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Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Always Remain Optimistic.

One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is a sense of hope about life.  If your child is not doing well at school, he or she needs to know that they can succeed if they try.  The basic premise is this: as a parent you need to teach your children that life is fluid and that often over time things change for the better.

Here are some things you can apply –

1.  Handle each situation calmly.
2.  Talk about the details to ascertain what went wrong.
3.  Use calming statements and phrases.
4.  Work with your kid to solve problems together.
5.  Trust their intelligence.

Now, trust your own judgement and seek the professional assistance of New York/New Jersey renowned child psychologist Dr. Steven Sussman.  Dr. Steve will sit down with you and your child and assess any and all behavioral issues that may be concerning you.  Contact him at his Mountainside NJ office by calling (908) 217-8106   

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

A Time for Celebration.

December is the time of year for celebrations with those around you and maybe those that you only see during the holidays.  I hope that you will keep this in mind…it is a teachable time of year.  It’s a time to learn about tolerance and the acceptance of other cultures both in the United States and around this ever-shrinking globe.

Here are some of them -

1.  The fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe (A Mexican celebration)
2.  St. Lucia Day in Sweden
3.  Boxing Day in the British Commonwealth
4.  Kwanzaa (An African celebration)
5.  Hanukkah (A Jewish celebration around the world)
6.  Christmas, of course

These and other observances are a time for family and great reflection about our own culture and the tolerance of others.  I hope that you will take some time to reflect on this as you have your own celebration with family and friends.  I am New Jersey child psychologist Dr. Steven Sussman.  From my family to yours have a Happy Holiday Season.

Thursday, December 5, 2019

When Does Social Media Become an Addiction?

It’s true of anything, too much of a good thing is no longer a GOOD THING!  Social media has its place.  It will evolve, but it is not disappearing anytime soon.  We know that our teens (and tweens) can unfortunately become addicted to social networking websites.  How do you deal with it as a parent just as your parents dealt with you about television?

What are some of the symptoms of social media addiction?


1.  Mental health consequences in addition to psychosocial ones.
2.  Sleep disturbance.  We know that kids need more sleep.
3.  Low self-esteem.
4.  Anxiety and depression.

In other words…addiction to social media can severely inhibit an entire childhood if it gets out of hand.  To avoid negative mental health outcomes and addiction, teens’ social media use should be limited to no more than two hours per day.  If I can help, please call me.  I am New York area child psychologist Dr. Steven Sussman.  That number is (908) 217-8106.  

Dec 15th - Annual Family Gingerbread Open House

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The Mountainside Restoration Committee invites all families with children to attend their annual Family Gingerbread Open House on Sunday, December 15, from 1 - 4pm. Both the Hetfield House and the Levi Cory House will be decorated for the holidays to welcome community members.



Thursday, November 21, 2019

Learning from our Mistakes.

This is one of the great missives of the human race.  Here, it applies to adults who discipline their kids when they (the adults) are angry.  It seems understandable on the surface we all get frustrated when people (especially our own flesh and blood) ignore us and continue acting out the same “bad” behavior.

Some adults take the easy way out and simply over medicate their children.  I have heard that kids as young as two years old are being treated improperly with medication…TWO YEARS OLD!  It is time to stop and think about the long-term detriment you may be causing by lashing out or over medicating your child.

My name is Dr. Steven Sussman.  I have been consulting parents on the delicate balance of medication, discipline, and real psychological therapy for decades.  Would you like to talk more about your particular situation?  I assure you, it is NOT unique.  Let’s meet in my Mountainside NJ office at your convenience.  Call me Dr. Steven Sussman at (908) 217-8106.  

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Seeing is Believing.

It is one of the oldest phrases in the book.  Truer words were never spoken.  When it comes to child psychology “seeing is believing” could be difficult because how can you really “see” the work of a particular professional without first experiencing his or her work?  That could be a tough proposition.

Dr. Steven Sussman agrees.  That is why when you visit sussmankids.com you may go to the videos page and learn more about different disorders from the man himself.  He will explain such conditions as oppositional defiant disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, adolescent depression, and much more.

The next move is up to you.  Now you have “met” someone who may be the answer to your child’s healthier future.  His name again is Dr. Steven Sussman.  He has consultations at his office located at 615 Sherwood Pkwy. in Mountainside New Jersey.  To arrange that first meeting just call (908) 217-8106. 

Veterans Day 2019: Deals For Military Across The Country

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 Find Veterans Day 2019 freebies and discounts for active duty and retired military personnel in the United States. 



Monday, October 14, 2019

Don’t Be Reticent to Ask about ASD.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability.  It can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.  Often times there is nothing about how people with ASD look that sets them apart from other people.  People with ASD may communicate, interact, even behave, and learn in ways that are different from most other people.


Children with ASD may –

1.  Not look at objects when someone points them out
2.  Not have interest in other human beings
3.  Avoid eye contact entirely and wish to be alone
4.  Be unaware when people talk to them, but react to other sounds in the process
5.  Repeat the same actions over and over

There are many other signs as well.  To look for the warning triggers that your child MIGHT have Autism Spectrum Disorder please take the time to consult with New Jersey child psychologist Dr. Steven Sussman at his office located at 615 Sherwood Pkwy. in Mountainside.  Call for an appointment at (908) 217-8106.  A new understanding ASD may be a phone call away.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

ODD is NOT Odd.

No, it is not.  ODD is the acronym for Oppositional Defiant Disorder.  I have found that many children with attention deficit issues and learning disabilities will shut down academically which, obviously not only impedes them at school, but in life as well!  They are not actually defiant even though you might think so at first blush.

What happens in our school systems?  Well, they primarily employ reading and memorizing as well as lecturing which are the very weaknesses of the children who have ODD!  The goal here is to reach, to teach, to educate, and to motivate them to develop the maturity and the skills to succeed in school and in life so that they will shed this label.

There is a link on my website that explains it in greater detail.  Please visit sussmankids.com and click on the ODD link in the lower right.  You will see a thoughtful, detailed paper called the Shutdown Learner.  I hope this helps, then give me a call for a consultation in my Mountainside, NJ office at (908) 217-8106.  My name is Dr. Steven Sussman and I look forward to our visit.

4th Annual OKTOBERFEST, Oct 12th

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"It is fun for the whole family!! Included in your ticket price is a selection of delicious hot German food, kids food, and a selection of beer for those over 21.  We also will have: LIVE BAND Bombed Opera, a selection of baskets for silent auction, pumpkin decorating, face painting, and donuts on a string (a kid favorite)" 




Tuesday, September 17, 2019

The Easy Way Out.

When you are considering medication for a child with emotional or behavioral problems, how you start is important, of course.  How you stop may be even more important!  With most psychoactive medications it’s important to consider the alternative…are you just taking the easy way out?

Maybe start with this premise…in any individual the brain is not cool with the idea of being pushed or pulled in any direction quickly.  There are a number of reasons to stop medicating such as -your kid has outgrown his/her symptoms.  Maybe their behavior has already stabilized.  Or, the medication is not working the way you had hoped.

My name is Dr. Steven Sussman and I would love to explore new positive behaviors in your children. We will also learn to correct preexisting bad behavioral patterns. I want to empower you (the parent) with the skills and understanding to improve your relationship with your child. Would you like to discuss it?  Please call me, Dr. Steven Sussman for a consultation at my Mountainside NJ office (908) 217-8106.

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and Steve Jobs.


That is a rather impressive list of the greatest minds on the last century or so, isn’t it?  Guess what they all may have had in common (except invaluable contributions to the world)?  Each of those three probably suffered from AD/HD.  We did not have the ability to test children for that malady in their eras, but today’s psychologists believe it to be true.

AD/HD are four of the most recognized letters in child development.  Simply put, it adversely affects the brain’s ability to transmit neurotransmitters.  That may sound like mumbo-jumbo, but what does it really mean?  It affects, among other things, your child’s ability to concentrate, and to pay attention, as well as his or her impulsiveness.

AD/HD is NOT about your child’s character!  Many highly successful people in our society are afflicted by some level of this disorder as noted at the top.  To discover where your child may be on this particular scale, why not contact Dr. Steve Sussman who has dealt with AD/HD for decades.  Arrange an appointment at his Mountainside NJ office by calling (908) 217-8106.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Labor Day Weekend 2019

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New York City knows how to say 'adios' to summer with a long-weekend blowout.

 

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Part B.

This is not a high school test.  Part B is all about insurance for kids that need psychological care.  Medicare Part B covers mental health services that you would generally get outside of a hospital, including visits with a clinical psychologist.  For those of you who have already researched this issue you know how stressful it can be!

For example, Medicaid Alternative Benefit Plans also must cover mental health and substance use disorder services.  These plans must have coverage of essential health benefits, which include 10 categories of benefits as defined under the health care law.  Knowing what you and your child qualify for is essential to your family budget.

Knowing whom to call for the kind of child psychological care you need is even more essential!  May we suggest noted New Jersey child psychologist Dr. Steven Sussman?  From his office located in Mountainside NJ he will help you in every way possible to qualify for the insurance that you need for ongoing visits.  Please call him for an appointment at (908) 217-8106.   

3rd Annual Back to School Backpack Giveaway & Resource Fair, Aug 29th

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"Come out for a day filled with music, fun and food with the 24th Precinct as we host our 3rd Annual Back to School Backpack Giveaway & Resource Fair. We will be providing filled backpacks on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS and CHILDREN NEED TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT/GUARDIAN! (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!!)"

 

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Putting your Mouth Where your Reputation is.

Many times, we hear about someone’s reputation, but we are not sure if we can fully trust that individual.  Of course, there is Yelp (people’s opinions, be they paid for or not).  Naturally, there is word-of-mouth, but you enter at your own risk when you rely solely on that.  Choosing the right child psychologist can be very difficult.

We invite you to visit the following link… https://www.sussmankids.com/videos.html.  Go ahead, click on that.  Contained within this marvelous site are various videos dedicated to opposition defiant disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, adolescent depression screening, and much, much more.

If you watch all of the videos on this website extension, it’s like getting a mini-education on something that may be troubling your kid(s).  The old song is…show your work.  New Jersey child psychologist Dr. Steven Sussman wants you to be as educated as possible before you visit him at his office located at 615 Sherwood Pkwy. in Mountainside NJ.  Call (908) 217-8106.

2019 Morristown Food Truck Fest, Aug 24th

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"Be a part of the 2nd Annual Morristown Food Truck Fest! The event will feature lots of food trucks and vendors, as well as games and activities for children. Whether you want to grab a quick snack or bring the whole family and stay for the live music, this event has something for everyone!"