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.

Don’t Snooze on Generation Z.

Just who are these kids anyway?  Generation Z is the term that has been given to American children born generally between 1996-2014.  How do they differ from that much-maligned millennial generation?  They are as unique as Baby Boomers, Gen-X’rs, etc. and you need to get to know some of their traits.

First of all, they are ubiquitous!  They make up one-quarter of the U.S. population.  They have never known a world without internet or cell phones.  They are much more accepting of sexual fluidity and the right to identify with who they feel they are.  And…man are they racially diverse.  Get used to it and embrace it.

Can they be raised the same way that we were?  That question is as diverse as Generation Z itself.  Find out the latest child-rearing strategies of one of America’s most well-known child psychologists…Dr. Steven Sussman.  Make an appointment at either his Staten Island and in Mountainside NJ by calling (908) 217-8106.

Humor and Song Work!

We have all heard that the more we laugh and sing, the better we feel.  How does that apply to therapy for kids?  Did you know that the trend these days used by learned professionals is that Hip Hop has become a promising new trend in the treatment of troubled youths?  I know, we Gen X’rs and Baby Boomers gasp at the very thought!

A growing body of research suggests that those who live in violence-stricken communities are subject to post-traumatic stress at much higher rates.  New York/New Jersey is certainly no exception.  The inclusion of hip hop music could help start a dialogue between client and therapist through a vocabulary and framework comfortable for both.

The key to successful child therapy is staying not only “on the curve”, but seeing what is on the other side of it as well.  That is why Dr. Steven Sussman has been a noted child therapist in Staten Island and Mountainside NJ for decades.  He may have the answers you seek for your kid.  Give him a call to arrange a consultation at either office (908) 217-8106.

Ahhh Family!

What a wonderful time of year.  A time to gather with family and friends to celebrate the Holidays.  I hope that is the case for you and yours this season.  It is a time to reflect on the year gone by and look forward with great optimism to 2018.  If you are traveling to visit grandma beyond our area, please drive safely on the ever-changing winter roads.

This time of year may also create some family tension that manifests itself when members see each other infrequently.  If your young ones have displayed certain behavioral issues and now, extended family members see those issues for the first time, please listen to their loving, caring advice.  It may be worth heeding.

When the holiday season is over I would like to invite you to visit my website sussmankids.com.  Take a look and see the services that I provide.  If you wish, we will schedule a New Year’s meeting with you and your children to evaluate the situation.  Once again, Happy Holidays to all of you in New York and New Jersey.

Fifteen year-olds Should be Banished to an Imaginary Island!

Say what?  We hope that this tongue-in-cheek headline got your attention.  On a recent TV show, one of the characters said that “15-year-olds should be put on an island for a year”.  It was a joke, of course, but it illustrates the frustration that parents have when raising young teenagers.  Remember, you were there once!

What if you have a 15-year-old (or so) child that simply refuses regular psychotherapy, but you know it would make a world of difference?  Perhaps they have been diagnosed with a mood disorder, ADD, or anxiety.  With the proliferation of social networking and other mass media it is harder to be a teenager these days.

Recognize, react, and proceed with bull-dogged determination.  This is YOUR kid’s future we are talking about!  Start with a call to noted child psychotherapist Dr. Steven Sussman. Dr. Sussman has developed a successful innovative approach for teens who do not want or benefit from traditional counseling.  He will arrange a meeting with you and your child at his Mountainside NJ office or his Staten Island NY office.  Make that call today at (908) 217-8106.

Insurance Governs our Health Care Decisions.

It is in the news all too often these days…the type and amount of insurance we carry to meet certain medical needs dictates the level of care we may receive.  This ranges from dental care to health care for the ones we love.  You would never intentionally skimp on something for your kids…you would do without for yourself first.

A young family often has to make uncomfortable choices when it comes to their children’s physical and mental well-being.  Some children may need psychiatry, occupational therapy, speech therapy, etc.  How can a young family on a limited income afford all of this important care and more?

Dr. Steven Sussman a noted child psychologist serving the Staten Island and Mountainside New Jersey area believes that you have a right to use your insurance to cover the vast majority of his professional services.  Put your mind at ease and call Dr. Sussman for a consultation in his New York or New Jersey office.  Two locations…one number (908) 217-8106.

The Fine Line Between Brash and Bold.

Indeed, there is!  When someone is brash they tend to be rude, noisy, and overbearing (that IS the dictionary definition).  When they are bold, they are courageous and confident.  Which personality trait would you most enjoy seeing from your child?  That answer is easy…achieving it may not be.

Building confidence in your child without them becoming a bully is extraordinarily important in their formative years.  Here are a few tips –

1.  Step back when you see your child take harmless risks.

2.  Don’t overpraise.  It may do more harm than good.

3.  Encourage them to help around the house.

4.  Let them know that you love them no matter what.

5.  Give them goals that are attainable.

Doling out just the right amount of praise and discipline is like walking a tightrope.  There is help available in our area.  He is Dr. Steven Sussman.  Dr. Sussman is a renowned child psychologist in New York and New Jersey who helps build self-esteem.  Why not arrange a meeting at his Staten Island or Mountainside office by calling (908) 217-8106?

Mood Disorders in Children.

This is a broad topic with so many aspects that we cannot touch on it during this short missive.  You may be noticing radical mood swings in your kids because you are seeing more of them this summer.  This category includes all types of depression and even bipolar disorder.  It is sometimes called an “affective disorder”.

It must not be ignored as just a part of growing up!  First of all, there are chemicals in the brain that are responsible for positive moods.  Other chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters, regulate the brain chemicals that affect mood.  The cause may be a chemical imbalance in your child’s brain.

Please seek help for the ones that you love.  Visit the website of Dr. Steven Sussman.  He is a New York and New Jersey children’s mood disorder professional.  His website is www.sussmankids.com.  It should not take very long to realize that Dr. Sussman could have the answers that you seek.  Arrange a visit at one of his offices by calling (908) 217-8106.

Meet the Man Who Could Improve Your Family’s Life.

If you know that it is time to hire a licensed child psychologist the most important step is choosing the right one.  Let’s do a virtual meet and greet with Dr. Steven Sussman.  Dr. Sussman received his Ph.D in clinical psychology from an American Psychological Approved program back in 1979. 

What helps in making your final decision is that last part.  He has been working with various child care agencies and in his private practice for nearly four decades!  The list of satisfied families who have benefited from his counsel is virtually endless.  He is not only a practitioner, but a teacher as well.

The next move is yours.  If you live in New York or New Jersey you would do well to visit the website www.sussmankids.com.  Read it carefully.  Look at the impressive list of testimonials.  I think you will discover that a visit to one of his offices will be a great decision for the future of your household.  Dr. Steven Sussman licensed child psychologist at (908) 217-8106.

Social Media has Ramped up the Pressure.

When Baby Boomers were growing up there was no instant contact with friends.  Expectations were limited to your family, friends, and your school.  Instant shaming on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter did not exist (thank heaven).  Life was simpler.  But we are not going back to those days so how do we deal with the daily flow of information?

In those times a child who exhibited disruptive behavior was just called “hyperactive” and it was assumed they would grow out of it.  The social issues of today are overwhelming by comparison.  These days when a child performs differently than their peers, special attention may be needed and should be sought.

In a bustling metropolis such as ours, that need may well be enhanced.  That is why it is so comforting to get to know Dr. Steve Sussman, a modern child psychologist.  The first thing to do is visit his website at www.sussmankids.com.  After you have learned more, then make an appointment in his Staten Island or Mountainside NJ office by calling (908) 217-8106.

Tweens and Cell Phones.

What is the correct age to give your child a cell phone?  It is all a matter of trust and maturity and there is no right answer.  In a best case scenario have them pay the monthly bill.  That will give them a greater sense of responsibility.  Preferably your “tween” will be on a family plan keeping the bill reasonable.  Expect them to understand the contract of the provider if they abuse or lose their phone.

Should you check their phone for the type of texts they are sending and receiving?  Again, this is a case by case consideration.  One rule that should always apply…the parent gets the passwords to any and all social media accounts.  Remind them to read what they write twice before they hit send.  That’s good advice for all ages.

For some tweens and teens cell phone use may border on addiction.  Do not ignore that possibility.  If you want the advice of a professional, contact Doctor Steven Sussman.  Doctor Sussman is a licensed psychologist for kids misusing their electronic devices.  Reach out to Dr. Sussman who has offices in Union County New Jersey and Staten Island NY.  Call him today and begin addressing the situation at (908) 217 8106.

Increase in Teen Tobacco Use.

In an average high school class, of say 30 students, it is fair to say that statistically 7 or 8 of them are using tobacco.  This is according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control).  Even in middle schools more than 10% of the kids are either smoking, vaping, or dipping.  Putting that in different terms around 5 million American teenagers are regular users of tobacco.

The report goes on to say that most tobacco use and addiction begin during youth and young adulthood.  At current rates more than 5 and a half million kids under the age of 17 are projected to die prematurely from some smoking-related disease.  As more and more adults quit this nasty habit more of our promising youth are discovering it.

Don’t let your children make decisions about tobacco or e-cigarettes without being armed with knowledge.  Doctor Steven Sussman is a licensed psychologist for kids using tobacco and other substances.  Reach out to Dr. Sussman who has offices in Union County, New Jersey and Staten Island, NY.  Call him today and begin addressing the situation at (908) 217 8106.

Emotional Disturbance in our Children.

Everyone is used to their kids having an over-abundance of energy.  Of course, that’s what makes them special…OUR kids and their boundless energy.  If you notice the following traits over an extended period of time take notice.

1.  An inability to learn

2.  Not being able to build any long-term relationships

3.  Inappropriate behavior under normal every day circumstances

4.  Unusual mood swings

5.  Anger and even paranoia about everyday problems at school

Mental disorders ARE medical conditions that interfere with a person’s mood, thinking, feeling, and even the way they function in society.  When there is a physical illness such as diabetes it is easily diagnosed and then treated.  When the malady is mental our children may have a diminished capacity to cope with the simple issues of daily life.

You are doing no favors if you just wait for your kids to “outgrow” their behavior.  Doctor Steven Sussman is a licensed child psychologist of emotional disturbances in children.  Reach out to Dr. Sussman who has offices in Union County New Jersey and Staten Island NY.  Discuss your particular situation by calling him 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.