Scott Counseling

Trouble With A Teacher

Scott — Thu, 13 May 2010 23:52:07 +0000

It’s not uncommon for a child to come home from school sometime during his or her school-aged life and complain about a teacher. Teacher complaints, teacher-student personality differences, control issues between a teacher and a student are all likely to occur especially if your child is “free thinking,” desires control or has a difficult time following directions. But, what if the school teacher is flat out unprofessional and is intentionally going after your child? Do you know what to do, or what actions to take if a teacher verbally threatens your child, loses his or her emotional cool, or even goes as far as using unprovoked physical force such as slapping or kicking your child.

What To Do When A Teacher is Abusive Toward Your Child

Stay calm. After your child shares his/her story with you. Have the child share the story again. Write down on paper the information that your child shared with you. If the stories match or are similar, go to the second and third steps listed below. Please realize that some children (yes, even good children) do not always tell the truth. Don’t overreact until you have ALL the facts. You will not have all the facts until the school and teacher have a chance to respond.
If your child has a physical injury, contact your local police department. A trained officer will want to interview your child.
Contact the school and ask to speak to the school principal. Share with the principal what your child shared with you. Again, try to remain calm and neutral. Most school principals will invite you in for a meeting. The school principal will most likely ask to interview your child. You have a right to be there, but the school administrator, in most cases does not have to ask you for your permission in advance.
If the school principal is non-receptive or is not willing (to your point of view) listen to you, contact the school district office and ask to speak to the Superintendent of Schools, the School Chancellor, or the person who supervises school administrators. Share your concerns.
In most cases, it’s a good idea to speak with the classroom teacher if or when your child shares a school related concern with you. But, if you are sure that the classroom teacher has gone beyond his or her authority of control, it’s important to speak with the school principal first. The school principal will interview the teacher. He or she will most likely interview other teachers, staff and children that were present during the time of the alleged situation.
You have a right to learned the outcome of the investigation. The principal (and other school officials) will most likely ask to meet with you. Ask for a written report of the investigation. Ask for the facts that were discovered and what process was followed to get to the facts. Again, listen and remain calm.
If the teacher was found to be unprofessional or acting below expected school standards, disciplinary action(s) will be taken against the teacher. If the teacher was found to be acting in the bounds or standards, the school officials should be able to share with you what and why the teachers actions were appropriate.
If you are unsatisfied with the school administrators investigation you have a right to seek legal council or an attorney. You have to realize that the school may not be liable for your desire to do this. If you decide to seek legal council, it’s important to seek council from an experienced lawyer who has worked in legal cases that involved litigation against school district in the past.

Sexting Teen Help

Scott — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:17:35 +0000

The dictionary definition of sexting involves…”the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photos electronically, primarilty between cell phones.” One study done by CosmoGirl shared results that indicated that 20% of teens between the ages of 13-19 have shared nude or semi-nude pictures of themselves online or through texting. Over half the females involved in sexting shared that they “did so” due to pressure from male friends.

Texting and Sexting experts are beginning to share how and why sexting has become such a problem and what parents can do to prevent their children from becoming involved.

Mediation For Teens or Children In Conflict

Scott — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:35:05 +0000

Teen help programs that suggest peer or parent mediation often leads teen conflicts and child disputes to a positive outcome or resolution. Mediation is a process that involves a neutral party or person that leads others in conflict to discuss their concerns in a civil manner and brings about a plan that can be implemented to resolve the dispute. Below are some simple steps to help teens, siblings or others in conflict to meet and resolve their conflict.

Step One: Agreements that must be made for mediation to be successful

Mediator asks each disputant if s/he would like to try mediation and if s/he agrees to follow the mediation guidelines.
         1. Be respectful
             – let other person tell his/her story without interruption
             – no name-calling, put-downs, threats or arguing
         2. Be responsible
             – put effort into solving the problem
             – be honest

Step Two: Listen to both sides of the story

         1. Mediator asks each disputant to share his/her perspective, feelings and outcome              goal(s).
         2. Mediator asks each disputant to tell his/her understanding of the other person’s              perspective, feelings and outcome goal(s).
         3. Mediator briefly restates each disputant’s perspective feelings, and outcome goal(s).

Step Three: Come up with create solutions

         1. Mediator asks each disputant to brainstorms solutions
             that will help Person 1 get (outcome goal) and Person 2 get (outcome goal).
         2. Each disputant needs identify things that s/he could do
             and things that the other person could do.

Step Four: Decide on a plan

         1. Mediator asks disputants to choose/create a solution.
         2. Mediator summarizes the solution.
         3. Disputants sign a written agreement if used.

Teen Help Behaviors For Parents

Scott — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:41:59 +0000

The middle school years can be a confusing time for parents and their young teenagers. This period in a child’s life often leads to anxious feelings for both the child and parents. Below are some generally accepted beliefs about “the middle years” in a child’s life that most parents will find helpful:

Throughout much of adolescence, teenagers struggle with developing their own identity. It’s not uncommon to hear a teenager say, “I am not sure anymore who I am.”
Young teenagers may often feel awkward or strange about their bodies. Many begin to compare themselves with others. Some may even make comments like, “I am too fat,” or “I wish I was as pretty as that girl.”
It can be difficult for parents during this time, because teenagers begin to recognize that their parents are not perfect. In fact, some teens begin to challenge their parent authority just for this reason.
Teens tend to show less affection. Many often become more isolated. Some become rude and moody. Instead of a hug good-bye, you may be lucky to receive just the “bye!”
A high percentage of teens see a parent’s involvement as interference with their independence. However, be ready for your teen to make a sudden, unexpected appearance in a manner that they have never left.

I Hate Homework Battles!

Scott — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:29:00 +0000

Some of our biggest parenting frustrations come when we have to go to battle with our children to do their homework. Many parents are searching reasonable solutions. If you are one of those parents who looking to put an end the homework battles in your home, read the following two Homework Solution Articles:

Homework Hell? Part I: How to Turn It Around

Homework Hell? Part II: 7 Real Techniques That Work

Gift Giving For Children & Parents During the Holiday Seasons

Scott — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:32:10 +0000

Parents who want their children to become humble and unselfish gift-givers will find this child gift-giving article helpful. When children experience the feeling of giving, without expecting something in return, their character, self-esteem and moral pride is strengthened. Below are some holiday gift-giving ideas that may help you and your child earn an extra special feeling this holiday season.

Teaching Your Child To Give

During the holiday seasons, many schools sponsor gift-giving programs. Call your child’s school to see how they can get involved.

Each year there are hundreds of single parent homes where the single parent and child have no place to go to celebrate the holiday. Encourage your child to get involved with you in inviting this family over for a dinner or celebration together. Watch your child’s reaction as he or she realizes that they have learned another way to make new friends.

Some parents take their children to their local mall or shopping center that has a gift tree with paper ornaments that has a child’s age, sex and gift ideas written on them. Children are encouraged to buy a gift for a child listed on the paper ornament and leave it gift wrapped under the tree.

During these tough economic times, more and more families shop at Goodwill and other donation outlets to purchase their gifts. Encourage your child to go through their used toys, electronics and other potential items that they have and are no longer using. Donate the item to the organization that excepts donations for resale.

Are you a parent searching for help to buy your child a special gift, but you can’t afford it? Go to: Ask A Counselor

How to Help My Child Stop Cutting

Scott — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:50:42 +0000

This is the fifth ScottCounseling article on cutting and self-injury. This article focuses on some step-by-step approaches parents and cutters can use as strategies to put an end to the behavior of cutting. Other cutting articles by ScottCounseling include:

Cutting: Self Injury Facts & Statistics

What is Cutting & Self Injury?

Why Do People Cut or Self Injure?

Treatment For Cutting or Self Injury

Steps To Take To End Cutting & Self Injury

Make an appointment to talk to your child’s pediatrician or doctor. This may be one of the hardest steps. It’s not hard to make a doctor’s appointment; but it may become difficult to follow through. Chances are your child may share with you:
“I do not have a cutting problem and I am NOT GOING TO SEE ANYONE!”

If this happens, or your child refuses to meet with a trained medical professional, let that person know so that he or she can provide you with some helpful solutions.

Teach your child that the first step to take when he or she feels the urge to cut is to tell you or another adult. If your child is at school, he or she should tell the school counselor or nurse. When your child tells you that she feels an urge to cut:

Talk and listen to your child.
Do not scold or lecture.

School Nurse Recommendations For Swine Flu or H1N1

Scott — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:16:56 +0000

School nurses across the nation have been recommending the following parenting guides in combating the swine flu, H1N1 and seasonal flu. These recommendations come from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

On September 17, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced a new recommendation calling for a lengthier exclusion from school for students who are at greater risk for complications should they become ill with novel H1N1 influenza. The new recommendations applies to students who attend early childhood programs and those who are considered medically fragile. Medically fragile students include severe and profound mental impairments and students who have special medical needs. The new recommendation also applies to the school staff members who serve these students. The new MDH recommendation says students in these groups, and the staff members who serve them, who contract an influenza-like illness must remain home from school/work for:

7 days after symptoms begin, or
24 hours after the fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medications, or which ever is longer.

Go to next page for: When To Get Medical Help For Flu Symptoms

ADD/ADHD Parent Help Guide

Scott — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:58:29 +0000

Many parents are searching for helpful tips in parenting their attention deficit child. If your child is fidgety while doing homework, unable to concentrate, having difficulty listening, then this article will help you help your child. If your child is inattentive, off-task or has a short attention span, the following ADD parent strategies may help you when you are assisting your child at home.

Tips to Helping Your ADD or ADHD Child At Home

Develop and maintain a positive relationship with your child

Example: Show an interest in what your child’s interest are by talking, planning and participating in events that your child enjoys. Sometime children feel that they “just hear about all the bad things” they do. Catch your child doing something positive.

Become aware and show interest in your child’s school work.

Example: Regularly review homework. Avoid nagging or making too many corrections. Showing interest does not mean that you need to do the assignment for the child, but become aware of what he or she is doing at school. If your school has a computerized grading program that parents can access at home, sign up for this program and monitor your child’s grades and assignment weekly.

Recognize your child’s strengths in the arts, drama, athletics, clubs and other extra-curricular activities.

Example: ADD/ADHD children often do well and have strength in activities that go beyond the school day. Make sure that your child is signed up for other activities that the school and community have to offer beyond the classroom. Speak with your child’s teachers, counselor and youth leaders about getting your child involved.

Teen Swearing: What Parents Can Do

Scott — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:23:49 +0000

Psychology professor, Dr. Francis Compton, who completed numerous studies in the area of social behavior and swearing, found that 87% of children (ages 12 to 19) used curse words or foul language. When asked to make a list of words, the 855 participants in the research study classified their language as inappropriate. This study, done in 2000, concluded that sometimes harsh or graphic words used by the participants were verbalized to make them feel older or more mature.

Dr. Joanne Briggs, Child Psychologist, states that “swearing and bad language usually comes before age six, and you either totally ignore it or say, that’s not acceptable, we don’t talk that way.”

James O’Connor, author of the book Cuss Control: The Complete Book on How to Curb Your Cursing, claims that “Most swearing is complaining or criticizing, but when parents and teens are battling over profanity, it’s time for a new tactic.” He advises parents to “Stop the yelling and threats and calmly explain how the language really bothers you.”

What Parents Can Do To Stop A Teen From Swearing

Children need to learn at an early age (Pre-school through second grade) that swearing is not acceptable. Most child behavioral specialist agree that talking to your child, not yelling, is the method of choice that needs to be adopted by parents to curb language problems. Other parenting strategies specifically designed to put an end to inappropriate teen language are listed below.

Swearing Is Not Cool
Most English swear words are not only used inappropriately, but having little meaning to justify their use in anger, to be “cool,” or to manipulate. For example, the commonly used word, “bitch,” means female dog. To call someone a female dog in anger is not only inappropriate, but ridicules.
Parent Model Good Language
Parents or other adults who swear or use foul language are only reinforcing its use with children. Swearing often becomes a habit. Like most habits, swearing can be broken within 5 to 7 days of non-use. Make a commitment with your child that you will stop swearing or using inappropriate language together.

Prescription Use and Abuse Among Teenagers

Scott — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:56:19 +0000

The University of Maine published some interesting facts regarding prescription use with teens in the United States. The university’s research concludes that one of the fastest growing trends involving teenagers is prescription drug use and abuse that is occuring at ”Pharm Parties.” These parties involve teenagers (and younger children) bringing bottles of prescription medications (that are often taken from the home) to a party where the medications are put into a punch bowl for everybody to take and share like candy. Other names for these events are called “skittling’” and “fish bowling”.

There is no doubt that teenage use and abuse of prescription medication is on the rise. University studies also concluded:

Nearly one in five teens report abusing prescription medications to get high.
Teens are misusing everything from pain relievers to stimulants, sedatives and tranquilizers. Many teens believe that prescription drugs are safer than alcohol or illicit
According to results taken from the 2006 Maine Youth Drug and Alcohol Use Survey, an average of 12% of teenagers from grade 6 through 12 across the state reported experimenting with prescription drugs.
Youth prescription drug abuse is a serious problem. About 1 in 5 Maine youth grades 9-12 report having used a prescription drug not prescribed to them to get high. Non-medical use of prescription drugs is the second most popular category of drug abuse after marijuana.

What can Parents Do to Reduce Prescription Abuse or Misuse?

Do not keep medications stockpiled in your home and keep careful track of your prescriptions
Utilize local prescription mail-back or collection programs to dispose of your unused/unwanted medications
Talk to your children about prescription use and abuse among children. Share with your children about the dangers of using prescriptions medicines that are not prescribed to them by a medical doctor. Share with your children not to ever use or take a prescription medication that you, the parent, are not aware of or told them to take.
Use common sense parenting:

know where your children are…
know who your children are with…
know the parents of your child’s friends…
know that your children can and will make mistakes and/or poor decisions.

Are You A Wimpy Parent?

Scott — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:32:58 +0000

Good parents do not want their children to feel bad, experience sadness or emotional grief. To do so often causes the parent to feel bad, experience sadness and cause emotional grief. So, how can good parents set limits, discipline and establish family rules without causing pain and suffering? How can we be a good parent to our child and avoid being a “wimpy” parent at the same time?

Setting limits and establishing sound discipline strategies is an important piece of good parenting. Newborn babies “wants” are often identical to their “needs,” whereas toddler, adolescent and teen “wants” are often in opposition to their “needs.” Parents who do not set limits for their children to develop a healthy physical and emotional controlled life often find themselves raising children who are less secure and lacking in developmental growth and safety.

Potential Outcomes of Being a Wimpy Parent

Children who receive what they desire at the expense of others often lose friends and self-respect.
Children who have no set limits often learn that material items, friendships and lessons in life come easy. In reality, we all know that life is not always like this. When children learn at a young age that there’s a reason for hearing “no,” instead of a “yes,” and that manipulation and the “I wants” in life don’t always work, also learn early in life that there is value for waiting, earning and appreciating delayed gratification.
Child who fail to learn that disappointment and sadness are not something they should be subject to often fail to take risk necessary to achieve future goals. Some child may learn that cheating, stealing or lying to achieve a goal may be worth the effort instead of feeling disappointed or sadness.
Children who are not taught delayed gratification (a delay in getting what is desired until appropriate time in life), often have a harder time developing internal happiness (positive self-esteem) and often learn that happiness in life comes with the pursuit of receiving one material item after another with little value placed on achievement or earning the item.

Children who learn early on in life that their parents are not their “friend” and have a different, more valuable role in their life often feel safer in their environment and more secure with them self.

How To Discipline Your Child

How Parents Enable Drug Use

Scott — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:57:35 +0000

No parent wants their child to develop a drug problem. As parents, however, we sometimes enable or encourage our children to use mood altering chemicals by:

Not talking about tobacco and drugs
Misusing/abusing legal drugs, such as alcohol, in front of our children
Misusing/abusing prescription medication in front of our children
Watching and laughing at TV sitcoms that include adults misusing/abusing mood altering chemicals

When parents avoid talking about alcohol, tobacco and prescription medications with their children because “I don’t know what to say,” or “My child would never use drugs, so I don’t have to worry about it,” the parent is setting the child up for potential use and misuse of drugs. Children need and want adults to set limits for them. Children need to see the parent role modeling safe and legal use of alcohol and prescription medicine. According to the Hemet Valley Recovery Center, “prescription medication misuse is the most common substance related problem among older adults, with alcohol running a close second.” The Partnership for a Drug Free America, reports that “one in five teens abused a prescription pain medication.”

What Parents Can Do To Help Keep Their Child Drug Free

Don’t pretend that your child is not capable using alcohol, tobacco or non-prescribed prescription medication.

Begin and continue to talk to your child about illegal drug use. There are numerous television, radio and media ads that parents can watch and use to help children to avoid drug use. Instead of watching TV sitcoms that laugh at use and abuse, watch public service documentaries and drug avoidance productions that not only inform, but help build family unity when it comes to drug prevention.

Speak with your child’s school counselor, school nurse, school social worker or school health teachers to gain insights, information and prevention models that parents can use at home to help reduce the chances of drug use and abuse. Ask for a copy of the school drug prevention curriculum. Discuss the curriculum with your child.

Become a good role model for your child. Child who witness their parents using and abusing drugs are more likely to use and abuse drugs too.

Athletes and Drug Prevention: What Parents and Coaches Need To Know

Scott — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:16:25 +0000

Parents and coaches need to be aware that more and more athletes are beginning to use drugs and alcohol due to the pressures to win, pressures to perform at a high level and pressure to maintain a “cool” image. This article touches on some of the reasons why young athletes use drugs and alcohol and what parents and coaches can do to reduce or eleminate use.

Reasons Why Some Athletes Use Drugs

Drugs have the capability of providing athletes with the same “high feeling” that they experience after a big win. Just as a big win has the potential of providing an athlete with a positive mood altering feeling, drugs and alcohol may provide similar “highs.” Some athletes turn to drugs for the same reason non-athletes use mood altering chemicals; to reduce emotional pressures that comes from the pressure to succeed. According to a government survey (SAMHSA, 2007), nearly 50% of all high school student admit to drinking alcohol illegally. This statistic confirms the pressures facing our athletes to fit in with their social peers.

Negative Effects of Drugs and Athletics

The American Athletic Institute published the following negative affects of alcohol on athletic training and performance:
The body’s hormones necessary to increase athletic performance are reduced as long as 96 hours (4 days) after consuming alcohol.
An athlete’s body may take up to 14 days to recover and regain proficient performance after intoxication.
The athlete’s reaction time while performing may be negatively impacted as long as 12 hours after consumption.
Players that consume alcohol and other non-prescribed drugs are twice as likely to become injured when compared to non-using athletes.
Alcohol increases the release of cortisol in the body. Cortisol (a stress hormone), negates the positive effects of proper athletic training.

Out of Control Daughter Smoking Pot & Dating: Parenting Advice From Parent Counselor

Scott — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:56:22 +0000

Counseling Question from Parent of a 15 Year-Old Daughter: Smoking Pot and Dating

Background Information:

My 15 year old daughter is in counceling right now because she was suspended from school for smoking pot. She used to sneak out at night to go with her friends. I am a single parent and she has no contact with her father. The boy i’ll be talking about is the one she snuck out with twice to spend time with.

Counseling Question:

My daughter’s boyfriend moved to a different town and once a week either I take her over there or he comes over. I don’t believe in dating until your’e 16 but i know she will sneak out if I don’t allow her to see him. Now she has it in her head that she wants him to spend the night. Her in her room, and he on the couch. I am against this and she is extremely angry with me that I won’t allow it. We argue over this all the time. At least I let her see him when he comes over or she goes over. I made the mistake a while back of letting my then 16 year old daughter’s boyfriend sleep on our couch because he didn’t have a way home and now my 15 year old believes that her boyfriend should be allowed to spend the night. Please help me because we’re arguing toooo much over this.

ScottCounseling Parent Counselor Response

Dear Concerned Parent:

Thanks for coming to ScottCounseling.com with your parenting questions:

I want to begin by complimenting you for allowing your daughter to meet with a counselor to sort out her problems. You and your daughter are not alone with the behaviors that she’s displaying. Make sure that you meet alone with her counselor to receive his or her recommendations.

I want you to read the following ScottCounseling.com parenting articles:

High School Drug Use

My Teen Wants To Date

I also want you to look into this great parenting program:

The Total Transformation Program

Many parents have used this program with tremendous success.

Some questions for you:

1) Is there a dad involved in your daughters life?
2) Is she involved in school activities: sports, plays, music etc.
3) Is she involved in out of school activities: volunteer clubs, religious programs, youth activities
4) Does her counseling include a depression and mental health assessment?

Please get back to me with your answers.

Scott
ScottCounseling.com

Back To School Phobia

Scott — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:58:54 +0000

How Is Your Child Feeling About School?

In a few weeks, many children will be going back to school. Stress and anxiety for many children will begin to grow and school refusal will become a part of the daily routine and behavior exhibited. Parents can begin to take positive steps now to prevent school anxiety, school phobia or school refusal.

Why Some Children Hate School

The child has no friends.
The child feels that he or she does not fit in.
The child is being teased or bullied.
The child finds it difficult to socialize.
The child is not experiencing success in academic classes.
The child is bored.
The child has a medical condition such as anxiety or depression.
The child does not feel connected to at least one school staff member.
The child’s parent(s) seldom say positive things about school.

TV and Teens

Scott — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:19:30 +0000

According to a study done by the Department of Pediatrics at University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, next to the family, television has the greatest social impact on teens. The average 12 to 17 year old watches about 23 hours of TV per week. It’s important for parents to “take control” of the television show that teens watch. Today’s young teens spend more time watching TV (15,000 hours) than they do in school (11,000 hours). During an average year, the same American youth are exposed to:

More than 14,000 sexual references and jokes, yet less than 175 will deal with self-control behavior
Between 1,000 and 2,000 beer and wine commercials
More than 1,000 murders, rapes, assaults, and armed robberies, and
Nearly 20,000 commercials

What Parents Can Do To Take Control of Their Teens TV

The Pediatrics Department at the University of Iowa provided parents with the following recommendations to help them “take control” of TV watching by teens:

Make family rules about TV and stick to them. Decide what you want to change about your current viewing habits.
Set limits on TV viewing time (hours per day and when the TV should be off).
Select TV shows ahead of time.
Use a TV guide instead of flippi.ng through channels with a remote control
Keep TV out of your room.
Turn TV off during mealtime and while doing other things.
Schedule TV time around your schedule.
Leave the TV off when doing your homework This will allow you to concentrate more and finish earlier.
Special devices can be bought which lock out or preset programs, channels and times for TV viewing.
Watch TV with family and friends.
Discuss issues seen on TV. Talk about your opinions with family and friends.
Use sensitive topic themes seen on TV to raise discussion with others.
If you are watching something violent think of other ways to solve problems without hurting someone or something. Talk about why nonviolence is important to you.
Talk about TV production techniques used to grab and keep your attention.
When you watch commercials try to identify what techniques are being used to sell the product.
When you see food commercials on TV think about what is in the product and if it is good for you.
Compare what you see on TV with people, places an events you have seen or learned about.
Use books to learn more about topics on TV that interest you.
Vote on whether shows are worth watching again.
Express your opinions about TV viewing with friends and family or by writing to local stations or national networks

Is My Child Becoming A Serial Killer?

Scott — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:12:00 +0000

With the release of weekly news across America of the increase of domestic violence, abuse and murder, more parents are beginning to ask this question: “Could I be raising a future criminal?” Parents need to become aware of the clues that their child is beginning to display the profile of a potentially dangerous predator or serial killer.

For the most violent of criminals, there are warning signs that often start in childhood. Parents who come from a family history of mental health issues, violence, abuse and drug abuse need to be extra cautious.

The list below presents the most common traits serial killers have exhibited over history.

Over 90 percent of serial killers are male.
Serial killers hate their parents.
Serial Killers tend to be intelligent, high IQ’s and “street smart.”
Serial killers tend to come from unstable or dysfunctional families.
Serial killers usually come from single parent homes, abandoned by the father and raised by an aggressive mother.
A serial killer’s family often has a history criminal, psychiatric and drug-abusing legacy.
Serial killers have a history of doing poorly in school. They have trouble keeping a job and often work as unskilled laborers.
Many serial killers were abused as children. This abuse included, physically, sexual and emotional abuse. Often this abuse has come at the hands of another family member.
While growing up, many serial killers spent time in mental health facilities as and have records of early psychological problems.
Serial killers often began their practice by tormenting small creatures or animals.
Serial killers have high rates of attempted suicide.
From an early age, many serial killers have shown an interest in pornography. This interest was often intensely and often included sadomasochistic pornography.
More than 60 percent of serial killers are bedwetters- beyond the age of 12.
Many serial killers are obsessed with fire starting tactics and pyromaniac techniques.

If your child is displaying anyone of these characteristics, contact a Parenting Counselor.

How To Stop a Temper Tantrum Toddler- Right Now!

Scott — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:17:30 +0000

“To toddle is to walk unsteadily; the term cruising is sometimes used for toddlers who cannot toddle but must hold onto something while walking.”

My Child Wants His Way!

Most children begin to walk between the ages of 9 to 14 months old. The age at which children start to “toddle” can often be determined by their gender, race, physical attributes and family genes. For example, smaller, lighter children usually walk earlier than heavier, larger children.
Most parents, however, are not concerned about when a child begins to toddle as much as they become concerned with the temper tantrums. Toddler temper tantrums often begin around two years after a child is born; hence the name, “Terrible Twos.”

Developmentally, children entering the terrible twos are no longer toddling. Some are running! Many parents complain that their quick feet are turning into stamping feet and hot temper mouth.

Techniques to End a Temper Tantrum

Use fewer words: Young children often respond better to commands that contain short phrases or one word directives. “Come here,” “No,” “Stop now,” and “Pick up,” is often more effective than, “How many times do I have to tell you that I do not want you leaving all the toys all over the living room so that everyone one in the house will fall all over them while they are walking through the living room.”

Repetition & Consistency: The more repetition and consistent that you are as a parent, the easier it is for your child to learn to comply. If you respond to a temper tantrum one time by yelling back at your child (displaying your own temper tantrum), the next time by ignoring the behavior and the next time yelling again, the child sees inconsistencies in your behavior and loses the repetition or repeat of appropriate display of behavior.

Loving Voice: “I can see that you are having a hard time now. I will talk with you when you stop yelling.”

Using Gestures & Body Language: The use of facial expressions (often exaggerated) and body gestures (big smiles, frowns and hand movements) often works to reduce temper tantrums in place of using words.

The Purpose of using gestures is not to be sarcastic or rude, but to slow the child down while keeping yourself calm.

Repeat the Words Without the Behavior: When your child says, “I want a cookie! I want a cookie!! I want a cookie!!” You repeat back, “You want a cookie, I want you to stop yelling.” Follow your words with silence.

Ignore the Behavior: Unless the child is having the temper tantrum right in the middle of a shopping mall, walk away and ignore the behavior for the time being.

Totally Transform Your Acting Out Child

Seven Steps In Disciplining Your Child

Scott — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 16:59:08 +0000

”Disciplinarian: one who disciples, guides, and disciplines or enforces order.”

The word disciple mean to disciple or guide. “Discipline” is not a bad word, it’s a good word! One of the key components in parenting is to guide or disciple a child. This article will help you, the parent, become educated in learning seven principles or steps in disciplining your child.

1. Make Parenting Your First Priority.
It’s vital that your child knows that you’re going to follow through in parenting. When you inform a child what a punishment will be, and then don’t follow through, you will have less credibility the next time you discipline your child. Make a commitment to parenting and disciplining your child.

2. Be Realistic of Your Child’s Ability Level

Avoid requesting your child to do anything he or she is incapable of doing. Make sure that the behavior expectation for your child is age-appropriate. Child development experts and authors can provide you with discipline strategies and techniques that are age-appropriate. Parents who become realistic about their child’s behavioral ability level often have less frustrated children who learn to listen and cooperate.

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