Any serious writer has turned to metaphor when trying to convey an important thought. It is a way of getting the reader to really “see” what the author is saying. Of all the topics to have been put through the metaphor spectroscope, LIFE must certainly be somewhere on the top. The Bible itself often compares life to a “fleeting … Read More
When your Child says, “I HATE YOU!”
There are few statements from a child that can grip a parent’s heart more than this one- “I hate you!” Very seldom is there an immediate, helpful response. The reason is obvious. Parents want to think that they are doing well by their children. Besides instilling good traits, parents today usually also provide their children with after school activities … Read More
The Dreaded Word
It’s one hour before dismissal and Ms. R, the 5th grade science teacher, is fantasizing about a nice warm bath. All she wants right now is for her students to listen without interrupting. She needs to finish this segment so that she will be in sync with the principal’s schedule. Back in homes and offices throughout the city parents are … Read More
The Dream Child
Bella, a savvy 13 year old, was having a great deal of difficulty with her parents. Her parents were having a great deal of difficulty with her. Bella had some learning difficulties which were frustrating to her because she was so naturally bright. Her private tutor, a practiced learning specialist who had a way with teens, reported that Bella … Read More
High Functioning Autism in the Classroom
Miriam is a wonderful grade school teacher. She loves her students (something not to be taken for granted) and enjoys teaching them how the world works. Now that there will be somewhat of an improvement in class size, she is looking forward to a good beginning to the school year. One thing keeps nagging at her, though. She found that … Read More
The Most Important Thing Parents Must Teach Their Children
Eight- year old Josh is having meltdowns every day now that his sister’s wedding is getting closer. He’s miserable, and his parents and sister don’t know what to do. The entire household seems to be falling apart. Josh has only been to one other wedding two years ago, his cousin’s, and that was enough. The thought of going through … Read More
Ritalin and Loss of Appetite
Q: My first grader just started taking Ritalin. He has absolutely no appetite at school. It bothers him so much that he fights me every morning and refuses to take the meds. Any advice? A: You are describing a pretty common side effect of Ritalin. Loss of appetite can be difficult for some children to handle. That … Read More
ASk a Therapist: ADD, Test Taking and Ritalin
Q: My 12 yr old child is mostly ok in class. His teacher just needs to remind him a few times to keep focused. But my child has a hard time getting thru tests – should he take a Ritalin just on test day? A: This is a very interesting question in that it goes to the heart … Read More
Ask a Therapist: Ritalin
Q: I hear that Ritalin is not used in the US anymore because of its awful side effects. I live in Israel and Ritalin is my only option but my child is depressed from the Ritalin. What can I do? A: First, I would like to correct your assumption. Ritalin is very much prescribed and used in the US. It … Read More
It’s not Always ADD/ADHD
Ever since ADD/ADHD has become such a buzzword, it has stirred up a great deal of controversy and become a continuously researched condition. We now have a much better idea of what ADD is, how it relates to poor functioning of the prefrontal cortex and what behaviors it elicits. The problem is, most … Read More