Centers' piece

CENTERS' PIECE: Help kids be honest

BY MARY BIGGS

Sooner or later, most children tell a lie or take something that does not belong to them. This does not mean they will grow up to be liars or thieves. Make it easy for children to tell the truth and they will be less likely to lie. By the age of 4...... Full story

CENTERS' PIECE: Youth suicide often leaves more questions than answers

BY MARC McQUEEN

The community has become understandably concerned and alarmed by the recent spike in youth suicides. Many groups are mobilizing and making concerted, positive efforts to address this problem, with hopes of preventing future tragedies.However, the...... Full story

CENTERS' PIECE: Reinforce your personal power

BY MARY BIGGS

If you want to create an art project, you need an idea and some art materials. If you want to stick up for yourself, you need to have personal power and positive self esteem. You cannot stick up for yourself if you don’t possess personal...... Full story

CENTERS' PIECE: Social anxiety and the struggle against isolation

BY HEATHER HENDERSON

A woman stares at the phone on the table in front of her, feeling tormented because she’s afraid to pick it up and make a call she has been putting off for a week and can no longer postpone. She silently tells herself she is acting...... Full story

CENTER'S PIECE: Encountering difficulties when considering counseling

ANNETTE SEGURA

Seeking counseling can be one of the hardest things to do when it comes to our health. It appears easier to go see your doctor to get checked and get medication to alleviate physical symptoms. But when it comes to mental health, one may be reluctant...... Full story

CENTERS' PIECE: New Year’s Anti-Resolutions

Dr. Marcia A. Norton

What is this — an anti-resolution? A resolution implies change. As we all know, making a lasting behavioral change is not a simple process and we rarely achieve or maintain this goal. Resolutions usually lead to disappointment. So, why not try...... Full story

CENTERS' PIECE: Merry Christmas: Take a Healthy Look Back

KRISTI EDWARDS

As the end of 2011 approaches, people often start focusing on their New Year’s Resolutions and what they want to do better in the upcoming year. I happen to think there is great value in looking BACK at the things that were done well instead...... Full story

CENTERS' PIECE: The Holidays and the Elderly

Marie Almond

For most, the holidays are full of activities with family and friends. But what are the holidays when viewed from an elder parent’s eye? For some elderly, the holidays are not a time of celebration and joy, but only serve as reminders of how...... Full story

CENTERS' PIECE: Sexual Abuse: Learning from Recent Scandals

Sally Flores

Have you ever had a bad feeling about someone? Made you feel “icky” or made the hair on the back of your neck stand up? I teach kids to pay attention to that feeling because it could be the only chance they have to get away safely.Sexual...... Full story

CENTERS' PIECE: Happy holiday stress

Janet Edington

Well, folks, here it almost is again! The fun, relaxed, stress-free holiday season is waiting in the wings!Everyone will get along with no family tension and no disagreements. All the Christmas gifts will be exactly what each person wanted. No one...... Full story

CENTERS' PIECE: Celebrating National Adoption Month

BY SALLY FLORES

In my work with adoptive parents and their traumatized adopted children, my goal is to make their journeys a little smoother. For a former foster child, leaving behind the baggage of extreme abuse or neglect is a very difficult task. For a child who...... Full story

CENTERS: Importance of parenting in child development

Sally Flores

In my years of working with abused and neglected children, I have come to understand how important parenting is. There is no purpose greater than the art of raising an emotionally healthy child.I wish I had been a little more educated in child...... Full story

CENTERS' PIECE: Things to think about before you adopt

BY SALLY FLORES

It is National Adoption Month, and I am reminded of all the things parents should know before they adopt. Most people adopting from the foster care system know that their soon-to-be adopted child comes with a long history, both good and bad. People...... Full story

CENTERS' PIECE: National Adoption Month

By Robyn Laforge

November is National Adoption Month. Each November we celebrate the adoptions that have been consummated in the past and cheer on the many children in foster care being adopted by their forever home.Centers for Children and Families, Inc. is a...... Full story

CENTERS' PIECE: Help develop your child's character

BY MARY BIGGS

You can help your child develop the character traits you want them to have. Being kind to friends, treating others with respect, being dependable and reliable, respecting the environment, and being honest are probably included in the advice and...... Full story