Blog
Parenting at the Root of the Problem (Not So Fast)
In addition to the myriad of labels and diagnoses offered as explanations for a child's behavior, it is often assumed that parenting is a significant variable, if not the sole reason for a child's behavior. As proof of this, when we see a child who appears to be...
“Almost Heaven…”
"Almost heaven, West Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River" ...
Finding That Sweet Spot
Try this as an experiment. Maybe you haven’t done them in some time, but try doing a few push-ups. See how many you can do? None? A couple? 10? 20? Regardless of the number that you can successfully complete, there will be a point where you will hit a wall that...
The “One & Done” Child
There’s a certain kind of a child I see quite often I have come to call the, “One and Done Child.” What are some of the hallmark features of these children? These children lack what the shrink types refer to as “self-monitoring.” That is, they aren’t oriented to...
Modifications? Direct Instruction?
Let’s say I’m a really bad tennis player, but I want to get better. I decide to go to a tennis pro and after sizing me up the pro gives me the following suggestions: Get a tennis racket with a bigger head size so you will miss the ball less Make sure to wear a...
Labeling Missing the Mark
I have never been comfortable labeling children. Labeling a child (or anyone for that matter) always seems so reductionist to me, as if the label could tell the whole story. As a society, though, we have become increasingly comfortable and casual with their use. Not...
The Thing About ADD…
The thing about ADHD (or as it’s called more casually in the public - ADD), is that it’s pretty hard to challenge once the “diagnosis” has been given. There are no legitimate tests that I know of for ADD. Physicians primarily rely on rating scales, like the...
The Waves of Special Education
You may not remember it, but there was a time in American education before IEP’s, 504 Plan’s and “special education.” It was in 1975 that federal legislation was passed, guaranteeing a free appropriate public education to each child with a disability. It was called...
“But, It’s No Fun…” Homework Shenanigans From the Child Front
Lately, I've had a run on "meltdowny" kids. I know "meltdowny" is not a word, but I bet you get it. These are the ones who without a lot of provocation have a wild storm of a fit. Often it's tied in to something like homework or anything related to the demands of...
Talking to Parents About their Kid’s Stuff: A Play in One Act
The Characters: Mom and dad of seven year old starting second grade after Dr. Selz has evaluated their seven year old child and reviewed some of the findings. Setting – Sitting around a table somewhere in South Jersey. ------------------------ Parents: So, what do we...
“We Can’t Diagnose, But…”
By Wednesday of each week, I find myself in a bit of a self-imposed panic that I haven’t written the post yet for the week and feel the pressure of Friday looming (when the posts come out). What am I going to write about this week? Have I written this before? Is it...