Parenting Advisor - Online Parenting Programs

Is your child having a hard time studying or doing homework? Every student experiences difficulties with their schoolwork at one point or another– in fact, recent research indicates that almost two-thirds of high school students say that they find it difficult to focus on homework. Meanwhile, 74 percent of students blame distractions as they struggle to focus within 30 minutes of doing homework. Lack of motivation and low productivity can result in poor grades and poor retention of learning. To ensure that kids can make the most of their study time, they need to have a dedicated area to prepare for exams and complete their schoolwork. To boost your child's academic performance, here are some easy ways to create a productive study...

It’s no secret that children deal with big emotions. Pouty faces, eye rolls, temper tantrums, and door slams, albeit frustrating to parents and caregivers, are all examples of a child’s attempts to release emotions and express themselves. As children grow into adults, they learn how to navigate the world, one day at a time. This never-ending learning experience entails understanding how to accept disappointment, handle disagreements, express themselves clearly, and live life on life’s terms. As guardians, it’s our job to teach children how to manage daily life in a way that’s constructive, safe, and makes sense to them. Here’s why it’s important to teach children how to honor their emotions, and five ways to do...

“My feelings are too loud for words and too shy for the world.” ⁠—Dejan Stojanovic Many parents of young children and teens express one burning desire: that their kids be more emotionally expressive. However, it is vital to understand that there are physiological reasons why children may find it harder to express and regulate their emotions. One is the fact that their brain is still under development and the reasoning part of their brain (the prefrontal cortex) is still very much in development. As such, they rely more on the amygdala, which controls are wide range of emotions. As a result, they may respond more emotionally to a situation, yet find it harder to find words to express their emotions. Having said that, there is...

We all know that exercise is good for physical health. But did you know that it can help improve low moods and depression?  Exercise can boost bad moods and help people manage emotions in healthy ways!  Sometimes exercise can feel like just another task to add to an already busy day, but experts say that exercise matters. As little as one hour of exercise a week can help prevent low moods within all age groups. And that mood boost can happen no matter how intense the exercise is.  Yes, your family is busy, but participating in some kind of activity is important, not only for you but for your children as well.  Finding time for small amounts of exercise throughout the week (or more!) can affect you and your children's...

Experts say that children and adolescents often show symptoms of anxiety and depression after their parents' divorce. When children show many symptoms, their doctors may refer them to a mental health provider. That provider might diagnose them with depression or an anxiety disorder. It can be scary if your child is diagnosed with a mental illness. You may worry about what the future holds for you and your child, and you might wonder what you can do to support them.  After reading this article, you should be able to: - explain what anxiety and depression symptoms may look like in a child. - describe the steps parents usually follow to get a mental health diagnosis and treatment. - list several ways to support a family when a...