September 17th, 2008 by admin

By Bruce J. Gevirtzman,
Author of An Intimate Understanding of America’s Teenagers: Shaking Hands With Aliens
As September approaches, almost every schoolteacher in America fills with excitement and trepidation. It is, after all, a new year. Like baseball in spring, anything seems possible for a teacher in the fall when it comes to a renewal of spirit: new students, new gimmicks, new courses–and hope does spring eternal. Most good teachers take a mental inventory of what needs to be done to become more successful in their classrooms; unfortunately, however, that usually means having to dwell temporarily on the downside of education. Read the rest of this entry »

August 23rd, 2008 by admin

By Armin Brott
Dear Mr. Dad: Six months ago, my wife and I divorced because she was having an affair.  After our divorce, she remarried and my 3-year old son has become attached to her new husband, who showers him with expensive presents.  I know my son loves me, but it isn’t easy for me not to feel hurt by their relationship. I don’t want to harm my son’s relationship with his stepfather, so how can I deal with these feelings? Read the rest of this entry »

July 1st, 2008 by admin

By Lisa C. Greene and Foster W. Cline MD

I knew I was in trouble. She ripped the oxygen sensor off her finger and refused to put it back on.

Recovering from surgery isn’t easy for anyone but it’s especially challenging when the patient is only seven. My daughter was grumpy and uncooperative. That was understandable but not helping the situation. Coming out of surgery, she needed to be monitored; the medical sensors weren’t optional.  Kasey was not responding well to the doses of loving kindness and patience shown by those around her. There was nothing anyone could do to satisfy her. She was simply cranky. Read the rest of this entry »

June 30th, 2008 by admin

By Lisa C. Greene and Foster W. Cline, MD

Jessica is generally a happy kid. But she didn’t look very sunny when she got home from school. So, her mom asked, “How was your day at school sweetheart?”

Jessica’s answer was slow, with some reluctance: “Well, mom, I don’t know…. not so great…. Read the rest of this entry »

June 12th, 2008 by admin

Timothy walked into STRONG Learning Center for his tutoring session, but that day he was too distressed to begin his schoolwork. “Every morning I have to wash my face, get dressed, comb my hair, brush my teeth, and eat breakfast,” he blurted. “And my mom wants me to feed the cat too! How many chores can a kid do? I probably have more chores than any ten-year-old in the world!” Read the rest of this entry »