The Family Center: enrichment programs for families and professionals
Does My Child Have a Learning Disability?
by Janet Reed, PhD, MHA
What is a learning disability?
A learning disability is defined as a deficit in one or more psychological processes that affects learning. They occur in approximately 5 - 10% of individuals. Learning disabilities have been found to exist in individuals with dysfunction in specific brain regions.
What are the types of learning disability?
Learning disabilities can be broken down into language-based and non-language-based (or nonverbal) learning disabilities. Language-based learning disabilities are the most common, and include deficits in specific aspects of reading (e.g., comprehension, word decoding), spelling, and/or arithmetic.
Will NLP training/coaching benefit me?
by Anna Russo, NLP Master Trainer, Author, and Life Coach
Q: "I'm a father having trouble in a few areas of my life especially with success, motivation and communication with my family and at work. I especially want to be a good role model for my children. I've heard of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming). Could this type of training/coaching benefit me?"
A: NLP has been used to vastly improve relationships, communication, learn to be part of a team, gain confidence and personal power. It is like having an owner's manual for your mind.
Teaching Social Skills
by JoEllen Cumpata and Susan Fell
Q: What are social skills?
A: Human interaction is comprised of both verbal and nonverbal communication. Children and adults are expected to navigate their social world successfully. This means accurately interpreting and understanding the expectations of others, communicating effectively, delaying gratification and managing their own needs and behaviors. Children lacking social skills may demonstrate difficulty following rules, making and keeping friends and managing their emotions. Without support, these children can have lifelong challenges which may impact not only relationships, but post-secondary education and employment.
Teens inquire about the impact of divorce on teens
by Marla Ruhana, LMSW
Q: What do you feel are some of the main causes that lead to divorce?
A: Previous generations did not have the technology that we have. Their focus was more on community and their role within it. It seems that people today are more focused on the "I", we are raised to believe "we deserve the very best and not to settle for less". Whereas, cultures and the generations before us, were focused on the "we" their role in the community, family, and social structure as a whole, not their individual happiness. Elizabeth Gilbert talks of marriage and different cultural views and perceptions in her new book, Committed. Scott Peck, MD also explores the myths of romantic love in his book, The Road Less Traveled.
Read more: Teens inquire about the impact of divorce on teens
Should I Intervene in My Teen's Smoking?
Ask The Expert: Mark Menestrina, MD, Brighton Hospital
Out of the innocent mouths of mommies!
Q: My 16 year old son smokes cigarettes, I figure that's all he's doing while so many other kids are doing drugs and drinking alcohol. Isn't it better to pick the hill I am going to die on and settle for something as simple as smoking cigarettes? He will most likely grow out of this stage anyway.
A: I will address each of your statements separately:
Expectant Mothers: Eat Healthy and Exercise for Healthy Babies
Ask the Experts: Anne Marie B. McCarren, M.D., chief, Obstetrical and Gynecological Services, Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe
Q: My husband and I are thinking about having a child. I have always eaten poorly as weight has never been an issue for me. Eating healthy was never a priority - until now. Will my unhealthy eating and exercise habits affect my child?
A: You are smart to start thinking about good nutrition before you conceive. Now is the time to also kick up the exercise. A mother's health determines how healthy - and intelligent - the child will be. To help ensure a healthy child, women should give themselves at least six months to prepare.
Read more: Expectant Mothers: Eat Healthy and Exercise for Healthy Babies
Does My Child Have an Attention Deficit Disorder?
Ask the Experts: Janet Reed, PhD, MHA
Q: What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
A: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a developmentally inappropriate level of any combination of three hallmark symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Read more: Does My Child Have an Attention Deficit Disorder?
Sexting
Ask The Experts: Kathy Rager, Executive Director, CARE
Q: My son, age 15, is way too involved with his girl friend. But unlike when I was a teen, most of their communication seems to be over cell phones. I must admit, I do not understand "texting" and now I just heard about "sexting." From what I understand teens are flirting by sending nude or semi-nude pictures to each other. I have also heard that it may be illegal. Aside from the moral issues involved, should I be concerned?
A: You should be concerned and while I tend to not be reactionary, this trend has some very serious implications.
Baby's First Dental Visit
Ask The Expert: Kerri S. Gustafson, DDS, PLLC - Dentistry for Children
Q: What age should my child first visit the dentist?
A: No later than one year of age. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend that a child have a first dental examination at the time of the eruption of the first tooth. This age-one dental visit provides educational information to parents and/or caregivers to care for their child's teeth as soon as they come in.
Ten Ways to Beat Procrastination and Achieve New Year's Resolutions - Good Intentions Are Not Good Enough
Ask the Expert: Anna Russo, NLP Master Trainer, Author, and Life Coach
Q: I'm a working mom, married with three children and started off the New Year with good intentions to exercise, make time for myself and spend more time with my family. The months are flying by and I haven't kept any of my New Year's resolutions. I feel like I've everyone down, especially myself. What suggestions can you give me to get back on track?
A: When it comes to getting results, just good intentions are not enough. What's missing is a system. How about a no-nonsense action plan that is written and specific?
Teaching to Share through Tea Time
ASK THE EXPERT: Gabriela Boddy, party planner and etiquette enthusiast
Q: My 7 year old daughter has been talking about having a tea party but I don't know where to start or if she is old enough for it?
A: Your daughter is at the perfect age! Make it a fun, learning experience for both her and her friends. It's also a great way to let them use their creativity and introduce etiquette into their young lives. The time together in preparing for and hosting a tea party relies on many skills, writing, socialization, decorating and baking, etc.
Teen Drinking and Driving
ASK THE EXPERT: Peter 
Tucker, M.D., Family Medicine, Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe.
Q: Every day it seems there is a terrible story about teenage drinking and driving that usually ends in a horrible tragedy. I know I can't think for my teenage son when he's about to do something stupid, but how can I stress the affects of alcohol without sounding like I am preaching?
A: You have plenty of reason for concern. Recent studies show that even if a teenager never gets behind the wheel of a car when drinking, the long-term effects of drinking at a young age can be just as bad.
Collaborative Problem Solving: Reducing or Eliminating Meltdowns or Explosions
ASK THE EXPERT: Ted Kasper, MA, LMSW
Q: I think that my 7 yr old is capable of making some of her own decisions. How can I help her solve her own problems without having a meltdown or a behavioral "explosion"?
A: Helping your child become an active part in solving her own problems is one of the more important things that you can teach your daughter. The earlier in life that our children can begin to solve their own problems, the better are the chances of success in later life.
Read more: Collaborative Problem Solving: Reducing or Eliminating Meltdowns or Explosions
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