CLS Parent Support

Is Your Daughter A Mean Girl? Some are calling this breed the “New American Girl.” She’s more physical, not afraid to be aggressive or go after what she wants, and she takes care of herself. A young teen grabbed another girl by her hair and shoved her to the ground. When the girl hit the concrete, the teen hit her one more time and then walked away. The victim had been one of her friends. Bystanders would not be able to pick out this angry teen or see the violence simmering beneath the surface — from any other girl at a mall. She looked like the girl next door, except she had embraced a theory:  You’ve got to take care of yourself. Get them before they get you. She explained her philosophy: “If a guy is a player, I’ll play him first. If my parents make me mad, I’ll make them pay.” A report from the Population Reference Bureau states that national arrest statistics for simple and aggravated assaults by girls have been climbing for more than a decade and continue to rise. The popular...

  Can't Focus? Same. These 5 Tips Will Cure Your Brain Fog Stat By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Updated on October 10, 2024 Medically reviewed by Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, FAAN Sleep became a distant memory after I had twins—three non-consecutive hours on a good night. Balancing two newborns, a preschooler, and a full-time job had me running on fumes, way too much caffeine, and sheer willpower . But it was the constant brain fog that left me feeling disconnected and scattered. “Brain fog is a term used to describe a wide range of cognitive difficulties, including problems with focus, memory, processing (thinking) speed, and mental clarity,” Dr. Simon Faynboym , MD, a psychiatrist and medical director at Neuro Wellness Spa, says. “Unlike normal mental fatigue, which is temporary overuse of your cognition, brain fog feels more persistent and can occur even without significant mental exertion.” What Does Brain Fog Feel Like? “People experiencing brain fog often describe it as feeling ‘mentall...

  What effects do mobile phones have on children and young peoples mental health Mobile phones and their impact on children and young people’s mental health have been a subject of concern and research. While mobile phones offer numerous benefits, they can also have various effects on mental health, both positive and negative. It’s important to note that the impact can vary depending on individual factors, such as age, frequency of use, and the nature of content accessed. Here are some of the effects: Positive Effects: Social Connection: Mobile phones can help children and young people stay connected with friends and family, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can have a positive impact on mental well-being. Access to Information and Support: Mobile phones provide access to information and resources related to mental health, which can help individuals seek help, find coping strategies, and better understand their mental health. Convenience: Mobile phones can offer c...

  Archaeologists have found 3,000-year-old pots of honey that are still edible. World History Ancient Egyptian royals were often buried with objects they believed were needed for a harmonious transition to the afterlife. Items such as jewelry and games were common inclusions in their tombs, as were everyday staples such as clothing and food. And while we might expect any ancient food to decompose past the point of recognition, archaeologists have actually uncovered 3,000-year-old pots of honey that were, remarkably, intact —  and still edible . Honey’s extraordinary shelf life is the result of several factors. Its low water content and high sugar levels create an environment that’s  inhospitable  to bacterial growth, and it also contains trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which acts as a natural microbial inhibitor. While other foods with similar sugar makeup tend to spoil faster, honey has its sophisticated alchemists to thank for its resilience: Bees use their rap...

  Could an afternoon nap really be better than sleeping more at night? Daily naps are a non-negotiable part of my life. If I don’t nap by three in the afternoon, I basically can’t function and no amount of coffee can carry me. I have too much to do to live with brain fog, and napping makes me more productive. It turns out that my kindergarten-inspired habit might actually be an evidence-based strategy, though, because research has suggested that for some, implementing a nap during the day could be even more beneficial than increasing the hours you sleep at night. A small but revealing study that dropped this past spring in the Quarterly Journal of Economics investigated the sleep habits of 452 individuals in Chennai, India who were having problems sleeping. According to the study, the participants woke up on average 31 times each night, and despite the fact that they stayed in bed for eight hours, they only averaged only five-and-a-half hours of sleep. So even though they went to...

  Instead of Pulling Out Your Phone, Let Your Mind Wander When we're waiting, we often have the urge to distract ourselves—but a new study finds we’d enjoy doing nothing but think. By  Jill Suttie  | August 23, 2022 If you commute on a bus or train, you’ve probably noticed that most people spend the ride looking at their cell phones. No doubt, they assume doing nothing but sit there would be boring, so they prefer distracting themselves. This squares with  past research  showing people will do almost anything to avoid boredom—even administer electric shocks to themselves. But results from  new research  suggest we should rethink that choice. We are probably underestimating how enjoyable and interesting it is to do nothing but pay attention to wherever our thoughts take us. Note:  The above comes directly from their article.  Click here to read more.

  Fathers Matter: The Importance of a Father A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children. What’s inside this article • The Importance of a Father in Creating Essential Momentum • Small Momentums Lead to Larger Momentums Have you ever wondered, “ Do fathers matter?  What differences do I make in my home as a dad?” Let’s begin with the simple answer — the  importance of a father  is tremendous! You make countless differences in your home and family. However, how much impact you decide to make as a dad is entirely up to you!   When was the last time you genuinely or playfully smiled at your children? When was the last time you gave your kids affirmation, correction, and reassurance? If you haven’t recently, do it now and see what happens. What did you notice? Did your child light up or smile back? Did your child respond and shift behaviors? I vividly remember one day when my seven-year-ol...

  Everyday Reading Opportunities Find time to read with your kids to build literacy skills. There are many ways to make reading a part of each day — even when you don't have time to sit down with a book. Find the Reading Moments Car/bus/train trips, errands, and waits in checkout lines and the doctor's office are all opportunities for reading. Keep books or magazines in your car, diaper bag, or backpack to pull out whenever you're going to be in one place for a while. Even if you can't finish a book, read a few pages or discuss some of the pictures. Encourage older kids to bring favorite books and magazines wherever you go. While it's tempting to provide electronic games and e-readers, be sure to alternate electronic media with lots of opportunities to read print books. Other reading moments to take advantage of during the day: in the morning, before breakfast or getting dressed after dinner, when kids are relaxed bath time (with plastic, waterproof books) bedtime R...

The Effects of Technology on Teenagers Navigating the crossroads of teens and technology can sometimes feel like a high-wire act. We’re constantly trying to balance the potential benefits of technology with the potential risks while fostering open, constructive dialogues with our teenagers. But the question that often troubles us as parents is: does technology cause anxiety in teenagers? And if so, how can we best support them? The Impact of Technology On The Mental Health of Teens As caring parents and adults, we sometimes find ourselves grappling with the two-sided coin that is technology. On one side, it serves as a driving force for immense growth and exploration. On the other, it can usher in a wave of new challenges we never faced in our own adolescence. Understanding these dynamics can better equip us to guide our teens through this landscape. Embracing technology while also setting healthy boundaries is our new parenting challenge. Positive Impacts For Teens’ Tech Use In this d...

  A Parent’s Guide To A Struggling Teen “The greatest place of walking your faith out [as a parent] is trusting God with your child.” Mercy Multiplied This guide will help you discuss the following questions: How do I assess and manage my emotions when my child is struggling? What should my priorities be when my child participates in life-altering behaviors that can negatively impact their health, well-being, and future? How do I respond well to my child when they are struggling emotionally or participating in harmful behaviors? What questions should I ask when my child is struggling? Why is it important to assess my own well-being when my child is not doing well? How do I stay mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy when my child is not doing well? When should I seek out professional help? How do I bring alongside others to support me and my child when our family is in crisis? Where do I find hope when my child is struggling? Put Your Own Mask on First If you’ve ever travel...