Category: Child Development - The Counselling Place

ADHD & Executive Functions

23/1/2017

Executive Functions are complex cognitive processes that we need for social, goal directed and efficient behavior:
•   Inhibition
•   Emotional Regulation
•   Working Memory
•   Self Monitoring
•   Flexibility
•   Planning

It helps us:
•   Remembering the instructions (working memory)
•   Finishing task within given time (planning & self-monitoring)
•   Think of solution when confronted with a problem (flexibility)
•   Staying focused despite external distractions (inhibition)
•   Check work on possible mistakes before handing it over (self- monitoring)
•   Remember the steps when solving a math calculation (working memory)
•   Being on time for the school bus (time management)

Closing Generation Gaps

12/1/2017

Some of the most common issues faced by elderly folks at home, with regards to their kids and grandkids are loneliness, lack of sense of purpose, relevance or importance, being disregarded, etc. While the elderly are trying to still contribute and assert their role in the family, others are not necessarily accepting that. There may also be generation gaps where each are operating under different perspectives, information, beliefs, and values. For some, the family had also change the main language of communication so there might also be language barriers.

Preschool Ready?

2/1/2017

Many parents would like to get a headstart for their kids by enrolling in pre-school. However, apart from their ambiguity about having their kids leave their side, they also have some questions. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Talking to Children About Sex

12/12/2016

Parenting: Talking to children about sex, sex education

One of the most important but probably the most awkward conversation as parents we need to have with our children is on the topic of sex. In discussing the topic of sex, parents need to realize that it is not one conversation. Real sex education is a lifelong pursuit, talking to your kids about sex is a lifelong conversation. How can we tackle this discussion successfully?

Effective Co-Parenting after Divorce Part 2

1/12/2016

Parenting: Effective Co-Parenting after Divorce

Having looked at the goals of coparenting, let's look at how we can communicate so as to facilitate this process.

Effective Co-Parenting after Divorce Part 1

21/11/2016

Parenting: effective co-parenting after divorce

For those who had divorced, parenting will have its challenges. However, may be even more difficult is co-parenting your child with other involved adults in the child’s life (be it your ex, new partner, grandparents, etc). Relationship stress often occurs when one or both people can’t agree on who is responsible for fulfilling what needs the child may have. Conflicting co-parents are often unable to nurture the child successfully. Effective co-parenting is required to help your child develop to be holistically-healthy, balanced, socially productive, and reasonably content (happy).

To nurture well, the co-parents need to evolve from their conflicts to having clear goals, plans, priorities, “job description” (roles), and rules based on consensus. Although individual co-parents will have unique goals, most parents will strive for some general, basic long-term co-parenting outcomes.

Understanding Psychological Assessment

20/10/2016

Parenting & Learning: Understanding Psychological Assessment

When parents meet with the school for consultation regarding their child’s progress, some parents may have received recommendation to send their child for psychological assessment. This may cause some anxiety and questions such as “Is there something wrong with my child?” Let's look at some of the basics so as to help parents make informed decisions about psychological assessment.

Understanding Our Children’s Misbehaviors

10/10/2016

Parenting: Understanding children's misbehaviours

As parents, we are often frustrated by our children’s misbehaviors and our inabilities to deal with them. This is especially true when parenting young children who have yet to acquire language skills. Many parents are surprised to learn that there are purposes behind misbehaviors. Understanding these purposes would make us more effective parents. Here are the 4 common goals of children’s misbehaviors and some pointers on how to deal with them: