Author Archives: David's Father

First Day of School Anxiety – 7 Tips for Parents

So my son has anxiety about the first day of school.  This year is worse than normal because his resource teacher didn’t come back.  So we have to “break in” a new teacher.  I think that he will do well, it is just going to take time for him to adjust. Their are key points to transitioning through the anxiety.  Points that we have found successful in years past. Don’t force the child to go to school.  504’s and IEP’s are made for a reason.  If necessary get the anxiety added to the education plan. Don’t minimize the way the child feels.  By making light of the way they feel, you can actually affect their already fragile self-esteem. All things in time.  We gradually increase the length of each day by 15 minutes.  Then reward the positive behavior. Ensure that the child understands that they are still responsible for the

read more

Shame and Depression – A lack of humanity.

The recent suicide of Robin Williams is a tragedy for his family. For the rest of the world it is a great loss.  I’ll admit to being a huge fan of the man.  I understand addiction.  I also understand some things about depression.   Did Mr. Williams have Bipolar Disorder?  I don’t know, that is between him, his family and his doctor. The discussion that we should be having on an International scale is how we as humans view and treat people with Mental Illness.  Depression is a mental illness.  There is no shame in being depressed, or seeking treatment for it. Yet.  The headlines in one major paper referenced the fact that he was found in his bedroom, which was not the same bedroom his wife slept in.  Reports are that his children are being badgered by the media, specifically people on social media who are being less than polite. 

read more