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.

The Z’s.

Who is this new generation, anyway?  They have been dubbed Generation Z.  These are the kids born late in the 20th century until about the middle of this current decade.  Do you know them?  Do they know themselves?  How do they differ from the much-maligned Millennials that have been an easy target for critics?

Here are some key differences painted, of course, with broad strokes -

1. They are less focused.  They have been raised in a world of constant updates.

2. Gen Z’s are really good multi-taskers.

3. They care about frugality because they were brought up during a recession.

4. Many of them opt for the workforce over higher education.

5. They tend to be fierce individualists.

One thing that has not changed (and probably never will) is that they need to learn what it takes to cope with the challenges of the real world.  Dr. Steven Sussman, noted New York and New Jersey child psychologist has brought out the best in young people since Baby Boomers were riding tricycles!  Make an appointment at his Staten Island or Mountainside NJ office to meet your Generation Z(s) by calling (908) 217-8106.

Groups vs. Individuals.

As it pertains to the care and treatment of your children is it more beneficial to be in a group setting or one-on-one?  Some prevailing thought is that when you are involved in an individual therapy session then your child gets personal attention.  But, is that necessarily what is best for them at this time?

Think about this…where do your children express the most familial feelings?  Chances are it is within a group.  Such things as school, sports, and other activities are done in group settings.  When you are in a group setting you empathize with the other people in the room and it takes the spotlight off of you and your kid.

This is, perhaps some “out of the box thinking”, however it makes all the sense in the world! Why not arrange a session with Dr. Steven Sussman?  He has spent decades learning the best techniques including children’s group therapy in New York and New Jersey.  See for yourself…call Dr. Sussman today at (908) 217-8106.

Mom…Leave me alone…I’m Watching TV!

How many times will you hear that over the next few months.  It is just natural for a kid to want to “dial it down” after 9 months of “book-learning”.  It may be the routine in many households, but is it the best for your kid?  I could see a week or two of vacation this summer, but when a mind stays mostly inactive for 12 weeks that can be harmful.

Just look at it logically.  If you stopped working out your body would react negatively.  If you stopped eating right you could just look down and see the effect.  If you suddenly decided to sleep 12 hours a day you would feel even more tired.  Studies have shown that kids who put their minds on hold for the summer are slower to catch up in the fall.

For one thing, your child does not want to have to work harder to catch up in September.  Right now, lots of R and R seems nice, but it will bite you on the other end.  If you need help anytime with your school-aged youngsters remember Dr. Steven Sussman.  He has offices in Staten Island and Mountainside NJ.  Call Dr. Sussman at (908) 217-8106

Gratitude Not Attitude.

These are words to live by, I am sure you would agree.  We probably wish our kids were on board with us about the above phrase.  It just seems natural to be rebellious.  Only with the passage of time do our children realize how grateful they are to have had you for a parent.  Well, maybe not that far, but certainly much more than they were when they were kids.

How can we get them from recalcitrant to resilient in a manner that works for all parties?  It has been a challenge for parents since the dawn of time.  How often have we heard, “my generation had more respect for their elders than this one”?  Upon reflection, we know that is not necessarily true, but proper relationships will help mold each family.

Professional advice and councel is not admitting defeat, it is asking for assistance in a very important and weighty family matter.  Start the New Year off right by contacting Metropolitan area child behaviorist Doctor Steven Sussman.  Dr. Sussman will talk to your kid about gratitude vs. attitude at his Mountainside, NJ office.  Call him for an appointment at (908) 217-8106.

Psychotherapy Teamwork.

When parents and children need to communicate it is important for a licensed psychotherapist to be present in the room.  When the parent is involved in a therapeutic session they are able to rate its effectiveness.  In doing so, this begins the process to overcome problematic behavior. What better time to do this than now, before it becomes the dysfunctional activity of an adult.

The first goal is to ensure that your child is treating you with respect and proper attitude.  The second is school-related - academics, behavior, daily routine, etc.  Thirdly there is social responsibility.  We are all members of a social group.  How is your child contributing to family?  In a session you are asked to rate your child from one to five to get a handle on where you stand.

This type of therapy shapes the rest of your child’s life.  To begin this important journey, call Doctor Steven Sussman.  Doctor Sussman is a licensed child psychotherapist serving New York City and Northern New Jersey.  Dr. Sussman has offices in Union County New Jersey and Staten Island New York.  Make an appointment for you and your child today by calling (908) 217 8106.

Get Your Kids to Open Up.

It is important to get your children to tell you what is bothering them.  I know someone that used to run away or hide under the bed when Independence Day came.  Really!  His parents could not understand it at first, then they found out that he was terrified of the noise and commotion.  Simple things that we take for granted may seem like life or death for little kids.

As you discover more about your little one it is important how you react to new revelations.  Don’t make such a big deal of everything.  For example, if they get into dirt or mud don’t overreact during the cleaning process, especially if it is a somewhat rare occurrence.  We all would like some magic crystal ball to know when to intervene without being overprotective. 

When is the right time to consult a professional therapist?  There may be greater issues at play such as mild autism, anxiety disorder, or ADHD.  To get the answers you seek call Doctor Steven Sussman.  Doctor Sussman is a licensed child psychologist serving NYC and Northern New Jersey.  Dr. Sussman has offices in Union County New Jersey and Staten Island NY.  Call him today and begin discussing your preschooler’s issues at (908) 217 8106.

Don’t Let Children be the Innocent Victims of Our Stress.

As adults we all get stressed out from time to time.  If you are a parent you may try to hide your stress from your children and not burden them unduly.  You would never intentionally hurt your child, but carrying your worries home and heaping them on the household may be doing more damage than you could possibly know.

What do you do for a living?  When you come home from work your MOST important job begins…the job of mom or dad (or both).  You need to reach down for some positive energy.  Get involved with your child and enquire about their day.  This isn’t about “buying” your way into their lives.  It is about the meaningful minutes that you devote to them every day.

Stress is a powerful force and parenting is the most important job on earth.  Doctor Steven Sussman is a licensed child psychologist who will meet with you and your children to help carve out a better bond between you.  Dr. Sussman has offices in Union County New Jersey and Staten Island NY.  Give him a call today at (908) 217 8106.

Treating Children with Bipolar Disorder.

Diagnosing bipolar disorder in a young child may be very challenging.  The symptoms are almost identical to ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).  Even healthy children may exhibit certain symptoms from time to time simply because of youthful exuberance.  Be very careful with certain medications which may even trigger mania in children.

Generally bipolar disorder manifests itself in teenagers and young adults.  This is a difficult diagnosis.  Some experts on the subject believe that it is over-diagnosed while many do not.  No one is absolutely certain how common it is.  One thing is for sure…DO NOT JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS!  Severe outbursts of temper do not necessarily indicate bipolar disorder.

Seek out the council of children’s bipolar disorder, Doctor Steven Sussman.  If your child behaves in such a manner as to indicate he or she may have this malady or one related to it do not trust the advice of a friend or the internet for answers.  Dr. Sussman has offices in Mountainside New Jersey and Staten Island NY.  With your child’s future at stake call him today at (908) 217 8106.

Are you in a Dysfunctional Relationship with your Child?

From the outside looking in the signs seem obvious.  Your teenage daughter is engaging in aberrant behavior.  Maybe this is combined by substance abuse.  Above all there is instability.  You may have a teenager in your life who threatens to hurt herself or run away from home.  What is the real core of the problem?

There is a reason that your daughter is acting out in this manner.  She may be re-enacting a relationship flaw that she saw her parents engage in.  Perhaps an older sibling tormented her.  It is possible that she  has experienced “emotional blackmail” such as withholding love if the child does not behave the way you wished.  Who is ruling the house? 

Dr. Steven Sussman treats many types of the behavioral problems of families whose children exhibit  dysfunctional behavior.  For your convenience, he has offices in Mountainside New Jersey and Staten Island NY.  Dr. Sussman is a New York and New Jersey behavior therapist who will help your family bond again.  Make an appointment now by giving him a call at (908) 217 8106.