What's New at KidsPeace

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi 

This first full week of May is a time to honor two groups of professionals who embody service above self – nurses and teachers.

This year, for National Nurses Week, the American Nurses Association has chosen the theme “Delivering Quality and Innovation in Patient Care.” At KidsPeace, our nurses blend science and compassion every day, putting in long hours to make life a little easier for the children and adolescents in our care. And through tackling both the ordinary and extraordinary situations that arise each day, they have the chance to make a permanent impression not just on their patients, but also the families of those they serve. We are immensely grateful for the passion they bring to their vocation.

National Nurses Week began Monday and runs through May 12, which was the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is considered the founder of modern nursing. Whether nurses are working directly with patients, educating those who are in the trenches or conducting research, their purpose is always to ease others’ burdens and provide high-quality, patient-driven care.

In addition to honoring nurses, May 6-10 is Teacher Appreciation Week. I’m sure everyone can recall at least one special teacher who went above and beyond to make learning enjoyable. Good teachers help their students by showcasing their strengths, teaching new skills and encouraging them to dream bigger for their future. At KidsPeace, our teachers work hard every day to ensure out students receive a well-rounded education. It’s never too late to thank a teacher for setting you on the right path. If you are a parent, you are probably even more aware of the crucial role teachers play. So take a moment this week to say thank you, volunteer in a classroom or nominate a teacher for an award.

Do you have a special way to honor a nurse or teacher in your life? Share it with us on Facebook or Twitter.

By Denise Morganthall

One out of five children suffer from some sort of mental health problem. Children’s mental health problems include ADHD, Autism, bipolar, depression and schizophrenia. May 5-11 is children's mental health awareness week.

As a parent, how do we know our child is suffering from a mental illness? Some red flag behaviors can be change in appetite, trouble sleeping, dropping grades, showing less interest in sports and taking unnecessary risks. Some behaviors may seem to parents like children are just going through a phase or “being a teenager.” Some parents are hesitant to get treatment because of the stigma attached to mental illness or they do not want to believe it is happening to them. However early intervention is critical to successful treatment.

Today mental illness is so prevalent that we are better at understanding what causes it and in turn being able to provide successful treatment. This week is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and lending a hand to those who are struggling. Shame and stigma too often leave people feeling like there is no place to turn. We need to make sure they know that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.

By Denise Morganthall

When you were a student, you may recall having had a peer mentor. This was someone you could look up to and turn to when you needed advice or were unsure of something. Maybe you had the opportunity to be a mentor for someone else as well. Peer mentors are becoming increasingly common in the mental health field and have been known to provide mental health patients with a successful recovery.

Peer mentors are a supplemental service to the primary care a patient receives. Here are some advantages a peer mentor can offer:

• Peer mentors have first-hand knowledge of what their mentees are experiencing, in that they had the same diagnoses and understand the pain and frustrations of what they are enduring. They are able to give sound advice and share how they overcame their illness.
• Peer mentors will teach basic life skills, such as how to get a bus, how to access a bank and where to buy groceries.
• Peer mentors will provide hope and motivation, which pave the way to recovery.

We all need encouragement at some point during our lives. Who better to give it than those who have been through it before, know how tough it can be and have a proven track record of overcoming difficulties and moving forward with their lives?

By Denise Morganthall

Hyperactive children can wreak havoc on your nerves…however, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, dealing with a hyperactive child can be very challenging, but it can also be rewarding when you see the positive results from all your hard work, dedication and love given to the child.

Hyperactive children cannot sit for a long period of time. They are always on the go and often find themselves in trouble at school, home and with their friends. Some children are hyperactive by nature; others may be that way because of their environment. Many children who are hyperactive also exhibit signs of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and struggle with paying attention for long stretches of time. So how do we deal with these children? Here are some techniques to try:

1. Set clear rules and consequences. Make sure he knows the expectations when you are going on a trip, whether to the park or the grocery store.
2. Consistency and structure are critical to managing a hyperactive child. There should be a regular schedule with time for meals, naps and fun.
3. Encourage exercise on a daily basis. Going for a walk with your child will benefit you as well.
4. Create a place where your child can relax and enjoy quiet time, away from activity.
5. Use positive reinforcement techniques. See the good rather than the negative. Positive praise goes a long way!
6. Avoid over-stimulation. Don’t allow television before bedtime, as this can rev up your hyperactive child.
7. Watch his diet, reducing the amount of sugar he consumes and avoiding caffeine.
8. Ask neighbors and others to help watch for any problems the child may get into. Help them to understand that he is hyperactive, not bad.

If your child exhibits unmanageable hyperactivity, you should see a doctor and have the child undergo appropriate testing to make a proper diagnosis for his behavior. Some children are given medication to control their behaviors. There are many resources available to help you and the child. 

By Kristen Fritz

Your first love, your first kiss and your first relationship are all memorable things that you can look back and reminisce and giggle about with friends. But how easy is it to talk about with our children? Thanks to changes in technology and popular social media sites, dating today is a whole different ball game.

To make sure your children are following the right path and making good choices, sit down and talk with them and follow the tips below to ensure an easier conversation.

Take it seriously. 

“These are their first relationships, and so they fall hard,” said Rosalind Wiseman, an educator and author of Queen Bees and Wannabes. It’s important not to dismiss your child’s relationships just because he or she is a teenager. What your child learns now will set the stage for healthy relationships in the future.

Use the media.

Talking to your child about celebrity relationships like Rihanna and Chris Brown can be great teachable moments, according to Dr. Jeff Gardere, assistant professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Manhattan and creator of the Healthy Divorce app. TV shows, movies and YouTube videos can all be used as a sounding board to talk about what healthy and unhealthy relationship look like – without it turning into another lecture.

Set the rules together.

Although you already know what the rules will be about dating, curfews, parties and driving, it’s important to negotiate them together. So if your teen wants a 10 p.m. curfew, start at 8:30 p.m. and slowly increase the time when your child proves he or she can take on more responsibility.

Teach appropriate social media behavior.

So how can you make sure your kid isn’t sexting his or her latest crush? You can’t, according to Wiseman. So aside from confiscating cell phones, talk with your kid about what your family’s values are when it comes to technology in the hopes that he or she will make the right decision.

Lead by example.

Experts agree that the way you and your spouse treat each other strongly influences your kid’s relationship choices and how they will treat significant others in the future.

Face the truth.

The biggest obstacle parents have when dealing with dating is admitting that their child could be in a messy situation—as a target, victim, bystander or perpetrator, Wiseman said. Acknowledging this reality will allow you to keep the lines of conversation open and prepare your kid to respect and be respected.

By Denise Morganthall

Earth Day is a globally celebrated holiday that is intended to raise public awareness about a variety of environmental issues such as air and water pollution, climate change and habitat destruction. In the U.S. Earth Day has inspired the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Environmental Species Act and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

We need to commit to protect our environment so we can all have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink and a neighborhood safe from toxins. By making small changes, such as using less water and electricity, cutting down on pollution from commuting, reusing and recycling and picking up trash, we can have a big impact on our environment and our lives.

What does Earth Day mean to you? For me, it means preserving the earth for the next generation. It is a time to plant trees, recycle and be green! Find ways that you can help keep the planet clean and help protect our environment. Happy Earth Day!

By Denise Morganthall

April is the time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect. Advocates throughout the U.S. work hard to promote awareness and are the lifelines for victims of abuse and unstable families.

Child abuse is the physical, sexual or emotional mistreatment or neglect of a child. This abuse may be committed by a parent, caretaker or anyone who is responsible for the child’s welfare. We as a community need to be aware of the signs of child abuse. If a child reports abuse to you, always take it seriously. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, you need to report it to either the local child protective services or law enforcement.

Keeping our children safe is only something we can do together, with the help of friends, neighbors and the community. As President Obama said, “All of us bear a responsibility to look after them, whether by lifting children toward their full potential or lending a hand to a family in need.”

While April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, we need to protect our children year round. Our mission at KidsPeace is to give hope, help and healing to children, families and communities facing crisis. Our trauma-informed care is meant to bring out the best in children who have been through the worst. Protecting children and keeping them safe is our first priority. Make it yours!