TIMES SQUARE NEW YEARS EVE FOR ALL AGES

TIMES SQUARE NEW YEARS EVE FOR ALL AGES

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Looking for a fun New Years Eve party for kids and adults alike?  Browse the list of family friendly events for NYE and make your plans today!

 

What is Normal?

Wow, there’s the $64 question!  They just seem to keep moving that bar, don’t they?  Certain issues with your child’s development remain static.  Have they been struggling with issues of friendship?  Are they anxious most of the time?  Do they often lose their temper?  Are they having trouble adjusting to a changing family situation?

Here are some questions to ask a child psychologist –

1.  How would you typically deal with the problem I just described to you?

2.  Are the parents involved in the therapy?

3.  What would you say to my child to put them at ease?

4.  When should I expect improvement?

5.  Where do we begin?

Dr. Steven Sussman a noted child psychologist in New York and New Jersey checks all of the boxes.  You should have a great sense of comfort and confidence when you leave his office.  To arrange a consultation with Dr. Sussman in his Mountainside NJ or Staten Island office just call (908) 217-8106.  Finally…answers to your tough questions!

35 Fun Things to Do with NYC Kids Over the Holiday Break

35 Fun Things to Do with NYC Kids Over the Holiday Break

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School is almost out for winter break.  Be sure to make those plans for the little ones while they are out of school!

Happy Hanukkah.

This year Hanukkah arrives a bit early at sundown on Sunday December 2nd and lasts until sundown on Monday December 10th.  Hanukkah is the Hebrew word for dedication and is often known as “the festival of lights”.  The miracle that fellow Jews are celebrating is the temple lamp burning for eight days when there was only enough oil for one.

The Jewish community around New York City and throughout the world will celebrate these special days by lighting the Menorah.  Each night one additional candle is lit.  In addition, many play the game of dreidel and eat special foods that are unique to the holiday.  Many sing songs and exchange gifts.

We have a large, thriving Jewish population in the NYC Metro and if you are one of its members as I am I would like to wish you and yours a very Happy Hanukkah and to my Christian friends a Merry Christmas.  To you and yours, the best of the holiday season from New York City area child psychologist Dr. Steven Sussman.

15 Must-Do 2018 Holiday Events in NYC for Kids

15 Must-Do 2018 Holiday Events in NYC for Kids

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"15 super-outstanding events where you can give your kid the best gift of all: happy family memories."

What is an Adolescent?

Tweens and teens and adolescents oh my!  What an important time in the life of your kid(s).  The age of adolescence is defined as the years between 10 and 19.  For most, it begins with the physiological onset of puberty.  It ends when your child shows it ends…it has been that way for generations.

If you don’t already know there are three stages of adolescence.  They are –

1.  Early…it usually ends at about 14.

2.  Middle…the mid-teenage years of 15 to 17.

3.  Late…ages 18 to about 21.

Because adolescents are not “babies” they are stubborn and willful by and large.  There is someone in the New York City area who has spent decades developing techniques that are “teen friendly”.  He is NYC and NJ child psychologist Dr. Steven Sussman.  This is a very vulnerable time in your kid’s life.  It may be time to meet Dr. Sussman at his Mountainside NJ or Staten Island Office by calling (908) 217-8106.

Thanksgiving in NYC guide

Thanksgiving in NYC guide

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Not traveling for Thanksgiving? NYC offers feasts, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and more for folks in town.

 

More than One in Ten.

How do those percentages sound to you?  More than one in ten is at least 11% (you don’t have to be Euclid to do the math)!  Did you know that The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that 11% of all American children ages 4-17 have Attention Deficit Disorder or as it is commonly known by the acronym ADHD?

If you did not already know, your male children are more prone to it than the females in your household.  So, how do you know if your kid is one of those afflicted?  Is your child (or children) having difficulty staying focused and paying attention, in addition to problems controlling behavior, and hyperactivity?  Bingo!

Get the advice and opinion of someone who began practicing child psychology even before we had a broader knowledge of ADHD.  That man is Dr. Steven Sussman.  He is a renowned New York area child psychologist who has seen the world (and the youth that populate it) evolve over time.  Please make an appointment at his Mountainside NJ or Staten Island office by calling (908) 217-8106. 

Veterans Day in NYC 2018

Veterans Day in NYC 2018

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Make your Veterans Day plans in NYC!

What is the Advantage of Group Therapy.

Sometimes when we think of child psychology we believe that a one-on-one approach may be best.  Have you ever seen a depiction of an alcoholics anonymous meeting?  It is done in a group for a reason.  How much people want to open up about themselves is very individual, but there's security in knowing that what’s said in group, stays in group.

Here are some of the advantages of group therapy for your child –

1.  Support.  Your kids know they are not alone in their feelings.

2.  A sounding board.  Everyone gets a wider range of perspectives.

3.  Listening to other’s success stories.

4.  They teach.  The other members of the group see you through their own eyes.

Your kids grow up in groups.  From sports, to education, to scouting, etc.  Social interaction and growth are promoted within groups.  See if group therapy is right for your kid by visiting healthgrades.com. Call me for a free consultation.  I am child psychologist Dr. Steven Sussman.  I have devoted decades to the strength and growth of the next generation.  Call me at (908) 217-8106 and we will meet in my Staten Island or Mountainside NJ office. 

Haunted Houses in New York

Haunted Houses in New York

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"Prepare yourself for the Halloween Haunted Houses happening this season here in New York!"

Believing in You.

It is a lesson we try to teach our kids…believe in yourself and others will believe in you as well.  Developing positive self-esteem is extremely important especially among children with learning or attention issues.  Let’s give our kids the ability to recognize their own personal worth.  If it is not noted, it may never translate into self-esteem.

Here are some tips to try at home –

1.  Start a dialogue and be a true role model

2.  Be clear with your feedback without being critical

3.  Change the narrative…studies show that our brains view the glass as half-empty

4.  A mistake is what it is…a learning opportunity

5.  Praise the effort, not just the results

These techniques are all part of the growth process from toddler to teen and beyond.  Dr. Steven Sussman, a noted child psychologist knows that and wants to help you on this journey.  Why not call Dr. Sussman and arrange a visit at his Mountainside NJ or Staten Island office to discuss your specific questions with him?  That phone number is (908) 217-8106.

NYC Parks Fall Festivals

NYC Parks Fall Festivals

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"From flying raptors to medieval delights, and from harvests to Halloween, the fall is a time to celebrate family, nature, and the great outdoors. Take a look at upcoming autumn celebrations, and have a ball this fall!"

Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat…oh my!

Our kids are bombarded by social media.  When moms and dads of today’s kids were growing up they were discussing the messages that Seinfeld was delivering…quite a difference, huh?  There are many good things to say about the prevalence of social media in our everyday lives.  People of all ages can stay in touch as never before.

What about some of the negatives?

1.  The constant hate speech

2.  Cyber bullying

3.  Sleep deprivation

4.  Identity theft

5.  Violent images

Yes, it’s a Brave New World Mr. Huxley and we need to work together to minimize the negative impact of social media.  I am Dr. Steven Sussman, one of New York and New Jersey’s top child psychologists.  Let’s discuss the challenges together at my Staten Island or Mountainside, NJ office.  Please call me for an appointment at (908) 217-8106.

Friends and Family Day, Sept 22nd

Friends and Family Day, Sept 22nd

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"Come and learn the latest line dances, Lindy Hop, and work out in the fresh air in the greenery of the beautiful Marcus Garvey Park."

You May Find it Easier to Write it Than Say it.

This is a true fact in many areas of human communication.  How many times have you lacked the courage or eloquence to put your feelings and needs into words?  So, what do you do?  Often you will write it down and send it (these days) in the form of an email.  It is much easier to edit before hitting send…not so easy when it comes from your mouth!

As it pertains to the behavior of the most important people in your life…your kids…this is especially true.  You want to say it correctly and seek the answers that are vital to you in succeeding at the most difficult job in the human race…raising a child to adulthood.  Forget those that say underwater welding…that’s a piece of cake compared to this!

Would you please take some of the most important minutes that you may ever spend and visit my website www.sussmankids.com.  On the front page there is a tab called the intake form.  Please fill this out and submit it to me.  My name is Dr. Steven Sussman.  I have been a renowned child psychologist in NYC and New Jersey for many years.  Let’s exchange emails.

The best Labor Day weekend getaways near NYC

The best Labor Day weekend getaways near NYC

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"Take advantage of that extra day off by using our list of Labor Day 2018 weekend getaways including nearby beaches."

What is Normal Behavior?

We seem to keep moving the bar.  It would be so much simpler if there was some measuring stick for normal behavior.  In children, there are so many variables such as their age, personality, and environment.  Generally, a kid’s behavior is deemed to be normal if it is socially, developmentally and culturally appropriate.

What are some of the signs of abnormal behavior?

1.  Your child has difficulty managing his or her emotions.

2.  Impulsiveness…hitting, screaming, and throwing things.

3.  Your kid suddenly goes into a shell and stops communicating.

4.  Lying and stealing.

5.  Trouble at school.

There are many reasons to raise an eyebrow.  There is a particular method in getting to the root of your child’s perceived problem.  Call renowned child and teen psychologist Dr. Steven Sussman.  He may have the answers you are seeking.  Dr. Sussman lives and practices in the busiest corridor in the US.  Please arrange a meeting by calling (908) 217-8106 and book an appointment in his Mountainside NJ or Staten Island office.

Mountainside School District Calendar 2018-2019

Mountainside School District Calendar 2018-2019

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School is almost back in session and there are some dates that need to be marked on your calendar.  

Real Help for NYC area Kids.

I want you to read this if you will indulge me for a moment.  “The group setting was perfect for my previously defiant and aggressive 5-year-old son, who thrived on the positive peer pressure, outside authority and rewards for good behavior. I had tried cognitive behavioral therapy, rewards charts, being strict, being lenient and nothing worked like Dr. Sussman's sessions to encourage good behavior. It's such a relief knowing I have a resource to return to if things go south again”.

I can’t say it any better myself.  One of my patient’s parents wanted me to know what a difference that I made in her son’s and, ultimately her family’s lives.  Nothing, I mean nothing, gives me greater satisfaction than to receive a missive such as this.  It is what motivates me to help hundreds of other families in our area.

My name is Dr. Steven Sussman.  I have dedicated my adult life to the care and treatment of emotional disorders in children and teens throughout New York and New Jersey.  I would like to think that I have made a difference and comments like these, buoy my resolve.  Please call me to make an appointment at my Staten Island or Mountainside NJ office (908) 217-8106.

Events and fun things to do in NYC for the month of August

Events and fun things to do in NYC for the month of August

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Here are the recommended best events, festivals, and fun things to do in New York City. 

Hip Hop Psychology.

Who woulda thunk it?  Imagine using Hip Hop music to beat the stigma surrounding mental disorders in children?  It seems very Wack Packerish, doesn’t it?  A new mental health initiative is melding the two with amazing results!  It all began at Cambridge University in London and has gained acceptance by some in this country.

Hip Hop Psych is used to overcome the disconnect often caused by the way the music’s messages are relayed by encouraging people to look at its vast references to mental health, from psychosis to addiction to bipolar disorder.  Hip-hop artists use their skills and talents not only to describe the world they see, but also as a means of breaking free.

This is some revolutionary 21st century thinking that Dr. Steven Sussman has used successfully in his Staten Island and Mountainside NJ offices.  New ideas are what growth is all about.  Dr. Sussman will explain Hip Hop Psychology to you and use it effectively if he believes your child will benefit from it.  Call him for an appointment at either office (908) 217-8106.

International Champions Cup

International Champions Cup

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"Some of the world's top soccer teams come to the New York City for the International Champions Cup. The schedule includes Liverpool FC vs. Manchester City on July 25 at MetLife Stadium, Benfica vs. Juventus on July 28 at Red Bull Arena and Real Madrid vs. AS Roma back at MetLife on August 7."