Parenting And Family Therapy Category
Searching for A Child's Best Interest in Adoption
Adoption defined in freedictionary.com is a legal proceeding that creates a parent-child relationship between persons not related by blood; the adopted child is entitled to all privileges belonging to a natural child of the adoptive parents (including the right to inherit). For the purposes of this article, the underlying assumption includes no biological relationship with the adoptee. This author recognizes kinship adoptions but this article is specific to adoptee living in non biological families.
The sound of this definition is appropriate, legal, and simple. A child born to another family becomes legally bound through the adoption agreement to a family with whom there is no DNA or shared blood type. What you may find interesting is how adoption began.
The practice of adoption can be traced to ancient laws and the Babylonian Code of Hammurabi. Adoption functioned as a means to continue the family line. Even historically, the interest of the adoptive family superseded that of the a...
Art Therapy and Problem-Solving
Have you ever wished you hadn’t done what you done? Or said what you said?The reality is that, mistakes happen! What is important is that you do not lose control of the situation. Be creative in finding a new way to approach your problems, in turning your mistakes into something more positive.
An activity, which will help you practice the aforementioned mindset, is to draw a Zentangle. When you first see a Zentangle, it looks very complicated. However, the theory of Zentangles is based on the idea that anything is possible; but one step at a time.
Zentangles teach you a way of thinking through drawing; that everything is possible, only if you take one step at a time. Practice this way of thinking and apply it to your life experiences.
To obtain more information on how to draw Zentangles, please visit our weblog at http://blog.montrealarttherapy.com/?p=106&preview=true
By: Reyhane Namdari/ Art Therapist
Cyber Bullying - Protect your Children
Technology and youth seem destined for each other. They are both young, fast paced, and ever changing. In the last 20 years there has been an explosion in new technology. This new technology has been eagerly embraced by young people and has led to expanding knowledge, social networks, and vocabulary that includes instant messaging (“IMing”), blogging, and text messaging. * But this fast paced, instant connection that young people are as connected to as they as they once were to the umbilical cord, can present a myriad of problems and even potential threats to their well being. Cyber bullying or "Electronic Aggression is any type of harassment or bullying that occurs through e-mail, a chat room, instant messaging, a website (including blogs), or text messaging." * In the past, kids and teens could escape peer pressure, social teasing or bullying while at home, protected and somewhat insulated, but today technology has chipped away at this protection.
This type of peer press...
Help for Empty Nesters
EMPTY-NEST SYNDROME
Empty-nest syndrome is the name given to the constellation of feelings many parents have when their last or only child leaves home, and they no longer have a baby “chick” in their nest.
After having spent at least two decades as a parent, it is only reasonable to expect that this change will prove difficult. You might experience the following symptoms: sadness, fear in what your role in life is now, major adjustments in what you do each day, how you view yourself, and how your marriage functions.
These problems used to belong almost exclusively to women who were the primary caretakers of the children, and those who had no career. They had no other identity to fall back on. Today both men and women may suffer from empty nest because many women work and men are far more involved in their children’s lives.
THOSE MOST AT RISK FOR THE EMPTY NEST:
Those who have difficulty with separation and change.
Full-time parents.
Those who also struggle with menopause, ...
Parenting after Separation & Divorce
The thought of communicating with your ex-spouse, after a break-up or divorce, may seem daunting, infuriating, or even off-limits. But what about when children are involved? This is the time to put forth serious efforts and considerations, in order to overcome challenges, for the sake of your children.
While overcoming built-up resentment and a potentially painful history with your ex will prove difficult, it is important to put your children’s needs ahead of your own. Your marriage may be over; but your family is not. Your children are your most important priority and it should be recognized that they are more important than the conflict that ended the marriage.
So how do you challenge this obstacle?
Try to establish a completely new relationship with your ex-spouse – a parenting partnership; also known as co-parenting. This new relationship will not be about you or your spouse’s feelings but rather it will focus on your child’s happiness, stability, and wel...
The Best Action
At times the best action to take is no action. I had two separate events in the past few days where I refrained from saying something when I originally thought I would. Both situations have turned out just fine; perhaps even better than I had hoped. What has helped me is to learn to do something I call "letting it set." I have learned that I make better decisions if, instead of rushing into saying or doing something, I just back off a bit or "let it set." This gives me time to think out my decisions. It also allows outside events to unfold so that the direction I need to take becomes crystal clear. Sometimes taking no action (an action in and of itself) can be more productive than taking action.
http://www.abetterlife4u.us
Art Therapy and Anxiety
99% of the anxiety provoking thoughts has their roots in either the past or the future. Hence, central to the anxiety reducing activities is the idea of being/living in the moment/ present. To read more, please visit: http://blog.montrealarttherapy.com/?p=80
Breakfast
Many modern workplaces are set up in the "nose to the grindstone" mode. This is done so that employees are as productive as they can possible be. Is it time to change this outdated concept? The way things are now, many employees are overtired on a constant basis. However, The way our minds (and bodies) work best is to constantly recharge them. The idea of "just being productive," is counterproductive at best and damaging at worst. If we are fully recharged, fully rested and properly stimulated then we can do almost anything! This is why sleep,meditation and constant short breaks are so important. Schools still have recess-and workplaces should all have "break" rooms where employees can recharge. Another way of thinking of this is, in order to adopt a fresh perspective on any any type of problem solving, we must be able to step away from it-To distance ourselves! And the best way to do this is by constant mental and physical "breaking." In the past breaks were looked at as a form of laz...
Our Children are Guests in Our Home
As I prepare to welcome another child into my home, I sometimes imagine how our fourth son will change family patterns and dynamics. Then, I remind myself, that I won't be able to imagine or predict how life will change, and put aside the fantasies in favor of peace of mind and trust in my ability to adapt, change, and provide. Trust in myself, my partner, and our relationship is part of what prompted us to have more children, that, and we enjoy parenting despite its inherent challenges.
This post isn't about importance of trust or the inevitability of challenges when it comes to parenting. Rather, it is about the language of parenting. Already, in the paragraph above, I've written two words that inspired this post: "our" and "have."
Words shape us.
I am struck by how often we use these words in relation to our children, and at the same time, I can't think of better alternatives. I don't want to change the words, just offer some reflection. Speaking, after all, should come naturally...
ANXIOUS PARENTS/ ANXIOUS KIDS
Studies have revealed that anxious parents are seven times more likely to have anxious kids. Chances are that the combination of genes and environment... To read more, please visit http://blog.montrealarttherapy.com/?p=53
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