can promote health and well-being, providing compelling reasons to prioritize them in our lives.

Read More
How Creative Activities Boost Executive Functioning in Adolescents
Parenting, Occupational Therapy Robert DeSimone Parenting, Occupational Therapy Robert DeSimone

How Creative Activities Boost Executive Functioning in Adolescents

Adolescence is a crucial period of growth and development, marked by numerous physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. Among these changes, the development of executive functioning skills plays a pivotal role in shaping an adolescent's ability to succeed in school and beyond. Executive functioning encompasses the cognitive processes responsible for planning, organization, decision-making, and self-control. Engaging in crafts and creative activities during this time can significantly benefit adolescents by enhancing their executive functioning skills. Crafting serves as a powerful tool for nurturing these essential cognitive abilities.

Read More
How Can You Help Your Child With Self Awareness In A Positive Way?
Parenting Robert DeSimone Parenting Robert DeSimone

How Can You Help Your Child With Self Awareness In A Positive Way?

The journey of childhood and adolescence is the playground where we learn who we are, who we want to be, and hopefully, but not always, how to bridge that gap. As the brain continues to develop and abstract thought becomes available, there is an opportunity to self-reflect and use constructive feedback to be more self-aware, so we can explore our individual interests and face challenges along the way with resiliency and determination.

Read More
What Can You Do To Help Your Teen Feel Comfortable In Their Own Skin?
Parenting Robert DeSimone Parenting Robert DeSimone

What Can You Do To Help Your Teen Feel Comfortable In Their Own Skin?

The terminology "self-regulation" suggests that individuals are supposed to be able to regulate their thoughts, emotions, and actions independently. However, human beings are social creatures, and we need interdependence. Each of us experiences times in our lives when we feel on top of things, and times when we need help from supportive friends, family, or colleagues. It is important to let our children know it is typical to go through periods of time when we may feel awkward, uncomfortable, and unsure. This will pass, and we emerge stronger and more confident when it does. To make the time spent in this transition easier, we can rely on each other for support.

Read More
How Do You Know When To Seek Professional Intervention For Your Adolescent Child?
Parenting Robert DeSimone Parenting Robert DeSimone

How Do You Know When To Seek Professional Intervention For Your Adolescent Child?

How Do You Know When To Seek Professional Intervention For Your Adolescent Child?

As adults who were once teenagers, we can speak from experience that the teen years are fraught with discomfort and insecurity. While there is no such thing as "normal," we can honestly say that feeling awkward, highly sensitive, self-conscious, and prone to mood swings is "normal" during the teen years and, for many, can persist into the early twenties.

Read More
How Do I Help My Child Improve Attention and Concentration
Parenting Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone Parenting Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone

How Do I Help My Child Improve Attention and Concentration

Does your child spend too much energy avoiding what they need to get done? Do they complain that their work is too boring, or do they seem frustrated and overwhelmed because tasks seem too daunting and they are falling more and more behind? Perhaps they have even said they wish they could concentrate better, but they don't know how.

Read More