Guiding your teenager’s social media use By Cary and Tonja Rector Think you know your teen’s social media platforms? Facebook, Instagram and Twitter—right? How about Snapchat, Vine, Tumblr and Kik? Ever heard of Pheed? All of these social media sites are available as apps. Kids do not need a computer to access them. As a …Read More
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Parents must teach kids about financial realities By Cary and Tonja Rector What parent has not gone through the experience of trying to make a quick stop at Target for a specific item when their preschooler spots a toy he wants. This is not the best time to start teaching your child about resisting …Read More

How women can cope with postpartum depression By Cary and Tonja Rector The birth of a baby is a joyous occasion for a family. When postpartum depression becomes part of the experience it can be confusing and frightening. Many women experience feelings of depression in the weeks following giving birth. The “baby blues” are …Read More

An exercise habit can alleviate anxiety and depression By Cary and Tonja Rector You just can’t go wrong with exercising and emotional health. Several times each week we talk with our clients about the importance of the habit of exercise. Research clearly demonstrates aerobic exercise is helpful in treating anxiety and depression. It also …Read More

Help teens avoid the pitfalls of consuming alcohol By Cary and Tonja Rector The summer season is here. It’s an exciting time for teens. Prom, senior ball, graduation—there’s a lot to celebrate. And while parents are happy to see their teen enjoy the activities of high school, they also worry about drinking, especially this …Read More

Protecting your child from sexual abuse starts with information By Cary and Tonja Rector Few situations make parents feel more vulnerable than thinking about how to protect their children from sexual abuse and sexual assault. As child and family therapists, the aftermath of sexual abuse and sexual assault is something we deal with regularly. …Read More

Parents can help improve their kids’ resiliency By Cary and Tonja Rector Resilient children are likely to be happy and successful. These children handle adversity, trauma and everyday disappointments more effectively. They solve problems with empathy and thoughtfulness. Resiliency is something parents can foster in children. Robert Brooks, Ph.D., and Sam Goldstein, Ph.D., authors …Read More

Prepare your relationship to withstand the teen years By Cary and Tonja Rector Mark Twain once said, “When a boy turns 13, seal him in a barrel and feed him through a knot hole. When he turns 16, plug up the hole.” Parenting teenagers is challenging. Adolescence can strain parents’ relationship with their teen …Read More

Mental preparedness helps a parent withstand a toddler’s tantrums By Cary and Tonja Rector Any parent who has experienced grocery shopping with her toddler soon learns to appreciate the “No Candy” checkout lane. Yelling, kicking, screaming and crying are the hallmarks of the dreaded temper tantrum. Temper tantrums in young children are so common …Read More