Category: Uncategorized

It’s impossible to deny that our kids are witnessing quite a bit of turmoil relative to the political landscape in our country today. While it might be at school, at a friend’s house, on the nightly news or social media, young children are concerned about what they see and hear. Some things they see or hear may even be upsetting or confusing to them.

What to do? How do parents navigate this touchy area? Is it best to talk about it, wait until your child brings up the topic, or ignore it altogether? Most important, how to we teach our children to make their own independent decisions without leaning the … Read More...

There’s no better feeling than seeing a child losing themselves in the world of a favorite fictional character.

The benefits of reading go far beyond literacy: An emerging body of research brings to light how stories have the undeniable power to bring emotions to life, and help children understand and handle their own feelings and those of others.

The process of understanding and managing feelings and emotions usually happens quite naturally when children are given ample opportunity to:

•         authentically feel a range of feelings
•         have a chance to reflect on their feelings and decisions
•         problem solve as they grow and learn
•         observe others experiencing a range of emotions and feelings

… Read More...

Adopting a pet has many advantages, some of which you may not have thought of. Here are some reasons why pet adoption would benefit you and your family.

You are saving a life – The most obvious reason of them all is you are saving an animal’s life.  By adopting from a shelter, you are providing an animal with the second chance they deserve. Shelters work tirelessly to nurse animals to optimum health, rehabilitate disturbed animals, and do everything they possibly can to ensure they are prepared to go to a new home. By adopting a pet you can give an animal that has lost their home through no … Read More...

Meet Renee Smola, the therapist who wrote the parent and clinician guide for our latest book.

Renee Smola has been working with children in residential and in private practice since 1995. She is certified as a Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TF-CBT) working with children who have been severely abused and neglected. Renee owns a midsized counseling agency in St. Louis where she supervises other counselors, provides counseling and offers trainings to Children’s Division, Parent Aides and school districts.

Additionally, she teaches part time at two local colleges. In her spare time, Renée volunteers as a board member for the Missouri Mental Health Counselor Association and is the President of … Read More...